After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting
>> room of what I thought to be a court house.
>>
>> The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by
>> the defense table.
>>
>> As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor."
>>
>> He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me.
>>
>> He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
>>
>> I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind
>> and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I
>> felt I knew Him.
>>
>> The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full
>> flowing robes.
>>
>> He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I
>> couldn't take my eyes off of Him.
>>
>> As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."
>>
>> The prosecutor rose and said,
>>
>> "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in

>> hell."
>>
>> He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In

>> the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible
>> Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the
>> further down in my seat I sank.
>>
>> I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own
>> Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely
>> forgotten about.
>>
>> As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I
>> was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not Offering
>> any form of defense at all.
>>
>> I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in

>> my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?
>>
>> Satan finished with a fury and said, "This woman belongs in hell, she

>> is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who
>> can prove otherwise."
>>
>> When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach
>> the bench.
>>
>> The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and
>> beckoned Him to come forward.
>>
>> As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full
>> splendor and majesty.
>>
>> I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me,

>> my Lord and my Savior.
>> !
>> He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and
>> then He turned to address the court.
>>
>> "Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny

>> any of these allegations.
>>
>> And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be
>> punished."
>>
>> Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched
>> arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this
>> person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior,

>> so she is Mine."
>>
>> My Lord continued with, "Her name is written in the Book of Life, and

>> no one can snatch her from Me.
>>
>> Satan still does not understand yet.
>> This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
>>
>> As Jesus sat down,
>>
>> He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing
>> else that needs to be done."
>>
>> "I've done it all."
>>
>> The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down.
>> The following words bellowed from His lips..
>>
>> "This woman is free."
>>
>> The penalty for her has already been paid in full.
>>
>> "Case dismissed."
>>
>> As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I
>> won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me
>> m y instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"
>>
>> Christ lovingly smiled and said,
>>
>> "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has
>> received the same verdict as you,
>>
>> ~Paid In Full~
>>
>> >>
>> "Stop telling God how big your storm is.
>> Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!"

Transformation through Experience

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-11; 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

John Maxwell relates the story of a factory that came to an abrupt halt when an essential piece of machinery broke down. An outside expert was called in, who gently tapped the machine with a hammer. Immediately the machine began running perfectly. When the expert submitted his bill for $100, the plant supervisor protested and demanded an itemized bill. The expert's response: "$1 for hitting machine; $99 for knowing where to hit." Experience is everything!

Paul had experience that young Timothy needed. Because Paul had fought the good fight, he could share invaluable wisdom. Because Paul had finished the race and had kept the faith, he could relate many experiences about perseverance and faithfulness.

Experience lifts us out of the blinding fog of our own problems into the sunshine where we can distinguish the terrain ahead.

Experience is a powerful teacher, but it often takes us out of our comfort zone and calls us to a new level of challenging living that will change us forever.

Paul's experiences propelled Timothy into the thrill of the race and the uncertainties of the fight.

But Paul could not run the race for Timothy; he had to do that himself.

So, too, each of us has a race to run.

Prayer:
Sovereign Lord of history, provide for us the experiences that make us wise, the challenges that keep us running the race, and the failures that will prompt us to depend on you. Amen.

Dr. Dean Deppe

--
Diane C. Bryce
Howard University
Bachelors of Science Candidate, May 2009
Dove Sister Fabergé
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc.
#4ΛFA08

Fully Committed

This song (upper right) I stumbled upon while browsing through imeem. Now, I already had heard this song before in my life. But today it means so much more to me. Especially after Bible study led by my beautiful anchor, my sister Liselle Coker.

Fully committed? Mind, body, soul, heart. All only for God, and I will give up anything and count it all garbage just to fellowship and do what He asks of me?
Do we even realize how crucial, how BIG this is? It is something I have been thinking and meditation on all night, all day, with only an hour of sleep.

This song says: "My love's forever. Jesus you're all that I need, and I could never repay what You did just for me, but the least I could do is...I give my life, fully committed, to You." wow.

