T.L. Hawkins's Posts - Black Preaching Network2024-03-28T14:36:30ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkinshttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/61474020?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://abcpreachers.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=0vnb2usa56cc3&xn_auth=noTHANK YOU!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-10-19:916966:BlogPost:10562872009-10-19T19:45:28.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
THANKS TO ALL MY BPN FAMILY WHO HAVE KEPT ME IN THEIR PRAYERS!
THANKS TO ALL MY BPN FAMILY WHO HAVE KEPT ME IN THEIR PRAYERS!THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUStag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-07-23:916966:BlogPost:8832822009-07-23T21:31:44.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS<br />
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At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to death penalty.<br />
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That was then the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals could die like Jesus. And with Jesus things were worst, because not all the criminals condemned to death could receive nails on their hands and feet.<br />
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Of course, nails... Big nails! Each was 15 a 20 cm long, with a point of 6 cm. Another point was…
THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS<br />
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At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to death penalty.<br />
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That was then the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals could die like Jesus. And with Jesus things were worst, because not all the criminals condemned to death could receive nails on their hands and feet.<br />
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Of course, nails... Big nails! Each was 15 a 20 cm long, with a point of 6 cm. Another point was sharp.<br />
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The nails were craved into the pulses, and not into the palms, as we are used to hear.. In the pulse, there's a tendon which extends to the shoulder, and when the nails were being hammered, that tendon broke, obliging Jesus to reinforce all the muscles of his back, so that he could breath as He was losing all the air from his lungs.<br />
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In this way, He was forced to support Himself onto the nail craved in his feet, which was bigger than those craved into his pulses, for both feet were craved together. And, as his feet could not endure for long time without tearing, Jesus was forced to alternate that "cycle" so that He could breath.<br />
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Jesus endured that reality for over 3 hours.<br />
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Yes, over 3 hours! Long time, isn't it? Few minutes before He died, Jesus was not bleeding anymore.<br />
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He was simply pouring water from his cuts and holes.<br />
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When we imagine Him injured, we only picture Him with injuries, but it is not enough; His wounds were true holes, made in his body.<br />
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He had no more blood to bleed, He only poured water.<br />
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Human body is composed of nearly 3.5 litres of blood (for adult).<br />
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Jesus poured all 3.5 litres of his blood; He had three nails hammered into his members; a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who nailed a spear into his chest.<br />
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All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying his own cross for almost 2 kilometres, while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where his hands were nailed).<br />
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Jesus had to pass all this experience, so that you can have free access to God.<br />
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So that your sins could be "washed" away. All of them, with no exception! Don't ignore this situation. HE DIED FOR YOU! For you, who now read this e-mail. Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to the church or for pastors, bishops, etc).<br />
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He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes or foolish photos by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried of what they may think about your morals.<br />
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Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.<br />
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God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you. Now think about this! May God bless your life!<br />
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Yes, I love God. He is my source of life and my saviour. He keeps me alive day and night.<br />
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Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". Philippians 4:13.<br />
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________________________________________PUBLICLY DECLARE YOUR FAITH!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-24:916966:BlogPost:8324612009-06-24T16:18:28.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Dear Called Out Ones,<br />
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Around the world, millions of Christians are deprived of the basic freedom all Americans can share - they cannot openly express their faith.<br />
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In parts of Asia, committed Christians risk their freedom and even their lives if they declare their faith. In the United Kingdom, militant atheists are calling for the public to participate in "de-baptisms" to revoke their Christian faith.<br />
Will America be next?<br />
<br />
We are calling on a quarter of a million Christians across the United…
Dear Called Out Ones,<br />
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Around the world, millions of Christians are deprived of the basic freedom all Americans can share - they cannot openly express their faith.<br />
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In parts of Asia, committed Christians risk their freedom and even their lives if they declare their faith. In the United Kingdom, militant atheists are calling for the public to participate in "de-baptisms" to revoke their Christian faith.<br />
Will America be next?<br />
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We are calling on a quarter of a million Christians across the United States and beyond to sign a declaration of Christian faith and mark our freedom to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
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We want to show the world how important it is to be able to share the Christian faith and that starts with publicly declaring 'I am a Christian'. Sign the declaration today, and enjoy the freedom we have to call ourselves Christians.<br />
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Make your declaration now!<br />
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http://www.iamachristian.info/<br />
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(Copy and paste this link in your browser)<br />
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<br />
Peter Kerridge<br />
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"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect". 1 Peter 3:1<br />
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"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16WHY does God allow us to go through pain??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-16:916966:BlogPost:8106162009-06-16T22:30:00.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
You may have heard this before and then again, maybe you haven't.<br />
I for one believe this is one of the BEST explanations/ answers to the question....<br />
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<b>WHY does God allow us to go through pain?</b><br />
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A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.<br />
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.<br />
They talked about so many things and various subjects.<br />
When they eventually touched on the subject of…
You may have heard this before and then again, maybe you haven't.<br />
I for one believe this is one of the BEST explanations/ answers to the question....<br />
<br />
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<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/71470844?profile=original" alt="" width="458" height="443"/></p>
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<b>WHY does God allow us to go through pain?</b><br />
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A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.<br />
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.<br />
They talked about so many things and various subjects.<br />
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:<br />
"I don't believe that God exists."<br />
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.<br />
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.<br />
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?<br />
Would there be abandoned children?<br />
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.<br />
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."<br />
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.<br />
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop<br />
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.<br />
He looked dirty and unkept. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:<br />
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."<br />
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.<br />
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"<br />
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because<br />
if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."<br />
"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."<br />
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, <b>DOES</b> exist!<br />
That's what happens when people <b>do not</b> go to Him and don't look to Him for help.<br />
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<i><b>That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."</b></i><br />
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BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS !!!!!!! Let them know there IS a true and living God!Trial?.....Test?....Reminder?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-12:916966:BlogPost:8005502009-06-12T16:37:32.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
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<b>Jeremiah 32:27</b> (KJV)<br />
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27) Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?<br />
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Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible to understand?<br />
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Have you ever questioned the purpose of your trials?<br />
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Have you ever asked the question: "Lord, why ME"?<br />
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Have you ever said " I don't know what to do or how to do it. Lord, I need you to HELP me!"?<br />
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Luke 12:12 (KJV) promises....<br />
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12) For the Holy Ghost shall…
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<b>Jeremiah 32:27</b> (KJV)<br />
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27) Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?<br />
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Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible to understand?<br />
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Have you ever questioned the purpose of your trials?<br />
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Have you ever asked the question: "Lord, why ME"?<br />
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Have you ever said " I don't know what to do or how to do it. Lord, I need you to HELP me!"?<br />
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Luke 12:12 (KJV) promises....<br />
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12) For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.<br />
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Some of us have probably asked these questions countless times. We tend to jump into situations and then find ourselves in over our heads. <b>IN TOO DEEP</b>!<br />
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Have you ever taken a test where you went in thinking to yourself that you will ace the test, then, when you get the test and look over the questions, you say to yourself "this isn't what I studied"?<br />
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Life is pretty much the same way sometimes. Tests (trials) come and we go in thinking "we" have it all under control until we realize we're unprepared and didn't study the right material.<br />
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These tests are to prove that <b>GOD</b> is NEEDED in your life.<br />
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Have you ever experienced trials so difficult in your life to the point where there was only ONE thing you could do to get through the situation? I'm talking where situations have you so "low" that you only have ONE way to look, and that's UP! I know somebody knows exactly where I'm coming from. Those times where you couldn't count on anyone to assist you or even give you an encouraging word. No family, friends or associates. Just out there feeling like you're in sinking sand.<br />
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<b>Psalm 121:1-3</b> (KJV)<br />
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1) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2) <b>My help cometh from the LORD</b>, which made heaven and earth. 3)He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: <b>he that keepeth thee will not slumber</b>.<br />
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It is at these times that God reminds us that it is him that keeps us. It is him that protects us. It is him that guides us. It is him that makes things possible for us. It is him that we should put our trust in. It is him that we should depend on.<br />
Trials come to make us strong and are usually tests of our faith in God.Tests are the sometimes not so subtle reminders from the Most High....." YOU NEED HIM" in ALL that you do!<br />
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Thought for today: Sometimes, man learns wisdom through suffering. Let your experiences be lessons and learn from them whether they be good, bad or indifferent.<br />
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Be Blessed and <i>remember</i> to <b>BE</b> a blessing.A SPECIAL THANKS TO YOU!!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-04:916966:BlogPost:7795932009-06-04T22:30:00.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
<b>THIS IS A BPN EXCLUSIVE !!!</b><br />
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<b>THIS IS A BPN EXCLUSIVE !!!</b><br />
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AS A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS:<br />
<br />
FOR A LIMITED TIME, ALL MEMBERS OF BLACK PREACHING NETWORK CAN NOW RECEIVE THE FIRST RADIO SINGLES FOR:<br />
<br />
<b>RON STAPLES of THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY</b><br />
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http://www.blackpreachingnetwork.com/profile/RonStaples<br />
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Be Blessed and remember to <b>BE</b> a blessing!IF?....What if?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-03:916966:BlogPost:7757392009-06-03T20:35:38.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
I have just <b>ONE</b> question I would like to ask.<br />
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You can respond with or without scripture.<br />
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The question is plain and simple:<br />
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<b>IF</b> you were to be arrested for being a follower of the Most High, hearer AND doer of the word, obedient to the Laws..etc.<br />
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<b>WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU</b>?<br />
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You are more than welcome to elaborate on your answer !<br />
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Be Blessed and remember to BE a blessing!
