Casting Crowns - The Word is Alive

What is LOVE

Many people wonder what is real LOVE - well firstly and most importantly GOD is LOVE and after all John 3:16 says "for God so loved the world that he gave us His only son and whoever believes in Him has eternal life." There is no greater LOVE.

You experience LOVE all day without realising it - love is all around us - you love your children, you love your spouse, you love your pets, some people love there work, you love in many various ways and that is proof we have a GOD because GOD IS LOVE and the bible teaches us that.

When we feel LOVE we know it is GOD as all LOVE comes from Him.

IF THERE IS NO GOD - THEN THERE CANT BE LOVE

Happy New Year To Everyone

May all your dreams for 2009 come true and my wish for everyone is that you may experience God in many new ways so from me may God bless you all in 2009 - i will be offline for awhile and will be back so keep watching this space.

Christmas - Jesus is Born

Some Isaiah Prophecies of Christ

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 53:1-3

1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed ?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:4-6

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.(New International Version)

ISAIAH lived in Jerusalem about 2700 years ago - 700 yrs before christ was born. The book of Isaiah contains many prophecies that are interpreted by Christians  as being about the Messiah Jesus Christ.  I only listed some and we can see with our own eyes that many of Isaiah's prophecies have been fulfilled. READ THE BOOK OF ISAIAH.

Merry Christmas To Everyone

This is an awesome picture I just had to post - and after seeing this picture I wonder if Father Christmas will make it in time this year ?

And Now My Lifesong Sings by Casting Crowns

Lifesong ??

Life's treasures and tragedies, burdens and blessings set the tone for one's LifeSong. What is the melody of your "LifeSong?"

If you familiar with the christian band called "CASTING CROWNS" then you will be familiar with the song called "AND NOW MY LIFE SONGS SINGS"

I was inspired by the sng to write this post as i believe we all have a lifesong and our lifesongs are mixed with all kinds of good and bad. I believe our own lifesong is what determines how we react and what we do - i do know that my lifesong is directed straight at our God in Heaven and this is why:

I know i was once lost but through Jesus Christ i was touched somehow and where i was blind to certain things i can now truly see.

I also know that no matter what life throws at you if you direct your lifesong to Christ your burdens, fears etc are much lighter. I have seen that God is all i need to get by daily in order to function and to get by - Moses once told his people in Exodus 14:13 - "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you". Through every situation God has an answer and the answers are easy to find - some say but "how do i get an answer and i believe but im not sure i believe strong enough" - if you can relate to any of the 2 questions just written, my answer to you is simple - PRAY and READ YOUR BIBLE - there is an answer for everything in the Bible.

I have given my heart, soul, and body to Christ - why ? Because He alone keeps me going and Jesus is waiting for you too. One of my favourite verses in the Bible shows you how - MATTHEW 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and i will give you rest......and you will find rest for your souls."

This Christmas accept Christ and let Him make you see and may your lifesong be directed to the Lord in good or bad times - Hallelujah

Court Sets Atheist Holy Day

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days.He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days.

The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s).

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel and declared, 'Case dismissed.'

The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said: "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case?

The Christianshave Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. Yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays";The judge leaned forward in his chair and said, "But you do.

Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant"

The lawyer said, "Your Honour, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day' Psalm 14:1 states "'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.'Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool.

Therefore, April 1st is his day.Court is adjourned"

Words

Thought of the Day

Never take someone for granted
Hold every person close to your heart
Because you might wake up one day
And realize that you've lost a diamond
While you were too busy collecting stones

Gods love will hold on to you (EMAIL I RECEIVED)

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy
Decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole that was behind his
House. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out through the
Back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the
Middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

In the house, his mother was looking out through the window. She saw
The two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran
Toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could.

Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed, and made a U-turn to
Swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the
Alligator reached him. >From the dock, the mother grabbed her little
Boy by the arms, just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began a
Very incredible tug-of-war between the two.

The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was
Much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his
Truck, took aim, and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and
Weeks in the hospital, the little boy SURVIVED. His legs were
Extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. On his arms,
There were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his
Flesh; in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma,
Asked the boy if he would show him his scars.

The boy lifted his pant legs. Then, with obvious pride, he said to the
Reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I
Have them because my Mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy.

We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a
Painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly, and have caused us
Deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused
To let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been right there,
Holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you.