As a matter of fact, here are all the lyrics. Even better, go up there and press play. And just reflect. All day. And decide.

Artist: Kingdom
Song: Fully Committed
Verse
All that I am and all that I hope to be
All of my desires and all of my abilities
I'm fully committed to Your will and to Your way
I'll make the sacrifice to do what You ask of me
My love's forever, Jesus You're all that I need
And I could never repay what You did just for me
But the least I can do…
Chorus
I give my life, fully committed to You (x2)
Verse
Every passing minute, every hour of the day
In every situation, every bit of attention
I payI'm fully committed to Your will to Your way
I'll make the sacrifice to do what You ask of me
My love's forever, Jesus You're all that I need
And I could never repay what You did just for me
But the least I can do…
Bridge
Fully committed (x2)
YesYesYes, Yes
Sold out Gonna hold out
Sold out Sold out
Repeat
Ending
I give my life, fully committed to You (x4)




--Dove Sister De Anna Rhodes--

Evangelism: God's Greatest Gift

 

Matthew 28:19-20

 

You are boarding a plane, and suddenly you realize that something is wrong. You can see damage to the aircraft and it is very clear that this plane will not make a safe landing. You decide not to board. Yet, others are still getting on the plane, blissfully unaware as to the danger that exists. There are children, mothers, pregnant women, elderly people, fathers, and even some of your friends and associates all lined up, tickets in hand, ready to board this plane. You look to your right and notice a much shorter line, yet the aircraft is pristine. The crew is more pleasant and caring and is accepting any ticket from any plane in exchange for a ticket on that one. You decide to switch immediately .They reassure you that a safe landing in Paradise will without a doubt be the end of this trip. Yet, as you look out of your plane window, you notice how the line for your former plane is yet growing, and from this view the plane looks even worse. What do you do?

 

This situation is the story of our lives as Christians. We were headed down a path that ultimately would lead to our destruction and somehow through evangelism of some kind got a wake up call. We changed our tickets for death in for life evermore when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and savior. We have assurance in Christ that at the end of our journey we will arrive in Heaven to live eternally. Yet, looking back at our old life and the current world situation, how many of us get off of our plane to go back and get others that may have been left behind? Still headed down the road of destruction to a certain death are those people still waiting in line; waiting for someone to show them the eminent destruction right before their eyes.

 

This is true evangelism. We must return for those that we left behind after we have been strengthened by the comforts of Christ's love. We must go back. Will everyone listen to you and believe? No, but some will. We must not sacrifice the lives of some for the possible rejection of others. People are dying waiting for us to expose them to the Truth & Life found in Jesus Christ. What will You Do?

 

God, Today I pray that you make me bold enough to share the greatest gift you've ever given with the dying world. Help me to remember when I was in the wrong line, and the hope that came with finding you. Guide me this day to Guide someone to You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

 

 

With Love In His Greater Service,
~ Min. Brittany Bibb
Breath of Life Ministries
Alpha Nu Omega, Inc
DS TRUST est.FA06
Lambda Chapter Sorority
2008-2009 Director of Ministry

The Status Quo by Dwight Thompson

This is from CFaith Devotionals (a devotion I get daily) and I really liked it. As soon as I read it, I thought about it putting it on the blog, so I did!!! In HSM there's a song called "Stick to the Status Quo"...in our spiritual lives, don't just "Stick to the Status Quo". Jesus didn't...and we're like Him, right? Stand out, be different for Him :)

 

 

 

The Status Quo
By Dwight Thompson
 
I don't know about you, but I am tired of the same old "status quo" rut. I am tired of being chained in man's religion.

I want to see a move of God that will shake me to my foundation and set me free from the opinions of man...and of religion.

I am a man who has a mission. "9-11" changed me forever.

I want to see a move of God where we don't spend quite so much time trying to impress people with our eloquent abilities of speech.

I want to see a move of God in which no man is going to get the credit.

I want to see a move of God that is bigger than the Baptist, bigger than the Methodist, bigger than the Assemblies of God.

