2008 May - Faith

A girl went to a party and she ended up staying longer than planned, her boyfriend got drunk and passed ..outand had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away around the corner of 4th & 16th.

As she walked along passing "MacDonalds" Mary asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger.
When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it.
However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her.

She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection.
Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her.
When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.

Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep.
Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this
young woman, she decided to go to the police station.

She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story.
The police asked her if she would be willing to look
at a lineup to see if she could identify him.
She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before.

When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed.
The officer thanked Mary for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her.
She asked if they would ask the man one question.

Mary was curious as to why he had not attacked her.
When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."
Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're never alone.
Did you know that 98% of teenagers will not stand up for God?
And you, do you truly believe in God... ?

2008 July - Inspirational

2008 May - God is cool

Keepsakes

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

This is out of Duane DOG Chapman's book:
"I clicked the television on and listened to an evangelical preacher give a sermon while I unpacked. As I reached for the remote to change the channel, I heard the preacher say 'I have a feeling there's someone out there whose very existence is about to change. He has a checkered past, perhaps a criminal. You never thought you could turn your life around, but you can. I am here to tell you the Lord has raised His hand and said, 'Be healed. For you shall serve Me, as a messenger of My word and faith.' If you can hear me, son, the Lord has asked me to tell you to trust His mighty plan. you must honor His wishes, and you shall be greatly rewarded for your service.' That message was for me. I could feel it through the TV. The hand of God had touched my heart. The Lord was telling me to stay righteous."

Internet negativity
I have had so much fun on MySpace since I first made a profile about 6 months ago!! I've rediscovered some wonderful old friends from my youth. It's as if I am reassembling all the lost parts of myself. Also I used it to stay in touch with my student friends who scattered to the winds over the summer and after graduation. I find myself checking my MySpace at least once a day and being delighted to find a little something pleasurable waiting there for me every time. However, I've now had my first ugly experience. Recently, I had a misunderstanding with a young friend, who sent me an unpleasant message over myspace, then removed me from her top friends, then deleted me entirely. Isn't it interesting that we can use this social networking site as a tool NOT ONLY to build one another up, but also to tear one another down? How sad! I am guessing that other people may be used to this sort of thing? Not me! I want to log on eagerly anticipating the good things. If I ever begin to dread what I may find, I'll stop using myspace. It's that simple. I'm too old for the other kind of drama anyway. In general, I urge everyone to use MySpace in a fun friendly way. We have face-to-face encounters for the other stuff. And if you express yourself better in writing than in person (I know I do), there's always pen & paper. Thank you to all my friends for the kindness I have found every other time I've logged on! Let's continue to build one another up, make one another stronger and more confident so we can better handle the real problems out there.

 

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

 

Bank account
I have just deposited love
and blessings
into your bank account
and the best part is
that it will cost you nothing
I ask that you just use it in abundance
Your pin number is: J-E-S-U-S
*IMPORTANT NOTICE*
If you lost your pin,
you lose everything
Make a deposit
into someone else's account today
May your trouble be less
Your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
Come through that door

I always loved this one by Pastor Joel Osteen:

This is my bible
I am what it says I am.
I have what it says I have.
I can do what it says I can do.
Today I will be taught the Word of God.
I boldly confess, my mind is alert,
my heart is receptive.
I will never be the same.I am about to receive
the incorruptible, indestructible,
ever-living seed of the Word of God.
I will never be the same.
Never, never, never.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus name.
Amen.

2008 May - Joyce Meyer visits Germany - photos

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery2.php?instanceid=86802081

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2008 May - Joyce Meyer visits Germany

We popped into that first conference at 9:05 pm (it started at 7 pm). We got seated in the rear, in a packed hall with about 7000 people of various kinds of skin colours, nations, and religions. Joyce was standing there on top of the stage, badly translated by some German lady, who spoke like the pope himself (unctuous, and exactly the reason why I don't like to go to our local church any longer...) :( We had a hard time to fade her out *sigh*

And the funny thing is, as soon as we entered the room, she was talking about the stuff we listened to on our way to Essen, Germany ('you are in a hurry, and God's not'). So she spoke about rocking our box, being fruitful, not busy. As if she could read our thoughts!

It was followed by her invitation for the people there to become born again christians, to come forward to the stage. Hundreds of people came forward to the stage, and she prayed with them and for them, and afterwards the staff, and helpers wrote down people's names, talked to them.

