01/29/13

Mandisa – God Speaking

Mandisa – God Speaking

When in the midst of all the noise and clamor–remember that GOD is always there, His Holy Spirit dwells within you. This too shall pass. Take heart, take heed, and depend on Him and His Word. God Bless You. Charlene

credit: CookieGiggles89

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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01/25/13

Phillipians 4 Be Ye Steadfast in The Lord

     We all have needs in this life. They may vary from person to person; from family to family; from organization to organization–yet they are a motivating force. Where do we go when we have a need?  Jesus told us not to worry about provision–this in the hands of GOD. He is Jehovah Jireh, Yahweh-yireh, YHWH, “The LORD Will Provide”, and He always sees our needs as a priority.

 

 

Genesis 22:14

 

 

Paul the Apostle depended on The LORD to supply his needs, and he saw provision come his way out of the hearts of the people. In this time, when many expect the preacher to work without sufficient salary or provision, we are reminded that GOD will supply through the hands and hearts of those who understand Acts 6 verses one through four….

 

 

The Choosing of the Seven

 

 

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

 

Philippians 4

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

 

 

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

 

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

 

 

Final Exhortations

 

 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

 

Thanks for Their Gifts

 

 

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

 

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

 

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

Final Greetings

 

 

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

 

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[a]

 

 

Footnotes:

 

 

  1. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

01/17/13

Back Against The Wall? There Is Hope in The WORD

Revised June 25th,2014

“For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.” 

 

Philippians: 3:20&21

 

 

   Does life seem to be pressing you and prodding you until you are ready to burst your containment? I know that change comes in life and that it can be stressful, but there are some changes that try you to the fullest measure.  Death of a loved one is an example. I’ve experienced this many times, but the death of my parents hit the hardest. Perhaps you struggle with a chronic or terminal illness, or have just been through a medical procedure and are waiting on the LORD for a miraculous healing.  Perhaps you have lost daughters or sons in the military, have handicapped loved ones, or are just facing a change in your job or in your marriage. My family is facing the reality of a daughter leaving the nest. Stress comes in many forms. Yet, beyond this level of everyday existence that produces change, thus stress, there are some who live an even more challenging lifestyle than what is considered the norm, especially those who are constantly in the public eye.

 

 

      The stress of everyday life can be over-whelming for people who live public lives. Public service can vary in scale from teachers to preachers; local officials, legislators, movie stars, rock stars, presidents, CEO’s, kings, and other persons of influence. It can become difficult to maintain family solidarity because of the revolving door of commitments and obligations. Too little resource can create a scramble to just stay alive. Too much resource can become a deterrent to depending on others, which can create a lucrative but lonely existence.

 

 

 

” For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Mark 8: 36&37

 

 

 

      All of us are born with a God-given desire to produce and to be creative.  It is in our nature to want to produce children and establish families, regions, countries, commerce, political societies, mores, and religion. It is also our nature to produce art, crafts, music and entertainment. Laughter and joy truly are the best medicines, and there is much joy to be found in the arts. As a testament to the importance of art, literature, music, politics, and religion as personal expression–when an invading force enters a city or country they immediately seek to steal, tear down, and desecrate the art, literature, politics, music, and places of worship. They forbid the speaking of the mother tongue in an effort to alienate the citizens one from another [divide and conquer], and those things that all hold dear are forbidden, such as sacred books. This is a controlling spirit. It’s objective is to steal, kill, and destroy. The art, literature, politics, music, and religious expression contain the heart and spirit of the people. What happens when that spirit is quenched? Where am I going with this?

