July 2008 – There is Power in Prayer through Yeshua Ha' Mashiach!

Prayer Request For Nicholas – Urgent Update

Last week I posted the prayer request below and I have an update below from his mom. Nicholas is having a tough time and we need continued prayer for him and his family.

As of 7/30/08 Nick is still in the hospital and now has a fever of 102. Nick was in alot of pain ,we are up every hour on the hour! We were supposed to go home today, but he woke up feeling sick to his stomach, and with a pain on his left side! Dr.Figueroa got really concerned that he might have a blockage, so he sent him to get an ultrasound, and some blood work! The ultrasound showed swelling that is causing his pain,and a little blockage and his blood work for his kidney function showed a little elevated, so this is what they keep an eye on to make sure your not in kidney failure! He is in no danger of kidney failure, but if the numbers keep elevating then they have to insert something to drain the kidneys while he is recovering! He just started a new medicine to help him relax his bladder, and to relieve the peeing every 45 minutes,and the pain and so far it is relieveing some pain, but he is still urinating all the time! We are all exhausted and have been here at the hospital for 6 days.

7/25/08 Dear prayer partners, please add Nicholas to your prayer list. He is having surgery on his kidney today. He is the grandson of one of my oldest and dearest friends and he has had health problems since birth.

I don’t really know all the details, but it has to do with a urinary reflux problem and they are believing that this surgery will correct the problem.

Please keep the doctors and hospital in prayer that they will be guided by the Lord as they operate and care for Nick. Please also lift up his family that they will continue to have faith in Jehovah Rophe that His Will will be performed and that He has a plan.

The blood of Jesus flows through Nick bringing life and healing to every cell, muscle, fibre, organ and tissue in his body. Sickness has no place in his body and he is healed in the mighty name of Yeshua. Father, Master and Creator of the Universe, and all that is seen and unseen, place Your loving hands upon Nick and his family and let the peace that only You can bring fall upon them and wrap around them in Jesus name.

In Touch Prayer July Week 4

Praise – Last month, In Touch successfully launched the Spanish-language version of Landmines in the Path of the Believer. This powerful book by Dr. Charles Stanley offers wisdom on how to uncover and defuse nine of life’s hidden dangers. Please join us in praising God for what He is doing through In Touch’s Hispanic ministry.

Prayer– Pray that FamilyNet elevision and radio would be available to more households through additional distribution on satellite and cable systems. Please pray for new viewers and even more family-friendly programming.

Victory Report From The ACLJ

I just wanted to share this wonderful report with you…

Dear Briggitte,
These are yours — yours to celebrate: four amazing victories that have come about through your remarkable support of the ACLJ.
They all reflect the value of your generosity. Thank you for your commitment to the causes of faith and freedom.
But the struggle is not over yet. Today, we continue to fight – and fight hard – on many crucial fronts. I must ask for your continued faithfulness, especially in light of the tremendous opportunity we have with the $450,000 “Campaign for Freedom” Matching Challenge.
We’ve made progress toward the goal – and you have my thanks if you have already responded. But frankly, we still have a long way to go and we need to fulfill this Matching Challenge, now more than ever.
Please give generously … your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, propelling us forward with twice the impact in each of these important cases and issues in which we are engaged.
Thank you for faithfully standing with the ACLJ. God bless you.
SUPREME COURT VICTORY – PROTECTING CHILDREN
Combating child pornography was the goal of the Protect Act of 2003 – and now the Supreme Court has handed down a significant decision, upholding the law’s constitutionality. The ACLJ’s amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court, represented 18 members of Congress – and urged the high court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit that declared a provision of the Protect Act 2003 unconstitutional. We applaud the high court’s decision in the important case of U.S. v. Williams (No. 06-694). Thank you for standing with the ACLJ to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children!
SUPREME COURT VICTORY – UPHOLDING YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS
In a razor-thin 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the District of Columbia violated the constitutional rights of a city resident by banning him from owning and possessing a handgun in his own home. The majority decision in District of Columbia v. Heller overwhelmingly showed that the Second Amendment could only be correctly understood to protect individual rights, echoed by the ACLJ in our amicus curiae brief filed in the Supreme Court, supporting the private right to keep and bear arms. This was another solid Supreme Court victory – and an important one protecting your Second Amendment rights.
VICTORY FOR GINA … AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Gina had perfect grades – until she took a stand for her faith, in opposition to her professor. Her Intro to Philosophy college professor not only docked her grades, but also repeatedly derided Gina for her faith. Once notified, the ACLJ got directly involved. We sent a legal memorandum demanding that the school end its discriminating actions against Gina and uphold her First Amendment rights or face a federal lawsuit. Gina’s rights were upheld … an outcome we’re certain would not have occurred if the ACLJ did not get involved. We especially thank the thousands of you who stood with us on behalf of Gina by signing our National Petition of Protest and sending a powerful message to the community college.
GOD STILL WELCOME IN MILLERSVILLE, TN
“Layman Lessons,” a nonprofit Christian ministry, met all of the zoning requirements for the City of Millersville, TN. However, the city refused to allow the plaintiff to occupy the leased premises. The U.S. District Court for Middle Tennessee ruled that the city of Millersville violated “Layman Lessons'” constitutional rights. Larry Crain, senior attorney with the ACLJ, was lead attorney for the plaintiff. Your support of the ACLJ makes these important religious rights’ victories possible in federal courts nationwide. Thank you!
MEANWHILE, CASES AND ISSUES STILL UNDER WAY …
Israel Update
We continue the crucial fight for religious freedom in Israel. Our team has met with lawyers and Israeli government officials, and we are closely monitoring this situation to ensure that attacks on Christians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank do not escalate.
California Homeschooling Case
The California Court of Appeals has agreed to rehear the case regarding Rachel L. In February, the court issued a decision that, if implemented, would deny nearly all California parents the right to homeschool their children. The ACLJ has filed an amicus brief in the case, arguing that the right of parents to homeschool their children is derived from both the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.
Flawed Decision on Same-Sex Marriage
The ACLJ has been active in protecting marriage nationwide and involved in the legal fight to defend the state ban on same-sex marriage through the filing of friend-of-the-court briefs in California. We’re disappointed that the California high court failed to uphold what an overwhelming majority of California voters clearly understand – the institution of marriage is limited to one man and one woman. Please commit this important matter to prayer!

