5/19/09

It's A Deal

This is a Gospel tract by Chick Tracts called "It's A Deal." It is about a young man who desires more than anything to be a rich basketball player no matter what the cost. But, he eventually comes to the realization that money and success doesn't save you and it doesn't give you an eternal home with God. Money and success are not bad things, but when you worship it rather than God then that means that money and success is your god aka your idol. All those other things don't mean anything in the end and all that does really matter is having a relationship with God. "Choose today whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24)
(All copyright by Chick Publications. www.chick.com; no copyright violation intended; these images were posted free on the website)



















5/17/09

Letting Go Of Anger

How to Handle Anger Pt. 3
by Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32

I. Introduction: Anger itself is not sinful. Many biblical characters, including the Lord Jesus, became upset, so we know it’s not always wrong. Our reaction, however, can be sinful. When we respond to anger in inappropriate ways, we can bring emotional, physical, and spiritual devastation on ourselves and others. How, then, should we handle this powerful emotion in a way that will please the Lord?

II. How do people handle anger?

A. Repression: We deny that it exists.

B. Suppression: You and I recognize that anger is there, but we refuse to deal with it.

C. Harsh outbursts: Some individuals may make excuses for themselves, saying, “This is how God made me” or “I just have a short fuse.”

D. Self-control: The right response to anger is to exercise restraint through the power of the Holy Spirit.

III. How should we deal with anger?

A. Confess it. Denying your feelings will only cause you to stay angry longer. Whether or not you acknowledge the emotion, its poison will continue to affect you. By harboring anger, you will never know the fullness of peace and joy that a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.

B. Identify the nature and source. If you don’t identify the root of the problem, you could lash out at someone who did nothing wrong. For instance, people who were abused by one of their parents sometimes resent all authority figures, including pastors.

C. Purpose to deal with it quickly. Satan wants you to dwell on your negative feelings so they will grow. But Scripture says to deal with your anger (Eph. 4:26-27). In some instances of extreme pain and suffering, you won’t be able to get rid of hostility before the sun sets. But you should acknowledge your feelings and decide to deal with them. You shouldn’t just accept rage as a natural response and allow it to become part of your life.

D. Do not sin. It is possible to get angry without sinning (Eph. 4:26). In fact, anger can motivate us to take necessary action or right a wrong. Consider the example Christ set for us (Matt. 21:13-14; 23:13-33; Mark 3:2-5).

E. Take a time out. Make a purposeful decision not to react quickly, because your first impulse will likely be an unwise one. Give the other person time to talk. Then you will be able to respond in a godly manner. You and I should strive to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19; see also Ps. 103:8).

F. Clarify and analyze the situation. Has somebody hurt those who are mad at you? Are they frustrated, insecure, jealous, or fatigued? You can use similar questions to analyze your own feelings as well. Getting to the root of the conflict will help you know how to address it.

G. Deal with the problem. When anger is unchecked, it will turn into bitterness (Prov. 30:33). So if you can’t get rid of this emotion immediately, make a commitment to seek healing.

H. Ventilate. Secular psychologists often recommend freely expressing negative feelings. But as believers, we must carefully consider how our words affect others. So I recommend venting to the Lord. Get on your knees in a private place and tell God exactly how you feel. He will begin to work in your heart and draw you toward forgiveness.

I. Put it away. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” We should “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). Both of these actions are possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

J. Replace it. Harness the energy that anger gives you. Use it to wax your car, hit golf balls at the driving range, or clean out a closet.

K. Determine the benefits. The positive side of anger is that it can motivate us to take constructive action, such as fixing problems. (See “D” above.)

L. Prevent a wrong response from recurring. We can’t always avoid antagonistic feelings, but we can control how we react to them. Decide ahead of time how you will act in challenging situations. Determine to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become upset. (See “E” above.)

M. Stay away from hostile people. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Refrain from starting relationships with those who are constantly irritated.

IV. Conclusion: Our world is full of injustice, hurt, and rejection. People cut us off on the highway, betray our confidence, and harm those we love. It’s impossible for us to avoid all the causes of anger. However, you and I can choose to respond to this powerful emotion in a way that will honor the Lord. When the Holy Spirit enables you to extend forgiveness to others, you will enjoy the supernatural peace and joy God desires for all His children.

http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.5160809/k.5C58/Letting_Go_of_Anger_Part_3.htm

Forgiving Others

Forgiving Others
By Charles F. Stanley

"I frequently talk to people who have spent years in bondage because they were unable or unwilling to forgive someone. When they finally understand and apply the idea of forgiveness, they come to know an awesome freedom. This is a process we cannot ignore if we want to become the people God created us to be.