 

 

 

“Do not quench the Spirit”

 

 

1Thessalonians 5:19

 

 

 

     In a world that is rapidly changing and shrinking to the extent that you feel as if your personal rights and choices are being compromised, it is natural to feel angry, and confused.You can feel as if  your back is being pushed against the wall. Nothing seems stable in this world. Everything is changing so rapidly that you are on a constant learning curve. New inventions and expressions crop up every day, and you are presented with so many choices as to make your head spin. So…do you give up the fight to maintain your own identity, or do you go where you can get help?  At one point in time this was a simple thing. You could rely upon churches, social agencies, and government agencies to be there when you had a legitimate need. You could depend on family in a time of crisis.  This is fast becoming a rarity. The cyber world has created a climate for a generation of persons who are self-contained. Some do not bother to engage the “world’ out there at all, but are content to do everything on their computers from shopping to forging personal relationships. Gaming engages our young people so completely that there is a down swing in dating and commitment. The human voice is no longer sought after as a comforting, guiding presence. Many are content to text instead of call. Companies can become so large or so busy that they employ technology to address business concerns instead of providing a human to relate to. It doesn’t matter how sophisticated an answering system is–it cannot exclusively take care of the details or questions that arise in the conduct of business. Thankfully, after much button-pushing you are usually given the option to speak to a person.

 

 

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD, having a form of godliness but denying it’s power.  And from such people turn away.”

 

2 Timothy 3: 1-5

 

 

 

     My instinct is to go to The Source that never lets me down or refuses to relate to my personal needs. That source is GOD. Despite all of the hubbub and turmoil present in this world, I can find peace and answers to my questions in my Abba Father.  Jesus’  “Sermon On the Mount”, Matthew–Chapters Five through Seven, gives me the assurance of a Father who cares and provides for His children. His Holy Spirit is here on earth for those who are willing to seek him where He may be found. The world does not understand things of the Spirit because they do not possess GOD’s  Spirit. The ways of Christians appear foolish to the world. If only they could understand the joy and comfort The Holy Spirit brings. It is our responsibility as Christians to model the image of Christ to this world, and to teach and exhort the way of Christ. How will they know without a preacher?

 

 

“And I will pray The Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.'”  

 

 

John 14: 16&17

 

 

 

 

     I can anticipate world events and understand change by reading the Scriptures.This earth is truly in its last days. Pay attention to the prophetic signs. The seasons are changing. Last winter was more like spring, and this winter was a cold, frozen terror. We are now in the midst of one of the coolest summers in recorded history. We stand at the place of supplication as we observe the Tetrach of 2014-2015 (series of blood moons) and its application to future events.

Mankind has destroyed the ecosystem in our determination to have it all our way. Now we face trying to restore what should never have been abused or destroyed. Famines, earthquakes, and other natural disasters strip whole regions of their resolve and resources.

 

The clock is ticking, and the technologies that will separate the believers from the unbelievers are already here. Biometric implants under the skin are being used as a practiced technology to the extent that an economic system controlled by a world domination seems possible. There is a movement underway to create a one-world currency. What will be the result? The requirement that all “patch” into the system or go without? The technology to view the Two Witnesses on the street is here. As a child I could not imagine how the whole world would see this apocalyptic event occur.  Modern communications are so advanced that I can now understand. We read in the Book of Revelation that:

 

 

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”  

 

 

Revelation 11: 3

 

 

 

 

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of GOD, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”  

 

Revelation 20: 4

 

 

 

    People are content to go from day to day searching for meaning in a failing system that demands more and more sacrifice as time goes by, and offers less and less reward for hard work. You may ask, “then where is the hope?”  The Hope is in Jesus Christ who is coming for His Bride “The Church”. Understand that the event in which the church is gathered to Christ’s bosom is known as ‘The Rapture’ . There are many theories about the Rapture of the Saints. Is the church to be removed from the world prior to, during, or after the Tribulation?  Scripture speaks for itself…

 

 

 

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so GOD will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.For this we say to you by the Word of the LORD, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of The LORD will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the LORD Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The LORD in the air. And thus we shall always be with The LORD. Therefore comfort one another with these words” 

 

 

1 Thessalonians: 4: 13-18

 

 

 

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed–in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed, For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.”

 

“O Death where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

 

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to GOD, who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in The LORD.”