God’s Pharmacy

My friend Doris sent this to me.

It’s been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish… all before making a human… He made and provided what we’d need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We’re such slow learners…

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

God’s Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye… and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopene and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone st rength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female – they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body’s cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

SUBJECT: Psalm 46:19
‘Be Still and Know that I AM GOD’

This candle was lit on the 15th of September, 1998. Someone who loves you has helped Keep it alive by sending it to you. Don’t let The Candle of Love, Hope And Friendship die! Pass It On To All Of Your Friends and everyone You Love! May God richly bless you as you keep this candle burning. I received this today for the 1st time and I hope it comes back someday again. Please keep this candle alive

The Lord will never give you more than you can handle!!

How To Live Life

My dear friend Doris sent this to me, so I’m sharing it with you. Take care and God bless you.

Live well, laugh often, love with all your heart!!!

Be Calm… Quiet… Tranquil….

Bloom as often as you can…

Stay close to your Family….

Explore the world around you….

Enjoy the relaxing rhythm of waves…

WATCH THE M O O N R I S E .

Spread your wings and take off on your own…

Then enjoy the comfort of coming home again…

Life is short.

Please… While you can…

Take time to enjoy all the little pleasures

that have been provided for you….

If you need some hints….

Go back and read this again!

Prayer Request For Dylan

I received this from my friend in Yeshua, Daniel and have been given permission to pass it on. Please lift Dylan and his family up in prayer and pass this on to your prayer buddies

Brother Jerry ,

Hello I need to update you on my son Dylan

We went to Shriners Hospital in South Carolina this week and we need prayer the good news first Dylan is a Shriner Baby now and his hands are fine for now they are more worried about his feet right now , he wears a Helmet on his head to reshape his head and it is working

His Hips and his Knees are fine … now the bad news

He has A Joint Condition in his Bones and his feet will either need multiple Surgeries or One big Surgery which is to Amputate half of both of his little Feet and make Prosthetic feet and toes and he would be able to walk soon with no more surgeries on his little feet.

If we don’t do the amputation he will never be able to walk

I really need Prayer as I decide this and Dylan needs Prayer to get through all of this .

I also need Prayer because my ex ( His Father ) may not agree to the Surgery the way he acted at first and I don’t see as I have any choice but to do the amputation so he can walk ..

Thank you for your Prayers and GOD BLESS YOU

Prayer Request for Nicholas

Dear prayer partners, please add Nicholas to your prayer list. He is having surgery on his kidney today. He is the grandson of one of my oldest and dearest friends and he has had health problems since birth.

I don’t really know all the details, but it has to do with a urinary reflux problem and they are believing that this surgery will correct the problem.

Your words are Your servants

If you read my blog, you know I am a big fan of Charles Capps and his ‘God’s Creative Power’ series. Well, recently I sent his ministry an offering and along with a thank you note, I received a little flyer titled, ‘Your Words Are Your Servants’. I have been meaning to read through it, but I have so much on my reading table that I haven’t gotten around to it.