You are a child of God. He wants to protect you, and provide for you
In every way. But, sometimes, we foolishly wade into dangerous
Situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is
Filled with peril and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.
That is when the tug-of-war begins.

If you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very
Grateful. He will not ever let you go.

God has blessed you, so that You can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is In his/her life, and what they are going through.

Never judge other persons scars, because you don't know how they got them.

Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love
Them too enough to not let them go!!!
God bless!

Game Plan

Well, considering that we are nearing christmas and getting ready to celebrate the birth of Christ i found it appropriate to write on this topic being "game plan" as one could call it and you will make sense of all once you have read the entire article.

Do you plan at work ? Do you plan your Holidays ? Do you plan for your kids ? Do you plan for a new home ? Maybe you even planning on having a baby ?

Just as in any sport there is a game plan, a captian, and even a coach - Well what i do know is that we all plan for many things in life but we forget that our lives need planning to be able to function.

So what game plan do you have for your life ? Who is your "captain" and "coach" ? most of us try to be our own captain and coach - why ? because we tend to think we can do everything by ourselves.

We are wrong in thinking we can plan everything on our own - many things fail when there is no coach in our life's game plan.

With Christmas around the corner i would like to invite all who read this to invite Jesus into your homes and let Him become your "captain" and "coach" in your game plan - you will succeed much more than trying to be your own coach.

Psalm 118:6-8 - The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me ? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

Love vs Lust

What is the difference between LOVE and LUST ?

Love does not take what is not offered and lust takes what it wants regardless of the other ones needs or desires.

Love is patient and kind - Lust is impatient and rude

Lust can also be associated with the love of material things, money and power.

James1:14-15 - "Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death."

Heaven and Hell

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.' The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.' They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.' It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.' When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.

Forgiving

Forgiveness - well this is now an interesting topic and lets face it - one of the most difficult things to do is to forgive someone for hurt caused upon oneself.

What is very important with the word "forgive" is that when we are hurt by someone and we do not forgive that person we enslave ourselves to that individual.

The quicker we forgive the quicker we forget and the quicker our lives return to normal.

God tells us that we can only get forgiveness from Him if we are able to forgive others. (Matthew 6:14-15)

So when we do wrong how does God forgive us ?

Matthew 26:28 - "This is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many." - Jesus died so that Gods forgiveness is freely available for us.

Acts 10:43 - "Everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."

Through Jesus we have forgiveness

Fear

Many people have so called fears and sometimes we wonder what is it that causes fear but what we do not realise is the following:

Your biggest FEAR is usually something that has already happened to you.

Think about it and you will most likely discover what your fear is.

A Special Word

Tracey (not my sister) this one is just for you - Hope you enjoy it

Seeing you yesterday and chatting to you again was really great and I know from what you have told me that you have come out of a difficult time/situation.
I do a bit of writing these days as you know and I also place my writings on my website (blog).

I was thinking about our discussion and I believe God has prompted me to write the following:

Sometimes we look at the past and see it as a failure on our part, I myself have done things and have looked at it wondering if I am a failure. Sometimes we make the wrong decisions, sometimes we fall, sometimes we cry, sometimes our heart breaks, sometimes we not sure why bad things happen and sometimes we just think we failed – here is a verse to remember.
Matthew 7:24 – 27 – “anyone who listens to my teachings and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on a rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like the person who builds his house on the sand. When the rains and floods come and the wind beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.”

This verse tells us that by listening to Christ and his instruction we can avoid those feelings of failure and God tells us to live and obey His instruction - so what do we do or how do we do it - the only way is to learn from our mistakes we have made in the past and when we obey God’s Word we prevent feelings of so called “failure”. We can withstand any knocks in life as long as it is not contrary to what God tells us.

Sometimes a lot happens out of our control and I know that for sure, but Tracey, just know that I do know what you have experienced, I do know it is not nice, I do know that it takes time to heal wounds, I do know how it feels, I do know people let other people down, but most importantly remember this:

NEVER SEE IT AS A FAILURE ON YOUR SIDE

Please also know that I have had my mistakes and failures too and you know most of them and yes even I a few years ago did things wrong but THE PAST IS GONE – WE CAN’T CHANGE THE PAST – ITS PAST - we take the past experiences and use it to ensure a better future

GOD’S PROMISE = PSALM 37:23-24 – “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”

GOD will sort everything – He always does – He will direct us all in the right path and all we need to do is follow His Word.