 

 

1 Corinthians 15: 51-58

 

 

 

 

The church is not a building–It is the heart and spirit of the saints world-wide who strive collectively to fulfill the “Great Commission”.  Jesus gave His disciples, and all of us as His disciples, the task of living our lives in His Spirit as an inspiration to others.

 

 

 

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe. In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

 

 

 Mark 16: 15-20

 

 

 

 

Personal choice is still there for us all.  God’s arms are open to embrace His people. He does not expect us to be perfect, because only He is Perfect, therefore feel free to approach Him, surrender yourself to Him, and be accepted into The Kingdom of Heaven. Salvation is of The LORD. In this time in which Biblical events are unfolding rapidly, I believe that we must be prepared to meet The LORD in the air or remain on this earth to experience the Tribulation period.  We do not know the day or the hour in which Christ will come for His Church, but I believe that He will come.  I can choose to embrace those things of this world which do not feed my soul, spirit, and body– or I can embrace Christ, be full in Him, and refuse to live without hope. I choose not to live with my back against the wall.

 

 

GOD Bless You, Charlene

 

 

Picture credit: www.clipartof.com+Yahoo

 

Narrative Credit: Chaelwest/Charlene

 

©2013  Charlene’s Attic/Women Under His Wings

 

All Scripture quotes taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers 1992

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013-2014 Charlene Kirst
01/16/13

Words Of Life Mind Renovation

Mind Renovation by Christa Black

 

 

You are a house.

 

 

You live in this house; you move in this house; you exist in this house.

 

 

The foundation of your house is your belief system, and the bricks laid are thoughts that you allow inside your head.

 

 

Some houses are strong and large. Some are beautiful and always expanding. But others are unstable and crumbling or small and falling apart. Some have pristine yards, but others look like they might be in the jungle.

 

 

The entire structure of your life is built upon what you believe, so everything that’s happened to you has helped lay a foundation that determines the structure of your whole life. Bricks that are damaged, crumbling, or out of place compromise the entire house, just as my first memory [of abuse] compromised my entire belief system. The lie that I was unworthy, unlovable, tarnished, and dirty crippled me for years, even though it wasn’t remotely true. The structure of my house suffered the consequences until the lies were removed.

 

 

A lot of you have beautiful houses on the outside. This is normal in our appearance-obsessed culture. You work overtime to make sure the hedges are trimmed, the shutters are painted, and onlookers admire your immaculate appearance. You might even have a living room for entertaining or a deck for parties, where people can see just enough of the inside to think that everything is spotless, happy, and perfect. But heaven forbid your guests look in the basement. There are locks on secret vaults and forgotten dungeons inside your heart. You believe if you can keep up the perception of perfection, no one will see the shameful disasters inside.

 

You think that if the exterior of the house is shiny and new, constantly upgraded and improved, maybe the neighbors won’t notice the stench coming from the trash piling up inside. Maybe people walking by won’t be able to see the disaster zone that you’d rather not face and clean up. If you can just cover it up, why put in the sweat and tears to remove the junk?

 

 

I knew all about this way of living. It was the way I coped with pain for the majority of my life. If I could make my exterior as perfect as possible and win awards for how powerful and successful my house was, I hoped no one would ever have to see the filthy interior, with its shameful rooms, black holes, and secretive garbage. In fact, keeping myself preoccupied with the appearance of my house was an attempt to try to make up for all the problems inside. I prayed that if I just kept applying a new coat of paint, no one would find out that the plumbing was shot and that termites were eating me alive.

 

 

The problem with this approach to life is that the house of your heart can never be a home. If you have rooms inside your heart that you are ashamed of or embarrassed by or that you simply want to avoid, then you will never fully be at rest within yourself and the home of your soul. You’ll never know the peace of true contentment – the deep sighs that release life.

 

 

One of the most important things I’ve ever done, and that you could ever do, is to begin to replace the lies, represented by the faulty bricks, one by one, with the real truth. You might have to face ugly monsters that you’ve fought to ignore. You might have to clean out dirty black rooms that you’ve been petrified to remember, but your house will never be free and whole until you do.