I decided to put it next to my computer so that I would remember to read through it and every time I looked at the title, something stirred in me, but I couldn’t put my finger on it, that is until tonight.

Your words are your servants; but only if you know and understand the power they hold and the power you can have over them. If you do not stand in the authority that God has given you, then your words will become powerless. Instead of your words being your servant, you become a servant to your words.

Words can inspire or conspire encourage or discourage, build up or destroy, bless or curse, and when we do not walk in the knowledge of these simple truths, we become victim to them.

I know we live in a very harsh world, but so did Jesus. We have freedom of speech, maybe too much freedom sometimes which is probably why we get ourselves into so much trouble.

Have you ever heard someone say to you, it’s not what you said but how you said it? Have you ever said something you immediately regretted and told the person, you didn’t mean what you said? Do you buy any of that? Really? I used to think that way, but now I’m not so sure.

The bible says in James 1:10 “…to be slow to speak, but quick to listen.” James goes on to say in verses 22-23, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.”

So, now it’s up to each of us to walk in the power and anointing of God and stand in the power of the Word and words He has given us. Take up your armor and equip yourself and let your words be your servants. Later this week, I’ll share some of Charles Capps’ message with you. May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Father, I thank You today for showing me the importance of my words and Your Word. Help me Lord to speak words of power, authority and anointing through your Son, Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I understand more fully why there is power in prayer; Your Word is power and when we speak Your Word, which carries life, healing and prosperity we walk and stand in Your power.

Holiday Traditions

I wrote a post last year asking my readers to tell about how they celebrate Thanksgiving – do they stay at home, visit family and friends or dine out. I know you are probably wondering why I’m writing about Thanksgiving in the middle of summer and frankly, I have no idea why I’m writing about Thanksgiving. I just felt the urge and I’m going with…

For the most part, I have enjoyed staying home for Thanksgiving, although I must admit that one of my dreams is to one day go to New York and be on the sidelines of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I would also make sure I had a hotel room with a nice view of the parade just in case it was too nippitty!

When my kids were younger (mind you 3 of them are adults and the youngest just turned 15), they would fight over who got to break up the bread for the stuffing – it was so much fun to watch them. As they got older, they would fight over who got to mix the stuffing and stuff it into the bird!

Nowadays, I’m the one who has to fight to help out in the kitchen because my son Justin loves to cook! I never knew he was paying attention when I would be cooking and it wasn’t until his third year in the Navy that I learned how much he loves to cook! I honestly have to say that spending time in the kitchen with him brings me such joy! Now I know how Paula Deen feels about her sons and cooking with them – that pretty much sums it up for me too!

Over they years we’ve switched between Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef and Pasta for Easter and Christmas and New Years, but there are certain MUST HAVE’S when it comes to Thanksgiving. For instance,there is always, always, always a Turkey for Thanksgiving. In honor of my Grandmom Ida (may she rest in peace) we place the turkey neck in a pot of Sauerkraut and simmer it all day long and there’s always pickled beets! To honor my mom, we have a tray of black and green olives, baby gerkin pickles and a sweet pickle mix that has cauliflower and onions and carrots, but it’s been hard to find the mix the past few years. did I mention my Grandmom Ida was German? I hate canned cranberry sauce so the night before, I make mine from scratch – it is soooo easy and I make a double batch so there’s plenty for leftovers.

For my daughter Daniele, we have to have baby LeSeur peas, for my husband Jose, we have to have apple pie, pumpkin pie and baked sweet potatoes. For my daughter Tylar we put marshmallows on half of the sweet potatoes because she likes them extra sweet and Jose likes them just as they are. For my son Jarrett there has to be mashed potatoes and biscuits and for Justin I make sure there is plenty of stuffing and homemade cranberry sauce.

The Macy’s day parade is put on the TV, and we love to go to the High School football game, even though there have been a few years where I wasn’t able to go because I was up to my elbows in turkey, or I was not well enough to go. Once I get things going for dinner, I work on lots of munchies to hold everyone over till the turkey’s done. Once the parade’s are over (sometime before the end of the day we slip in the DVD ‘A Christmas Story’ and laugh our butts off even though we’ve seen it dozen’s of times) we put on the football games. We love us some football in this house. We watch the college games, the pro games and the high school games. We don’t have a dining room and the kitchen is small, so everything is set up buffet style and everyone makes their plate and heads to the living room. Once everyone is in place, my husband says grace and then it’s chow time. While we eat, everyone shares what they are thankful for, it’s a tradition we started several years ago when the kids were younger. Once dinner is over, everyone finds a spot and gets comfortable till they have room for dessert – sometimes we all end up falling asleep and when we wake up you hear someone ring the bell for round 2!!