It was just something short I felt needed to be written – hope you have a nice day and I am truly sorry that you had an engagement broken off.

To My Friends

(Just some thoughts of my own)

I have realised that sometimes life feels unfair
I have realised that sometimes life sucks
I have realised that sometimes life is difficult
I have realised that sometimes life is complicated
I have realised that sometimes life is great
I have realised that sometimes life is fair
I have realised that sometimes life is like a roller coaster
I have realised that sometimes life is plain sailing
I have realised that sometimes life is stormy

I have realised that I have friends
I have realised that there is love
I have realised that good friends are forever
I have realised that some people are afraid
I have realised that some people have no fears
I have realised that some people have many fears
I have realised that many people shed tears
I have realised that we have emotions
I have realised that we have flaws
I have realised that we have talents
I have realised that we are all different

I have realised we have an awesome GOD
I have realised GOD is with us all
I have realised GOD determines our future
I have realised GOD is my support
I have realised GOD is everywhere
I have realised GOD never forsakes
I have realised GOD is my strength

To all from me I just want to say the following:

I will always be grateful for your friendship and my wish for all of you is simple:

GOD IS WITH ME 24/7 AS HE IS WITH YOU - MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

A Story to live by

This i did not write - it is from an email:

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too early
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around

Carry Your Cross

This was from an email i received:

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we can't.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; But God's always ready, to answer your call....


He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, But suddenly vanish, dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love...
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage

My YouTube videos

Hi everyone - for all those who pop onto my blog i have added a widget at the top of the home page for a link to my videos.

All videos will relate to posts that i have made and i have decided to create videos on various christian topics

If you would like to follow any or see my videos you can link to:

http://www.youtube.com/johnno4u

You can even subscribe on youtube for updates or alternatively just keep an eye for new ones on the home page.

Thank You

What is a Diocesan Priest

The priest that serves your parish in many instances is a diocesan priest. He may also be involved in other ministries as well: he may serve on a campus, as a hospital chaplain, a teacher, be an administrator or even be coordinator of special events within the diocese.
The diocesan priests were called to serve people by God, accomplishing the mission for the Church through the celebration of the Eucharist, the liturgy and other sacramental commemorations. They make no vows, however, during ordination, they freely make promises of celibacy and obedience to their bishop.
The order of the priesthood is recognized as the highest of the Major Orders according to the traditional Catholic Rite of Holy Orders.

Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying "This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." Luke 22: 19-20

Celibacy

The Bible teaches celibacy to be honorable, but not required. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7, "Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.' But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." (verses 1-2); "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." (verses 7-9); "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." (verses 32-35)

Catholics understand celibacy to be a reflection of life in Heaven, and a source of detachment from the material world, which aids in one's relationship with God. Catholic priests are called to be espoused to the Church itself, and espoused to God, without overwhelming, exclusive commitments interfering with the relationship. Catholics understand celibacy as the calling of some, but not of all.

Mahatma Gandhi, considered the Father of India, took a vow of celibacy at the age of 37 after already being married and with a family, and remained so for the rest of his life.

Isaac Newton, the mathematician and scientist was a virgin all his life.

Creed

Creed ~ Third Day

Dear Lord

I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things that are of you. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And it is the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that don't believe.

I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers, and for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes, that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.

In The name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

AMEN

Fairness

Have you experienced any unfairness in your life ? It may be a work situation or someone treated you in a manner which you felt is unfair.

Firstly what we must remember is that we should never blame God for the unfairness of other people and what is important to recognise is that ultimately it is God who will triumph with justice and fairness over all matters.

Psalm 37:28 - The Lord loves justice, and He will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever.

St Paul's Cathedral

I came across a virtual tour of St Paul's Cathedral - its really awesome so if you want to look around then click on the link below:

http://www.sphericalimages.com/stpauls/virtual_tour.htm

It is definitely worth having a look - hope you enjoy the tour

Facing Your Giants - Max Lucado

Guidelines How To Read The Bible

READ. Read and read again until you have understood the passage very well. The passage can be as much as one chapter or just a few verses.

THINK. Think about what you have read (meditation). The following questions will help you to think on the passage.

Is there:

an example for me to follow ?
an error or mistake for me to avoid ?
a command for me to obey ?
a question for me to answer ?
a promise for me to accept ?
a sin for me to repent of ?
a teaching for me to believe - about God, about life, about the world ?

