An Overcoming Lifestyle

Judypie provides us with this meditation.  It helps me when facing the frustrations of my work environments, tough traffic, and the other annoyances of life.  Allow it to minister to you as well...

Father, I yield myself to the control of the Holy Spirit that I may bear His fruit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Help me remember to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. If I become angry I will not sin by nursing a grudge. With your help I will resolve my anger before sunset, and live at peace with all men as much as it is possible with me.

Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:

• Galatians 5:22-23
• James 1:19-20
• Ephesians 2:6-7
• Romans 14:9

Wisdom from Judypie: Renewing Your Mind to Walk Closer with God

Spiritually Minded

Heavenly Father, I bind my mind to the mind of Christ, my will to the will of God and my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit. I choose to walk according to the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, setting my mind on the things of the Spirit. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. I count myself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.

¹THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.
²For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
³For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],
⁴So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
⁵For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
⁶Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
⁷[That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot.
⁸So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.

Romans 8:1-8 [AMP]

Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:11 [AMP]

Choose the Way of Truth

Father, in the name of Jesus I ask You to preserve my life according to Your word. I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders. Strengthen me according to Your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through Your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free. You are awesome and I praise You, my Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

²⁵My earthly life cleaves to the dust; revive and stimulate me according to Your word!
²⁶I have declared my ways and opened my griefs to You, and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes.
²⁷Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on and talk of Your wondrous works.
²⁸My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word.
²⁹Remove from me the way of falsehood and unfaithfulness [to You], and graciously impart Your law to me.
³⁰I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me.
³¹I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame!
³²I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing.

Psalm 119:25-32 [AMP]

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

God Directs Your Path

There is a way that seems right to man, but it leads to destruction. The good news is that God knew you before the foundation of the world, and He sent the Holy Spirit to help you make wise choices that lead to the more than abundant life. This path was designed by your Heavenly Father because you are His own handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, that you may do those good works which God planned beforehand for you -- paths which He prepared ahead of time, that you should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for you to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMP). Ask Him to order your steps in His Word because His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.
Father, may I always listen for Your gentle whisper. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to take me by the hand and guide me into all the truth. He speaks only what He hears, and He will tell me what is yet to come. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my path. In the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your great love for me. Amen.

¹¹And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;
¹²And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.

1 Kings 19:11-12 [AMP]

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

John 16:13 [AMP]

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 [AMP]

Reconciled to God

Father, I thank You for saving me from wrath through Christ. If when I was Your enemy, I was reconciled to You through the death of Your Son, much more, having been reconciled, I shall be saved by His life. I also rejoice in You through my Lord Jesus Christ, through whom I have now received reconciliation. I shall rejoice in You and be glad in the name of Jesus. Amen.

⁹Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God.
¹⁰For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life.
¹¹Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation.

Romans 5:9-11 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
(Psalm 18:1-3)

New Talk of War As Israel Turns 62

AS ISRAEL TURNS 62, U.S. LACKS STRATEGY TO STOP IRAN

* Report on preaching the gospel into Iran via satellite TV broadcasts
* Iranian evangelist to speak at 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia
* Fresh update from The Joshua Fund in Israel
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., April 19, 2010) -- Israel turned 62 on Sunday. Israeli leaders marked the occassion by warning Iran not to mess with them. But a secret memo by Defense Secretary Robert Gates indicates that the U.S. does not have a clear decisive strategy to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Details on the weblog.

Meanwhile, Russia will allow the Iranian nuclear reactor facility at Bushehr (near the Persian Gulf) to go live in August. Now Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a fateful decision to make. Will he order a preemptive military strike against all of Iran's nuclear sites before August when the Bushehr site becomes "hot"? Also, Jordan's King Abdullah warned over the weekend that he is increasingly convinced that a major war could break out by this summer.

We must pray for peace, but prepare for war. Here are a few ways we can prepare:

* We need to preach the gospel to all the people of the epicenter, including our enemies. Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the remarkable opportunity to go on live satellite TV into Iran and share the gospel, teach on Bible prophecy, and explain God's love for Iran and Israel and all the people of the world. Millions saw the program. We answered live calls from Iran, Europe, the U.S. and even China. Two Iranian Shia Muslims even called in to pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! More details on those programs are posted on my weblog.

