A blog that is focused on the cutting edge for this generation in Christ Jesus. Let's be "radical" for Jesus.
11/25/2010
"I gave you my heart. I gave you everything I had. I waited for you. I wanted to be all that I could be for you. I wanted to give you the best. I wanted to make your dreams come true. I wanted to believe in you. I wanted to stand by you and support you. I wanted to admire and honor you. I wanted to give in to you. I wanted to trust you. I wanted to be able to turn to you. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to feel safe and secure with you. I wanted to feel the wave of passion and climbs the mountains of life with you. I wanted so, so much. I tried so hard over and over. And then I realized that it wouldn't stop and it would never change. The change had to come or it would never work. I couldn't live in that cycle of betrayal and pain, over and over again. I finally had to say, 'No. No more.' There is an illness and I can't change it. Only you can. But, you don't want to accept it and deal with it; you don't even want to see it. Maybe because you don't know anything else. Maybe because it's too hard to accept. I don't know because I'm not you. I only know what has happened and been said to me. I am in so much pain. My heart hurts a lot. I feel sad and I have cried. Letting you go was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do. I didn't want to have to do it. But, I did have to. So I did. You said nothing to challenge it. Nothing to say you would change. So I accepted it too. I feel like wisdom told me to. I hope and pray to God it really was the right decision. I give it in to God's hands. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I always loved you and I always will. Maybe we will see each other in Heaven someday and we will be friends because we will be perfect and we can't hurt each other anymore."
11/21/2010
Autism Awareness
A first-hand account of young adult autism and how it affects people and their families. This video shows a young man who has a milder form of autism and his mother speaking about it.
Severe Autism
"Easy to be a Christian when everything's going great ..but how do you keep believing during years of what seems like torture? God doesn't give us more than we can handle? Sometimes hard to believe.....but you press on.....you can't give up on your autistic child. They depend on you. You must stay strong. Crisis of faith. When God doesn't make sense. Suffering. pain. wilderness experiences"
This video shows a mother dealing with her young adult son who is severely autistic.
11/18/2010
"Life will knock you down more times than you can possibly imagine. Don't knock yourself down. Don't avoid feeling embarrassed because you're afraid that something isn't going to go well...put yourself out there. Give yourself a chance."
"If you never ask for what you want, you'll never know if the answer's going to be yes or no. You gotta take the risk."
"If you never ask for what you want, you'll never know if the answer's going to be yes or no. You gotta take the risk."
11/15/2010
Bethlehemian Rhapsody
Music "Bethlehemian Rhapsody" is a re-take of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" by ApologetiX; funny video is by pastormacman on YouTube. It is about the account of David and Goliath.
ApologetiX
This is called "Corinthians" by ApologetiX which is a twist of Linkin Park's "In The End." I recently came to find this Christian band's music by way of the Living Waters/Way of the Master email newsletter that I receive. Then I looked up ApologetiX's website and also searched YouTube for some videos. The band takes popular songs and puts a Christian twist to the lyrics. They appear to have been releasing records since 1994. It's really cool. Check 'em out...
http://www.apologetix.com/
Hollywood Prayer Network Newsletter (Nov)
Dear HPN Pray-ers,
It’s time to be THANKFUL. Let’s spend this Thanksgiving month thanking God for all He is and everything He’s done for us, given to us, directed us toward and created for us. Even as we pray for those going through difficult times, let’s hold on tightly to a posture of thanksgiving because with God NOTHING is impossible.