What is the main lesson you have learnt from this passage and which is the verse that best summarizes this lesson ?

Try and commit this verse to memory.

PRAY. Pray concerning the insights and lessons you have got from the reading.

God's Will

One thing i do know is that God does care about what happens to you and to me and what we do

Psalm 138:8 - "The Lord will work out His plans for my life"

I think many of us have at some point in time asked ourselves the following question - "What is it that God wants me to do ?"

It is certainly a question that i have asked many times and if you have the same question on your heart then there is an easy answer to it and here is the answer:

James 1:5 - "If you want to know what God wants you to do-ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking."

So all you need to do is PRAY and ask God to reveal it to you. AMEN

African "BOOZE" Tree

I had to add this clip - the MARULA fruit is an african fruit that is used for an alcoholic beverage called "AMARULA CREAM"

To Realize

To realize The value of a sister Ask someone Who doesn't have one.
To realize The value of ten years: Ask a newly Divorced couple.
To realize The value of four years: Ask a graduate.
To realize The value of one year: Ask a student who Has failed a final exam.
To realize The value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born.
To realize The value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize The value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize The value of one hour: Ask the lovers who are waiting to Meet.
To realize The value of one minute: Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize The value of one-second: Ask a person Who has survived an accident.
To realize The value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
To realize the value of a friend: Lose one. Time waits For no one. Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special and spend every little time you can get with your Father in heaven, He is waiting!

The origin of this letter is unknown

My New Journey

For those following my blog i want to thank you all and in particular "cypress, texas" who seems to visit the blog daily - i would love to know who you are and would appreciate it if you could maybe leave me a comment !!!!

Anyway, today im marking a major change as i have decided to convert from being a methodist to a catholic and i am officially starting my classes this thursday to be confirmed as a catholic. My reasons for this is based on doctrines and theological issues with which i agree and feel comfortable with and believe it is where God wants me to be.

I had a long discussion (again) with a priest yesterday and as a convert to catholocism i will have full access within the catholic church to pursue all avenues and i am no way excluded from anything - as a convert i can even pursue the priesthood irrespective of my past if that is where my vocation lies - i will be starting classes this thursday in order to get confirmed as a catholic and as far as my involvement to do more within the church goes my priest has offered me additional guidance (mentor) if i can call it that as to determine where my vocation lies. (I know i must preach)

I also want to take this opportunity to thank a lady by the name of Michela (i hope you read this) for all the assistance and help that you gave me with various reading material etc etc and for that first appointment at the Catholic Church in Rosebank - i really appreciate it - it means a lot to me. May God bless you in many ways.

So my journey and new chapter for Jesus has started - as my blog title says "john's stuff for Jesus" well this is for Jesus so to my family and friends all i ask of you is for your support for what lies ahead - im doing this because IT IS WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO DO

Priests

Interesting.........personal reflection

Divorced Dad's

This post is especially meant for those Dad's out there who are divorced and have children.

(By the way i was divorced 7 yrs ago and my daughter is now 7yrs old)

The first thing i want to say to you is no matter what the circumstances were for your divorce MAKE TIME FOR YOUR KIDS - secondly im going to be straight forward on this and say to all the divorced and single dads out there remember you have a responsibility - A BIG ONE.

I have seen that these days it tends to be the norm that when a couple divorces most men not all - please i do not say all men - many men tend to forget there responsibilities towards the Kids and just walk away.

The first and most common thing they neglect is always the maintenance/financial part, the second thing they forget as well which i believe is one of the most important is to spend quality time with them, YES, TIME - everyone has spare time so dont use an excuse "im too busy" your child will remember you were too busy and it will catch up to you one day - ask yourself this:

IS YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN TOO BUSY FOR YOU ?

THE ANSWER IS DEFINITELY NO - HE IS NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOU - HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU - SO NOW YOU DO THE SAME AND BE THERE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

Do not take out your frustrations of an ex spouse or a divorce out on your kids and do not make promises to your children that you cant keep - an example of this is - "you tell your child on the phone ill be seeing you on saturday and then when saturday comes you don't pitch up". That breaks little hearts into splinters.

I am sure you happily made those kids - so now you must happily accept the responsibility that comes with it.

One of Max Lucado books - i cant remember which one but he wrote that one of the ways children feel loved is not by gifts - just give them your TIME.

I do know that sweets and chocolates and dvd's and playstations surely grab there attention but nothing works as good as simply giving part of your time to them - ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR TIME.