There have been times when we go to a family members home for Thanksgiving dinner and we have a blast, but then when we return home, there’s no turkey aroma wafting through the house and we all get bummed out, but not to worry, we make a full Thanksgiving dinner the next day and we do it all over again…..Oh the left overs, oh the lovely smells, oh, pass the Tums….

I know that one day I will have the house I want and there will be a huge dining room and a big table so we can all sit and eat and chat and eat some more and chat and enjoy each other’s company – thank you Lord in advance for this blessing.

We have some really funny memories and my family will never let me live down the year I over-cooked the biscuits. I didn’t have much room in the oven so I put them in a round cake pan and I totally forgot about them. By the time I remembered, they were burnt, not black mind you, at least not on top, they were really really really brown. I didn’t bother taking them out of the pan, I just left them there and then after dinner, my kids went into the kitchen and pulled the biscuits out of the pan. They had fused together and were hard as a rock. They said I should hang them on the front door as a “biscuit wreath”! Then there was the year that I wanted to make gravy from scratch so I didn’t have any jarred gravy in the house, and I accidentally poured out ALL the drippings from the turkey down the drain…Oops, my bad…

A Message From Joel Osteen

I receive daily inspiration messages from Joel Osteen via email and every so often I feel led to share the message on my blog. This message was so appropriate for me to hear and share with my husband. I received this message the day he was to begin his radiation treatment and it ministered to both of us.

To subscribe to daily messages from Joel Osteen, sent right to your email inbox, click here.

Cast Your Cares

Today’s Scripture

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria

God cares so much about you today. Not only does He love and care about you, He cares about the things that concern you as well. If you have concerns, worry or anxiety about something in your life today; finances, relationships, your job or anything else, know that your Heavenly Father already has a plan to take care of those things for you. It’s a good plan, and He wants to show Himself strong on your behalf. The scripture reminds us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air are cared for, how much more will your Heavenly Father take care of you? Make the decision today to cast all of your anxiety on Him by choosing to trust that He is going to take care of you. Refuse to dwell on your problems and don’t allow them to steal your peace and joy any longer. Instead, choose to meditate on His Word and confess God’s promises over your life. As you cast your cares on Him, you’ll experience His peace and joy, and you will live the life of blessing He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for caring for me. I choose today to cast my cares on You and trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I bless and magnify You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

In Touch Prayer july Week 3

Prayer– Ask God to provide the resources needed to create and distribute 60,000 International In Touch Messengers, which will offer the hope of the gospel in five different languages

In Touch Prayer July Weeks 1&2

I know, I know… I’m way behind in posting this, and my only “excuse” is that I haven’t been feeling too hot the past few weeks. I think maybe my blood pressure is too low and that coupled with not taking my vitamins regularly, not getting in enough protein and the things that go on around here, I’ve just been out of it… Now, enough about my problems here are the prayers for weeks 1 & 2.

Week 1

Prayer– Pray for the United States as we celebrate another year of freedom and independence. Ask God to turn the hearts of all Americans toward Him, while empowering In Touch in our mission to strengthen the local church here at home and around the world.

Week 2

Prayer– Pray for the ongoing translation and production of the In Touch Messenger. And join with us in asking God to prepare the hearts of those who will receive these potentially life-changing audio devices.

Prayer request For rob diMascio

I just learned that Rob, one of my former co-workers has been out of work since March of this year and is still not able to return to work.

I am not sure what his illness is, however I do know the power of prayer and I am asking you to join me.

Heavenly Father, Master of the Universe, Creator of All that is seen and unseen, I give You all praise and honor. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, I ask that You look down upon Rob and if it be Your Will, heal him from his infirmities. We also ask that he find favor with his request for Social Security Disability.

Jesus, You bore our sins on the cross and by Your stripes we are healed. In the name of Jesus, I bind any illness, sickness or disease in Rob’s body. Lord, Your Word sends forth life and healing and we thank You for Your grace and mercy. We ask for Your ministering angels to surround him as a hedge of protection in the mighty name of Jesus.

A Cross In The Middle of Nowhere

Cross on Interstate 40 Groom, Texas (near Pampa)

IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

On a lonely stretch of highway just outside of Groom, Texas (near Pampa) stands a 19 story tall cross that can be seen for miles from any
direction. The arm spans are 110 feet across. It is constructed of a welded steel framework covered with steel sheeting.