SUMMARY:
• Praise God for answering Jennifer’s prayer request from last month
• Praise God for joining Christian parents at LA’s High School for the Arts
• Praise God for the HPN Miami event this past week-end
• Pray for Johnny Depp, EW’s #1 most influential actor on the planet
• Pray for Dean and other industry pros who have to work out of town
• Pray for Miley Cyrus and her parents, as they go through a divorce
• Pray that we can start thanking God for entertainment professionals
• Choose one person in Hollywood to pray for every day this month
• Pray for writer/director Randall Wallace and his film "Secretariat"
• Pray for the decision-makers at NBC who green-light family movies
• Pray for the members of our Christian community who can’t get work
• Let’s pray for Rod and Alana Stewart and their 30 year old son, Sean
• Pray God's blessing on HPN member Deborah
• Let’s pray with and for Erin as she works on a new film
• Let’s pray for Rick, who is a dad and working out of town
• Pray for Joe’s family who is mourning Joe’s death while on a set
• Pray for our new Local Chapter Kick-off Meeting in Omaha, NE
PRAISES:
• Praise God for His miraculous response to Jennifer’s request in last month’s HPN email. God gave Jennifer a miracle! She needed money to pay her rent because her part-time job was ending. Well, God moved through an HPN member in Arkansas, whom, without even knowing Jennifer, sent her this month’s rent!!!! Wow, is our community cool, or what?! Thank you GOD! And thank you for praying.
• Last week 6 mom's of High School performing arts students who all attend LACHSA, the L.A. County High School for the Arts, met for a fabulous prayer walk around the campus. The mom of a senior said this was the first gathering of Christians on campus in the four years they have been on campus. Praise God that He has brought at least eight Christian families to the largest Arts High School in the country so that there can be prayer, laying a foundation for all of the young blossoming performers coming out of that strategic school.
• Praise God for the HPN Miami event this past week-end. God showed up and people gained a vision for our mission field and what God is doing in the entertainment industry in Florida and Hollywood. Thanks Gladys, for all you did!
REQUESTS:
• Pray for Johnny Depp. Last month Entertainment Weekly named him #1 on their “Power List” of the most influential performers on the planet. Here’s what EW says about Johnny: “Depp’s career has been a long, strange trip — and ending up the most powerful actor in Hollywood is the weirdest twist of all. He’s rarely followed the standard playbook, choosing roles as misfits (Edward Scissorhands, Gilbert Grape) and oddballs (Ed Wood, Ichabod Crane) over the usual romantic leads and action heroes. With his uncompromising gonzo turn as Capt. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, his stardom went supernova. In the wake of smashes like the Pirates films, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland, Depp can do anything he wants. And the one — maybe the only — thing you can be sure of is that he’ll do exactly that.” Let’s pray that Johnny does one more bizarre thing In Hollywood; become a Christian!
• Pray for our friend Dean who had to leave his LA family for two months to shoot a TV series in Toronto. Like so many industry pros these days, he’s away from his family to work in Canada where the tax breaks, production costs and labor are all cheaper than in America. May we also pray for protection for these people and pray that California can keep more of the work that we so badly need.
• Pray for Miley Cyrus and her parents, Tish and Billy Ray who are filing for divorce. They are yet another Christian family who has become victims of extreme money, power and fame. Our hearts break for that family because HPN believes that the fame Hollywood offers is more often a curse than it is a blessing. Would you ask God to wrap His arms around all of them and bring them closer to Him and each other. For more info. click on: http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/ourcountry/69855/miley-cyruss-parents-file-for-divorce/
• Pray that we can start thanking God for the entertainment professionals who bring joy to our lives. Thank Him that He created the media, in order to give us entertainment, a break from our stressed lives and fun shows to share with our families and friends. Without the arts, our world would be cold and dry of creativity. There is so much to be thankful for that comes out of Hollywood!
• Choose one person in Hollywood to pray for every day this month. It may be your favorite actor, singer or director. Maybe it’s the producer of your favorite TV show. Or research the agent who makes the decisions for your favorite performer and pray for that person. Be creative and know that your prayers for that person are making an eternal difference in hearts and lives.
• Pray for writer/director Randall Wallace whose film "Secretariat" just came out. Randall has a beautiful heart for the Lord and he has brought God’s truths into this commercial feature film. We are so thankful for the growing number of Christians in Hollywood who are great at what they do and who don’t hide their Godly worldview in the content of the projects they create. Let’s thank the Lord for Randall and the other believers who entertain the public and please God with their creative gifts.