What I am interested in knowing is: Are you ready for a move of God? Are you tired of the "status quo"?

 

Dwight Thompson Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.    

Love & Blessings!!!

Adeola Oyelabi

DKA Epiphany

 

 

 

 

In the Valleys I grow

  Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

A Love Letter from God

The following is something that I found at fathersloveletter.com.  I figured that sometimes it becomes so easy to forget how much God loves us.  I have been so busy trying to get my thesis done over the break (literally living at the library), that I have forgotten how much God loves me and desires to spend time with me.  Sometimes I know I get so caught up in what needs to get done that I forget why I am doing it in the first place.  Have you ever been on your way to get something and forgotten why you were getting it? It's in those times where I just have to stop and ask God to remind me of why I need to do the things I do.  I have to stop, as I am doing right now (in the library lol) and remind myself that anything that I do that is not in the name of the Father is done in vain.  Even this paper, if I am doing it just to get done and not truly seeking how God can get the glory out of it, then its in vain.  So, I just wanted to remind us all how much He cares.  Whether we are top of our class or just making it, He cares.  Whether we got money in the bank or struggling to pay the bills, He cares.  Whether we are feeling sad and lonely or we are blessed to be around our loved ones, He cares.  Whether you know it or not, God cares! Enjoy!

 

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Renee Davis
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc.
Lambda Chapter
Vice President 2008-2009

Let the Man(God) speak!...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Valencia Caroline Thurman" <dsintrinsicforce@gmail.com>
Date: Mar 18, 2009 12:17 AM
Subject: Let the Man(God) speak!...
To: "DeAnna Rhodes" <deanna.rhodes@gmail.com>

It's wednesday of my last spring break as an undergraduate! I am serving with ASB in Detroit Michigan and I am having a great time. But of course...ministry is everywhere...

Matthew 10:16,19-20
Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:be ye therefore wise as serpents; and harmless as doves.
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak:for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Fatherwhich speaketh in you.

Omg! It's so hard to say and speak up when God wants you to! Even harder when you are in the midst of people who claim they love and live for God...now non-believers is a entirely different challenge.

He will speak! It's no exaggeration at all. He will put you in a place that seems so uncomfortable to speak up against what's wrong...but He won't leave you hanging...He will tell you exactly what to do and say! He just wants you to totally surrender yourself to Him and let Him speak...
just let the MAN speak!

He will defend you before evil triflin men...and not only defend you but your purpose on this earth. When ministry seems the hardest...when you are suppose to speak up and it seems so darn hard...He knows but He will just wait patiently for you to let Him Speak!

Pray for me as I step further into this calling...

Valencia Caroline Thurman
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority Inc.
Lambda Chapter President
Increasing Our F.O.L.D. Mark 4:3-8
Fervor-Obedience-Love-Discernment

Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars

This song and scripture has been ministering to me on various levels. Although we are fragile, although we make mistakes, although we are uncertain at times, GOD has instilled in us POWER and has CONFIDENCE in us that we will fulfill what it is that He has placed us here for. Despite what we may be going through, despite our financial situations, despite our academic situations, despite the economy, despite our relationships with family and friends, we have the capacity and ability to overcome! We are vessels full of power with a treasure from the LORD!


2 Corinthians 4 (New Living Translation)

Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars

1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

The Link to the video: "Corinthian Song by Micah Stampley"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUyB9LSf7RA&feature=related

Peace and Blessings,

Brann

Praying his will - by: G. Craige Lewis

Greetings! I came across this devotion and I felt like I had to share it!

The EX Daily Word for March 17, 2009

Praying his will

Matt. 6:25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-whether
you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more
than food and clothing?

