"Carrying on is an art and art requires sacrifice."
"Only the fire-born understand blue."
1/29/2011
Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"
I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Oh yeah
1/28/2011
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of Jan 28, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
INDONESIA — West Java Authorities Try to Prevent Christmas Service — Compass Direct News
Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
Government officials in West Java tried unsuccessfully to prevent the Indonesian Christian Church, or GKI, in the city of Bogor from holding a Dec. 25 Christmas service. Bona Sigalingging, a spokesperson for the church, said police telephoned church leaders and told them to cancel Christmas services that were scheduled for 7 p.m. Christmas day. The church worshiped anyway, with nearby Muslim demonstrators screaming, “Allahu akbar [God is great]!” and “Break it up!” The next morning, authorities prevented the Christians from holding their regular Sunday service. In a separate incident on Dec. 19, a local hard-line Muslim group persuaded police to remove items such as pews from a Huria Kristan Batak Protestant church in Rancaekek, Bandung. That church had already been closed by authorities. Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of Indonesian Christians who continue to meet in spite of severe opposition. Pray that they will be greatly encouraged by seeing the Lord’s continued work in strengthening the church and adding to its numbers.
ERITREA — Scores of Christians Arrested in Church Raids — Release International
Psalm 119:15–16
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
More than 100 Christians have been detained since Dec. 30 in raids on churches in or near the capital, Asmara, and in the town of Nakfa in eastern Eritrea. In a Dec. 31 raid on the Philadelphia Church in Asmara, all 41 members present were arrested and taken in for questioning. They were also beaten at the police station. On Jan. 1, 27 more Christians belonging to various churches near Asmara were taken into custody and are reportedly still being held by police. On Jan. 9 in Nakfa, 35 believers, including two elderly men in poor health, were arrested during a worship meeting at a private address. The Eritrean church has been further shaken by the news that another Christian has died in custody. Seble Hagos Mebrahtu, who was 27, died at the Sawa military camp on Jan. 1, apparently because she was refused medical treatment for malaria. She is reported to have been tortured after being found reading a Bible at her home. Her death brings to 16 the total number of Christians known to have died in custody since 2002. Pray that Eritrean Christians will persevere in faith and continue to glorify God while enduring this harsh persecution.
PAKISTAN — Turmoil Surrounds Asia Bibi Blasphemy Case — VOM Sources
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Asia Bibi’s blasphemy conviction has caused turmoil and debate not only over the resulting death sentence but also over the blasphemy law itself. Asia, a poor Christian woman, was accused by her co-workers of blasphemy and sentenced to death by the courts. Her case sparked debate across Pakistan about the validity of the law, which prohibits speaking against the Prophet Muhammad or the Quran. The governor of Punjab province, who supported Asia Bibi and called for repeal of the law, was murdered by his own body guard. Asia’s life is also at risk. The VOM team in Pakistan is concerned for her safety both in prison and also as she moves between the prison and the courthouse for hearings. Asia’s family is in danger, too, and our team helped move them to a safe, secret location. Her husband and children are very worried about her. Pray for Asia’s safety and for the safety of her family. Pray that the blasphemy law, which is often used against Christians in Pakistan, will be repealed.
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, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
INDONESIA — West Java Authorities Try to Prevent Christmas Service — Compass Direct News
Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
Government officials in West Java tried unsuccessfully to prevent the Indonesian Christian Church, or GKI, in the city of Bogor from holding a Dec. 25 Christmas service. Bona Sigalingging, a spokesperson for the church, said police telephoned church leaders and told them to cancel Christmas services that were scheduled for 7 p.m. Christmas day. The church worshiped anyway, with nearby Muslim demonstrators screaming, “Allahu akbar [God is great]!” and “Break it up!” The next morning, authorities prevented the Christians from holding their regular Sunday service. In a separate incident on Dec. 19, a local hard-line Muslim group persuaded police to remove items such as pews from a Huria Kristan Batak Protestant church in Rancaekek, Bandung. That church had already been closed by authorities. Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of Indonesian Christians who continue to meet in spite of severe opposition. Pray that they will be greatly encouraged by seeing the Lord’s continued work in strengthening the church and adding to its numbers.