* Hormoz Shariat, the most widely listened to Iranian evangelist in the world, has agreed to speak at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia. Please register at www.epicenterconference.com and come hear his astounding insights and wisdom into what Jesus is doing in Iran today.

* Update from The Joshua Fund's executive director who just returned from Israel with our director of operations: "We have 7 storefronts [food distribution centers] up and running and hope to have the 8th one set up a little later this year....During our stay we received the equivalent of approximately two semi truckloads of food. The warehouse is beginning to fill up. Soon, as we bring more storefronts on line we will most likely need to install shelving and begin to go vertical to accommodate the supplies. We currently have approximately 77 tons of food in stock....Our first food delivery from the warehouse was made to an organization in Jerusalem. [The director] just told me that the first bag of food that they delivered from the food we supplied went to a holocaust survivor. It was a small delivery (approximately 1 ton) as they are desirous of starting out small and building to a larger operation as the Lord directs....Our new truck has a lift gate that allows us to easily make deliveries that do not have a dock or a forklift and as we were beginning to unload all the children came out to help us unload the truck, so instead of using the lift gate we decided it was very exciting to see the children getting involved wanting to help with the ministry. It was an awesome blessing to watch and be part of this."

Also on the weblog:
* An open letter from the leader of the World Jewish Congress strongly criticizes President Obama for his positions on Israel and Iran
* A new poll indicates Jewish support for the President is plummeting
* The Joshua Fund's new website has details on our 2011 tour and Epicenter Conference in Israel

(Note: There was a technical problem with my last Flash Traffic email and many of you were unable to read it. Sorry for that. I think we've corrected the problem.)

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Is the Phrase “Jesus Loves You” Really Hate Speech?

If you subscribe to the New York Times, you may have read an interesting article about good people using bad words. Well, actually... educated people.

While people are arguing that the form of speech known as profanity is becoming socially acceptable, another form of speech known as preaching the gospel is becoming socially unacceptable. How so?

In October of last year, President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This act came about after a young gay man was beaten to death in Laramie, Wyoming and an African-American man was dragged to his death behind a pickup truck in Texas.

A good law. After all, nobody deserves to be tortured and killed.

But some pundits, including those at the Religion Link web site, believe that this law may contain a loophole that would permit the arrest and prosecution of any person who quotes scriptures in the Bible that refer to homosexual behavior as sinful.

Granted, the core Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of God’s love:

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

John 3:16 [AMP]

But... as the great comedian and reported atheist W.C. Fields was quoted as saying when found reading a Bible while on his deathbed:

“I’m looking for a loophole.”

The loophole in the Hate Crimes Act seems to be that certain portions of the Bible are theoretically verboten, and anyone who preaches from those passages could be in big trouble... just like Stephen Boisson, a Canadian pastor who now faces fines and possible jail time due to his speaking out against homosexuality.

I saw an interesting article in Christianity Today about recording artist Jennifer Knapp who reportedly has exited the Christian music industry after coming out as a lesbian. The big question... would she be rejected or embraced by the church?

I can understand such consternation.  After all, people who call themselves Christians do ungodly things... like the guy who killed the abortion doctor in a church.  But does it seem better to just let people come to Jesus... whether they are wheat or chaff... and let His Spirit sort them out?

Also... even when preaching those scriptures, which I am not suggesting that anyone should ignore... isn’t it possible to do so in a loving way?

Ne pas?

Meditations from Judypie

Abundant Life

Do you know the character of God? Do you know that He is a good God, and that good and perfect things come from Him? I have heard people blame Him for everything good, bad and indifferent. He sent Jesus to give you Life--Life more Abundant till it overflows. God isn't in the business of killing, stealing and destroying, He is in the business of blessing His children with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus!
Father God, thank You for sending Your son Jesus Christ that I might have life and have it to the full till it overflows. I receive Your abundant life this day, accepting it in overflowing proportions. Freely I have received; freely I give, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

A Teachable Spirit

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. Amen.

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end [steadfastly].
³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart.
³⁵ Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight.
³⁶ Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches).
³⁷ Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.
³⁸ Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant, which is for those who reverently fear and devotedly worship You.
³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear and dread, for Your ordinances are good.
⁴⁰ Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me renewed life.