• Pray for the decision-makers at NBC to continue to green-light family movies on their network. This Dec. 3rd NBC is promoting their new Family Movie Night by airing a film called “A Walk in My Shoes,” which is sponsored by two family friendly companies, Walmart and Procter & Gamble. We know that this is an answer to many of your prayers, those of you who want to have more TV shows that your family can watch together. You can watch the trailer at: www.moms4familytv.com
• Pray for the members of our Christian community who can’t get work and have chosen to leave the industry. This month alone, three friends have told us that they have given up and are pursuing other careers. May the Lord guide them into exactly what He created them to do. May they find His pleasure in their pursuits, not feeling that they have failed here, but recognizing that God used this time to lead them into something else. Pray also that as they die to their dreams, that the Lord will restore their capacity to dream with Him and restore to them a thousand-fold blessing. May our friends hear God’s still small voice!
• Let’s pray for Rod and Alana Stewart and their 30 year old son, Sean, who has had terrible addiction problems. He's not working and his parents are looking for a regular volunteer spot somewhere for Sean. May the Lord use this time to bring all three of them to a saving knowledge of Him, as He leads them into what’s best for Sean.
REQUESTS FROM HPN MEMBERS:
• Pray God's blessing on HPN member Deborah, who needs money for her upcoming projects. She has poured so much of her life into her scripts and can’t get the financing to move them forward. Deborah represents thousands of creative professionals who are so confused and frustrated in not seeing their passions fulfilled. May we hear God’s voice and His leading in what’s next for all the creative artists who are deeply discouraged with not able to see their projects completed. It is such a common, difficult and heartbreaking situation.
• “As an actress, I recently booked an independent feature film. This is the biggest role I've ever done in film and I would love for this film and the people involved to be covered in prayer. As far as I know, I'm the only Christian working on it. The writer and star of the movie is a Mormon… Erin” Let’s pray with and for Erin as she works on this film.
• LA based husband and dad, Rick says: “I have been working on another feature film on the east coast. It's been a pretty challenging project, but I am thankful to be a part of it. The hours are very long and I have to do a lot for the movie on the weekends as well, so personal time has been particularly limited.” Would you pray for Rick and his family during this month?
• “I would ask that you pray for a young man's family that had been working on this feature. We had a terrible accident on set when Joe, who was driving a gator to pick up some props, lost control of the vehicle and crashed off the road. Tragically, he died later at the hospital. He was only 27 and in great shape, so this was a shock to the entire crew. Please pray for Joe's parents and siblings, who are dealing with not only Joe's death, but his grandmother passed away the same night. This was a sobering reminder of just how fragile life is. I understand one of his co-workers had been sharing the Gospel with him and only hope he had time to make a decision before his death. This is really why I focus so much of my personal energy and time on movies like ours. Life is short and I want what I do to matter in the big scheme of things. Money doesn't matter, success doesn't matter, fame doesn't matter, all that matters is God and our relationship to Him. If I can point people in the right direction, then I'll feel like I spent my time on things that DO matter…” Rick Garside
• Prayer for our new Local Chapter Kick-off meeting happening this coming Saturday, November 20th in Omaha, NE. Click here for details!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• On Thursday, November 18, 2010 HPN is hosting a night of worship in the Wylie Chapel of Hollywood Presbyterian Church (1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028) from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Come join with us to be encouraged, strengthened and to be a source of support to others. We are believing that this night will be a powerful evening where we can come together as a community to praise God for all he is doing in Hollywood and to corporately pray for each other’s needs. Pray like your career depends on it...
• Jan. 25 - 29th, 2011 a group of 75 National Prayer Leaders are coming to Hollywood to get God's vision for the entertainment industry. HPN will be hosting The National Prayer Committee and many Christian leaders in our community will be welcoming them, loving them and mobilizing them to pray more for the people in Hollywood and the global media.