ERITREA — Scores of Christians Arrested in Church Raids — Release International
Psalm 119:15–16
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
More than 100 Christians have been detained since Dec. 30 in raids on churches in or near the capital, Asmara, and in the town of Nakfa in eastern Eritrea. In a Dec. 31 raid on the Philadelphia Church in Asmara, all 41 members present were arrested and taken in for questioning. They were also beaten at the police station. On Jan. 1, 27 more Christians belonging to various churches near Asmara were taken into custody and are reportedly still being held by police. On Jan. 9 in Nakfa, 35 believers, including two elderly men in poor health, were arrested during a worship meeting at a private address. The Eritrean church has been further shaken by the news that another Christian has died in custody. Seble Hagos Mebrahtu, who was 27, died at the Sawa military camp on Jan. 1, apparently because she was refused medical treatment for malaria. She is reported to have been tortured after being found reading a Bible at her home. Her death brings to 16 the total number of Christians known to have died in custody since 2002. Pray that Eritrean Christians will persevere in faith and continue to glorify God while enduring this harsh persecution.
PAKISTAN — Turmoil Surrounds Asia Bibi Blasphemy Case — VOM Sources
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Asia Bibi’s blasphemy conviction has caused turmoil and debate not only over the resulting death sentence but also over the blasphemy law itself. Asia, a poor Christian woman, was accused by her co-workers of blasphemy and sentenced to death by the courts. Her case sparked debate across Pakistan about the validity of the law, which prohibits speaking against the Prophet Muhammad or the Quran. The governor of Punjab province, who supported Asia Bibi and called for repeal of the law, was murdered by his own body guard. Asia’s life is also at risk. The VOM team in Pakistan is concerned for her safety both in prison and also as she moves between the prison and the courthouse for hearings. Asia’s family is in danger, too, and our team helped move them to a safe, secret location. Her husband and children are very worried about her. Pray for Asia’s safety and for the safety of her family. Pray that the blasphemy law, which is often used against Christians in Pakistan, will be repealed.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
1/24/2011
Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
Christina Aguilera - I Turn To You
When I'm lost in the rain,
In your eyes I know I'll find the light
To light my way.
And when I'm scared,
And losing ground,
When my world is going crazy,
You can turn it all around.
And when I'm down you're there
- pushing me to the top.
You're always there,
giving me all you've got.
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend, for a love
to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on
For everything you do,
for everything that's true
I turn to you.
When I lose the will to win,
I just reach for you and
I can reach the sky again.
I can do anything
'Cause your love is so amazing,
'Cause your love inspires me.
And when I need a friend,
You're always on my side
Giving me faith
taking me through the night
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend, for a love
to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on
For everything you do,
for everything that's true
I turn to you.
For the arms to be my shelter
through all the rain,
For truth that will never change,
For someone to lean on,
For a heart I can rely on through anything,
For that one who I can run to...
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend, for a love
to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on
For everything you do,
for everything that's true
I turn to you.
For a shield from the storm,
For a friend, for a love
to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you.
For the strength to be strong,
For the will to carry on
For everything you do,
for everything that's true
I turn to you.
I turn to you...
lyrics via sing365.com, all rights reserved
Monica - For You I Will
Space Jam: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture [SOUNDTRACK]
Lyrics:
When you're feeling lost in the night
When you feel your world just ain't right
Call on me, I will be waiting
Count on me, I will be there
Anytime the times get too tough
Anytime your best ain't enough
I'll be the one to make it better
I'll be there to protect you, see you through
I'll be there, and there is nothing, I won't do
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength
Anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time
Promise you, for you I will
I will shield your heart from the rain
I won't let no harm come your way
Oh these arms will be your shelter
No these arms won't let you down
If there is a mountain to move
I will move that mountain for you
I'm here for you, I'm here forever
I will be your fortress, tall and strong
I'll keep you safe, I'll stand beside you, right or wrong
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength
Anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time
Promise you, for you I will
For you I will, lay my life on the line
For you I will fight a hulk, for you I will die
With every breath, with all my soul
I'll give my word, I'll give it all
Put your faith in me
And I'll do anything
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength
Anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time
Promise you, for you I will
1/21/2011
Justin Bieber - Pray
I'm not a teeny bopper and never really listened to Justin Beiber music, but I recently read that he is a Christian and has this song called "Pray." It was pleasant to hear that and thought I would post this song.