 

 

It’s time to barge into every corridor in the house of your heart and find out if what you’re allowing to live under your roof deserves to live there. You’re the only landlord you’re ever going to have. You’re the only one who can kick out unwanted squatters. You’re the only one who can give the green light to repaint, remodel, and restore. And your heart is the only home you’re ever going to have any real control over.

 

 

Taking on the project of heart renovation isn’t an easy task. In fact, it takes a lot of hard work. But I promise, being at peace and at rest inside your heart is worth the work. It changes everything about everything.

 

And it starts in the place you know all too well. Your head.

 

This is an excerpt from GOD LOVES UGLY: & love makes beautiful by Christa Black. Copyright @2012 by Christa Black. Reprinted by permission of FaithWords/Hachette Book Group. All rights reserved.

 

01/15/13

Psalm 32 A Psalm of David: Forgiveness For Sin

All of us have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of GOD. His Grace is what is extended to us and what makes us able to live to be repentant and to ask forgiveness for our sins. What is remarkable is the fact that GOD uses us in our sinful state. Yes, we are saved; yes, we are saints; but we are also human beings who do not always make the wisest choices . Jesus came to make a bridge between GOD and mankind so that despite our faults we could have help and intercession in our goal of making it to the Heavenly Throne of GOD. The Holy Spirit dwells in all His saints making intercession for us daily. He directs our paths, comforts us as we live this earthly life, and will be there for us in Heaven.

 

 

Praise Ye The LORD!!!    Charlene

 

 

Psalm 32

 

 

New Life Version (NLV)

 

 

Joy of Being Forgiven

 

1 How happy he is whose wrong-doing is forgiven, and whose sin is covered! 2 How happy is the man whose sin the Lord does not hold against him, and in whose spirit there is nothing false.

 

 

3 When I kept quiet about my sin, my bones wasted away from crying all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was dried up as in the hot summer. 5 I told my sin to You. I did not hide my wrong-doing. I said, “I will tell my sins to the Lord.” And You forgave the guilt of my sin. 6 So let all who are God-like pray to You while You may be found, because in the floods of much water, they will not touch him. 7 You are my hiding place. You keep me safe from trouble. All around me are your songs of being made free.

 

 

8 I will show you and teach you in the way you should go. I will tell you what to do with My eye upon you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the donkey which have no understanding. They must be made to work by using bits and leather ropes or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the sorrows of the sinful. But loving-kindness will be all around the man who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord and be full of joy, you who are right with God! Sing for joy all you who are pure in heart!

 

 

 

New Life Version (NLV)

 

 

 

Copyright 1969 by Christian Literature International

 

01/9/13

A Newtown Poem Night Before Christmas Paraphrased

To say that this is too late for Christmas is say that it is too late for Christ.   Charlene

 

 

A Newtown Poem

 

 

****Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

 

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

 

They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

 

“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at
God’s house.”

 

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

 

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name

 

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King

 

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

 

and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

 

then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

 

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

 

“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

 

then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“come now my children, let me show you around.”

 

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

 

“In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

 

Written by a Gentleman in Southern Pa***

 

 

 

Christine A. Eastburg
ChrisCross Time Management LLC
Home / Office
Detail~Organize~Stage
612.250.5754

01/3/13

Psalm 90 NIV

Psalm 90 (New International Version)

 

 

A prayer of Moses the man of GOD.

 

 

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

 

 

3 You turn people back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered.

 

 

7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 

 

13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

 

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 90:17 Or beauty

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

12/29/12

GOD’s Answer To Evil by James Robison

God’s Answer to Evil
by James Robison

 

As we celebrate the birth of Christ and the hope that He alone can offer, let us remember the families in Newtown, Connecticut, and pray that God will supernaturally draw near to them in their time of deep, deep loss. Our hearts are broken for them. Those who lost their most precious little ones and other family members have seen their world shattered. From now on, the Christmas holidays will always bring back painful memories and thoughts of how old their loved one would be if they were still here. They will always wonder what they would be like at that age. Jesus and love-filled people are the only ones who can help lessen the pain these families are experiencing.