I have just <b>ONE</b> question I would like to ask.<br />
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You can respond with or without scripture.<br />
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The question is plain and simple:<br />
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<b>IF</b> you were to be arrested for being a follower of the Most High, hearer AND doer of the word, obedient to the Laws..etc.<br />
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<b>WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU</b>?<br />
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You are more than welcome to elaborate on your answer !<br />
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Be Blessed and remember to BE a blessing!THE RETURN!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-06-03:916966:BlogPost:7745142009-06-03T15:00:00.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
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Imagine if you will.....<br />
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You are in your car driving home............<br />
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Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you <i>want</i> to know.. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has…
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Imagine if you will.....<br />
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You are in your car driving home............<br />
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Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you <i>want</i> to know.. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League Baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. What they see, and what you see, has <b>NEVER</b> been seen before.<br />
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As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part.<br />
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A brilliant light spills onto the earth.<br />
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There are no shadows.<br />
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None.<br />
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From every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.<br />
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North. South. East. West.<br />
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Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY... The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four (24) silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.<br />
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Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is.........<br />
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<b>JESUS</b>.<br />
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Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration:<br />
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"<b>I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA</b> !".<br />
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The angels bow their heads...<br />
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The elders remove their crowns....<br />
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And before you is a figure <i>so</i> consuming that you know, instantly you know: <i>Nothing</i> else matters... Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. <i>Nothing</i> is newsworthy... All that mattered, matters no more......<br />
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For Christ has come.<br />
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<u>Thought for today:</u><br />
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It may not happen the way it was described here on these web pages, however, it WILL happen.<br />
Are you prepared?<br />
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The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its end.<br />
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MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU ALL !A LESSON IN LOVE!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-19:916966:BlogPost:7258592009-05-19T14:04:25.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
May 19, 2009<br />
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<i>Love That Changes Lives</i><br />
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Written by <b>Mary Southerland</b> (Crosswalk: Girlfriends in God)<br />
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Today's Truth<br />
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<b>"So encourage each other and give each other strength." 1 Thessalonians 5:11</b><br />
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<b><u>Friend To Friend</u></b><br />
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I will never forget the day I learned just how powerful words can be and their capability to teach and train from the hand of possibly the most abrasive person I have ever met as well as one of the kindest young girls to grace my life. The first…
May 19, 2009<br />
<br />
<i>Love That Changes Lives</i><br />
<br />
Written by <b>Mary Southerland</b> (Crosswalk: Girlfriends in God)<br />
<br />
Today's Truth<br />
<br />
<b>"So encourage each other and give each other strength." 1 Thessalonians 5:11</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Friend To Friend</u></b><br />
<br />
I will never forget the day I learned just how powerful words can be and their capability to teach and train from the hand of possibly the most abrasive person I have ever met as well as one of the kindest young girls to grace my life. The first thirteen years of ministry found my husband, Dan, and I working with teenagers as youth pastors in three different churches. Before our children were born, I was his right hand girl -- attending every youth event, teaching bible studies, directing the youth choir and loving every minute of ministry at his side. Teenagers flowed in and out of our house at all hours of the day and night, some coming for help and others for fun.<br />
<br />
The youth to whom we ministered came primarily from homes that seemed to be healthy and whole. I quickly learned that outer trappings often masquerade inner ruin. A young man named Jack (names have been changed to protect the guilty) joined our youth group, having recently moved to the area because, as he put it, "My parents like to move a lot." That should have been my first clue.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, Jack worked hard at making friends and seemed content to go with the flow - until the day he decided that the stream of life was flowing in the wrong direction and it was up to him to redirect its course. The mask came off and the façade quickly crumbled. Standing before me was the real deal -- a genuine, authentic sandpaper person of the coarsest degree. It started with little things -- a friendly shove, caustic comments masquerading as sarcasm, words of darkness and destruction a fast growing and constant stream. Other teenagers began coming to Dan or to me, sharing their concern and eventually disgust at Jack's antics. I talked to Jack. Dan talked to Jack. Together we prayed for Jack and urged the other youth to join us. Nothing seemed to change. As a last ditch effort, we drafted two of our most mature youth to take Jack under their wing and mentor him. Jack did not want to be mentored.<br />
<br />
During one Monday night bible study, Dan asked one of those mentors to sing a solo. Jami was a redheaded freckled face girl whose sparkling blue eyes and contagious dimpled grin did not convey the constant pain she suffered as a victim of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Jami never complained, always sharing her faith in God and His goodness to her. Everyone loved her and the pure voice with which she sang but as she stood to sing, Jack began laughing, pointing and whispering to the people around him. Their lack of response fueled his fire, upping the ante for Jack to win this battle and capture center stage. With desperate questioning eyes, Jami looked at me, silently begging me to rescue her and the situation. I smiled the most encouraging smile I could muster, hoping it would be enough. It wasn't. I looked back at Jack, delivering my famous and usually feared "shape up or die" glare -- all to no avail. Dan asked, "Jack, are you ready to hear Jamie sing?" Well, that did it! Jack erupted into uproarious laughter, "Sing? Have you heard her sing? She sounds like a frog -- not to mention the fact that she walks funny!" Every ounce of oxygen was sucked out of the room. Everyone froze, except Jami, who fled in tears. From the faces of those youth sitting around Jack, I could tell that well-deserved revenge was close at hand as they began loading their emotional guns and sharpening their retaliation knives. Wanting first shot at this obviously hateful and mean-spirited young man, I jumped to my feet, grabbed Jack by his ear (no, I am not kidding) and pulled him out of the room and sure death.<br />
<br />
Reaching the foyer, I released Jack, whirled him around to face me and with clenched teeth ground out my livid question, "Do you have any idea what you just did?" The laughter vanished, pain and harsh realization spread across his face. His response was nothing short of incredible. "Yes. I embarrassed Jami and hurt her feelings." I am not often speechless, but at that moment, words simply evaporated as I stared into the eyes of someone fully aware of the pain he had just inflicted on one of the few kids who truly accepted and was forever defending him. "I cannot believe you! Jami has always been kind to you, coming to your defense when you did not deserve to be defended, inviting you to join the group when the group did not want you anywhere around them. She has probably been the best friend you have ever had or will ever have. What is wrong with you?" Jack stood, silently accepting his rightful and, I thought, well-deserved punishment without a single word of defense.<br />
<br />
From the corner of my eye, I saw someone approaching. I was really hoping they were bringing me some kind of rusty weapon. It was Jami, a tremulous smile breaking through the tears cascading down her face. Jack instinctively began backing away until he saw her eyes and the outstretched arms she offered him. In astonishment, I stood paralyzed, a witness to God's supernatural presence and the restoration power of forgiveness at work before my unbelieving eyes and my angry heart. Instantly, I became the student and Jami the teacher. Both Jack and I listened quietly as God spoke through this precious young woman, the words only she could speak. "Jack, I got to thinking about why you did what you just did, and I realized something. I love you and you know that, but you don't think you deserve that love so you tried to kill it by hurting me. It won't work. Do you know why?" Sitting at the feet of this young, wise beyond her years master teacher, I witnessed Jack's sandpaper world being rocked by a love he could not understand, a love that was not altered by anything he did or didn't do, a love that only God can give. In answer to Jami's question, Jack gave a quick headshake and whispered, "No. I don't know why." Jami smiled, wrapped her arms around the very one who, just moments before had viciously wounded her, and with fresh tears streaming down her face, choked out words I will never forget. "I love you with God's love, Jack. Not mine. And His love will never die. People tried to kill it on the cross, but even that didn't work. I just wanted to tell you that I love you -- no matter what you say or do. I am your friend -- period."<br />
<br />
Staring into her eyes, I suspect Jack experienced, maybe for the first time, the timeless and stubborn love of God; a love that could be his to give, a love that would redefine his future. With a giggle, Jami playfully grabbed Jack's hand and, pulling him toward the place only love could take him, began happily chattering about how she needed him on the front row to encourage her while she sang. And he did!<br />
<br />
That is not the end of the story. From that day forward, Jack was a different person. From time to time, he would fall back into old emotional habits but when he did, Jami or someone under her direction and influence would snatch him back to the new place that words of staggering kindness and God ordained wisdom had brought him. The youth who witnessed Jami's love for this unlovable one were changed and called up higher in their obedience to God, even when it didn't make sense and was completely undeserved. I learned the valuable lesson that hurt people.... hurt people. Instead of angry words, I need to make my first response one of unexplainable love and unmerited understanding.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Pray</b><br />