1/18/2011
Jeff Allen: Forgiveness From My Son
http://jeffallencomedy.com In this gripping (not comedic) confession, Christian Comedian Jeff Allen talks about the lowest point in his life, and how he rose up with God's help, and forgiveness from his son.
1/17/2011
I Have a Dream
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I wanted to upload this full version of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, from August 28, 1963.
From Wikipedia: "I Have a Dream" is a seventeen minute public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. King's delivery of the speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. Delivered to over 200,000 civil rights supporters,[1] the speech was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.[2] According to U.S. Representative John Lewis, who also spoke that day as the President of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, "Dr. King had the power, the ability, and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a monumental area that will forever be recognized. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations."[3]
At the end of the speech, King departed from his prepared text for a partly improvised peroration on the theme of "I have a dream", possibly prompted by Mahalia Jackson's cry, "Tell them about the dream, Martin!"[4] He had delivered a speech incorporating some of the same sections in Detroit in June 1963, when he marched on Woodward Avenue with Walter Reuther and the Reverend C. L. Franklin, and had rehearsed other parts.[5]
1/16/2011
Hollywood Prayer Network Newsletter (Jan)
January 2011 Newsletter
Happy New Year HPN!
It’s a brand new year and we’re excited to get praying for all of the wonderful, creative business community in the world’s most influential city. This is a big time of year so jump in and join us in lifting up all that’s going on in Hollywood!
SUMMARY:
• We praise God for your love and support of HPN
• Please pray for Hugh Hefner and his engagement to 24 year old Crystal
• Continue praying for Entertainment Cultural Influencers
• HPN is excited to host the annual meeting of the National Prayer Committee
• Pray for the people who are waiting to be nominated or are up for awards
• The 68th Golden Globe Awards are coming up this Sunday, January 16th
• The nomination for the 83rd Academy Awards will be announced on January 25th
• Pray for actress Meryl Streep, known by many as the greatest living film actress
• Pray for 16 year old Justin Bieber and his single mom Pattie Mallette
• Let’s pray for the Christian film and TV viewers
• Ask God if there is anyone you know in the media whom you can pray for
• HPN Omaha Local Chapter Director, Samantha, asks for our prayers
PRAISES:
• We had so many of you contacting us at the end of last year with thanks, answered prayers, donations and praises and we thank you all so much. We praise God for you and for your support of HPN.
UPDATE:
• Please pray for Hugh Hefner. Many of you know that Karen interviewed Hef years ago and her heart went out to him. Since then she has found many people praying for him. He is a kind man, just so lost. He even admits to wanting to find a pure love. Now, at 84, as he is engaged to a 24 year old Crystal, he needs our prayers more than ever. Will you ask the Lord to transform his heart? http://omg.yahoo.com/news/hugh-hefner-84-engaged-to-playmate-24/53006?nc
• Keep praying for Entertainment Cultural Influencers at: http://hollywoodprayernetwork.org/content/praying-industry-professionals
REQUESTS:
• HPN is excited to host the annual meeting of the National Prayer Committee (NPC), a group of national leaders of prayer ministries and organizations. Every year these visionary leaders meet to pray for, encourage, and inspire one another and their ministries. This year the committee is meeting in Hollywood on January 24th - 28th. HPN is partnering with Hollywood Presbyterian Church in hosting the group and we are excited to have 75 of them join us for a week in our mission field. Would you pray with us that they would leave with a new heart and vision for the world's most influential mission field. Also pray with us during that week that these leaders will feel welcome, loved and encouraged!
• Awards season is here in Hollywood. Let’s pray for the people who are waiting to be nominated or are up for awards. May the Lord give all of them, and all of us, His perspective on success and awards and may He be holding up the nominees in His loving hands. We ask that people will find their identity in the Lord and not in the awards that they win or don’t win!