For that evening that was it, we saw tables out there, which were covered with her DVD's, CD's, books etc.

We left our hotel at around 7:30 am, got there just in time. A big line was waiting in front of closed doors. But everybody was (tired) peacefully waiting, the line crossed the street up to the parking lot, until one black British guy said something like 'dear fellow christians, please stand on the sideway, don't block the cars'... It was such a good mood there, not one single bad word spoken! At 8:15 am we could finally enter. We got a seat in the 5th row, on the left hand side. There were 3 big screens on the stage, and a couple of tv monitors.

Patiently we waited until it started at 10 am. There were some places reserved, for I don't know whom, right in front of the stage. And one very unfriendly lady didn't let us sit down there. In front of us were British and German people seated, behind us some Turkish. I could spot out Dutch, Spanish, Africans, and French as well.

At 10 am Delirious started with 3 songs of worship. It's a rockband, all kinds of young people ran to the stage, started jumping and singing, we were asked to rise and join the singing. Which wasn't hard to do, because they had the lyrics running past the screens. The songs had such an impact on me, and on the others, too! You could tell the singer ment, yeah felt, what he sang about, each song was a prayer in some unique way. One time, to the song 'rain down' they had lightning and rain pouring over the screens, it faded into the singers face, while the lyrics was running below his face, it was soooooooo cool!

While the 3rd song was being sung, I could spot Joyce and Dave and one of their sons at the side of the stage, Joyce and Dave holding hands, both singing out loud, raising their hands. We all were supposed to join hands, lift 'em up in the air, singing 'here I am, send me' and 'I could sing of your love forever'. It was awsome! And another one (inside outside) sang about 'captivate me, saturate me, fascinate me'.

We were fascinated by one old British guy in front of us, he started jumping and singing, praysing the Lord, as if he would be 17 years young! After a big applause, and after the young ones sat back down, Joyce held a big speech about donating to the ministry, and that they will use the money to reach out to the Arab and Eastern countries, as well as Africa, to spread the word of the Gospel. Because it isn't possible to get into those countries, but the tv stations can. The Turkish behind us went almost nuts, applauding... Then we watched two videos about starving children in the world, they showed the countries the money will be used on, and Joyce introduced the new CEO of the German branch in Hamburg, a tall guy named David. It was so funny when he stood beside her, 'cause she's so little, and he was even taller than Dave! She said they wanted someone who would be easily spoted. It was hilarious, everybody laughed. The bad translator was there again. And it really bugged me, because she copied the movements of Joyce, she stood in the center of the stage with her, instead of taking herself back. She translated a lot of stuff wrong, and not simultaneously, but after Joyce, and in ways Joyce didn't mean it at all! Terrible. But I understand that it's too expensive to put out 7000 headphones! Well, I wanted to hear the original ..(

My friend still believes that Joyce said, who doesn't believe in God and the bible, will go to the devil later on. I haven't heard that at all, I don't think she would have said something like that, to not offend people. But I don't have a problem with that, my friend did on the other hand. Guess when I get the ordered tape of the conference I can prove that she didn't say it.

Furthermore she said, and I heard her for the first time saying something like that, that it isn't enough to just join her ministry, listening to her teachings, that everyone of us should be involved in our local churches. I didn't like to hear that. :( Because our boring priests and sermons are the reason why I am listening to Joyce in the first place...

Btw the starving children tape wasn't supposed to be shown, that's when we got to see Joyce and Dave's son. And some speaker at the beginning told us that for just that day we could buy her DVD's 3 for the price of 2, just this one day, like it's done in the US at the conferences. So I did. I bought myself 'how to read the bible', 'think about what you're thinking about', and 'are you ready for a change yourself?'. Plus the Delirious CD+DVD. I couldn't find that 'captivate me...' thing on it though. :(

Finally she started preaching. About getting out of our box, about being fruitful, not busy, but the most important message was the following...
- use the inbetween times, and
- don't care about your religion, be a christian!

With inbetween times she referred to young kids, and people age 25 and under. She said she hates it when 10-year-olds are asked what they wanna be, once they grew up. Or that people try to accomplish their goals, and waste the time until they get there! Because as soon as this one goal or destination is reached, there is a new one coming up. And she is so right! So be fruitful during these inbetween times!