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Father, please forgive me when I judge instead of love. Help me to see every person through <b>Your</b> eyes of love, grace and mercy. Please guard my tongue and my heart so that I will build up and not destroy others. I want to please You, Lord, I love the unlovable.<br />
In Jesus, name,<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
<b>Now It's Your Turn</b><br />
<br />
Right now, think of the most abrasive people in your life.<br />
• Are you ready to accept and love them without demanding that they change?<br />
• Find one good point about each person and voice it to others whenever you have the chance.<br />
• What can you do to demonstrate the unconditional love of God for these people?<br />
• Do you need to ask any of them for forgiveness? Are you willing to do that now?SHOULD WE COUNT IT ALL JOY?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-15:916966:BlogPost:7164142009-05-15T16:21:38.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
As a result of facing trials, tribulations, adversity, and various situations, some Christians will turn away from God.<br />
<br />
Some lose part of their faith, while others lose <i>ALL</i> of their faith.<br />
<br />
Unless you can fully understand why such a loving God will allow you to go through such conflicts and situations in your life, your faith can be shaken...<b>EASILY</b>. The loss of faith usually depends on the level of the "storm" in your life at that time. This may be a touchy subject for some in…
As a result of facing trials, tribulations, adversity, and various situations, some Christians will turn away from God.<br />
<br />
Some lose part of their faith, while others lose <i>ALL</i> of their faith.<br />
<br />
Unless you can fully understand why such a loving God will allow you to go through such conflicts and situations in your life, your faith can be shaken...<b>EASILY</b>. The loss of faith usually depends on the level of the "storm" in your life at that time. This may be a touchy subject for some in the Body of Christ, however, it's time to face facts. Christian or NOT, you WILL have some not so pleasant experiences before this life is over.<br />
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<br />
<br />
First, lets look at what these things are <i>defined</i> as: (from the Dictionary)<br />
<br />
<b>Trial:</b><br />
<br />
*the state or position of a person or thing being tried or tested; probation.<br />
*subjection to suffering or grievous experiences; a distressed or painful state: comfort in the hour of trial.<br />
* an affliction or trouble<br />
<br />
<b>Tribulation:</b><br />
<br />
*grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.<br />
* an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
We sometimes find ourselves going through the above and then some:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Examples</u>:</b><br />
<br />
*Losing a job * Loss of finances * Loss of a loved one * Divorce * Harm to children * Depression *Illness * Feeling Lost * Feeling unwanted and/or unloved * In Need *<br />
Just to name a few….<br />
<br />
<u>What does the <b>BIBLE</b> say?</u><br />
<br />
<b>1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)</b><br />
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12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:<br />
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<b>Romans 5:3 (KJV)</b><br />
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3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;<br />
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<b>John 16:33 (KJV)</b><br />
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33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.<br />
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<br />
<b>Peter 5:10 (KJV)</b><br />
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10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.<br />
<br />
(COPIED AND PASTED)<br />
<br />
<i>WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?<br />
"None of God’s children is exempt from trouble. There will be problems related to the best of things that He gives us. Even in marriage and family life problems is inevitable (1 Cor 7:28) In John 16:33 Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The Bible mentions various reasons why the Lord allows trouble and trials to come into the lives of His children:<br />
1. To test the Strength of our Faith:<br />
The Lord allows trials and temptations in our lives to show us the strength or weakness of our faith. In 2 Chronicles 32:31 we are told of king Hezekiah that God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. Job, after experiencing unbelievable afflictions confessed to the Lord in Job 42:5&6 :”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”<br />
2. To teach us to Count our Blessings:<br />
Humanly speaking our reason urges us to value the world and the things of the world. Our senses urge us to value comfort and enjoyment. However through trials and trouble our faith urges us to value all the spiritual things and blessings which the Lord has given us in abundance. Blessings like His Word, His daily provision, His faithful care and guidance and most important His great Salvation!<br />
All the heroes of faith named in Hebrews chapter 11, rejected the world and worldly pleasures for the goodness of God’s gifts. They set us an example to follow by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)<br />
Then why am I so discontented and unthankful ?<br />
3. To reveal our Love for the Lord:<br />
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37&38) As a child of God nothing, but nothing, and nobody else should ever be dearer to us than the Lord Himself under all circumstances. See also Luke 14:26.<br />
4. Trials are given to Humble us and keep us from Pride:<br />
The greater our blessings the more Satan will tempt us to become proud and look on them as our own accomplishments and our rightful due, rather than the Lord’s grace and provision. Proverbs 8:13 says:<br />
“ Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”<br />
“…And be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Peter5:5) We often easily blame the devil for the opposition and resistance we get, but isn’t it perhaps God keeping us humble and on our knees? In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul testifies that “lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”<br />
5. God allows trials and trouble to keep us from Dependence on Worldly things:<br />
The more we accumulate material possessions, recognition, experience, knowledge, success and other kinds of worldly benefits, the more we are tempted to rely on them instead of relying on God. Moses had been brought up in Pharaoh’s house as a prince of Egypt and reached the top of Egyptian society and personal success. Then the Lord called him to lead His people out of Egypt and in Hebrews 11:24-26 the Bible tells us that Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,<br />
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt…”<br />
What is the real basis of my trust and the focus of my concern?<br />
6. To enable us to Better Help Others in their trials:<br />
The Lord Jesus Himself said to Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31&32) The very example of the Lord in His humanity underlines this truth. “ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15) Our sufferings are given us not only to strengthen us for greater usefulness but also to prepare us to strengthen others.<br />
7. Testing of our Faith produces Endurance: (James 1:3)<br />
Endurance is the product or consequence of patience. Patiently enduring trials while trusting in God develops endurance which is a permanent inner quality of strength which increases each time a trial is trustingly endured. Paul assures us anew in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “ God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The Lord will not allow me as His child to face anything that I cannot survive in His power and through His grace and provision!"</i><br />
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Should we count it all Joy?WHY?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-15:916966:BlogPost:7155252009-05-15T13:07:01.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
We're concerned for the sinner in China<br />
And the heathen in Mandalay,<br />
But say, do we care, have we offered a prayer<br />
For the neighbor just over the way?<br />
<br />
We say we would go with the Gospel<br />
To lighten dark Africa's shore, but<br />
Have we spoken a word in the Name of the Lord<br />
To people who live just next door?<br />
<br />
The person who lives down the highway,<br />
Who looks so forbidding and grim;<br />
Do we have no "call" to witness at all<br />
Or speak of the Savior to him?<br />
<br />
We'd take the Gospel to savages,<br />
We'd cross the…
We're concerned for the sinner in China<br />
And the heathen in Mandalay,<br />
But say, do we care, have we offered a prayer<br />
For the neighbor just over the way?<br />
<br />
We say we would go with the Gospel<br />
To lighten dark Africa's shore, but<br />
Have we spoken a word in the Name of the Lord<br />
To people who live just next door?<br />
<br />
The person who lives down the highway,<br />
Who looks so forbidding and grim;<br />
Do we have no "call" to witness at all<br />
Or speak of the Savior to him?<br />
<br />
We'd take the Gospel to savages,<br />
We'd cross the stormy tide;<br />
But we will not "tell out" what the Gospel's about<br />
To the fellow who works by our side!<br />
<br />
We'd tell of our wonderful Savior<br />
And His love we have found so sweet<br />
To some far-off lot, but certainly not<br />
To folks we will meet on the street!<br />
<br />
Oh, we would be missionaries<br />
And go out the lost ones to seek.<br />
We'll send a preacher to Hindustan<br />
And we'll buy New Testaments for Japan,<br />
But never a word will we speak!<br />
<br />
BUT, WHY?SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT......tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-14:916966:BlogPost:7133992009-05-14T19:26:15.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
<b>Imagine this if you will......</b><br />
<br />
The Passion Reconsidered<br />
<b>Written by: Frank Turek</b><br />
Date: Feb 5th, 09:12<br />
<br />
<br />
Nearly 45 years ago, medical doctor C. Truman Davis felt he had grown too callous to the agony Christ suffered at Calvary. His callousness disappeared after he researched the crucifixion and wrote an account of Christ’s Passion from a medical perspective. I’ve adapted his account slightly here for your consideration this Easter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Now....for the good part! (Use your…</b>
<b>Imagine this if you will......</b><br />
<br />
The Passion Reconsidered<br />
<b>Written by: Frank Turek</b><br />
Date: Feb 5th, 09:12<br />
<br />
<br />
Nearly 45 years ago, medical doctor C. Truman Davis felt he had grown too callous to the agony Christ suffered at Calvary. His callousness disappeared after he researched the crucifixion and wrote an account of Christ’s Passion from a medical perspective. I’ve adapted his account slightly here for your consideration this Easter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Now....for the good part! (Use your imagination)</b><br />
<br />
The whip the Roman soldiers use on Jesus has small iron balls and sharp pieces of sheep bones tied to it. Jesus is stripped of his clothing, and his hands are tied to an upright post. His back, buttocks, and legs are whipped by two soldiers who alternate blows. The soldiers taunt their victim. As they repeatedly strike Jesus’ back with full force, the iron balls cause deep contusions, and the sheep bones cut into the skin and tissues. As the whipping continues, the lacerations tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produced quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss set the stage for circulatory shock.<br />
<br />
When he is near death, the half-fainting Jesus is then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood. The Roman soldiers see a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a king. They throw a robe across his shoulders and place a stick in his hand for a scepter. They still need a crown to make their travesty complete. A small bundle of flexible branches covered with long thorns are plaited into a shape of a crown and this is pressed into his scalp. Again there is copious bleeding (the scalp being one of the most vascular areas of the body). After mocking him and striking him across the face, the soldiers take the stick from his hand and strike him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into his scalp.<br />