Why are so many believers always praying for money? Our focus shouldn't just be
our bills or driving a nice car, but our focus should be moving up
the Spiritual ranks in God. We get so side tracked sometimes worrying
about bills and money, when God is trying to make us understand our
position in him. If we trust in him and know who we are, we should
begin to pray his will and spend our intimate time with him praying his
will instead of our agendas. You see, the bible never taught us to
pray for money because we should work jobs for that. The bible never told
us to pray for food and shelter, because he has already promised that.
So, we waste our time and effort focusing on things that are already
promised. When you pray, pray the will of God. Use your position of power
to change someone's life, to set someone in order and to lead someone
to Christ. Once you realize the position God has given you, you will
realize that the world needs you and what God put into you. Get
focused on the things that are important to God and you will receive
the natural things effortlessly.

Many churches and preachers have trained us to worry! They'll have prayer
lines for people that need money, they'll constantly tell people that
their financial miracle is on the way, and they'll make you feel bad when
you don't have the finer things in life. Sure we all want good things,
but THAT CANNOT BE OUR FOCUS! Our prayers should not be about money!
That is a slap in the face to God because he said if you need money,
work a job! God gave us formulas to get things but many men are
using their own formulas to sell books and videos instead of pushing
the truth of the Word! It's easy to write the 7 steps to this and the
5 steps to that in a book and sell it, but those are the steps it took
for the author to do it. God's formula is in the bible and it will
never change. Give and it shall be given! Seek and you will find!
Knock and it will be opened! Obey God and you will eat the fat of the
land. By the sweat of thy brow, will you work to provide food and shelter.
The bible is simple and yet man makes it very hard to follow at
times because they feel that there is so much that God didn't tell us.
Well, I got news for you today! God finished the work on Calvary and
your blessing, your breakthrough, and your miracle is already performed
for you. The day you give your heart to him and accept his plan for you
is the day that you receive everything that he has promised you! You
don't need steps, you don't need counseling, and you don't need
conferences! All you need is a personal relationship with him and to
live like he said live. Your prayers should be about his power, his plan
and his will being manifest in the earth, not money, clothes and shelter!
Don't insult God, but follow his plan. Seek him first and he will
add the things that belong to you.

Suggested Reading: Ex. 19:5, Jer. 11:4, Psa. 37:4 , Prov. 12:2, Matt
6:33

www.exministries.com
©2009 G. Craige Works All Rights Reserved

God's Guidance

"...Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long..."
- Psalm 25: 4-5

Show me your ways…Teach me your paths… Guide me in your truth.

Sometimes it can be hard to know where God would have us go. He will show us His ways, and teach us His paths and guide us in His truth, if we ask Him.

We need to pray and wait on the Lord 'expectantly'. Expect Him to answer you and show you clearly where to walk. And He will. The truth will always be our guide. The word of God is the best source of guidance. If we align our lives, our decisions, on the truth of God's word, we won't be led astray – or make the wrong choices.

Whatever guidance you need right now – ask God to show you, teach you and to guide you. You can be sure you won't be led down the wrong path.

The Lord will guide us every day
When we're in His word, and faithfully pray.

By M.S.Lowndes


--
Diane C. Bryce
Howard University
Bachelors of Science Candidate, May 2009
Dove Sister Fabergé
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc.
#4ΛFA08

Meditating on The Word

This is actually Monday's devotional and it comes from a CFaith Devotion. It is called Meditating on The Word and it's by Ron Luce

 

 

Meditating On The Word
By Ron Luce
 
"For all flesh [mankind] is like grass and all its glory (honor) like [the]flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower drops off. But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you" (1 Peter 1:24-25 AMP).

This Scripture tells us that God's Word will last forever. The clothes we own, the cars we drive, the houses we live in, and even our physical bodies will die away, but God's Word stands forever. To keep the edge, we must meditate in God's Word every day.

There are so many different ways of studying Scripture. You can study the lives of people in the Bible, such as Paul, Timothy, or David. You can study different topics the Bible addresses, such as salvation, grace, forgiveness, healing, or submission to authority.

Another very powerful key is to memorize Scripture. That might be a new concept for you. You probably haven't done that since Vacation Bible School, but a raging fire not only needs oxygen; it needs wood. And the Word of God is your fuel. By memorizing and meditating on Scripture, you give the fire more fuel to burn hotter and brighter.