And she said she doesn't want people to be put in boxes, she doesn't ask people, or she doesn't want to be asked by people, which religion she belongs to, or they belong. That is of none interest at all. She teaches the Gospel, and wants people to be christians, all the time, and in every way they can! That is the only thing important to her. I agree. That should be the way to look at things.

I can't think of any other messages/teachings that day, due to my illness. When I can think of more, I will let you know, as soon as it comes to mind again.

To our both regret she didn't say goodbye, she did her born again christian thing again, this time asking the helpers to come to the stage first, then she invited the people, Delirious came on the stage one more time. Afterwards they left too, didn't say fare well or goodbye either, which was sad for us, because we had to leave then. But everybody was invited to attend in the evening at 7 pm again, which we couldn't, regrettably.

We left the hall, went to the tables outside, where coffee and cake was offered. There were many of her newsletters, but just in German. At the tables was all her stuff, people stood side by side, in peace, everyone was patient, waited for his or her time to come, to pick something out, or just look at things. We could pre-order the tape of the conference, and it was several bugs cheaper, than ordering via the internet. And eventhough the bad translator will be on it, and maybe the band won't be shown, I ordered it! As a memory.

Afterwards we left pretty quick, even at the parking lot everybody was so peaceful, like I've never experienced anywhere else. We found our way to the highway, made a short stop in the city of Cologne. To check out 'Glockengasse No. 10' where the perfume 4711 comes from ;-)
All the way back we listened to the Delirious CD. At home I watched the Delirious DVD.

This all was such a big blast! I have never experienced so much faith at one spot! God was amongst us, I could feel it right there! We were in unity with Him, we all became ONE! Great people, great sound, great teaching!

I can just recommend you to go to one of her conferences. It's worth it.

God bless you.
Amen.

2008 May - I Sold my Soul on eBay

Offering soul, seeking God!.:

This book title about describes my frame of mind at the time…

I mean, I always believed that there's a God. I grew up baptised as a Roman Catholic Christian. But not until too long ago, I've experienced that there really is a God, and that most people are angry at him. Angry because he doesn't do what they want Him to do, and not as fast as they'd like it to happen. But let me tell you, that's not what it's about! You don't give God deadlines, and you just don't blackmail Him to do things for you. God works in mysterious ways, which means that there won't be a lightning bolt and no miraculous wonder will take place when He complies with your wishes…

The deeper I dive into faith, belief, however you wish to call it, the more astounded I am about really which tough guys are believers as I am too! Duane Chapman, Juergen Fuerwitt (called Jay from ADK), Collin Bell, Delirious? and so on, and so forth!

In my brain there's still this picture of this misery stricken Christian, not being happy about having to admit that he believes in something Higher. I've experienced all my life that believing is boring, that we can't smile about it, nor admit it in public, nor having fun at church, because that's how the Roman Catholic Church feels to me, and lots of other people too btw.

Back in 1997 I've asked (knowingly) for God's help. I ran to the ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />

San Luis Obispo Mission Church two consecutive weeks in a row. Each and every day I've prayed 'Please Lord let him see that he has to change, that he is doing wrong. Please give him a sign!' Well, what can I say? After two weeks I understood that I had to change my circumstances, because he wouldn't change! It was I who had to do something. And I did how the Lord had asked me to do. I packed up my stuff, sold all my belongings to pay for my attorney, grabbed my child and off to Germany (home) I went. And let me assure you: there was no wonder happening, no dove flying past my head, there was no miracle happening in front of me! There was just a feeling, a thin voice deep inside of me AND HE ANSWERED MY PRAYER! As I type this my eyes begin to water again, because it's such an unknown, overwhelming feeling. What I want to say: listen to HIM, and watch out for His messenger! It could be your next door neighbour giving you a hint, or just saying something that makes you think, or feel all of a sudden. Nobody is going to come and take you by the hand. You need to do something, nobody else!

Next time I was asking for God's help in the year 2005 (and that was not for me, but for my old mother). I was just diagnosed with a life threatening disease (so I thought), and I felt I was about to die, and someone just had to take care of my old mother, when that would happen. And *wham* my miracle happened! I went to the hospital's chapel and gave thanks to the Lord, our saviour! I went and prayed there with a friend, who is in a much worse health wise position, than I ever was. And what can I tell you? God granted my wish. He provided new housing for my old mother. The government even pays for it. And if her health turns worse than it is right now, she's well taken care of. The social workers are prepared to offer continuous and further help with all medical AND social needs for the elderly there. Now what do you say? What a coincidence? No way!