So to all the divorced dad's out there - make the time available for your children - IT'S TIME YOU WILL NEVER FORGET.

John 14:12

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing".

By His Wounds

Christ Supremacy over Biology

WOW - all i can say is WOW - click on this link below and read the article - I WAS QUITE STUNNED to be honest - hope you all enjoy the article

http://gospelife.wordpress.com/2008/04/29/the-supremacy-of-christ-over-biology/

He carries me

You Raise me Up

The video says it all

The Seven Deadly Sins

Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action or ommission forbidden by the law of God.

PRIDE: Unrestrained appreciation of our own worth.
GREED: Immoderate desire for earthly goods.
LUST: Hankering for impure pleasures.
ANGER: Inordinate desire for revenge.
GLUTTONY: Unrestrained use of food and drink.
ENVY: Sorrow over another's good fortune.
SLOTH: Laxity in keeping the Faith and the practice of virtue due to the effort involved.

Religion in Brazil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Religion in Brazil is very diversified, although over seventy percent of the population declared being Roman Catholic in the last IBGE census, which took place in 2000. About ninety percent of Brazilians declare some sort of religious affiliation [1].

74% of Brazilians (about 150 million) declared being followers of Roman Catholicism;
15.4% (about 25 million) declared being followers of Protestantism;
7.4% (about 12 million) consider themselves agnostics, atheists or having no religious affiliation;
1.3% (about 2.2 million) are followers of Spiritism;
0.3% are followers of African traditional religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda;
1.7% are members of other religions.
Brazil has a large number of Jehovah's Witnesses (about 1,100,000) and Latter-day Saints (about 1,000,000) [2] nowadays, which entered in the field of Protestants in the census referenced above. Among the field of "other religions" were Buddhists (415,000), Jewish people (300,000), and Muslims (27,000). In the same field were those who practice a mixture of different religions, such as Catholicism, Candomblé, and indigenous American religions.[3]

Meditation

What does it mean to meditate ? Meditate is described as follows:

to sit or lie down and come to a deep rest while still remaining conscious.

Why am i writing now about meditating - well im posting this as i have found that there is a wonderful way for us christians to meditate and it involves something that we look towards daily and which is a symbol of Christianity - it is THE CROSS/CRUCIFIX.

When you feel like some quiet time to unwind or just to reflect on things quietly on your own - one thing i can suggest and recommend is that you take your cross/crucifix, whichever one you may have then get comfortable, relax and clear your mind and just look at the cross/crucifix - once relaxed and you looking at your cross/crucifix start to think on what it means to you personally, just be still and savour the moment - you will be surprised how deep in thought you can end up and what flows through ones mind.

This moment of reflecting/meditating on the cross/crucifix becomes a moment between you and God and it is guaranteed to bring you to a peaceful place.

I hope you will give this a try and may that moment of reflection be a truly awesome moment for you.

1 Chronicles 28:9 - If you seek Him, you will find Him.

Catholic vs Christian

I have had to post this as i cant believe how many times people tend to class Catholics and Christians differently - Many people seem to misunderstand the term Christian so here goes:

Being a Christian is not a denomination. Catholocism is a Christian denomination.

Being Christian is simply a matter of believing that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead.

It is simply accepting the fact that all men are sinners, including ourselves and accepting the grace that God provided through the sacrifice of his son.

There is no Christian VS Catholic any more than there is Christian VS Baptist or Methodist or any other denomination. If you refer to differences between protestant and Catholic, that is a different issue.

If you looking for answers on the differences between Catholic and Protestant that is an entire debate on its own which has too much information to post. If you want to know more on the differences use GOOGLE SEARCH and type in Catholic vs Protestant - you will get plenty reading material to browse and its an issue i not going to post on my Blog.

The 7 Last Words of Christ

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Amen I say to thee: This day thou shalt be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Woman, behold thy son. . . .Behold thy mother. (John 19:26-27)
Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? (My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?) (Matthew 27:46, ref. Psalm 21)
I thirst. (John 19:28)
It is consummated. (John 19:30)
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)

The Sign of the Cross

"Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are in the way and when we are still. Great is that preservative; it is without price, for the poor's sake; without toil, for the sick, since also its grace is from God. It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of evils; for He has triumphed over them in it, having made a shew of them openly; for when they see the Cross, they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, Who hath bruised the heads of the dragon. Despise not the Seal, because of the freeness of the Gift; but for this rather honor thy Benefactor." -- St. Cyril of Jerusalem, A.D. 315 - 386

Materialism

Materialism can be defined as follows:

"Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns".