• The 68th Golden Globe Awards are coming up this Sunday, January 16th. The show is hosted by Ricky Gervais and the film with the most nominations is “The Kings Speech.” Please pray for the nominees, the presenters, those who didn’t get nominated and the winners. This awards show is 2nd only to the Academy Awards and it impacts everyone’s life who is in any way involved – for good or for bad. For more info. click on: http://www.goldenglobes.org/
• The nomination for the 83rd Academy Awards will be announced on January 25th at 5:30am. That is an amazingly stressful day for our film community. People are up early, on the inter-net and on the phone, waiting to see if they are going to have a bright future or if their career is over. That’s not the truth, but that’s exactly what people think who are hoping they or the film they worked on, will be nominated for an Oscar. Please pray for the Lord to show up in their lives, that Christians will be by their side to give them an eternal perspective, and that the Lord uses this experience to bring them closer to Him. The Oscars will be announced on air on Sun., February 27th. For details: http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/index.html
• Pray for actress Meryl Streep, known by many, as the greatest living film actress. She has 16 Academy Award nominations, 23 Golden Globe nominations, 2 Oscars and 7 Golden Globe awards. She has been married to Don Gummer for 33 years and they have two children. She has a great reputation as a person of integrity. May the Lord sweep her off her feet so that she can fall in love with Him. May her family join her on the same spiritual journey.
• Pray for 16 year old Justin Bieber and his single mom Pattie Mallette. They are committed Christians whose lives catapulted in the past http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcouphttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifle of years. As we watch one young Christian star after the next fall away spiritually and morally, may we pray that Justin will not take his eyes off of Jesus, that he and his mom will stay in the center of God’s will, and that they keep a strong community of faithful friends and pray-ers to hold them up, hold them accountable and keep them healthy. Justin’s 3-D film “Never Say Never” is being released nationwide on Feb. 11th and it shows his vulnerability as a young boy in the global spotlight. He is trying to stay strong in his faith and we want to support him in prayer along the way. We will be setting up a facebook page in the next several days so that you can all continue to pray for Justin and gather all of his fans across the globe to lift him up to the Lord. Also, hear Justin’s faith testimony at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4bmUgjbKoo and his latest hit song “PRAY” at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9tJW9MDs2M
• Let’s pray for the Christian film and TV viewers - that God would melt OUR hearts toward Hollywood so that as we watch the awards shows, any film or TV show, we won’t idolize or hate the actors, writers or directors, but instead that we would be moved to pray for fulfillment in their lives. Pray that the consumer desires will change. Allow the desire to develop and grow for industry cultural influencers and entertainment decision-makers to find truth, peace, joy and freedom. This will happen if we all pray for and not just consume the media.
• Ask God if there is anybody you know in the media or is trying to pursue a career in the arts (performing or creative arts, music, film, TV, video games, dance etc.) who may need encouragement and prayer. Then creatively think about how you can reach out to that person. Can you pray for them, call them and encourage them, give them a financial gift to help pay their rent, or write them a note telling them that what they’re doing is pleasing to God? Creative artists NEED our love and support. Would you be a part of lifting them up, honoring them and encouraging them in their endeavors?
REQUEST FROM HPN MEMBERS:
• HPN Omaha Local Chapter Director, Samantha, asks for our prayers. Omaha is having their first HPN monthly gathering on January 20th at the Omaha Hub. She is looking forward to meeting those who attend and praying over their art and God’s plans for HPN Omaha. Let’s ask the Lord to do a miracle amongs this new group of entertainment pray-ers. Check out:http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/local-chapter/omaha-ne
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• A 6 week class on How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out is being offered to Christians in the industry. It's led by Jim and Karen Covell, this year on Tuesdays, starting February 1st - March 8th. If you'd like to find out more or join the class email Karen at karen@hpnemail.org.
• The Annual National Prayer Committee meeting in Hollywood January 24 – 28th 2011.
• Prayer and Praise for Hollywood - Thursday, Jan. 27th from 7:30 - 9:30pm in Wylie Chapel of Hollywood Pres. with worship led by Edie Boddick. All locals are welcome. Email Caren@hpnemail.org for details or just show up. We will be joined by the 75 national prayer leaders that evening for a wonderful time.
• For updates on Hollywood entertainment news, just click on The Hollywood Reporter On-line at: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ As you read, pray for the people and their situations so that an eternal difference is the outcome as we all indulge in pop culture!
• For updates on the Christian community and what’s going on, click on: http://hollywoodconnect.com/events and pray that our community becomes a beacon of light in Hollywood.
Have a great 2011! We look forward to sharing lots of miracles and answered prayers!