Psalm 119:33-40 [AMP]

Approved by God

Heavenly Father, You knit me together in my mother’s womb, knew me, and approved of me even before I was born. Wonderful are Your works, and I hold fast to this knowledge. I will not keep silent, but bring the Good News of relief and deliverance to others who do not know You. I was born for such a time as this to fulfill my destiny in the Kingdom of God. I take my place, a member of the Body of Christ. Thank You for loving me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5 [AMP]

¹³ For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16 [AMP]

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Esther 4:14 [AMP]

Praise The Lord!!!

I heard about a man who got a little excited in church and kept shouting, “Praise the Lord!” One day, some of the brethren called on him while he was plowing his fields. When they were finished talking, he hung his head and said, “I know it’s the truth. I have disturbed the services, but you know, I sit there and think what the Lord has done for me, how He died in agony and blood for me upon the cross, how He’s forgiven all of my sins, how He’s filled me with the Spirit, and – here, hold this mule while I shout!” If being a Christian and going to heaven doesn't excite you, then you have calluses on your soul. It’s exciting to know the Lord Jesus Christ!

When was the last time you raised your hands and shouted “Praise the Lord!” Maybe right now is a good time!

Revelation 7:12 - “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.”

Adrian Rogers

Will Netanyahu Hit Iran by August? (By Joel C. Rosenberg)

(Washington, D.C., April 15, 2010) -- Russia has just announced that it intends to allow the Iranian nuclear reactor facility located in Bushehr (near the Persian Gulf) to go live in August. This is an ominous development.

Now Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a fateful decision to make. Will he order a preemptive military strike against all of Iran’s nuclear sites before August when the Bushehr site becomes "hot"? His mentor, Menachem Begin, ordered an Israeli air strike against Saddam Hussein’s Osirik nuclear reactor in Iraq before it went hot in 1981. Netanyahu wants the world to act with decisive unity to stop Iran from getting the Bomb. But that is increasingly unlikely. The Obama administration is no longer calling for "crippling sanctions," and even if they were, it appears to be too late for sanctions to be effective. U.S. officials -- including Defense Secretary Robert Gates -- says Iran could have the Bomb by next year. German intelligence thinks it could be sooner.

We must prepare for peace, but prepare for war. Here’s how:

* We need to preach the gospel to all the people of the epicenter, including our enemies. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the remarkable opportunity to go on live satellite TV into Iran and share the gospel, teach on Bible prophecy, and explain God’s love for Iran and Israel and all the people of the world. Millions saw the program. We answered live calls from Iran, Europe, the U.S. and even China. Two Iranian Shia Muslims even called in to pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! More details on those programs are posted on my weblog.

* Hormoz Shariat, the most widely listened to Iranian evangelist in the world, hosted me on his shows. He has also graciously agreed to speak at the 2010 Epicenter Conference. I urge you to register to come and hear his astounding insights and wisdom into what Jesus is doing in Iran today.

* The Joshua Fund would greatly appreciate your prayer and financial help as we stockpile food and other humanitarian aid in our warehouse and at other facilities strategic positioned throughout Israel. We have expanded the number of food distribution centers in the country from 1 to 8. We’re feeding thousands of needy Israeli and Palestinian families each month, but we need your help to do more.

Also on the weblog:

• An open letter from the leader of the World Jewish Congress strongly criticizes President Obama for his positions on Israel and Iran
• A new poll indicates Jewish support for the President is plummeting
• The Joshua Fund’s new website has details on our 2011 tour and Epicenter Conference in Israel
• More details on how close Iran is to getting the Bomb.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here ’

PRAY: Sign up for Joel’s email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests. ’

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here. ’

GO: Join Joel’s "Epicenter Team" on Facebook. ’

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. ’

Judypie’s Meditations on Healing

Good Medicine

God's Word is good medicine. Read and study God's Word, consent and submit to His sayings...let them not depart from your eyes, keep them in the midst of your heart. For they they will be life, healing and health to all your flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22). Guard your heart, decide to have a happy heart everyday, practice smiling and laughing, think happy thoughts and your cheerful mind will work healing. This doesn't automatically occur; you have to be determined to achieve happiness that isn't dependent on circumstances. Remember the Father has given you a joyous spirit and a glad heart. He is your exceeding great Joy!