How often have we wanted what others have - have you ever wanted more ?

Have you felt the car you drive is not good enough - i want one thats better etc ?

Have you wanted a bigger home ?

Have you wanted the best TV ?

Have you just wanted the best of everything money can buy ?

Have you wanted more than what you have currently in material things ??

I think a lot of people can answer yes to some of the questions i have put on this post as we humans do tend to want bigger and better things - a good example that i have seen and experienced is that people are judged by others according to things like the home they live in or the car you drive - why ? BECAUSE WE ARE MATERIALISTIC.

People forget these days of things like good health, happy families, loving children/parents and God, just to mention a few and what does God tell us ? this is what He tells us:

Luke 12:15 - "Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

There is more to life than just what we have in material possessions and if you want to discover it all, then all you need to do is OPEN YOUR BIBLE AND READ.

Being in love

Not sure who wrote this but it is awesome:

Think back to when you met that man/woman that you just knew would be the one. Remember when you realized/admitted to yourself that you loved him/her. Now remember how much you wanted to act like you were in a movie, and yell to everyone in the football stadium "I love (fill in the name)!" You told family and friends how perfect he/she was; he/she was just what you were looking for.
Well, I told THE LORD that I love Him today. And He said to me, "How much do you love me? You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you. You haven't shared how perfect my love is. You haven't spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems. You haven't told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you didn't have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one. You haven't shared with anyone how I took away that addiction that would have cost you not only your job, but also that man/woman that was just what you were looking for. So how much do you really love me?"
So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish, considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family that loves me and friends that I can confide in. But even more than that, He has saved me from destruction I couldn't even see coming. He gave to me the peace of knowing Him, and He has never broken a promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I stand in my stadium today to tell to you all,

"I LOVE THE LORD!"

Crucifix vs Cross

A crucifix (from Latin cruci fixus meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") is a cross with a representation of Jesus' body, or corpus. It is a principal symbol of the Christian religion. It is primarily used in the Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox Churches and emphasizes Christ's sacrifice— his death by crucifixion.

The Christian cross is the best-known religious symbol of Christianity. It is a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is related to the crucifix (a cross that includes a representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of cross symbols.

The above info is taken from www.wikipedia.com

The Greatest Man in History - my 100th blog post

Well, this is my 100th blog post of which 98 i published so far (u might see 98 according to stats - but 2 i left in "draft")

I was looking for something special and received this on email which i think is awesome to celebrate the 100th post:

The Greatest Man in History

J E S U S

had no servants,

yet they called Him M a s t e r.

Had no degree, yet they called Him T e a c h e r.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him H e a l e r.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honoured to serve such a Leader who loves us all!

Psalm 22

Where God Wants Me

My Video in reflecting to God's Call

I have written in the past about acting on God's calling which i have mentioned in an earlier post and i have also mentioned that this has been going on since 2003 - You now most probably wonder why have i not done anything since then well here are some facts:

2003 - i was 33yrs old at the time and only then got to know Christ and got fully involved in my Church (Methodist) at that time -after a few months i got clear signs to preach and live according to God's Word and to spread the Gospel - i started studying theology, i did a christian counselling course, was involved in almost all aspects in my church, met all requirements to commence ministry, was part of a bible study group etc and it got to a point where i had even done a sermon together with a qualified Minister (the most awesome thing in my life was to stand in front of the congregation to preach God's Word - things went well and i was feeling great.

What happened then was i just faded off - was scared - like a lot of us do, i think as we get to feel almost as though "wow - this cant be true and why would God want to use me" I felt my calling is just not right at that time and i felt -no this just can't be". I however slowly drifted away but what i have discovered is if God calls you, yes we might not obey as i did in the past but it will never leave your thoughts and signs will always be given to you at various times - i was also not 100% sure where i fit (where should i be).

You must be wondering why am i writing this - well i writing this as it has taken 5 years for me to realise what God has been doing and its only now that i know for sure - He has shown me where i must go and that when God calls - BE PATIENT - i in 2003 wanted things quicker as we all tend to do sometimes especially when getting to know Christ but the key word to remember is patience - don't try to rush in too quick.