In His Grip,
Karen and Caren
TIP OF THE MONTH:
How to start out the new year….
http://philcooke.com/happy-new-year-heres-how-to-keep-your-resolutions/
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"Because we have been absent for so long, Hollywood may be the uttermost part of the earth, more foreign in many ways than China, India, or Africa as far as the Gospel is concerned. Still, we are commanded to go there and be witnesses, and you can't witness without being present. Christians need to be in Hollywood working alongside the men and women who are producing the movies that twenty million people see each week. What a mission field." Bob Briner in Roaring Lambs
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Numbers 13:30
The Hollywood Prayer Network, http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/, is a non-denominational Christian prayer ministry for the purpose of praying for the people, the projects and the powerful influence of the Entertainment Industry. HPN believes that by mobilizing global prayer we can be a part of God's miraculous work of changing the spiritual climate of Hollywood, from the inside out.
This message was sent from:
Hollywood Prayer Network
1763 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
United States
1/15/2011
Desiring God
Found some great videos on You Tube by John Piper Ministries. Might want to check them out: http://www.youtube.com/user/desiringGod
http://desiringGod.org
http://desiringGod.org
prodigal daughter?
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)
Sometimes I think why do I seem to have to suffer so much stress and pain most of my life. I feel like it haunts me and the good times only last briefly before the next painful trial comes my way. I feel like as I grow older as well that the pain gets worse and worse. I don't know why. I try to tell myself that there is always good to come out of the pain and suffering I've endured. I know that some of it is my own doing and just a natural consequence of my actions. But I think that some of it is not my direct actions but things that others do to me or things that happens and I have to endure it. Sometimes I am so bogged down in the pain or anger or shame that I feel that I literally cannot take it anymore. I start crying to God that I can't take it. I recently started to ask God what is the point. Is all my suffering and pain achieving, accomplishing, benefiting anything really? Is it really doing much of anything at all for me or for others? That is what always kept me going through all the other pain. But, I feel like well what is it? What is the point of such immense pain and suffering that I am enduring in my own life? I want to be able to know that it's all for at least something, so that at least I feel like I'm enduring it for some good purpose and not just being in pain for the sake of being in pain. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode from the pain. I need to escape, but I can't. I can't kill myself, nor can I run away from the pain. I have to just sit there and take it. I get tired sometimes of thinking, feeling, doing and even praying about it. What is my purpose? What is the point of it all? What am I supposed to do, think, feel? I don't know anymore sometimes. I still keep holding on to God though, holding on to hope. Because I know that there are only two choices, the light or the dark. I've been down the road of darkness before and it's hell. It doesn't do me any good at all and there's absolutely no point. I want to be on God's side. But, sometimes, often actually I really don't know what I'm supposed to do, think and feel about something. Sometimes I just really would like if there was a handwritten list of the exact things that God wants me to do so then I know for sure instead of wondering and contemplating it, trying to figure it out from the Bible and meditating with the Holy Spirit and praying to the Father. I think what am I doing? Why is everything so confusing. Why do I keep failing so hardcore. It makes me want to disappear, but I can't and don't really actually want that. I just want to live in God's will and know that I am in the right and live my life in such a way that is pleasing to Him and for everything to be alright for those that I love so dearly otherwise everything is painful and seemingly too much to bear. I need God all the time. I need His steps, orders, guidance. I need His love. I need His wisdom. I don't want to be in the wrong anymore. I hate sin and I don't want to in pain and be scared anymore.