<br />
Finally, when they tire of their sadistic sport, the robe is torn from his back. The robe had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal—just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage—causes excruciating pain, almost as though he were being whipped again. The wounds again begin to bleed. In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans return his garments. The heavy horizontal beam of the cross is tied across his shoulders, and the procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution party walk along the Via Dolorosa.<br />
<br />
In spite of his efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious blood loss, is too much. He stumbles and falls. The rough wood of the beam gouges into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He tries to rise, but human muscles have been pushed beyond their endurance. The centurion, anxious to get on with the crucifixion, selects a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. Jesus follows still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock.<br />
<br />
The 650-yard Journey from the fortress Antonia to Golgotha is finally completed. Jesus is again stripped of his clothes except for a loincloth which is allowed the Jews. The crucifixion begins. Jesus is offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild pain-killing mixture. He refuses to drink. Simon is ordered to place the cross beam on the ground and Jesus is quickly thrown backward with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square, wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexibility and movement. The beam is then lifted in place at the top of the vertical beam and the title I reading “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” is nailed in place.<br />
<br />
The victim Jesus is now crucified.<br />
<br />
As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain—the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places his full weight on the nail through his feet. Again, there is the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet.<br />
<br />
At this point, another phenomenon occurs. As the arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward. Hanging by his arms, the pectoral muscles are paralyzed and the intercostal muscles are unable to act. Air can be drawn into the lungs but it cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the bloodstream and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen. It is undoubtedly during these periods that he utters the seven short sentences which are recorded.<br />
<br />
Now begin hours of this limitless pain, cycles of cramping and twisting, partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against the rough timber. Then another agony begins. A deep, crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over — the loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level; the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues; the tortured lungs are making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues send their flood of stimuli to the brain. His mission of atonement has been completed. Finally he can allow his body to die. With one last surge of strength, he once again presses his torn feet against the nail, straightens his legs, takes a deeper breath, and utters his seventh and last cry . . . “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”<br />
<br />
Jesus went through all of that to afford you and me the opportunity to be in God’s presence forever. Thanks be to God for His gift of sacrifice!The Holy Spirit--His Presencetag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-13:916966:BlogPost:7105112009-05-13T16:47:59.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
JUST SHARING....<br />
<br />
<b>Written by Dr. Charles Stanley</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit--His Presence<br />
<b>Acts 2:1-4</b><br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit did not make His first appearance at Pentecost. Students of the Bible will find Him mentioned as early as the creation account <b>(Gen. 1:2).</b> He is also shown to be doing the Father's work throughout the Old Testament and Gospels. However, the Spirit arrived in the upper room with a fresh mission from the Father.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered…
JUST SHARING....<br />
<br />
<b>Written by Dr. Charles Stanley</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit--His Presence<br />
<b>Acts 2:1-4</b><br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit did not make His first appearance at Pentecost. Students of the Bible will find Him mentioned as early as the creation account <b>(Gen. 1:2).</b> He is also shown to be doing the Father's work throughout the Old Testament and Gospels. However, the Spirit arrived in the upper room with a fresh mission from the Father.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered individuals for specific tasks. For example, Bezalel's God-given wisdom and craftsmanship enabled him to become the Tabernacle's chief architect (Ex. 31:1-5). We also read that the Spirit settled upon: leaders needing help in administration (Num. 11:16-17); warriors facing formidable tasks (Judges 6:34; 1 Sam. 16:13), and men called to proclaim God's word (Isa. 61:1; Ezek. 2:1-4). When the Lord wanted a job done, He chose someone to do it. Then the Holy Spirit equipped him or her for the task. He gave power only to certain people and didn't necessarily remain with them long.<br />
<br />
<br />
Indicating that the Spirit's involvement with believers would be different than before, Jesus told the disciples, "He abides with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). God's Holy Spirit had come alongside the disciples during their time with Christ. But following the completion of Jesus' work on earth, He would dwell within them.<br />
Since Pentecost, every believer has received the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, then the Spirit is the sap equipping us for the Christian life. Furthermore, He no longer comes and goes but rather remains permanently. He seals us in Christ--proof of the promise that we are forever in God's presence (Eph. 1:13-14).Mother's Day...What the Bible says about Mothers!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-05:916966:BlogPost:6838812009-05-05T19:00:00.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
My Mother has passed on from this lifetime. While reflecting on her life, what she taught me, how she lived, the faith she showed and so much more, I couldn't help but to go to the word. Mothers really are a BLESSING. While Mother's Day isn't a "Holy" day and is not recognized in the Bible as such, I would like to remind you of how special Mother's truly are. Being a Mother is a gift from God.Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What the…</b>
My Mother has passed on from this lifetime. While reflecting on her life, what she taught me, how she lived, the faith she showed and so much more, I couldn't help but to go to the word. Mothers really are a BLESSING. While Mother's Day isn't a "Holy" day and is not recognized in the Bible as such, I would like to remind you of how special Mother's truly are. Being a Mother is a gift from God.Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What the Bible says....</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mothers are told to love their children in Titus 2:4-5 which says, “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Isaiah 49:15 says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?”<br />
<br />
Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5).<br />
<br />
In Titus 2:4, The idea that flows out of this word is that of preferring our children, caring for them, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as unique from the hand of God.<br />
<br />
Several things are commanded of both mothers and fathers in the Word:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Availability</b> – morning, noon, and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Involvement</b> – interacting, discussing, thinking and processing life together (Ephesians 6:4)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Teaching</b> – the Scriptures, a biblical world-view (Psalm 78:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:10, Ephesians 6:4)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Training</b> – helping a child develop skills and discover his strengths (Proverbs 22:6)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Discipline</b> – teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, firmly (Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:5-11, Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15-17)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Nurture</b> – providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional love, (Titus 2:4, 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:1-2, Galatians 5:22, 1 Peter 3:8-9)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Modeling with Integrity</b> – <b>living what you say</b>, being a model by which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of Godly living (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9, 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).<br />
<br />
The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. <i>However</i>, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, teenagers, young adults, and even fully-grown children. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.<br />
<br />
<br />
What else does the Bible say about Mothers?<br />
<br />
<br />
Genesis 3:20<br />
Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.<br />
<br />
Exodus 20:12<br />
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.<br />
<br />
Leviticus 19:3<br />
"Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.<br />
<br />
Deuteronomy 5:16<br />
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.<br />
<br />
2 Kings 4:30<br />
But the child's mother said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So he got up and followed her.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 10:1<br />
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.<br />
<br />
Isaiah 66:13<br />
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."<br />
<br />
Ezekiel 16:44<br />
"Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: "Like mother, like daughter."<br />
<br />
Luke 1:43<br />
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?<br />
<br />
Luke 2:51<br />
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.<br />
<br />
John 19:26-27<br />
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.<br />
<br />
<u>Mothers in the Bible:</u><br />
<br />
Sarah ~ Isaac's Mother was an older Mother<br />
Jochabed ~ Moses' Mother was a PROTECTIVE Mother<br />
Hannah ~ Samuel's Mother battled infertility<br />
Mary~ Jesus' Mother was the most HONORED Mother<br />
<br />
I THANK <b>GOD</b> FOR MY MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, CHURCH MOTHERS & THE MOTHERS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE.<br />
<br />
What does your mother mean to you?05/04/2009 Verse of the Daytag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-05-04:916966:BlogPost:6795182009-05-04T21:24:43.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
2 Chronicles 7:14<br />
<br />
14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.<br />
<br />
<br />
Be Blessed
2 Chronicles 7:14<br />
<br />
14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.<br />
<br />
<br />
Be BlessedHOW DO YOU KNOW YOU'VE BEEN REDEEMED?!?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-24:916966:BlogPost:6470582009-04-24T14:26:22.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Have you been Redeemed?<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV)<br />
<br />
18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:<br />
<br />
Webster's Dictionary (1864) defines <b>REDEMPTION</b> as:<br />
<br />
The act of <b><i>procuring</i></b> the deliverance of persons or things from the possession of captors by the <b>payment</b> of an…
Have you been Redeemed?<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV)<br />
<br />
18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:<br />
<br />
Webster's Dictionary (1864) defines <b>REDEMPTION</b> as:<br />
<br />