Let God show you in HIS time - He has surely shown me and God will equip you fully for when the timing is right to act upon that calling - i feel equipped today which i did not feel in 2003 (weird hey).

Do not be in a hurry - Its awesome when God reveals and decides the time is right now

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

In the name of God the father, The Son and the Holy Spirit - AMEN

The Symbology of Numbers

1 the Undivided Oneness of God
2 the two natures of Christ; both the Divine and the material
3 the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity, the three Magi and their gifts
4 the Evangelists and their Gospels; the elements, humors and material world; North, South, East, and West; the four seasons
5 the Five Wounds; the senses
6 the days of creation; creation fallen; imperfection
7 covenant, oath; perfection; the day God rested (the Sabbath being the sign of the Covenant with Adam); the seven colors the rainbow (a sign of the Covenant made with Noe); the seven Sacraments (the Covenant sign made with the Church); the Gifts of the Holy Ghost; the virtues and vices
8 the visible world, made in seven days, with the invisible kingdom of grace following; regeneration
9 man's imperfection; the choirs of Angels
10 the Commandments; the Plagues of Egypt
12 the tribes of Israel; the Apostles; the signs of the Zodiac; the hours of the day and the hours of the night; the penetration of matter with spirit (3 X 4)
13 betrayal; Judas
33 the number of years of Jesus's human life
40 testing and trial; the years of the Deluge; the years of wandering in the desert in Exodus; the days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai; Christ's days in the desert
666 the number of the Beast. (Also 616 in some later manuscripts, a number rejected by St. Irenaeas as a scribal error).
1000 the milennium -- the Church Age

The Ten Commandments

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

Matthew 10:38

"The one who doesn't take up his cross and follow ME isn't worthy of ME".

What is Catholicism ?

Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity. It is the oldest Church (along-side with Orthodoxy). Catholicism includes 22 rites, the most notable the Latin Rite (or more commonly Roman Rite, often called the Roman Catholic Church).

The entire Catholic Church is under the authority of the Bishop of Rome or the Pope. The hierarchy of the Church consists of ordained Deacons, Priests, Bishops and Patriarchs, and the Pope.

Catholicism is a Christian denomination that believes in the Doctrine of the Trinity, or Blessed Trinity.

Catholicism has seven sacraments (though the same sacraments the names differ from each rite due to language differences); they are: Baptism, the Holy Eucharist (also known as the Lord's Supper, Last Supper, or Holy Communion - Catholics also believe in the real presence), Reconciliation (otherwise known as Confession), Confirmation, Marriage (no gay/lesbian marriage), Holy Orders (being ordained - not for lay Catholics), and Anointing of the Sick (also known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction).

Catholics, to the contrary of public opinion, do not worship the Virgin Mary or any of the Saints.

The Church's law is the Code of Canon Law (for the Latin Rite).

What is the Holy Eucharist ?

The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received.

(a) The whole Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. We use the words "really, truly, and substantially" to describe Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist in order to distinguish Our Lord's teaching from that of mere men who falsely teach that the Holy Eucharist is only a sign or figure of Christ, or that He is present only by His power.

(b) All Christians, with but few minor exceptions, held the true doctrine of the Real Presence from the time of Christ until the Protestant Revolution in the sixteenth century.

(c) The word "Eucharist" means "Thanksgiving."

Mass in the Catholic Church

The Council of Trent reaffirmed traditional Christian teaching that the Mass is the same Sacrifice of Calvary offered in an unbloody manner: "The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different. And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner... this sacrifice is truly propitiatory" (Doctrina de ss. Missae sacrificio, c. 2, quoted in Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1367). The Council declared that Jesus instituted the Mass at his Last Supper: "He offered up to God the Father His own body and blood under the species of bread and wine; and, under the symbols of those same things, He delivered (His own body and blood) to be received by His apostles, whom He then constituted priests of the New Testament; and by those words, Do this in commemoration of me, He commanded them and their successors in the priesthood, to offer (them); even as the Catholic Church has always understood and taught."[2]
The Roman Catholic Church sees the Mass as the most perfect way it has to offer latria (adoration) to God. It is also Catholic belief that in objective reality, not merely symbolically, the wheaten bread and grape wine are converted into Christ's body and blood, a conversion referred to as transubstantiation, so that the whole Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity, is truly, really, and substantially contained in the sacrament of the Eucharist.[3]

Apostles' Creed

Father, Son and Holy Spirit = The Trinity