Sometimes I think why do I seem to have to suffer so much stress and pain most of my life. I feel like it haunts me and the good times only last briefly before the next painful trial comes my way. I feel like as I grow older as well that the pain gets worse and worse. I don't know why. I try to tell myself that there is always good to come out of the pain and suffering I've endured. I know that some of it is my own doing and just a natural consequence of my actions. But I think that some of it is not my direct actions but things that others do to me or things that happens and I have to endure it. Sometimes I am so bogged down in the pain or anger or shame that I feel that I literally cannot take it anymore. I start crying to God that I can't take it. I recently started to ask God what is the point. Is all my suffering and pain achieving, accomplishing, benefiting anything really? Is it really doing much of anything at all for me or for others? That is what always kept me going through all the other pain. But, I feel like well what is it? What is the point of such immense pain and suffering that I am enduring in my own life? I want to be able to know that it's all for at least something, so that at least I feel like I'm enduring it for some good purpose and not just being in pain for the sake of being in pain. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode from the pain. I need to escape, but I can't. I can't kill myself, nor can I run away from the pain. I have to just sit there and take it. I get tired sometimes of thinking, feeling, doing and even praying about it. What is my purpose? What is the point of it all? What am I supposed to do, think, feel? I don't know anymore sometimes. I still keep holding on to God though, holding on to hope. Because I know that there are only two choices, the light or the dark. I've been down the road of darkness before and it's hell. It doesn't do me any good at all and there's absolutely no point. I want to be on God's side. But, sometimes, often actually I really don't know what I'm supposed to do, think and feel about something. Sometimes I just really would like if there was a handwritten list of the exact things that God wants me to do so then I know for sure instead of wondering and contemplating it, trying to figure it out from the Bible and meditating with the Holy Spirit and praying to the Father. I think what am I doing? Why is everything so confusing. Why do I keep failing so hardcore. It makes me want to disappear, but I can't and don't really actually want that. I just want to live in God's will and know that I am in the right and live my life in such a way that is pleasing to Him and for everything to be alright for those that I love so dearly otherwise everything is painful and seemingly too much to bear. I need God all the time. I need His steps, orders, guidance. I need His love. I need His wisdom. I don't want to be in the wrong anymore. I hate sin and I don't want to in pain and be scared anymore.
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of Jan 14, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15
SUDAN—Southern Sudan Votes for Independence—The Associated Press
Jeremiah 33:8–9
I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.’
Voters in Southern Sudan are flocking to polling stations to cast their votes on whether to secede from Northern Sudan. On Sunday, the first day of voting in the weeklong balloting period, 20 police died in an attack by Arab tribesmen, and 30 other people were injured. The south is widely expected to secede, splitting Africa’s largest country in two. The creation of a new nation would free Southern Sudan’s large Christian population from the harsh rule of the Islamic north and offer hope for an end to decades of violence. Pray for the voters’ safety as they head to the polls. Pray also that President Omar al-Bashir will allow the south to secede peacefully, as he has promised.
YEMEN—Christians Pray for Revival—VOM Contacts
Psalm 80:18
Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
On Wednesday, Jan. 12, believers in Yemen will pray for revival in their country. In this poor nation on the Arabian Peninsula, many are without hope and under the bondage of Islam. Pray along with Yemen’s believers that the Holy Spirit will move in Yemen and that many Yemenis will see Jesus as the answer to their hopelessness. Pray that Yemenis will seek the God of the Bible, and pray that believers there will be bold as they share Christ.
IRAN—Governor of Tehran Promises More Arrests of Evangelicals—Mohabat News
Romans 13:5
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
In a speech in Tehran on Jan. 4, the provincial governor of Tehran, Morteza Tamadon, said several Christian pastors had been arrested and that more will be arrested soon. Tamadon described evangelicals as a “corrupt and deviant movement” and compared evangelical Christians to the Taliban. The governor said arresting Christians is justifiable as a defense against the cultural enemies of Iran. Recently, Iranian newspapers have reported the conviction of several Iranian Christian converts from Islam. During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, security forces arrested and detained more than 60 new Christians in Tehran and several other cities. Their whereabouts are unknown. Pray that God will soften Governor Tamadon’s heart toward Christians. Pray also for the Christians who were arrested and for all Christians in Tehran.
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.
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15
SUDAN—Southern Sudan Votes for Independence—The Associated Press
Jeremiah 33:8–9
I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.’
Voters in Southern Sudan are flocking to polling stations to cast their votes on whether to secede from Northern Sudan. On Sunday, the first day of voting in the weeklong balloting period, 20 police died in an attack by Arab tribesmen, and 30 other people were injured. The south is widely expected to secede, splitting Africa’s largest country in two. The creation of a new nation would free Southern Sudan’s large Christian population from the harsh rule of the Islamic north and offer hope for an end to decades of violence. Pray for the voters’ safety as they head to the polls. Pray also that President Omar al-Bashir will allow the south to secede peacefully, as he has promised.