The act of <b><i>procuring</i></b> the deliverance of persons or things from the possession of captors by the <b>payment</b> of an equivalent.<br />
<i>(Procuring is defined as : to get by SPECIAL effort or to bring about; effect)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>WHAT ARE WE REDEEMED FROM?</u><br />
<br />
Redemption of the PAST....<br />
<br />
<b>1) The Curse of the Law</b><br />
<br />
<i>Galatians 3:13 (KJV)</i><br />
13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:<br />
<br />
<b>2) Bondage of the world and Sin</b><br />
<br />
<i>Galatians 4:3 (KJV)</i><br />
3)Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:<br />
<br />
<i>Galatians 5:1 (KJV)</i><br />
1)Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The bondage of the law.</i><br />
<br />
Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.<br />
<br />
<i>The power of sin.</i><br />
<br />
Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.<br />
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.<br />
<br />
<i>The power of the grave.</i><br />
<br />
Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.<br />
<br />
<i>All troubles.</i><br />
<br />
Psalms 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.<br />
<br />
<i>All iniquity.</i><br />
<br />
Psalms 130:8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.<br />
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.<br />
<br />
<i>All evil.</i><br />
<br />
Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.<br />
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<i>The present evil world.</i><br />
<br />
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:<br />
<br />
<i>Vain conversation.</i><br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;<br />
<br />
<i>Enemies.</i><br />
<br />
Psalms 106:10-11 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.<br />
<br />
<i>Death.</i><br />
<br />
Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.<br />
<br />
<i>Destruction.</i><br />
<br />
Psalms 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;<br />
<br />
<br />
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION?<br />
<br />
The blood of Christ.....<br />
<br />
<i>1 Peter 1:19 (KJV)</i><br />
19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:<br />
<br />
<i>Revelation 5:9</i><br />
9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;<br />
<br />
<i>Romans 3:24-25</i><br />
24)Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25)Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;<br />
<br />
REDEMPTION SHOWS US ...<br />
<br />
GOD'S POWER<br />
GOD'S GRACE<br />
GOD'S LOVE<br />
GOD'S COMAPSSION FOR HIS PEOPLE.<br />
<br />
THE REDEEMER IS CHRIST AND THE PAID RANSOM IS CHRIST'S BLOOD.<br />
<br />
BE BLESSED AND REMEMBER TO <i><b>BE</b></i> A BLESSING!I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-23:916966:BlogPost:6424732009-04-23T15:37:22.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
I just HAD to share this...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
April 23, 2009<br />
I Feel Your Pain<br />
WRITTEN BY: <b>Mary Southerland</b><br />
<br />
<b>Today's Truth</b><br />
<br />
<b>2 Corinthians 1:3-4</b><br />
<br />
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us."<br />
<br />
<b>Friend to Friend</b><br />
<br />
The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar passages in all of…
I just HAD to share this...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
April 23, 2009<br />
I Feel Your Pain<br />
WRITTEN BY: <b>Mary Southerland</b><br />
<br />
<b>Today's Truth</b><br />
<br />
<b>2 Corinthians 1:3-4</b><br />
<br />
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us."<br />
<br />
<b>Friend to Friend</b><br />
<br />
The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture. It is a parable, an earthly story with a heavenly lesson. Jesus tells this parable in response to a question asked him by a Jewish lawyer. "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" the successful young truth seeker asked. Jesus saw his heart and told him the two things he must do, the two things the lawyer would find it hardest to do. He must love God completely and he must love his neighbor as himself.<br />
The lawyer didn't like that answer because he lived by the law. He wanted the laws or doing good works to be his ticket to heaven. This "loving your neighbor" business sounded too messy and certainly too costly. It was simply too much personal responsibility. But Jesus told the lawyer that keeping the law -- God's law and man's law - was not enough. He had to love God and he had to love his neighbor.<br />
<br />
Thinking he could find a loophole, the lawyer asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus' answer to that question is the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is a story of compassion and drives home the truth that compassion is not just for the easy to love people, but for the not so easy to love sandpaper people as well, an impossible task outside the supernatural power of God working in and through us. The word "compassion" is a key word in 2 Corinthians, is used 29 times and can be defined as "called to one's side to help."<br />
<br />
How can we become people of compassion?<br />
<br />
<br />
It was Easter Sunday, and I was sitting in the sanctuary, waiting for the worship service to begin. Anticipating a large crowd, I arrived early to drop our son, Jered, off in the nursery, one of his favorite places to go because every nursery worker spoiled him rotten. Sometimes he would even cry when my husband, Dan, or I picked him up after church, wanting to stay and play. As the choir filed in, a friend slipped into the pew beside me and said, "I think you need to go to the nursery. Something is wrong with Jered." Jumping up, I catapulted over legs, toes and bodies as I raced to the nursery and my son.<br />
<br />
I was not prepared for what I saw. Over in the corner, lying on his favorite red mat was Jered, staring at the ceiling, silent and rigid. As I bent over my precious son and looked into those beautiful blue eyes, huge tears slid down his chubby cheeks as he flew into my arms, sobbing. You have to understand, as a baby, the only time Jered cried was when he was hungry, wet or sick. He always seemed to be smiling, happy and contented. Something was obviously very wrong. I kissed his forehead. No fever. I checked his diaper. Dry and clean. I had no idea what the problem was.<br />
<br />
Just then, Mrs. Giles, Jered's favorite nursery worker, drew me aside and said, "Let me tell you what just happened. We had a new little girl in the nursery today. It was her first time in a church nursery -- ever. When her parents left, she immediately began screaming and wouldn't stop. Jered came running and wrapped his arms around her but she pushed him away. He then brought her his bottle, but she hurled it across the room and continued screaming. Desperate to help the little girl, Jered found his diaper bag and fished out Turtle." Turtle was a small, stuffed green and blue turtle we had given him months earlier when he was in the hospital, seriously ill with croup. From the moment he saw Turtle, everywhere Jered went, Turtle went. Jered slept with Turtle clutched tightly in one hand. Jered ate with Turtle sitting in his lap and carefully tucked Turtle in his diaper bag whenever we left the house. Turtle quickly became Jered's most precious possession and an invaluable source of comfort to him. Mrs. Giles continued, "I couldn't believe that Jered was willing to give Turtle to a stranger, but he tried." The crying child had taken one look at Turtle and thrown it in Jered's face. Stunned, he picked up Turtle and laid down on the mat, refusing to move, the stuffed animal clutched tightly in his arms. Then I knew. I knew that Jered could not stand to see the little girl in pain and was determined to help. When he couldn't, he retreated until someone else came to help.<br />
<br />
<b>That's compassion.</b><br />
<br />
Compassion is empathy, not just sympathy. We sometimes equate showing compassion with "fixing" people. Genuine compassion is first able to feel their pain. I believe the more pain we experience, the more compassionate we will be. We must learn to use our pain in the right way, not lashing out but looking within to identify with and share the pain of others. There is a choice in every pain, an opportunity in every trial. We can understand and comfort others who walk through the same trials we face. Pain makes us focus inward or outward. It makes us martyrs or merciful.<br />
<br />
The choice is ours.<br />
<br />
The Samaritan chose to use his pain and help the injured man. He could understand the man's pain because of the pain in his own life. Jews hated all Samaritans. The man lying on the road was a Jew. There was no logical reason for this Samaritan to rearrange his plans and spend his money to help this "enemy" in need. But compassion <b>doesn't look for reasons or ask for limitations</b>. It searches for opportunity. The Samaritan had a choice, just as we have a choice every time we are confronted with a need. We can either ignore the need or we can meet the need by giving away part of the comfort God has given us.<br />
<br />
If we can't prevent pain, we can at least lessen the load with compassion. Allen Redpath wrote, "You can never lighten the load unless you have first felt the pressure in your own soul." To develop compassion, we must be willing to feel the pain of others, responding as if it were our own.<br />
<br />
Let's Pray ....<br />
<br />
Father, my heart can be so hard and indifferent. Please help me remember how Your compassion saved me and then empower me to share that same compassion with others who are hurting. Please help me see them -- the wounded ones who cross my path every day.<br />
In Jesus' name,<br />
Amen.What do you think ??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-17:916966:BlogPost:6254382009-04-17T21:24:01.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
WHAT DO YOU <b><i>REALLY</i></b> THINK ABOUT YOURSELF?<br />
<br />
We (man) have an advantage over other species. We have the ability to think AND reason. This is not always true in the Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, we tend to think more negative thoughts than we do positive ones. What we think is usually how we feel and how we feel always manifests in our actions.<br />
<br />
<b>Proverbs 23:7</b> says...<br />
<br />
"For as he thinketh in his heart, <i>so is he</i>: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with…
WHAT DO YOU <b><i>REALLY</i></b> THINK ABOUT YOURSELF?<br />
<br />
We (man) have an advantage over other species. We have the ability to think AND reason. This is not always true in the Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, we tend to think more negative thoughts than we do positive ones. What we think is usually how we feel and how we feel always manifests in our actions.<br />
<br />
<b>Proverbs 23:7</b> says...<br />
<br />
"For as he thinketh in his heart, <i>so is he</i>: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."<br />
<br />
Truth is...<br />
<br />
The thoughts that you have about "YOU" and your life and the things you meditate on conceerning your life have an affect on WHO / WHAT you are.<br />
<br />
Our thoughts take us places. That could be in the realm of the "seen" or the realm of the "unseen".<br />
<br />
The "seen" meaning what YOU can do on your own.<br />
The "unseen" meaning the place that <i>requires</i> <b>God's</b> guidance and help to live the life that He has for you.<br />
<br />
The realm of the seen is not ALWAYS a good place because it is too easy to fall victim to our own "self" delusion:<br />
<br />
What do I mean?<br />
<br />
We start believing things that are NOT of God!<br />
<br />
We gain characteristics that are NOT good ones and are NOT Godly:<br />
<br />
Vanity (Psalm 94:11)<br />
Self Righteous (Obadiah 1:4)<br />
Perfect/Holier than Thou / Self Exaltation (Luke 14:11)<br />
Just to name a few...<br />
<br />
Know this:<br />
<br />
You CAN change how you view yourself!!<br />
<br />
Why is that?<br />
<br />
YOU ARE NOT IN THIS ALONE. GOD <b>IS</b> WITH YOU!!<br />
<br />
<b>Isaiah 41:10</b><br />
<br />
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.<br />
<br />
Now....what do you think about yourself?What is God's Love?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-15:916966:BlogPost:6188692009-04-15T19:27:12.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
April 15, 2009<br />
God's Transforming Love<br />
<b>BY: Mary Southerland</b><br />
<br />
Today's Truth<br />
<br />
"But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:8-10 NLT)<br />
<br />