 

 

Satan is the author and instigator of all evil. He is the very personification of it. Even those who doubt or deny God cannot deny there is an obvious force of evil present in our world. Jesus said Satan is the father of all lies and, above all, a thief and murderer. He seeks to destroy life—every precious aspect of it. When he is in control, he continually manifests despicable, unimaginable acts defying all logic.

 

 

We are right to be abhorred by unspeakable brutality and murder of the innocent and the helpless. Such was the case a week ago when those little children and adults were murdered senselessly. Yes, it was demonic. No, the devil didn’t make him do it. The murderer made a horrible choice, seemingly the result of terrible mental, psychological, and emotional disturbance.

 

 

Such is the case when the resistance and clear-mindedness on anyone’s part has been compromised and diminished. Many things can negatively impact our spiritual and mental condition to some degree: addiction to alcohol or drugs, damaging emotions such as bitterness or envy, emotional or physical exhaustion. It can even be the result of self-intoxication, as with Herod at the time of Christ’s birth. He ordered the murder of all little boys under two years old in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16). Satanic? Yes. Demonic? Yes. Even so, it was Herod’s choice to act on his evil schemes. Satan so detests freedom and godliness that he seeks to destroy any deliverer or possibility of deliverance.

 

 

In the fatherless home and the dysfunctional community I grew up in, you cannot imagine the suggestions other kids made to me, along with the fiery darts (horrific suggestions) Satan fired my way. I was vulnerable; but thanks be to God, praying Christians, a pastor and his wife who never forgot the boy they cared for the first few years of my life, and then the witness of committed Christian teenagers led me to the Christ whose birth we’re about to celebrate. I am convinced that the prayers of others (even before my conversion to Christ) helped prevent me from giving into violent impulses, especially when my alcoholic father threatened to take my life. Sadly, some choose to give in to their anger and act out in unimaginable ways.

 

 

Jesus is the answer. He was my answer and He is the sole answer for those who have been devastated by the events last week. Only a great God and a loving heavenly Father can give the people of Newtown the ultimate comfort they long for and must have. Caring neighbors, friends, and other Christians will seek to lighten their load and brighten their future. We rightly celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, because He is the only way to overcome evil and the evil one. He alone can direct our steps and help us build wise, secure walls of protection.

 

 

God’s Word should be our hedge of security. He wants His Word to be written in our hearts, not just carried in our hands. He wants His Word to carry and lead us and, as Paul said, write “letters in the hearts of other men’s lives” as a result of our consistent Christian testimony.

 

 

In addition to celebrating His birth, we need to praise God for the resurrection life He offers each day! Jesus came to overcome the evil one and to give us the ability to be delivered from that despicable, damaging influence. Because Christ was born and now lives, we live. May others see Jesus living in us.

 

 

Thirty years ago when I experienced a marvelous deliverance from the power of demonic assault due to spiritual burnout and physical exhaustion, I was undoubtedly vulnerable. During the time following my deliverance, God clearly revealed that in the last days evil will wax worse. Satan’s nature will be more obviously manifested than at any time in history with indescribable, unfathomable, despicable acts of evil. But the opposite of that is true also. The church (true Christians – fully devoted followers of Christ), will become more like Jesus than in any time in history because He is coming for a fit and ready bride that looks and behaves like Him. At Christ’s return, Satan will be destroyed, but until then, believers must stand suited up in the whole armor of God resisting evil on every front. We can be forever triumphant by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat when we allow the love, hope, and peace of Christ to prevail.