YEMEN—Christians Pray for Revival—VOM Contacts
Psalm 80:18
Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
On Wednesday, Jan. 12, believers in Yemen will pray for revival in their country. In this poor nation on the Arabian Peninsula, many are without hope and under the bondage of Islam. Pray along with Yemen’s believers that the Holy Spirit will move in Yemen and that many Yemenis will see Jesus as the answer to their hopelessness. Pray that Yemenis will seek the God of the Bible, and pray that believers there will be bold as they share Christ.
IRAN—Governor of Tehran Promises More Arrests of Evangelicals—Mohabat News
Romans 13:5
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
In a speech in Tehran on Jan. 4, the provincial governor of Tehran, Morteza Tamadon, said several Christian pastors had been arrested and that more will be arrested soon. Tamadon described evangelicals as a “corrupt and deviant movement” and compared evangelical Christians to the Taliban. The governor said arresting Christians is justifiable as a defense against the cultural enemies of Iran. Recently, Iranian newspapers have reported the conviction of several Iranian Christian converts from Islam. During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, security forces arrested and detained more than 60 new Christians in Tehran and several other cities. Their whereabouts are unknown. Pray that God will soften Governor Tamadon’s heart toward Christians. Pray also for the Christians who were arrested and for all Christians in Tehran.
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.
1/11/2011
Good Without God?
Ray talks to a professing atheist (Kelly) who came out with a group to heckle him at Huntington Beach. She is holding a sign that says "Good Without God."
Can anyone be "good" without God? Well that depends on who is the ultimate definer of "good," doesn't it?
http://www.youtube.com/user/thewayofthemaster
From an Atheist
from Living Waters Ministries:
A few years ago, we told you that an atheist was having financial troubles, and many of you kindly sent him gifts. This week he wrote to Mark Spence and said:
Dear Mark …. about three years ago we talked on the phone. Even though I insulted and berated you, you proved that you were the real deal and a true follower of Christ by loving your enemy and blessing him. You responded with kindness even though I insulted you viciously. In addition you even helped me financially as well as some of the followers of Way of the Master. You guys really saved me from a disaster because I had no income and if I didn't get those MRIs and other medical tests, I never would have gotten the social security disability income on which I now survive. I just wanted to say I will never forget you, Ray and the other Way of the Master followers. I want to thank you very much again.
So thank YOU guys for being the "real deal" and helping this man. Please keep him in prayer.
A few years ago, we told you that an atheist was having financial troubles, and many of you kindly sent him gifts. This week he wrote to Mark Spence and said:
Dear Mark …. about three years ago we talked on the phone. Even though I insulted and berated you, you proved that you were the real deal and a true follower of Christ by loving your enemy and blessing him. You responded with kindness even though I insulted you viciously. In addition you even helped me financially as well as some of the followers of Way of the Master. You guys really saved me from a disaster because I had no income and if I didn't get those MRIs and other medical tests, I never would have gotten the social security disability income on which I now survive. I just wanted to say I will never forget you, Ray and the other Way of the Master followers. I want to thank you very much again.
So thank YOU guys for being the "real deal" and helping this man. Please keep him in prayer.
1/09/2011
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of January 7, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, 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. Psalm 34:1–4
NIGERIA — Christians Killed in Christmas Eve Attacks — VOM Contacts / Compass Direct News
Romans 8:35–39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
On Christmas Eve, five explosions near Jos killed 31 people and severely injured more than 50 others. The explosions occurred in the Christian suburbs of Kadong and Kada Bui as people shopped in outdoor markets. Also on Christmas Eve, a Baptist pastor, the Rev. Bulus Marwa, and five other Christians were killed during attacks on Victory Baptist Church in Alemderi and a Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregation in Sinimari. Both churches are in the mostly Muslim Borno state, in northeastern Nigeria. The Islamic extremist group Boko Haram reportedly claimed responsibility for the explosions near Jos as well as the church attacks in Borno state. Tensions remain high in Jos, Plateau state, which lies on the dividing line between the majority Muslim north and mostly Christian south, and in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. Christians in these areas have been under attack for decades. Please pray for the families of those killed in the bombings and church attacks, and pray that God will heal the injured. Pray that the love and grace of Jesus Christ will be evident in the words and actions of Christians living in these troubled areas and that Christians will respond to their Muslim neighbors with love rather than revenge.