<u>Friend to Friend</u><br />
<br />
For several years, we lived in the mountains of North…
April 15, 2009<br />
God's Transforming Love<br />
<b>BY: Mary Southerland</b><br />
<br />
Today's Truth<br />
<br />
"But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:8-10 NLT)<br />
<br />
<u>Friend to Friend</u><br />
<br />
For several years, we lived in the mountains of North Carolina where woodworking is a common hobby and a unique art. When time permits, I love to browse through the old-world country stores filled with quaint and unusual treasures, run by some of the most interesting people I have ever met.<br />
Several years ago, we were on vacation and I was in search of a treasure. Taking an unmarked dirt road, I decided it was time for an adventure. I swerved and crept my way up the mountain until, and rounding a hairpin turn, I spotted an old log cabin tucked way back in some trees.<br />
<br />
A bearded man sat on the porch, rocking and whittling, a pile of wooden logs by his side. There on the rickety porch railing was a large collection of beautifully carved wooden dogs. With a wave of his hand, the man motioned for me to join him, the only invitation I needed. I parked the car, grabbed my purse and headed for those wooden dogs. "Look all ya want," the man invited. "And if you need to, you can ask a question." I had only one. "How in the world do you carve these beautiful dogs out of those ordinary pieces of wood?" I asked. "Well, Missy, it's pretty simple. I just take me a piece of wood and cut away everything that doesn't look like a dog."<br />
God changes lives in much the same way. His love slowly, patiently uses the circumstances and relationships of life to cut away everything that doesn't look like His child. Some of us need extra work but can rest in the truth that if He is the One doing the cutting, the results will be beautiful.<br />
<br />
The woman at the well was in desperate need of someone who could change her life. "She said to Jesus, 'You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?' Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.' 'But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket,' she said, 'and this is a very deep well. Where would you get this living water?' Jesus replied, 'People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.' 'Please, sir,' the woman said, 'Give me some of that water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here to haul water." (John 4:9-15 NLT)<br />
The living water Jesus described is God's unconditional love, a love that was completely foreign to the Samaritan woman. She had spent her whole life going from man to man, desperately searching for someone who would really love her. Notice that she came to the well at noontime, the hottest hour of the day, to draw her water. All of the other women came in the morning or evening in order to avoid the brutal heat, but she came alone, I believe, to avoid their condemning eyes and sarcastic whispers. I can only imagine the loneliness she must have been feeling that day as she made her way to the well. Then she spotted Jesus -- sitting at the well, waiting for someone. The minute she saw Him she knew that He had come for her, His eyes filled with something that she did not quite recognize.<br />
<br />
It was <b>unconditional love</b> that reached out through her sin and drew her to Him, tearing down the guilt and stripping away the shame that had become such a familiar part of her being. It was the unfailing love for which we all thirst that compelled her to come. Real love, God's love, with no conditions, no hidden clauses and no strings attached. Scripture tells us God is not just loving or able to dispense love, but is the very definition and substance of love itself. When we know Him, we know love. "But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:8-10 NLT)<br />
<br />
Like this woman, we cannot give what we do not have. We are incapable of giving real love until we have received real love. It is only in a personal encounter with God that we can experience a love so powerful that it reveals the very person of God to us. We must understand and remember that God does not love us because we are lovable and deserve to be loved. He loves us simply because He is love -- and He cannot help Himself!<br />
<br />
<u>Let's Pray</u><br />
<br />
Father, thank You for the love You have given me. I admit that I don't always understand the way Your love works but I know I can trust You to work in my life for my good. I want to experience Your love in a new way and then learn how to share that love with others. I submit myself to You, Lord. Please love through me.<br />
In Jesus' name,<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
Now It's Your Turn<br />
<br />
<u>Think about the following: .</u><br />
<br />
We call it <b>Mercy</b> - it is God's forgiving love.<br />
We call it <b>Fate</b> - it is God's caring love.<br />
We call it <b>Kindness</b> - it is God's accepting love.<br />
We call it <b>Sacrifice</b> - it is God's proven love.<br />
We call it <b>The plan of God</b> - it is God's perfect love.<br />
We call it <b>Heaven</b> - it is God's rewarding love.<br />
We call it <b>Eternity</b> - it is God's unending love.MATTERS OF THE HEARTtag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-10:916966:BlogPost:6033842009-04-10T16:00:00.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
For weeks I have been on this site in the discussions and I have seen nothing short of division amongst the Body of Christ. There has been bickering, personal attacks, judgmental statements, accusations, slander and then some. I was in a discussion where I was seeking <i>TRUTH</i> on something that I was taught by an individual whom in my adult life I learned was a false Prophet. Rather than receiving what I was searching for amongst the Saints, all I saw was all of the…
For weeks I have been on this site in the discussions and I have seen nothing short of division amongst the Body of Christ. There has been bickering, personal attacks, judgmental statements, accusations, slander and then some. I was in a discussion where I was seeking <i>TRUTH</i> on something that I was taught by an individual whom in my adult life I learned was a false Prophet. Rather than receiving what I was searching for amongst the Saints, all I saw was all of the forementioned...<i>DRAMA</i>! It saddens me and is <b>l<i>iterally</i></b> breaking my heart to see such division amongst God's people. Not just God's people, but the "Called out ones"!<br />
<br />
We will not always agree on everything and that includes,<br />
but is not limited to, <b>THE WORD OF GOD</b>!<br />
I don't understand why it is such a task to agree to disagree and move on.<br />
I don't understand why it is such a difficult task to show respect to one another regardless of wisdom, knowledge, understanding or the lack thereof. I don't understand why we are so judgmental and so quick to accuse our co-laborers in the word of sins we have <b>NO</b> proof they even commit or have committed in the past. The last time I checked, <b>ALL</b> versions of the Bible tells us to <i>"Judge not".</i><br />
<br />
Think to yourself for a moment: If you were a babe in Christ, new to this site or seeking God through this network, would you or would you not be turned away by this type of behavior?<br />
<br />
Are we to <b>NOT</b> respect each other because of "Titles"?<br />
Are we to <b>NOT</b> respect each other because of "Age"?<br />
Are we to <b>NOT</b> respect each other because of the length of time we've been in the Ministry is longer than others?<br />
<br />
Should we respect everyone <b>REGARDLESS</b>?<br />
<br />
Are we <b>TRULY</b> showing each other <b>AGAPE LOVE</b>?<br />
<br />
I do know this: <b>JESUS</b>' message was <b>LOVE</b> and still is.<br />
<br />
Where did the love go amongst the Body of Christ?<br />
Why are we doing battle with each other instead of with the enemy that is causing all of this confusion?<br />
Would God be pleased with some of things you've said to your co-laborers on this site?<br />
Is this how Jesus instructed us to treat each other?<br />
<br />
<i>More questions...</i><br />
<br />
1) Who are you?<br />
2) Why are you here?<br />
3) What is your purpose?<br />
<br />
If <b>GOD</b> isn't included in all <i>THREE</i> responses to those questions....<b><u>WAKE UP</u></b>!<br />
<br />
Peace be with you and I pray <b>UNITY</b> finds us all.WHERE IS YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-07:916966:BlogPost:5943792009-04-07T13:25:01.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
God told the prophet Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” <b>(Jeremiah 17:9).</b> Our ability to embed ourselves within the impenetrable shell of rationalization, projection and denial is nothing short of amazing.<br />
<br />
Neil Plantinga writes:<br />
<br />
We deny, suppress, or minimize what we know to be true. We assert, adorn, and elevate what we know to be false. We prettify ugly realities and sell ourselves the prettified versions. Thus a liar might transform “I tell a lot of…
God told the prophet Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” <b>(Jeremiah 17:9).</b> Our ability to embed ourselves within the impenetrable shell of rationalization, projection and denial is nothing short of amazing.<br />
<br />
Neil Plantinga writes:<br />
<br />
We deny, suppress, or minimize what we know to be true. We assert, adorn, and elevate what we know to be false. We prettify ugly realities and sell ourselves the prettified versions. Thus a liar might transform “I tell a lot of lies to shore up my pride” to “Occasionally, I finesse the truth in order to spare other people’s feelings.”1<br />
<br />
An entire field of social psychology – the study of “cognitive dissonance” – is based on our limitless ability to rationalize what we do and say. That being the case, we all need people who will help us protect ourselves from ourselves and the desires of our own hearts.<br />
<br />
Effective leaders use the same standards for themselves that they apply to others. They hold themselves accountable just like everyone else on the team. Maintaining such accountability involves seeking 360-degree honesty. Skilled leaders consistently receive feedback from those who work above them, beside them and for them. David Watson says, “Anything that is subject to human limitation or error requires the collegial presence of another person to ensure responsibility. It is a fact of life.”2 A failure to provide a structure for such accountability will lead to a crisis of character and leadership.<br />
<br />
<br />
FOLKS........GOD <i>WILL</i> HOLD US ALL, <b>EVERY</b> LEADER ACCOUNTABLE!<br />
<br />
King David is a great example of what can happen when leaders FAIL to be accountable for their actions. When they fail to create a structure in which they are accountable for how they live both their personal and professional lives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>EXAMPLE:</b></u><br />
<br />
David sent Joab out with the Israelite Army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah while David remained in Jerusalem. One evening, David got up from bed and was walking around on the roof of the palace when he saw this beautiful woman bathing. He sent someone to find out about the woman. The man says to David "Isn't that Bathesba, daughter of Eliam, WIFE of Uriah the Hittite? David sent messengers to get her. She came to David and he slept with her. Next thing you know, Bathesba sends word to David: "I'M PREGNANT!"<br />
<br />
By this time, David was up in age, had been King for numerous years. He was a gifted musician, mighty warrior and a very capable leader. He ENJOYED being intimate with GOD, had a healthy family and a very stable political position with an unbroken string of military victories. The King who had it ALL. What he DIDN'T have was Uriah's wife and THAT was what he wanted!<br />
<br />
No, David didn't just wake up one day and decide to trash his entire life with SIN by committing Adultery and Murder! NO...and neither do we! See, David had a problem with self-control.<br />
<br />
(Sidenote: If we put God in control, we don't have to worry about "SELF" getting out of line)<br />
<br />
David began a descent by making <i>"small"</i> compromises! He took an additional wife, then another and another until he had SEVEN in all...but...even THAT wasn't enough. So, he got himself a herem. He made things worse for himself by (Watch this now...) <b>NOT</b> having anyone around him who <b>WOULD</b> tell him about his problem.<br />
<br />
Although David could hide his sins from his "associates", he couldn't hide them from God! Our sins WILL find us! <b>(Numbers 32:23)</b> because God sees what is done in secret <b>(Psalm 90:8)</b><br />