One thing I encourage you to do is to look for the character of God in Scripture. This is how you really get to know Him and what His character is. Think about your friends. You have those who are just an acquaintance. You know each other, greet each other in the hallways, you may even sit near them at work or see them everyday on your way to work. But they're not your best friend. You don't share your deepest thoughts, hopes, and dreams with them. You don't really know them.

When you have a really good friend, you know them very well. If someone accuses them of doing wrong, you could say, "No, no, no. They'd never do that. I know them." Is it because you just know their name? No. It's because you know their character and personality. So how did you get to know them so well? Wasn't it by spending lots and lots of time with them, doing things together, and just sitting around talking about things?

Sometimes we talk about getting to know the Lord, but it seems like we're just grabbing the air! Do you know what God's like? Do you know His personality, His character, and His nature? Do you spend lots of time studying His Word, praying, and talking and communing with Him?

You meditate on the Word because you are on a quest to know God! When you read the Bible, always say, "God, show me Your character. Explain to me what You're like, what You don't like, and what You do like. I want to know You!" Getting to know Him is getting to know His character.

As you read your Bible, think about what God did, what He said, and why He did and said those things. He reveals Himself through Scripture. His character is not meant to be a deep, dark secret. He wants us to know Him. And when you read about Jesus, He said, "If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father" (See John 14:9). What you see in Jesus is what God is like.

Meditating and studying God's Word lets you know God, and that gives you the edge. The Word brings you life and you know it'll bring someone else life too!

Teen Mania Ministries All rights reserved.    

Becoming A Prayer Warrior

Pray Without Ceasing Lisa Birch I never wanted to be a prayer warrior.  Wife. Mother. Writer.  Absolutely.  Food taster or pro shopper? Sure, why not.  But prayer warrior? No.  I always associated the term with people who were either formal or religious. Yet today, wisdom teaches me that any true Christ follower would be foolish not to have the prayer-warrior aspiration.   Now I strive to be that person...the one who is serious about continually connecting with God. Contrary to my longtime belief, it's far simpler than having a strong command of traditional church jargon or proper King James English.  All it takes is a sincere heart that reaches out to stay plugged into His presence. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "pray without ceasing."  Not sporadically, but always.  I know it's impossible to literally stay on our knees all day long. But it is possible to dwell or commune with Him all day long. It goes beyond quiet time and worship services. It's what spills over into the rest of our day and our life.  I believe the true prayer warrior makes God his or her priority and seeks to live a life of worship. He or she should seek to abide in God's presence, or to pray without ceasing.  Here are some action reminders to help get us to that place:  Cover. We remember to pray for others, but we fail to cover ourselves. If we don't gird ourselves with the armor of God, how useful can we be to His Kingdom?   Intercede. How often do we humble ourselves to pray for our enemies? It's easy to pray for those we like, love and support.    Serve. If we're too busy to help someone else, are we truly seeking to be about God's business?  Praise. We praise God when we actually operate in the gifts and talents He has blessed us with.  Minister. God knows who He is, but He takes pleasure in us when we speak or sing praises to Him without asking for a thing. How often do we intentionally take the focus off of wish-list petitions to actually minister to the Lord...and not just in church?    Read. Get to know God better; spend time in His Word. A daily Bible-reading plan will keep you close.    Study. Further explore what you read to really engrave His Word in your heart. Once we truly get it, we can recall it. But if we're ignorant of God's Word, we're ignorant of His will.  Meditate. Find a scripture that resonates with you and ponder, recite and write it whenever you can. One of my favorites is Hebrews 13:8, which states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  We never have to wake up wondering is He still on the throne or did He change His mind about us.  Examine.  At every thought, decision or move we make, the question becomes, "Am I glorifying you, Lord, or glorifying me?"  Do a spiritual check-up regularly. Then be man or woman enough in that moment to make the appropriate adjustments in God's favor. Lean.  To trust in Him with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5) is to dwell with Him. We are fools the minute we trust ourselves over God (Proverbs 28:26). Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log ontowww.verticalfix.com. *Lisa Birch is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist. © Lisa Birch all rights reserved.