Five Steps to Forgiveness

First, we must recognize that we have been totally forgiven. Once we understand the depth of our sin and the distance it put between us and God—and once we get a glimpse of the sacrifice He made to restore fellowship with us—we should not hesitate to forgive. If we comprehend what God did for us but refuse to forgive those who have wronged us, then we are like the wicked, ungrateful slave Jesus described. Although his huge debt was forgiven, he immediately demanded repayment of a trifling amount someone owed him (Matt. 18:23-34). Realize that God has totally forgiven of a debt you could never repay and therefore you have no grounds for refusing to forgive others.

A second step is to release the offender from the debt we feel is owed to us. This involves mentally bundling up all our hostile feelings and surrendering them to Christ.

We can accomplish this in one of two ways: either by meeting face to face with the person or by using an alternate approach. In cases where a person lives far away, has died, or is totally unapproachable, it may be necessary to use the “chair-substitution” method. Sit facing an empty chair, and imagine the other individual seated across from you. Then confess your resentment. You can also use this technique when you want to practice confessing a wrong attitude before attempting it in person.

The third step is to accept people as they are and release them from any responsibility to meet our needs. We probably all know someone who blames feelings of acceptance or rejection on others. You may be like that yourself. Certain individuals can make or break your day, depending on the amount of attention they pay you. This is a common trait in those who are unable or unwilling to forgive. But when we decide to forgive as an act of the will, we absolve others of any responsibility to meet our needs.

Fourth, we must view those we have forgiven as tools in our lives: The Lord uses situations and people to help us grow in our understanding of His grace. Joseph certainly grasped this principle. He saw his brothers as instruments God used to place him in a position to save his family during the forthcoming famine. His brothers feared what he might do to get even, but he responded, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20).

One last thing we must do is make reconciliation. We are to reestablish contact with estranged friends, former co-workers, or family members, and an apology is a good place to start. But regardless of the method, we should do our part to restore fellowship with those who have hurt us. Once forgiveness is complete, reconciliation will be much easier. Perhaps you consider this impossible or impractical, but in fact, many people I’ve counseled have rushed back to estranged friends and relatives and reestablished contact.

After completing the five steps in forgiveness, pray this simple prayer:

Lord, I forgive (name of person) for (name the specifics). I claim authority over the Enemy and take back the ground I’ve allowed Satan to gain because of my attitude toward (the person). I give this area of my life back to the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in His name and in the power of His Holy Spirit.

It’s not necessary to pray this prayer word for word, but do name the person and mention what is being forgiven.

What if it happens again?

At first, we might feel hurt, bitter, or angry—or maybe all three. Satan will remind us of our past hurts. You and I may be tempted to doubt the sincerity of our decision to forgive the other person.

If this happens, however, it is important to remember that forgiveness is an act of the will. Stand firm on your decision to forgive, and, when necessary, apply additional forgiveness—that will allow you to replace old hurts and memories of defeat with faith victories. New offenses can be dealt with as they occur without linking them to past wrongs that have already been forgiven.

Remember, forgiveness is for our benefit. The other person’s behavior may never change. It is up to God, not us, to change others. Our responsibility is to be set free from the pressure and weight of an unforgiving attitude.

Forgiveness is a process that can be painful at times and may seem unending. But whatever our pain, whatever our situation, we cannot afford to hold on to an unforgiving spirit. We must get involved in the process of releasing others from the debts we feel they owe us. If we keep our eyes on the One who forgave us, it will be a liberating force like nothing else we have ever experienced."

Adapted from “The Gift of Forgiveness” (1991).
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.5160825/k.9CAB/Forgiving_Others.htm

The Circle Of Life - Gaza / Israel

A work made in "recruited screen" course - third year in Bezalel.
The video should work in a 'loop.'

5/16/09

The Incredible Chocolate Sneakers

These sneakers are literally made out of chocolate, straight out of Switzerland.


5/15/09

DMX "Lord Give Me A Sign"

Why Don't You Just Calm Down

Because if you don't then...whatever, you just better do it. Shhhh. Breath in and breathe out slowly. Jesus says that we don't have to be worried and afraid. That we shouldn't do it. If He said that then we can believe that He's got it under control, so give it up to Him and don't let the devil trick you. Give it up to God and trust Him to handle your case.