<br />
<b>NOTHING</b> is hidden from God or escapes his notice <b>(Jeremiah 23:24)</b> God is <i>slow</i> to anger, BUT, <u>he gets angry!</u><br />
<br />
God sent Nathan, the Prophet, to confront David. That's when David realized (UH OH...watch this ) EVEN Kings (LEADERS) ARE accountable for their actions. David had TWO choices. He would either confess and be a man after God's own heart or be in denial and be another King Saul.<br />
<br />
(another side note: Being a man after God's own heart doesn't mean you ARE perfect!!!. It means you have to be HONEST about your failures and shortcomings)<br />
<br />
David chose to confess: (2 Samuel 12:13) and pour his HEART out to God <b>(Psalm 51)</b><br />
<br />
If we are not WILLING to invite someone like Nathan into our lives, God will <i>provide</i> a Nathan for us. (he provides our EVERY need) But, by then it may be too late to spare us from the consequences.<br />
<br />
Wise leaders don’t wait for a crisis to establish accountability. Accountability relationships <b>cannot</b> be imposed; they must be invited. It's on leaders to establish structures and relationships that harness their sin and unleash their potential. We <b><i>must</i></b> seek out godly people of mature character and give them permission to ask us the tough questions. This requires risk on our part. It requires honesty and vulnerability – risky things that leaders are often skeptical about. However, as anyone who has suffered the consequences of a fall will tell you, <b>an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure</b>.<br />
<br />
WILL YOU BE ACCOUNTABLE TODAY?<br />
<br />
Be Blessed and <i>remember</i> to <b>BE</b> a blessing!WILL YOU LEAVE TO RECEIVE??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-03:916966:BlogPost:5847452009-04-03T19:19:29.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations and circumstances and are undecided on which way we should go next. Should we move on? Should we move forward? Should we stand where we are? Often, we choose to stay put when we KNOW we should be moving on! We tend to hold on to things when we know we should let go. We stop dead in our tracks when we should keep pressing on!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sound familiar?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>John 21:7</b><br />
<br />
7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.<br />
Now when…
Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations and circumstances and are undecided on which way we should go next. Should we move on? Should we move forward? Should we stand where we are? Often, we choose to stay put when we KNOW we should be moving on! We tend to hold on to things when we know we should let go. We stop dead in our tracks when we should keep pressing on!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sound familiar?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>John 21:7</b><br />
<br />
7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.<br />
Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,<br />
(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Imagine:</b> you've been up all night, sat in a stinky boat in the middle if the lake, fishing; that's your job, it's what you do. <i>And what have you caught?</i> Diddly squat!<br />
<br />
Then some man, who isn't a fisherman, tells <b>you</b> to throw <b>your</b> nets the other side of the boat.<br />
You'd be a bit reluctant, thinking 'who does He think <b>He</b> is, telling me <b>my job'</b> (proudly).............., but you do it anyway;<br />
<br />
and WOW - not only one, but <b>153</b> fish leap into your nets!!!!!! (it pays to listen sometimes)<br />
<br />
<b>Just one question:</b><br />
<br />
Who is this man?<br />
<br />
<i>One</i> word from Him, and things change for the better.<br />
<br />
<b>Answer:</b><br />
<br />
It was Jesus.<br />
<br />
Peter's so excited that he leaves the fish he's been slaving all night for without a second thought, leaps off the boat, and runs through the water to Jesus. For Peter, even though his nets were full, he'd achieved his goal; he <b>didn't</b> stay and guard <i>his</i> blessings.<br />
<br />
<b>He went overboard and committed himself fully to God.</b><br />
<br />
Could you do that?<br />
<br />
It's a challenge for you today. When you've got what you want in life, don't just watch over it, <i>but</i> be <b>willing</b> to leave it for Jesus.<br />
<br />
Peter felt like he was giving up everything when he left his boat, his mates, his fish and jumped in to see Jesus; but when he got there, Jesus was cooking...fish!<br />
<br />
In other words: <i>Sometimes</i>, we have to LEAVE a blessing in order to RECEIVE a BIGGER blessing!<br />
<br />
Be BlessedHAVE YOU CONFESSED??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-03:916966:BlogPost:5835762009-04-03T13:19:42.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
When was the last time you confessed your sins?<br />
<br />
CONFESSION OF SINS<br />
<br />
<br />
Confession of sins takes various forms:<br />
(1) To God alone,<br />
(2) To one's neighbor when he has been wronged (Luke 17:4, James 5:23),<br />
(3) To one's friend or advisor as the confession of David to Nathan (2 Samuel 12:13), and,<br />
(4) To the entire congregation where sin has created a public scandal to the church.<br />
The Bible clearly teaches that every known sin, of whatever nature, must be confessed to God. Any sin, every sin, not…
When was the last time you confessed your sins?<br />
<br />
CONFESSION OF SINS<br />
<br />
<br />
Confession of sins takes various forms:<br />
(1) To God alone,<br />
(2) To one's neighbor when he has been wronged (Luke 17:4, James 5:23),<br />
(3) To one's friend or advisor as the confession of David to Nathan (2 Samuel 12:13), and,<br />
(4) To the entire congregation where sin has created a public scandal to the church.<br />
The Bible clearly teaches that every known sin, of whatever nature, must be confessed to God. Any sin, every sin, not repented of, establishes a barrier between God and the sinner.<br />
David said, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." (Psalm 66:18.) "<br />
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins..." (I John 1:9.)<br />
God graciously forgives every erring child who has genuinely repented and acknowledged his sin. Forgiveness is dependent on confession of sin by those who stumble and fall. If the heart is impenitent, confession will not follow; and without it there is no forgiveness.<br />
<br />
A confession of sin is an expression disowning the sin. When a person has genuinely repented of sin, he or she is anxious to denounce and disown that sin. So the confession of sin should be as public as the sin itself.<br />
"Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." (James 5:16.)<br />
Sins known only to God should be confessed only to God; sins known only to one or a few should be confessed to only one or a few, as the case may be. Public sin known to all should be confessed before all (the church). Confession should be just as public as the sin committed, but not more so.<br />
<br />
We all have need, in becoming a Christian, to make the good confession that Jesus made before Pilate--the confession of Faith.<br />
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. * I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession” 1 Tim. 6:12-13<br />
<br />
We all also have need, as we seek to live the Christian life, to confess and renounce the sins we commit from day to day. (I John 1:8-9.) Jesus, however, never needed to make a confession of sins for He had none. (Hebrews 4:15.) Instead Jesus died on the cross to provide forgiveness of sins to all who are obedient to His commands. (Luke 6:46, Hebrews 5:8-9.)AMAZING STORY!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-02:916966:BlogPost:5816142009-04-02T18:58:28.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
This story was e-mailed to me by a dear friend. Enjoy<br />
<br />
A Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife because she was reading the Bible<br />
and then buried her with their infant baby and an 8-year old daughter.<br />
The girls were buried alive! He then reported to the police that an<br />
uncle killed the kids.<br />
<br />
15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him,<br />
they found the 2 little girls under the sand - <b>ALIVE</b>!<br />
<br />
The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be…
This story was e-mailed to me by a dear friend. Enjoy<br />
<br />
A Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife because she was reading the Bible<br />
and then buried her with their infant baby and an 8-year old daughter.<br />
The girls were buried alive! He then reported to the police that an<br />
uncle killed the kids.<br />
<br />
15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him,<br />
they found the 2 little girls under the sand - <b>ALIVE</b>!<br />
<br />
The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be executed.<br />
<br />
The older girl was asked how she had survived and she says:- 'A man<br />
wearing shiny white clothes, with bleeding wounds in his hands, came<br />
every day to feed us. He woke up my mom so she could nurse my sister,'<br />
she said. She was interviewed on Egyptian national TV, by a veiled<br />
Muslim woman news anchor. She said on public TV, 'This was none other<br />
than Jesus, because nobody else does things like this!'<br />
<br />
Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) would do this, but the wounds mean He really<br />
was crucified, and it's clear also that He is alive! But it's also<br />
clear that the child could not make up a story like this, and there is<br />
no way these children could have survived without a true miracle. Muslim<br />
leaders are going to have a hard time to figure out what to do with<br />
this, and the popularity of the Passion movie<br />
Doesn't help! With Egypt at the center of the media and education in<br />
the Middle East , you can be sure this story will spread.<br />
<br />
Christ is still turning the world upside down! Please let this story be<br />
shared. The Lord says, 'I will bless the person who puts his trust in<br />
me. <b>'Jeremiah 17</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Mark 8:38</b> which says, 'Therefore whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and my<br />
Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man shall<br />
also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the<br />
holy angels'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Jesus loves you</b>..!ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE?tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-02:916966:BlogPost:5814462009-04-02T18:05:35.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Since you've decided to live according to the word of God and seek his face, his kingdom and his righteousness, are you making the most of your life? Think about it for a moment....<br />
<br />
<br />
So many people today are living below their God-given potential. They’ve put their dreams on hold because of disappointments or setbacks. But God doesn’t want us to spend a single moment living in regret or condemnation. He doesn’t want us to settle for mediocrity. He wants us to make the most out of every moment…
Since you've decided to live according to the word of God and seek his face, his kingdom and his righteousness, are you making the most of your life? Think about it for a moment....<br />
<br />
<br />
So many people today are living below their God-given potential. They’ve put their dreams on hold because of disappointments or setbacks. But God doesn’t want us to spend a single moment living in regret or condemnation. He doesn’t want us to settle for mediocrity. He wants us to make the most out of every moment of our lives. He promises to make all things new.<br />
<br />
<b>2 Corinthians 5:17</b><br />
<br />
17) Therefore if <i>any</i> man be in Christ, he is a new creature: <b>old things are passed away</b>; behold, all things are become new.<br />
<br />
He promises to restore <i>everything</i> the enemy has stolen from us.<br />
<br />
We are the ones who have to make the decision to let go of the past so we can make the most of today. We have to choose to keep moving forward one step at a time.<br />
Side note: Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You HAVE to let go at some point in order to move forward.<br />
<br />
When you choose to walk in faith AND forgiveness, you <b>ARE</b> making the most of your life.<br />
<br />
<b>2 Corinthians 5:7</b><br />
<br />