Health

In the name of Jesus I purpose to serve the LORD my God, and your blessing is on my food and water. You promised to take sickness from the midst of me. I am flooded with new life and vitality -- spirit, soul and body. Depression that opposes soundness of mind has to leave me. Spiritual weakness and inferiority has no place in me. I prosper and am in health even as my soul prospers in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation

Hover over the scriptures to read ... or click for further study.

• Exodus 23:25
• 3 John 2

For more Healing Scriptures:

Check out the Powerhouse Ministry Healing CD... 28 tracks downloadable in MP3 format at http://www.link2power.org/audioteaching/healing 

Epicenter 2010

WHITE HOUSE REMOVES TERM "ISLAMIC RADICALISM" FROM NEW NATIONAL SECURITY DOCUMENT, DESPITE IRAN THREAT

2010 Epicenter Conference to focus on Radical Islam, Israel and the Church. Pastors invited to sign up to show live webcast to their congregations.


By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., April 7, 2010) -- This morning I woke up to read an AP story about the White House decision "to remove terms such as 'Islamic radicalism' from a document outlining national security strategy." It never ceases to amaze me how many in Washington don't understand the threat of Radical Islam to the U.S., much less the Biblical command to bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus. But I believe the Church must.

Only 80 days remain until the 2010 Epicenter Conference on June 25-26 at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia. Given how close Iran is to getting the Bomb, the mounting threats to the U.S. and Israel, the increasingly unfriendly attitude of the Obama administration towards the Israeli government, and the growing international effort to delegitimize the Jewish State, I believe this is going to be the most important Epicenter Conference we've ever held, and I hope you will join us either in person, or via a live webcast.

Here's the latest:

* The Conference will be webcast live in its entirety, and pastors are invited to sign up to show a high-resolution version of the webcast to their congregations. Details at www.epicenterconference.com.

* The Conference website has a new section called "Joel's Video Blog." Please check out this series of videos. One is an invitation for you and your friends to come to Israel in May of next year for the 2011 Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem! More details on that soon!

* We believe the most impactful way for you to experience the Conference will be to join us in person in Philadelphia. Please register and reserve your seat today.

REMINDER: If you're in the San Jose area, please be sure to sign up to come to the event Hormoz Shariat and I are doing next Tuesday night, April 13th. Thanks and God bless you!

------------------------


* THE JOSHUA FUND HAS LAUNCHED A COMPLETELY REDESIGNED WEBSITE: It includes updates on the efforts of evangelical Christians to bless thousands of needy Israeli families with food during Passover this year, plus lots of other details and projects. Please check it out at www.joshuafund.org.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Wisdom from Judypie

The Word and His Voice

God does speak to His people today. Some do not hear Him; others misunderstand Him because they haven't studied; haven't read and meditated on the Scriptures. Satan tries to imitate the voice of the Father, but he is the father of lies and cannot speak truth. The Bible says that we are not ignorant of the enemy's devices, so if what you're hearing doesn't agree with the Word of God, don't listen to that voice. God will manifest Himself to you, and you will know Him and His ways, which He has revealed in His Word. God's Voice and His Word will always agree.

Thank you Father, for teaching and training me to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd. I'll not follow the voice of a stranger. Your Voice and your Word agree; you and your Word are one. Thank you for Truth that exposes the false and counterfeit. I delight in your Word, which is eternal. Your Word is Light dispelling the darkness. Your Word is Life swallowing up death. Hallelujah! I praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: John 10

God’s Favor

Heavenly Father, thank you for directing and establishing my steps. Today I walk the path you blazed for me. When I walk, my steps will not be hampered; when I run, I will not waste time making wrong turns. As I walk along in the ever-brightening light of God’s favor the dawn gives way to morning splendor. Thank you Father, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 4:11-12,18

Doing Good

Jesus is our example of living a life that is pleasing to the Father. He went about doing good, healing all those who were oppressed by the devil. When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee He was the light of the world. Today you are that light shining forth in a crooked and perverse generation. Never repay anyone with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Father, I will look for occasions to bring healing, to strengthen and bless others. I purpose to do good every time it is possible. I will not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of my hand to do so. If my enemy is hungry, I will feed him; if he is thirsty, I will give him a drink. In the name of Jesus, I will overcome evil with good. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Proverbs 3:27; Romans 12:20-21