 

 

Jesus is God’s answer to man’s weakness and evil’s intention. Christmas and the rest of His story can become our story. Jesus took this broken, fatherless, and impoverished boy writing this commentary and delivered me from destruction and the intentions of the evil one. He will do the same for all who receive Him and follow Him with their whole heart. Jesus is the light that pierces the darkness. He offers strength beyond ourselves and grants us the grace and ability to share the hope, joy, and peace that only He can give in the face of the most challenging possible circumstances. Just as the shepherds and wise men followed the light of the Star of Bethlehem, we must follow the light of the forever bright and Morning Star – Jesus!

 

 

May you have a Christ-honoring Christmas and a God-honoring New Year!

 

 

Charlene’s Source: www.lifetoday.com

 

 

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12/27/12

Psalm 103 NKJV A Psalm of David

Psalm 103

 

New King James Version (NKJV)

Praise for the Lord’s Mercies

A Psalm of David.

 

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

 

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

 

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.[a]
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

 

19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

 

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Footnotes:

 

  1. Psalm 103:16 Compare Job 7:10

 

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

12/15/12

Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

It is so tragic to see how the degradation and confusion of one person can impact the lives of so many others. Yesterday’s mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut breaks my heart as it breaks  the hearts of the children, teachers, and parents involved. As our nation mourns at half-staff I ask you to please pray diligently for the families of the deceased and wounded. We should be praying fervently for the family of  Ryan Lanza.  Also, let us not forget to continue to pray for the victims in the Colorado mall tragedy..

Charlene

Stamford, Connecticut, Fire Department Honor Guard puts the U.S. flag at half staff, in Stamford (photo from an earlier event) – Photo: Amy Mortensen / Connecticut Post Freelance

Fly flags at half-staff through December 18, to honor victims of Connecticut shootings

President Barack Obama issued this proclamation earlier today, calling on Americans to remember the victims of the shooting in Connecticut, and fly flags at half staff through sunset, December 18, in the victims’ honor:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

December 14, 2012

Presidential Proclamation — Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 18, 2012. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

 

Charlene’s Source: yahoo.com+timpanagos.wordpress.com

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12/5/12

T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Leslie Parrott, Creflo Dollar, and Cindy Trimm Sermons

“Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.” Psalm 51:6 NIV

I have been Blessed by GOD through the teaching and preaching of these evangelists. I Pray that you will be Blessed also.   Rev. Charlene

credit: 4digitz+kcmi89+A.J.Rockefeller+TheRobertRustveld+Firedupforever+
MikeOfLowland+Drsles&Leslie

 

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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12/4/12

The Birth Of Jesus Luke 2: 1–21

Revised December 4th, 2012

 

 

 

     The Birth of Christ is a scriptural truth known by most but not embraced by many. The Christmas Holiday has degraded over time into a pursuit of  new technologies or toys. Many do not know that Christmas means “Christ’s Mass”– a covenant between Jesus and ourselves. He is “The Gift”. The world’s traditional gifts such as scarves, sweaters, and mittens still hang in there but have taken a back seat to tablets and smartphones. A desirable gift to me is still a book filled with treasures and truths. The ultimate book is The Holy Bible. Within its pages rests the history and spirit of a people and their GOD. Let us give praise for the birth of our Savior who came to repair the breach forged in the Garden of Eden–to bring GOD’s people back to Himself.

Let us rededicate ourselves to the fight for souls, and the filling of spirits. We know not the day nor the hour when Jesus the Christ will come back to earth to gather His Bride the Church unto Himself–but this we do know beyond earthly knowledge, for God’s Spirit dwells in us, that Jesus is coming back for those of us who have put ourselves in His ever loving care.  This church lives in the hearts of men, women, and children all over the world, and is not exclusive to traditional four walled buildings.

There are some truths that speak for themselves. Mankind is trying to forget the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger, but truth will always exert over falsehood.  This Christmas season should be a time for giving of ourselves and our Blessings. It is not about the commercialism, it is about the sacrifice. 

Have A Wonderful Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Charlene

 

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Footnotes:
a.Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before
b.Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12
c.Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8
d.Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss
e.Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years.
f.Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business
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New International Version (NIV)
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