7) For we walk by faith, not by sight:<br />
<br />
When you reach out to help others, you <b>ARE</b> making the most of your life.<br />
<br />
When you give of your time, talent, and resources to build the kingdom of God, you <b>ARE</b> making the most of your life.<br />
<br />
Choose <b>TODAY</b> to let go of the past so you can embrace <b><i><u>EVERY</u></i></b> opportunity the Lord has in store for your future!<br />
<br />
Be Blessed and remember to <b>BE</b> a Blessing.ARE YOU HOLDING ON??tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-01:916966:BlogPost:5774412009-04-01T13:53:33.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Lately there has been so much chaos and crisis in our lives, that instead of moving forward, we are simply trying to hold on to God.<br />
<br />
The Bible urges us to do just that:<br />
<br />
"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" (Hebrews 3:6).<br />
<br />
""We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first" <b>(Hebrews 3:14).</b><br />
<br />
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has…
Lately there has been so much chaos and crisis in our lives, that instead of moving forward, we are simply trying to hold on to God.<br />
<br />
The Bible urges us to do just that:<br />
<br />
"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" (Hebrews 3:6).<br />
<br />
""We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first" <b>(Hebrews 3:14).</b><br />
<br />
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" <b>(Hebrews 4:14).</b><br />
<br />
We are instructed to hold on to our courage, to hold on to the hope we have in Christ, to hold firmly to the confidence we had when we first came to Christ and to the faith we profess.<br />
<br />
These are good reminders, but what if I feel like I can't hold on any longer?<br />
<br />
Then, it is time to recall that it was God who first took hold of me. "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (<b>Philippians 3:12b)</b>.<br />
<br />
My survival does not depend on me; as I cling to God I remember that before I chose Him, He chose me, before I loved God, He loved me, before I held on to Him, He held me.<br />
<br />
When darkness and evil surround us, we must consciously call to mind that God gave Jesus Christ all power and authority; in Him and through Him we find salvation, courage, hope and faith.<br />
<br />
"[Christ] is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" <b>(Colossians 1:17).</b><br />
<br />
Holy God, thank you that You are the One who holds me, help me to hold on to You.<br />
<br />
Be Blessed and remember to <b>BE</b> a blessing!04/01/2009 Verse of the Daytag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-04-01:916966:BlogPost:5773992009-04-01T13:35:08.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
Psalm 14<br />
<br />
1The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.<br />
<br />
2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.<br />
<br />
3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.<br />
<br />
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.<br />
<br />
5There…
Psalm 14<br />
<br />
1The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.<br />
<br />
2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.<br />
<br />
3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.<br />
<br />
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.<br />
<br />
5There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.<br />
<br />
6Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.<br />
<br />
7Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.<br />
<br />
Be Blessed!THE TEST!tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-03-27:916966:BlogPost:5425812009-03-27T17:07:37.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
<b>A Christian</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes we are being tested and are unaware. Will you be able to past the test?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It…
<b>A Christian</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes we are being tested and are unaware. Will you be able to past the test?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'<br />
<br />
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change '<br />
<br />
The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'<br />
<br />
'Yes' he replied.<br />
<br />
'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'<br />
<br />
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'<br />
<br />
Our lives are the <i><b>only</b></i> Bible some people will ever read.<br />
This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christian's, and will put us to the test!<br />
Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself<br />
' Christian .'<br />
<br />
<b>Watch your thoughts</b>; they become words.<br />
Proverbs 15:26 26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.<br />
<br />
<b>Watch your words</b>; they become actions.<br />
1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.<br />
<br />
<b>Watch your actions</b>; they become habits.<br />
<b>Watch your habits</b>; they become character.<br />
<b>Watch your character</b>; it becomes your destiny.2009 Handbooktag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-03-26:916966:BlogPost:5379242009-03-26T18:34:09.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
<b>Handbook 2009</b><br />
<br />
Tips on daily living. Health, Personality, Society and Life in General!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Health:</b><br />
1. Drink plenty of water.<br />
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.<br />
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.<br />
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.<br />
5. <b>Make time for meditation and prayer</b>.<br />
6. Play more games.<br />
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.<br />
8. Sit in silence…
<b>Handbook 2009</b><br />
<br />
Tips on daily living. Health, Personality, Society and Life in General!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Health:</b><br />
1. Drink plenty of water.<br />
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.<br />
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.<br />
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.<br />
5. <b>Make time for meditation and prayer</b>.<br />
6. Play more games.<br />
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.<br />
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.<br />
9. Sleep for 7 hours.<br />
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.<br />
<br />
<b>Personality:</b><br />
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.<br />
12. Don't have negative thoughts oF things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.<br />
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.<br />
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.<br />
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.<br />
16. Dream more while you are awake.<br />
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.<br />
18. Forget issues of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.<br />
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.<br />
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.<br />
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.<br />
22.. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.<br />
23. Smile and laugh more.<br />
24 .. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.<br />
<br />
<b>Society:</b><br />
25. Call your family often.<br />
26. Each day give something good to others.<br />
27. Forgive everyone for everything.<br />
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.<br />
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.<br />
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.<br />
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.<br />
<br />
<b>Life:</b><br />
32. Do the right thing!<br />
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.<br />
34. <b>GOD heals everything.</b><br />
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.<br />
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.<br />
37. The best is yet to come.<br />
38. <b>When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it</b>.<br />
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.<br />
<br />
Last but <b>DEFINITELY</b> not the least:<br />
40. Matthew 6:33 "<b>Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (i..e., wealth, good health, joy, peace, etc.) will be added to you as well."</b>03/25/2009 Today's TRUTH! SECOND CHANCEStag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2009-03-25:916966:BlogPost:5345412009-03-25T15:59:29.000ZT.L. Hawkinshttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/TarmequeLHawkins
March 25, 2009<br />
<br />
Second Chances<br />
<b>written by Sharon Jaynes</b><br />
<br />
<b>Today's Truth</b><br />
<br />
"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found,' so they began to celebrate" (NIV).<br />
<br />
<b>Friend to Friend</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most memorable and heart touching stories of grace and forgiveness is recorded in Luke chapter fifteen. It's what we've come to know as the story of the Prodigal son. This young man demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, spent it all…
March 25, 2009<br />
<br />
Second Chances<br />
<b>written by Sharon Jaynes</b><br />
<br />
<b>Today's Truth</b><br />
<br />
"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found,' so they began to celebrate" (NIV).<br />
<br />
<b>Friend to Friend</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most memorable and heart touching stories of grace and forgiveness is recorded in Luke chapter fifteen. It's what we've come to know as the story of the Prodigal son. This young man demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, spent it all on riotous living, and found himself dirty, destitute, and despairing. As despicable as pigs were to Jews, this young man took a job taking care of pigs and eating their food just to stay alive.<br />
Then he had an epiphany. He came to his senses.<br />
<br />
"How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father (Luke 15:17-20).'"<br />
And where was his father? He was panning the horizon, hoping for a sign that his boy might return home. While "he was still a long way off," the father spotted his son on the horizon. Filled with compassion, he picked up the edges of his robe and ran. He didn't wait for his son to come to him, grovel at his feet, and beg for forgiveness. No, as soon as the father caught a glimpse of his son, he dashed toward his boy, smothered him with kisses, and welcomed him home.<br />
<br />
If you remember, not everyone was happy when the prodigal son returned. His big brother resented the fact that he got another chance. And you know what? There will be those who resent the fact that we get another chance as well.<br />
<br />
"Big brother won't mind if you come back as long as you hang your head and wear your shame. But when God has the audacity to give you a little dignity back and you dare lift your radiant face to heaven in liberated praise, big brother may be appalled! Pride can't celebrate with a prodigal-come-home. Folks who won't celebrate are still kidding themselves into thinking they did something right to be loved by their Father." (Beth Moore, When Godly People do Ungodly Things, (Nashville, TN: Lifeway Press, 2003), p. 145.)<br />
I say, let him be appalled. Nothing makes some people angrier than grace. Big brother is invited to the party too, and it's his decision whether or not he wants to join in the celebration. I'm just glad he's not the one in charge.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Pray</b><br />
<br />
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming me back home when I go astray. I don't deserve your grace, but then, that's what grace is...undeserved favor. Help me always to remember the log in my own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else's. I pray that I will never, never be like the big brother who did not celebrate in his brother's return.<br />
In Jesus' Name,<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
<b>Now It's Your Turn</b><br />
<br />
Today, I want to focus on Big Brother.<br />
Have you ever been like the big brother?<br />
Have you ever resented someone being forgiven and restored?<br />
Have you ever felt like some ought to "get what they deserve" rather than being forgiven?<br />
These are tough questions and I love you too much not to ask them. After considering the big brother's attitude, do you need to readjust your attitude toward any particular person in your life who has repented?