• For other upcoming events in our industry, click on: http://hollywoodconnect.com/events/upcoming
Thanks so much for praying with us and know that we are ALWAYS SO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU!
Karen and Caren
TIP OF THE MONTH:
If a Christian says to you, “God told me to….” Or “God gave me this script....” beware: http://www.philcooke.com/god_ideas
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“I would have given my entire fortune to have a successful marriage.” J.Paul Getty
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
This message was sent from:
Hollywood Prayer Network
1763 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
United States
http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/
11/14/2010
Pakistani Woman Sentenced To Death For Her Christianity
Pakistan: Asia Bibi—Death Sentence
On Nov. 8, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.) and told her she had seven days to appeal the decision. VOM contacts reported that her attorney will appeal the sentence.
Asia was arrested by police on June 19, 2009, and charged with blasphemy after she engaged in a religious discussion with co-workers. Many of the local women, including Asia, worked on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees. During their work, many of the Muslim women had pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. Her family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families.
On June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam, and, according to VOM sources, Asia responded by telling the Muslim women that Christ died on the cross for our sins. She told them Jesus is alive. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she reportedly told them.
Upon hearing this response, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia. Then some men took her and locked her in a room. They announced from mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey.
Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She is currently being held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there had urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed that they had to go forward because of pressure from local Muslim leaders.
VOM is assisting Asia’s family and urges you to continue praying for Asia and her family during this difficult time. Pray that her appeal will be successful and that God will act on her behalf. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will continue to stand for Christ.
This is tomorrow! I don't have an update yet, but I have prayed for God's will to be done.
On Nov. 8, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.) and told her she had seven days to appeal the decision. VOM contacts reported that her attorney will appeal the sentence.
Asia was arrested by police on June 19, 2009, and charged with blasphemy after she engaged in a religious discussion with co-workers. Many of the local women, including Asia, worked on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees. During their work, many of the Muslim women had pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. Her family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families.
On June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam, and, according to VOM sources, Asia responded by telling the Muslim women that Christ died on the cross for our sins. She told them Jesus is alive. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she reportedly told them.
Upon hearing this response, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia. Then some men took her and locked her in a room. They announced from mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey.
Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She is currently being held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there had urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed that they had to go forward because of pressure from local Muslim leaders.
VOM is assisting Asia’s family and urges you to continue praying for Asia and her family during this difficult time. Pray that her appeal will be successful and that God will act on her behalf. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will continue to stand for Christ.
This is tomorrow! I don't have an update yet, but I have prayed for God's will to be done.
11/12/2010
VOM–USA Prayer Update for Week of 11-12-2010
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3–91
PAKISTAN — Asia Bibi Sentenced to Death — VOM Contacts
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
On Nov. 8, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.) and told her she had seven days to appeal the decision. VOM contacts said Asia’s attorney does plan to appeal the sentence. Pray for Asia and her family during this difficult time. Pray that God will turn the heart of the judge in his hand and that Asia’s appeal will be successful. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will continue to stand for Christ.
IRAQ — Muslims Attack Church in Baghdad — VOM Contacts / Compass Direct News
Hebrews 10:32–39
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
“ For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
On Oct. 31, Islamic extremists attacked worshipers at the Syrian Catholic Church of Baghdad, killing 59 Christians and severely injuring more than 80 others, according to VOM sources. Several gunmen armed with automatic weapons and explosives entered the church during a worship service and opened fire on worshipers. Two priests were among those killed in the attack. “[This church was attacked] because they are very active, especially among the youth and community,” VOM contacts said. “This church works closely with the United Bible Society and VOM by distributing Bibles and Action Packs in Iraq. This is the second time this church has been targeted; in 2004 it was hit with a car bomb.” A militant organization called the Islamic State of Iraq, which has links to al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Compass Direct News. Following the attack, sources told VOM that churches throughout the city had received death-threat letters, warning them to stop their Christian activities or face similar consequences. The threats have caused many churches to cancel services. VOM contacts reported that on Nov. 2, 16 bombs exploded in Baghdad within an hour, killing 100 people and injuring 380. Pray for Iraqi Christians, especially for the families of those killed and injured in the Oct. 31 attack. Ask God to comfort and minister to them during this difficult time. Pray that in the aftermath of this brutal violence, Iraqi Christians will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. Pray for peace and stability in Iraq.