When I asked God to back me up with a person I wanted to break up – HE took care of the situation. I never had to deal with this person again. *wham*

When I prayed to the Lord up above to make life easier on me, that I could work less hours, have more money, have my depths taken care of, have a nicer environment to live in, that He would handle even my fight against a big phone company – He took care of it!!!

(John 10,10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Joyce explained the meaning: …but I will come so you'll enjoy, and have an overflowing, abundant life, to its fullest!

You don't receive, because you don't ask! But He has the bigger picture. He who resides in heaven works on His own time schedule. And beware of what you ask him for, because it just might come true…

What I mean? Well I asked – to tell you the whole truth – for 25.000 Euros. But they weren't just simply on my bank account, or as a cheque in my mail. No!

In my specific case, having more time for my family and friends meant that I got seriously ill. Which made me be retired now, two years later, yes. But through that my insurances had and have to pay and provide my income, pay off my loan. I have a good way of living now, lots of time on my hands to think about how I want to spend the rest of my life. So the money flows in little chunks, but I don't have to worry about the money situation ever again! And if you would add it all up, yeah, it might be an estimated 25 grand, I don't exactly know.

That's not how I meant I to be 'having more time, having to work less' *lol*

But it did come true!

(Zechariah 9,12) Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; Joyce taught: you will be paid back double, receive doubled blessings for former troubles, worries, difficulties, promised by God!

Sure other 'things' I've asked for haven't come true. But I think God just has another plan for my life? As I wrote: He works on His time schedule, not mine, and He has the bigger picture.

What did I have to do? Just BELIEVE!!! I'd highly recommend you to do the same!

(John 11,40) Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Joyce puts it this way: believe and you will see the whole set-out, the whole glory of God!

Furthermore, my mother plays in the lottery each and every week I can recall, and she says she has a miserable life, too. First of all I think she doesn't win, because she doesn't pray, and because she doesn't appreciate her little money she wins each and every time (about 2 to 10 bugs usually), and secondly, why doesn't she start having fun finally? She just has this one life, and it'll be over too soon anyway, like all our lives will be over too quickly. I believe she doesn't receive, because she's not thankful for what she has, and because she doesn't ask the Lord for it. So why should God give her more  if she's so discontent with what she has now? Do you agree? That might just be the answer to one of my unanswered prayers as well. I might not be too thankful in this one point myself. Or again, He has other plans for my life. Who knows?

I can't really recall how, but somehow I've come across 'Joyce Meyer'. She's my favourite American preacher. I still feel that the German church is so 'unctuous', plain boring. And I still refuse and shudder when I actually have to set a foot into our local church. But Joyce has set my head straight: I should go there, get involved at the local church, because I love God so much, not for any other reason.

Sure, what my friend Misty told me, made me be afraid. She said the bible says that the Lord will come back to earth during our lifetime. What now, if I'm not ready, if I'm going straight to hell then, because of my mistakes, instead of going to heaven? Well, I guess I will find out. But until then I will just simply continue to explore my faith, study the bible, and continue to speak about my good experiences with the Lord!

Oh yes, I was angry at times too, when the Lord took away my sister from me, three years ago. But he must have had the bigger picture back then already, that's why she wasn't supposed to have children, I guess. She didn't believe in God, she has left the church! If that had something to do with it, I don't know? I can just pray that she went to heaven nevertheless, but I just don't know. After her funeral I went to church and prayed for her, that the Lord would take care of her no matter what.

Here in MySpace I read for the first time the word 'agnostic', and I still can't find a translation for it. I was told it means 'undecided' about faith matters. Go figure that. And I thought 'atheist' is bad. How can people do that? Just to save taxes?

Joyce said last week: you should be worried if Satan doesn't tempt you. Then he might just not be interested in you. To me that says: you're not worth the fight, you're on my side anyway. Bad, huh?

Bayless Conley, Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar should be mentioned in this context also. They are preachers I like a whole lot! But Joyce is just the best, I think.

As you might be able to tell, I'm still in the middle of all this, but it makes me feel so extremely good to tell you all about it. And believe me, there's more to come…

Sending you God's blessings:

Regina

2009 August - Why go to church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday (or Saturday) 'I've gone for 30 years now,'he wrote,'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!' When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're done reading, if you're of a mind, send it on! I think everyone should read this!
'When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,'Jesus, could you get that for me?'

Thx Misty  for posting this!