With Love In His Greater Service,
~ Min. Brittany Bibb
Breath of Life Ministries
Alpha Nu Omega, Inc
DS TRUST est.FA06
Lambda Chapter Sorority
2008-2009 Director of Ministry

A Prayer Warrior in Real Life (for 3-8-09)

www.StreamingFaith.com   Email: info@streamingfaith.com Phone: 1.866.335.2385

March 09, 2009   Pray Without Ceasing Lisa Birch I never wanted to be a prayer warrior.  Wife. Mother. Writer.  Absolutely.  Food taster or pro shopper? Sure, why not.  But prayer warrior? No.  I always associated the term with people who were either formal or religious. Yet today, wisdom teaches me that any true Christ follower would be foolish not to have the prayer-warrior aspiration.   Now I strive to be that person...the one who is serious about continually connecting with God. Contrary to my longtime belief, it's far simpler than having a strong command of traditional church jargon or proper King James English.  All it takes is a sincere heart that reaches out to stay plugged into His presence. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "pray without ceasing."  Not sporadically, but always.  I know it's impossible to literally stay on our knees all day long. But it is possible to dwell or commune with Him all day long. It goes beyond quiet time and worship services. It's what spills over into the rest of our day and our life.  I believe the true prayer warrior makes God his or her priority and seeks to live a life of worship. He or she should seek to abide in God's presence, or to pray without ceasing.  Here are some action reminders to help get us to that place:  Cover. We remember to pray for others, but we fail to cover ourselves. If we don't gird ourselves with the armor of God, how useful can we be to His Kingdom?   Intercede. How often do we humble ourselves to pray for our enemies? It's easy to pray for those we like, love and support.    Serve. If we're too busy to help someone else, are we truly seeking to be about God's business?  Praise. We praise God when we actually operate in the gifts and talents He has blessed us with.  Minister. God knows who He is, but He takes pleasure in us when we speak or sing praises to Him without asking for a thing. How often do we intentionally take the focus off of wish-list petitions to actually minister to the Lord...and not just in church?    Read. Get to know God better; spend time in His Word. A daily Bible-reading plan will keep you close.    Study. Further explore what you read to really engrave His Word in your heart. Once we truly get it, we can recall it. But if we're ignorant of God's Word, we're ignorant of His will.  Meditate. Find a scripture that resonates with you and ponder, recite and write it whenever you can. One of my favorites is Hebrews 13:8, which states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  We never have to wake up wondering is He still on the throne or did He change His mind about us.  Examine.  At every thought, decision or move we make, the question becomes, "Am I glorifying you, Lord, or glorifying me?"  Do a spiritual check-up regularly. Then be man or woman enough in that moment to make the appropriate adjustments in God's favor. Lean.  To trust in Him with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5) is to dwell with Him. We are fools the minute we trust ourselves over God (Proverbs 28:26). Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log ontowww.verticalfix.com. *Lisa Birch is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist. © Lisa Birch all rights reserved.

With Love In His Greater Service,
~ Min. Brittany Bibb
Breath of Life Ministries
Alpha Nu Omega, Inc
DS TRUST est.FA06
Lambda Chapter Sorority
2008-2009 Director of Ministry

Enjoy the Season

Enjoying your season. Often times when God puts us in difficult places or even blessed places we're busy trying to figure out the meaning of the season. Asking God questions like: why am I here? How long will I be here God? Where do I go after I leave this place? We miss what God has for us during the season. We miss what we are supposed to get out of that specific time. If God has called you to be still, then be still. If God has called you to move, then move. If God has called you to speak, speak, to be quiet then be silent. The question we should be asking God during our season is: what is it that you have for me to do right here right now? And if He tells you to do something you're not comfortable doing sincerely ask Him for help and He will give it to you. Jesus asked God for help during His time of trouble as well and likewise we can also go to the Father.