Trusting in God

As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for you, the living God. In the name of Jesus, I resist discouragement because I expect you to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise you for all that you will do. You are my help! You are my God! I place my trust in you, and I shall again praise you for your wondrous help; you make me smile again, for you are my God. Amen and Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 42-43

Preservation

God is our heavenly Father Who wants to keep us safe from injury, harm, and destruction. He wants us to dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High, and He delivers us from all our destructions. He is our Protector. Our Father established boundaries to keep us in His care, and Jesus gave us a new commandment. We are to walk in unity and harmony, loving one another. God wants us to be fully alive, intact, or free from the decay of unforgiveness, bitterness and grief. Jesus is our example, our pattern for living. When we love God with our entire being and walk in love with our fellowman, the evil one cannot touch us.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 25 & Psalm 91

Judypie on Resurrection Weekend

Jesus is Alive

Even though I knew the Bible stories about Jesus, I did not know Him. I wasn’t even sure that He really cared about my everyday struggles. But the day came when I understood that He died and rose again, even for me. What He’s done for me, He’ll do for you. Jesus is alive! He is not a myth or a fairy tale. He lives; I know He lives! He is my best Friend and my elder Brother. He is the Sun who rose with healing in His wings, my Redeemer.

Praise God! Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? Jesus, I know that my Redeemer lives -- You are risen from the dead, and I am risen with You. I set my heart on things above, where You are seated at the right hand of God. Thank you Jesus! I have this assurance that even as You were taken up from among us to heaven, You will come back in the same way You left. When You appear, I shall be like You -- awesome!

Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord!

Scripture Meditations (Hold your mouse over or click each scripture):

• Malachi 4:2
• 1 Corinthians 15
• Colossians 2:12
• Colossians 3:1
• Acts 1:11

Satan loves isolated believers by Rick Warren

Encourage one another daily ... so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13 NIV)

“Mind your own Business” is not a Christian phrase.

A church family will help keep you from backsliding.

None of us are immune to temptation. Given the right situation, you and I are capable of any sin. Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 10:12
• Jeremiah 17:9
• 1 Timothy 1:19

God knows this, so he has assigned us as individuals the responsibility of keeping each other on track.

The Bible says, “Encourage one another daily ... so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13 NIV)

“Mind your own Business” is not a Christian phrase.

We are called and commanded to be involved in each other’s lives. If you know someone who is wavering spiritually right now, it is your responsibility to go after them and bring them back into the fellowship. James tells us, "If you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back." (James 5:19 MSG)

A related benefit of a local church is that it also provides the spiritual protection of godly leaders. God gives the shepherd leader the responsibility to guard, protect, defend, and care for the spiritual welfare of his flock. Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:

• Acts 20:28-29
• 1 Peter 5:1-4
• Hebrews 13:7, 17

We are told, “Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT)

Satan loves detached believers, unplugged from the life of the Body, isolated from God’s family, and unaccountable to spiritual leaders, because he knows they are defenseless and powerless against his tactics.

Ng Francis
Pastor
Tabernacle of Christ
www.fnministries.com

Presidential Prayer Team Update

Dear Prayer Member,


Today’s political climate seems to be in such turmoil and distrust. Our government and our country are facing deep conflicts over healthcare, wars, debt and unemployment. For those without faith, there would seem to be little hope and no end to the turmoil.


It’s in these difficult times though, that God’s people can shine the brightest and have the greatest impact. We know that the night is always at its darkest and coldest just before sunrise. Each morning the sun rises as a symbol of God's unending faithfulness. Just when things appear to be at their worst, God shows us his handiwork. In these dark times, we must continue in prayer and faithfulness that God is at work and that the morning is just around the corner.


It is our firm belief that God hears our prayers and comforts us in the darkest times, reminding us of His promises and assuring us of the coming light. Through prayer, God can encourage us and enable us to be a blessing to others. It is our hope that you will join us in prayer and expectation as we lift up our leaders, our nation and our military to the One through whom all things are possible.


Don't forget about our Prayer Wall! Join the thousands who have already used it as a tool of their ministry to the nation.