AZERBAIJAN — Police Detain Believers at Christian Celebration — Forum 18 News
Hebrews 12:1–3
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Police raided a Christian celebration in Kusar, Azerbaijan, on Oct. 31 and detained four believers, according to Forum 18 News. Eighty members of a Baptist church were gathered in a believer’s home to thank God for the harvest when police arrived and began to interfere with their activities. Police officials turned off the gas and electricity to the house to prevent the believers from preparing their meal. They also took photographs and video of the service and recorded the names of those present. Police then took four believers to a local court, where they were tried on charges of “insulting people.” In a closed hearing, the believers each were given five-day jail terms. The following morning, a church member who went to the police station to check on the men was told that another trial would be held in five days. He also learned that authorities were threatening one believer with a 12-year prison sentence. Ask God to help these four believers stand firm in their faith. Pray that they will be released without further legal action and that God might use their testimony to touch the hearts of those who unjustly detained them.
Pray for the Persecuted Nov. 14
Hebrews 13:3
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
Churches across the United States and around the world are preparing to “remember those in bonds” on Nov. 14, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Begun in 1996, IDOP is a day of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted Christian communities worldwide. Encourage your churches and prayer groups to intercede for persecuted believers around the world.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3–91
PAKISTAN — Asia Bibi Sentenced to Death — VOM Contacts
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
On Nov. 8, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.) and told her she had seven days to appeal the decision. VOM contacts said Asia’s attorney does plan to appeal the sentence. Pray for Asia and her family during this difficult time. Pray that God will turn the heart of the judge in his hand and that Asia’s appeal will be successful. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will continue to stand for Christ.
IRAQ — Muslims Attack Church in Baghdad — VOM Contacts / Compass Direct News
Hebrews 10:32–39
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
“ For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
On Oct. 31, Islamic extremists attacked worshipers at the Syrian Catholic Church of Baghdad, killing 59 Christians and severely injuring more than 80 others, according to VOM sources. Several gunmen armed with automatic weapons and explosives entered the church during a worship service and opened fire on worshipers. Two priests were among those killed in the attack. “[This church was attacked] because they are very active, especially among the youth and community,” VOM contacts said. “This church works closely with the United Bible Society and VOM by distributing Bibles and Action Packs in Iraq. This is the second time this church has been targeted; in 2004 it was hit with a car bomb.” A militant organization called the Islamic State of Iraq, which has links to al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Compass Direct News. Following the attack, sources told VOM that churches throughout the city had received death-threat letters, warning them to stop their Christian activities or face similar consequences. The threats have caused many churches to cancel services. VOM contacts reported that on Nov. 2, 16 bombs exploded in Baghdad within an hour, killing 100 people and injuring 380. Pray for Iraqi Christians, especially for the families of those killed and injured in the Oct. 31 attack. Ask God to comfort and minister to them during this difficult time. Pray that in the aftermath of this brutal violence, Iraqi Christians will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. Pray for peace and stability in Iraq.