BANGLADESH — Christians Threatened Over Christmas Worship — Compass Direct News
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
A Buddhist political group, The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), threatened Christians in the Khagrachari district, about 180 miles southeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh, prohibiting them from holding Christmas services, according to an anonymous source. “They threatened the Christians, telling them not to celebrate Christmas in the village and not to do any other Christian activities,” the source said. “The UPDF members warned the Christians that if they celebrated Christmas, they would be in grave trouble. They warned the pastor not to take care of the congregation and ordered him to go back to his previous religion, Buddhism.” Christian elders told the UPDF leader by telephone that they had arranged food for around 100 people, but the UPDF members allowed them to eat only their rice and curry. “The UPDF leader threatened them, saying, ‘If you worship today, it will land you in unforeseeable consequences,’” the source said. The pastor and some members of nearby Shuknachari Baptist Church have been living like refugees for several months due to threats from the armed UPDF. Of 18 Christian families in the village, only seven or eight families have maintained their faith in Christ in the face of this opposition, with the others returning to Buddhism under compulsion. Pray that God will grant strength and courage to the believers in this part of Bangladesh.
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.
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, 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. Psalm 34:1–4
NIGERIA — Christians Killed in Christmas Eve Attacks — VOM Contacts / Compass Direct News
Romans 8:35–39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
On Christmas Eve, five explosions near Jos killed 31 people and severely injured more than 50 others. The explosions occurred in the Christian suburbs of Kadong and Kada Bui as people shopped in outdoor markets. Also on Christmas Eve, a Baptist pastor, the Rev. Bulus Marwa, and five other Christians were killed during attacks on Victory Baptist Church in Alemderi and a Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregation in Sinimari. Both churches are in the mostly Muslim Borno state, in northeastern Nigeria. The Islamic extremist group Boko Haram reportedly claimed responsibility for the explosions near Jos as well as the church attacks in Borno state. Tensions remain high in Jos, Plateau state, which lies on the dividing line between the majority Muslim north and mostly Christian south, and in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. Christians in these areas have been under attack for decades. Please pray for the families of those killed in the bombings and church attacks, and pray that God will heal the injured. Pray that the love and grace of Jesus Christ will be evident in the words and actions of Christians living in these troubled areas and that Christians will respond to their Muslim neighbors with love rather than revenge.
BANGLADESH — Christians Threatened Over Christmas Worship — Compass Direct News
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
A Buddhist political group, The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), threatened Christians in the Khagrachari district, about 180 miles southeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh, prohibiting them from holding Christmas services, according to an anonymous source. “They threatened the Christians, telling them not to celebrate Christmas in the village and not to do any other Christian activities,” the source said. “The UPDF members warned the Christians that if they celebrated Christmas, they would be in grave trouble. They warned the pastor not to take care of the congregation and ordered him to go back to his previous religion, Buddhism.” Christian elders told the UPDF leader by telephone that they had arranged food for around 100 people, but the UPDF members allowed them to eat only their rice and curry. “The UPDF leader threatened them, saying, ‘If you worship today, it will land you in unforeseeable consequences,’” the source said. The pastor and some members of nearby Shuknachari Baptist Church have been living like refugees for several months due to threats from the armed UPDF. Of 18 Christian families in the village, only seven or eight families have maintained their faith in Christ in the face of this opposition, with the others returning to Buddhism under compulsion. Pray that God will grant strength and courage to the believers in this part of Bangladesh.
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.
1/05/2011
Touched By An Angel: Netherlands (S 7 Ep 23)
Monica is heartbroken, confused and disillusioned after a tragic incident occurs. She abandons her post and is tempted by the devil who tries to convince her to join with him. Meanwhile, Tess and new angel Gloria minister to a little girl who was severely hurt and left without her mother due to the tragedy. Eventually, Monica finds peace once again and is blessed through the trial that she had gone through, and new angel Gloria learns more about how to minister to humans.
*I don't own anything. I have posted this purely for personal, non-commercial reasons. This is an embedded video uploaded by someone else to a host site. I believe in supporting those who make and distribute the product by rightfully purchasing their products. However, in Touched By An Angel's case to the best of my knowledge only seasons 1-4 have been officially released to buy. This episode is from Season 7 and as far as I know has not yet been officially released to buy.*
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