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Executive Prayer Focus

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Secretary Sebelius was born Kathleen Gilligan and reared in a Roman Catholic family in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father was Ohio Governor John J. Gilligan. She did her undergraduate work at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C., receiving a B.A. in political science. She later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas
. ...more

Legislative Prayer Focus

Marsha Blackburn, U.S. House of Representatives

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn was the first woman in Tennessee elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in her own right. She began her service in the U.S. House at the start of the 108th Congress, where she was also one of only a few freshmen congresspersons selected to serve as an assistant whip. 
...more

Judicial Prayer Focus

Stephen Gerald Breyer, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court

Associate Justice Breyer joined the U. S. Supreme Court as Associate Justice in 1994, on the appointment of President Bill Clinton, and confirmed by the Senate in an 87 to 9 vote. The 72-year-old Breyer was born to a middle-class Jewish family in San Francisco.


He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Stanford University, and a second Bachelor of Arts from Magdalen College at Oxford University. He was a Marshall Scholar, and received his Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School. Breyer is also fluent in French. ...more

Armed Forces Prayer Focus

William J. Lynn, III, Deputy Secretary of Defense

William J. Lynn, III is the 30th Deputy Secretary of Defense. His career has included extensive public service at various levels within government. From 1997-2001, he served as Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), and prior to that was the Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. ...more

Thank you for your constant ministry of prayer - the nation needs them now more than ever. 

Presidential Prayer Team Update

April 1, 2010

Dear Prayer Member,

This time of year we remember and celebrate the single most important event in history. We believe according to the Scriptures, that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

God's salvation plan through Jesus Christ was completed at the cross. Our hope of eternal life began upon our Lord's victory over death. We celebrate Easter once a year -- but should live our lives remembering these events every day.

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Please use this weekly prayer update and other prayer resources found on our website to encourage and inform you to keep praying for our country, its leaders and our military. Please notice our new feature below called Current Events Prayer Focus.

Your Presidential Prayer Team

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Executive Prayer Focus

George Mitchell, Special Envoy

George John Mitchell, Jr., the American special envoy to the Middle East for the Obama Administration, was born in August of 1933. He is of ethnic Irish descent, but was adopted by a Lebanese family since he was orphaned. As a result, he is recognized as a prominent Arab-American. ...more

Legislative Prayer Focus

Representative Bobby L. Rush, Illinois

Bobby L. Rush was born in November of 1946 in Albany, Georgia. After his high school graduation, he joined the Army and served from 1963-1968. Thereafter, he pursued his higher education, receiving his B.A. from Roosevelt University, his M.A. from the University of Illinois, and another M.A. from McCormick Seminary. ...more

Judicial Prayer Focus

Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Maria Sotomayor was born in June 1954 in the Bronx, New York City, of Puerto Rican parentage. Her father died when she was nine, and she was subsequently raised by her mother. Economically disadvantaged as a child, she grew up in tenements and housing projects in predominantly Catholic Puerto Rican neighborhoods. At age ten she declared to her mother that she would become a lawyer, perhaps even a judge. ..more

Armed Forces Prayer Focus

Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force

Michael Bruce Donley was born in October 1952 in Novato, California. He earned his B.A, and M.A. in international relations from the University of Southern California. He also attended the Program for Senior Executives in National Security at Harvard University. ...more

**NEW FEATURE **

Current Events Prayer Focus

PRAY FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION

President Obama announced new leases for offshore drilling with an appeal to both environmental supporters and critics saying increased domestic oil production is part of an overall approach to national energy strategies.

In a move by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the FBI, nine members of a Christian militia group were arrested and charged with planning an April attack against U.S. government agencies.

Pray against violence by environmental or militia groups over government policies.

PRAY FOR OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS

Both Senate and House Appropriations Committees are not meeting the White House's goal of creating a searchable earmark database, according to transparency advocates.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (Iowa) and Rep. Bobby Rush (Illinois) have formed a bipartisan alliance to introduce legislation that would ensure that tax-exempt hospitals treat patients without insurance.

Pray for our Congressional leaders who are on spring recess, particularly as they meet with constituencies.

PRAY FOR OUR JUDICIARY
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. who said his rights were violated when his lawyer failed to tell him he could be deported for pleading guilty to drug distribution, calling it "bad lawyering..".

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal for the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals where a Marine father was ordered to pay the legal fees of protestors at his son's funeral.

Pray for the Court to show wisdom in rendering equitable decisions

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Please also join us in praying for a special need for The Presidential Prayer Team.   Dave Otto, Chairman of our Board of Directors, has recently announced a campaign called "Answer the Call"   To read his letter to all our members - [Click Here]

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