AZERBAIJAN — Police Detain Believers at Christian Celebration — Forum 18 News
Hebrews 12:1–3
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Police raided a Christian celebration in Kusar, Azerbaijan, on Oct. 31 and detained four believers, according to Forum 18 News. Eighty members of a Baptist church were gathered in a believer’s home to thank God for the harvest when police arrived and began to interfere with their activities. Police officials turned off the gas and electricity to the house to prevent the believers from preparing their meal. They also took photographs and video of the service and recorded the names of those present. Police then took four believers to a local court, where they were tried on charges of “insulting people.” In a closed hearing, the believers each were given five-day jail terms. The following morning, a church member who went to the police station to check on the men was told that another trial would be held in five days. He also learned that authorities were threatening one believer with a 12-year prison sentence. Ask God to help these four believers stand firm in their faith. Pray that they will be released without further legal action and that God might use their testimony to touch the hearts of those who unjustly detained them.
Pray for the Persecuted Nov. 14
Hebrews 13:3
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
Churches across the United States and around the world are preparing to “remember those in bonds” on Nov. 14, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Begun in 1996, IDOP is a day of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted Christian communities worldwide. Encourage your churches and prayer groups to intercede for persecuted believers around the world.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
11/11/2010
11/08/2010
Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.
1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.
11/07/2010
11/06/2010
In Memory of my Grandpa (24 March 1916 - 6 November 2008 and beyond)
My Dad heard this song on the radio the day my Grandpa died. I think God made that happen as a blessing. I always associate this song with my Grandpa.
Weak and wounded sinner,
Lost and left to die,
O, raise your head for love is passing by,
Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus and live.
Now your burden's lifted,
And carried far away,
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so
Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus and live.
And like a newborn baby,
Don't be afraid to crawl,
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall... so
Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus and live.
Sometimes the way is lonely,
And steep and filled with pain,
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then
Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus and live.
O, and when the love spills over,
And music fills the night,
And when you can't contain your joy inside... then
Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus and live.
And with your final heartbeat,
Kiss the world goodbye,
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side... and
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live.
11/05/2010
Kari Jobe - The More I Seek You
The more i seek you,
the more i find you.
The more i find you,
the more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
The more i seek you,
the more i find you.
The more i find you,
the more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...
when you've been rejected, when you've been trashed out, when you've been made low - as if you're worth nothing at all, when you've been despised and hated - as if you've committed some horrible crime against humanity, when you've been betrayed...the pain, the hurt, the anger, the sadness, the letdown...what do I look up to?...Jesus...there is light
Lead Me To The Cross (Christian Trance Remix)
Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong United, remixed by DJ Tony Foxx. There is a lot of really cool Christian music that you can find on the Internet, including dance music like this; especially on YouTube.
11/04/2010
let's get ready to partay!
So looking forward to the weekend after a school week of hardly any sleep, papers and tests. Party time lalalala
11/02/2010
Evanescence/Amy Lee - You
The words have been drained from this pencil
Sweet words that I want to give you
And I can't sleep
I need to tell you
Goodnight
When we're together, I feel perfect
When I'm pulled away from you, I fall apart
All you say is sacred to me
Your eyes are so blue
I can't look away
As we lay in the stillness
You whisper to me
Amy, marry me
Promise you'll stay with me
Oh you don't have to ask me
You know you're all that I live for
You know I'd die just to hold you
Stay with you
Somehow I'll show you
That you are my night sky
I've always been right behind you
Now I'll always be right beside you
So many nights I cried myself to sleep
Now that you love me, I love myself
I never thought I would say this
I never thought there'd be
You
Trick-or-Treat Report (Halloween 2010)
I almost forgot to mention my trick-or-treating report from halloween night. I passed out halloween-themed, kid-themed Gospel tracts with candy to trick-or-treaters on halloween. This was my 4th year to do this. I've noticed a significant drop in halloween celebration over the years, which I find ironic given the darkness of the times. But, I received about 27 or 28 kids in a span of about 40 minutes from 7:07PM-7:55PM. Praise God for the opportunity to reach out to the kids with the Gospel!
Braille - The IV
There's a lot of really good Christian hip hop artists out there. I think this is one of them. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SyntaxRecords
11/01/2010
General Elections (Nov 2nd)
Remember to vote in the general elections, this tuesday, november 2nd. Every vote counts!
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