--
Samara Pearson
Parliamentarian
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority Inc. Lambda Chapter

404 423-4081
exquisite06@gmail.com

Shake yourself LOOSE!!!

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

 ¹⁴Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? ¹⁵What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[b]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."^[c]
 17"Therefore come out from them
      and be separate, says the Lord.
   Touch no unclean thing,
      and I will receive you."^[d]
 18"I will be a Father to you,
      and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."^[e]

2 Corinthians 7

 ¹Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

If you can honestly say that your friends or your partner is not helping to lift you to a higher level in Christ...you may not be equally yoked. If you tend to compromise who you are in God and you put your ministry on the line when associating with certain people...then you may have attached yourself to people that you are not equally yoked with.

 

Oft times we grow apart from certain people and certain crowds. This does not mean you turn your face from them in disgrace because you have moved up the "relationship with God ladder"...no you find opportunities to minister...but please TAKE HEED unless YE Fall!

 

In this scripture Paul admits YES it is hard to be around those who are unbelievers but it is our job  to be a light and not a hinderance. If you claim to be sold out for Christ don't do things that will confuse the unbeliever or compromise the lifestyle that you should live as a Christians. God also is showing me that when my friends who are believers get caught up and fall behind I must truly seek His face and help pull them out....all the while hoping they will do the same for me if I am ever stuck and can't shake myself LOOSE!

--
Dove Sister Valencia Caroline Thurman
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority Inc. President
Lambda Chapter, Howard University

Increasing our F.O.L.D.
Fervor-Obedience-Love-Discernment

"I am ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the ALMIGHTY" Revelations 1:8

To Love, to Be Loved

1 John 4:17-18 (The Message)

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

I do personal devotions (outside from donuts and devotions) every week. Last week the topic was on LOVE. From reading the scripture we can understand a few things about God and its correlation with love.

1. God IS love, or God=Love

2. When we commit to a life of transformation and renewing of the mind, we establish our covenant with God. Hence, allowing Him to use us and for us to call upon Him. Notice how it states "permanent residence." Not, rent, a lease, etc. PERMANENT resident = Home = Stability.

3. In love there is no room for worry or fear. When you love someone, you TRUST them. You don't worry about shoulda, coulda, wouldas. It's a form of respect. And with love, a friendship is first established. So question, do you fear your friends? Your lover? Etc.

4. If Love (which is God) is not top priority on our list there is NO way that we are fully developed in God. There is no way that we are allowing Him to take full reign in our lives nor are we able to exude love to others.

To have a better understanding of what Love (God) is, here is a familiar scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)
God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails.

So, my dear friends, if God is love and we have taken a PERMANENT residence in God, are we the equivalent to love? Can you take out the word "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and replace it with your name?

We talk a lot about loving each other and being sisters; however, if you don't know what love is how can you fully exude love? It's not until you look in the mirror and challenge yourself because if God is in you, love is too.

I leave with my ring back tone (which is referring to God and not some random guy lol):
"God is kind when the world is cold. God stays strong with the fight gets old. God's a shoulder to lean on, God's in YOU!"

Love and Peace,

Brann

Get Down!

Worth Devotions- worthydevotions.com

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

The captain of a submarine was once asked, “How did the terrible storm last night affect you?” The officer looked at him in surprise and exclaimed, “Storm? We didn’t even know there was one!”

There is an area beneath the surface of the ocean known to sailors as the “cushion of the sea”. In this place, although the ocean may be raging terribly above, the waters here are never stirred.

I think you know where I’m going with this. There is a place, a wonderful place, we can go to find refuge during the frightening storms raging above us — a place where we don’t feel a thing — no fear, no worry for tomorrow.

Let’s get down there today. Let’s find that perfect peace the Lord intends for every one who trusts in Him. There’s so much work to be done!

Look forward to seeing you in that place!
Love,
Angel

Are you willing?

No one stays in love by chance, it is by WORK.
And no one falls out of love by chance, it is by CHOICE.

How much are you willing to work to remain in love with Him?

Love,

Angel Vosburgh

DS Fidelity