5/12/09

The Carrie Prejean Incident

Miss California and Miss USA Runner-Up Carrie Prejean stands up for her Biblical beliefs rather than caving into political-correctness pressure. When asked by a Miss USA Pageant judge whether or not she is in favor of same-sex marriage, she stated that she is not and that is her belief. She did not win the crown. Many say, including another Miss USA Pageant judge, that her statement on the controversial issue cost her the crown.

I just think that this in an interesting situation. One one hand, as a Christian, I believe that she did the right thing in doing what she did. She stood up for her Biblical beliefs on national television rather than giving the easy, politically-correct answer. I think that is remarkable. One the other hand, even if you are not a Christian or are not someone who supports the Biblical definition of marriage, I think you would still have to agree that this is a person who was discriminated for their beliefs.

5/11/09

Barack Obama Talks Air Jordan's


Cool shoes, maybe, but "the poor kids shouldn't be buying them. Instead they should save their money to buy books." Lol.

5/9/09

Turn From The Stupid Ways Of The World

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." (Colossians 2:8 NIV)

"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." (Philippians 3:17-21 NLT)

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)

5/8/09

Toby Mac - MadeTo Love

Toby Mac Lyrics

"Toby Mac Made To Love lyrics"


Ringtones Send "Made To Love" Ringtone to your Cell Ringtones

Verse 1
The dream is fading, now i'm staring at the door
I know its over cause me feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I aint feelin what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for
What became of the flame that made me feel more
And when did i forget that...

Chorus
I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were wating on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love
and be loved by you

Verse 2
The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide
Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize
I feel the hate is spittin vapors on my dreams
But I still beleive
I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehova
And daddy I'm on my way
Cause I was made to love...

Chorus

Bridge
Anything I would give up for you
Everything, I'd give it all away
(Repeat 3x)

I was made to love you
I was made to adore you, made just for you
(Repeat 3x)

Creed - My Sacrifice

"My Sacrifice"

Hello my friend, we meet again
It's been awhile, where should we begin?
Feels like forever
Within my heart are memories
Of perfect love that you gave to me
Oh, I remember

When you are with me, I'm free
I'm careless, I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice

We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around
In an instant
It feels so good to reunite
Within yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there

When you are with me, I'm free
I'm careless, I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice

I just want to say hello again
I just want to say hello again

When you are with me I'm free
I'm careless, I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
Cause when you are with me I am free
I'm careless, I believe
Above all the others we'll fly
This brings tears to my eyes
My sacrifice, My sacrifice

I just want to say hello again
I just want to say hello again

My sacrifice.

5/7/09

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Words: Char­lotte El­li­ott, 1835; first ap­peared in The Christ­ian Re­mem­branc­er, whose ed­it­or El­li­ott be­came in 1836. The last verse is from El­li­ott’s Hours of Sor­row Cheered and Com­fort­ed, 1836.

The Story Of This Hymn: Miss Charlotte Elliott was vi­sit­ing some friends in the West End of Lon­don, and there met the em­i­nent min­is­ter, Cé­sar Ma­lan. While seat­ed at sup­per, the min­is­ter said he hoped that she was a Christ­ian. She took of­fense at this, and re­plied that she would ra­ther not dis­cuss that quest­ion. Dr. Ma­lan said that he was sor­ry if had of­fend­ed her, that he al­ways liked to speak a word for his Mas­ter, and that he hoped that the young la­dy would some day be­come a work­er for Christ. When they met again at the home of a mu­tu­al friend, three weeks lat­er, Miss Ell­i­ott told the min­is­ter that ev­er since he had spok­en to her she had been try­ing to find her Sav­iour, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to him as you are,” Dr. Ma­lan said. This she did, and went away re­joic­ing. Shortly af­ter­ward she wrote this hymn. (Sankey, p. 186)

About these words, her brother said: In the course of a long min­is­try, I hope I have been per­mit­ted to see some of the fruit of my la­bor, but I feel that far more has been done by a sin­gle hymn of my sis­ter’s.

www.cyberhymnal.org

5/5/09

National Day Of Prayer 2009


The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. www.ndptf.org

Proof: Hollywood Knows Abortion is Wrong

5/3/09

Glow In The Dark

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

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.

He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]

The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil.

For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved.

But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are--wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him]."

John 3:16-21 (AMP)