This cross is the result of the efforts of Steve Thomas and family of Pampa, Texas. It took 250 welders eight months to complete, and
weighs 1,250 tons. It stands alone, unsupported by guy wires, and can withstand winds of 140 miles per hour.

Steve Thomas’ son, Zack Thomas, is an All-Pro middle linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.

The cross is truly an awsome sight to behold. It is a dedication to the love and sacrifice of Jesus. It is a spectacular sight at night, and is open
for viewing 24 hours per day, seven days a week,and the site is truck and RV accessible. It is anticipated that 10 million people a year will pass by the cross and a thousand a day will stop.

On a small hill facing the cross there are three bronze cross statues depicting the crucifixion of Jesus between two thieves. The base of the cross is surrounded by life-sized bronze statues of Jesus depicting twelve
stations of Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary.

(Click here to view the bronze statues.)

This project is maintained and sponsored by the Cross Of Our Lord Ministries. For more on this and also to view some awesome construction photos, please click on their website link below.

http://www.skybusiness.com/thecrossministries

VOM News and Prayer Update 7/8

Dear prayer warriors and friends,
“We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;” (1 Corinthians 4:12)

Prayers for July 8th, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs

Pray for
INDIA
INDIA
Pastors Attacked, Accused of Forcible Conversion – VOM Sources
On June 24, Pastor Murugan was beaten by Hindu militants who ambushed him and two other believers while returning home from a prayer meeting in Moodalpalya, Karnataka, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “The other two managed to flee and escape any harm. The militants accused the pastor of forcibly converting people and ‘spoiling the minds of the children’ and took him to the local police station where he was detained.” In an unrelated incident on June 26, Hindu militants barged into the home of a local believer in Hubli, Karnataka; shouted curses at the Christians gathered for a prayer meeting and beat Pastor Vinod Talakere. VOM sources added, “They dragged the pastor and another believer to the local police station where the men were detained on accusations of forcibly converting people, kidnapping local girls and enrolling them in Bible college.” Pray for the release of these pastors. Ask God to bless their ministry and the work of other Christians spreading the gospel in India. Philippians 4:13
Pray for UZBEKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
Christian Detained on Terrorism Charges – Forum 18 News
On June 14, eight police officers claiming to be conducting an identity check, raided the home of Jandos Kuandikov in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, where several Christians were gathered to prepare for a wedding. According to Forum18 News, “Kuandikov was not home at the time, but when he returned he asked the police for a warrant authorizing their action. None was provided. Police demanded statements [proving] that a religious meeting was not being conducted but the family refused. Police then accused Kuandikov of being a terrorist and [a] Wahhabi (a form of Islam found predominantly in Saudi Arabia). The police continued their search and interrogation throughout the day and then took several of those present to the police station. All but [a Christian named] Aimurat Khayburahmanov, were eventually released. At last report, Khayburahmanov remained in detention on false charges of terrorism.” Pray Uzbek Christians will be able to bless and pray for those who falsely accuse them. Pray for Aimurat Khayburahmanov to be released. Luke 6:27-28
Pray for IRAN
IRAN
Christian Couple Arrested, Tortured and Threatened – Compass Direct News
On June 3, a newly converted Christian couple in Iran was arrested by police for holding Bible studies with Muslims in their home, and attending a house church. According to Compass Direct News, “Makan Arya and Tina Rad were seized from their home in east Tehran after one of Makan’s relatives informed security police of the couple’s Christian activities. Their 4-year-old daughter was left behind, ill and unattended. The couple was taken to an unknown jail where they were severely beaten and interrogated for four days.” Compass reported, “Makan was accused of ‘activities against national security’ and Tina of ‘activities against the holy religion of Islam.’ The authorities threatened to take their daughter away to a religious institution and warned they could be imprisoned on charges of apostasy or fabricated drug charges if they didn’t stop their Christian work.” The report added that eventually the couple was pressured into signing a statement claiming they had not changed their religion from Islam and promising that they would stay away from their house church and other Christians. “After a court hearing, Makan was freed on bail charges of US $19,634 and Tina upon payment of US $29,451. The couple returned home to find that the window of their shop had been smashed by local Muslims. On June 23, Makan received a letter threatening him with continued attacks if he did not put up evidence of his Islamic faith on the front of his shop, to which he responded by hanging pictures of Muslim leaders on his window,” Compass added. Ask God to strengthen the hearts of these believers to proclaim His Name without hesitation or fear. Pray for healing, especially for Tina who currently cannot walk as a result of her mistreatment in detention. Isaiah 40:29-31
Pray for CHINA
CHINA
House Church Leader and Family Evicted From Their Home – China Aid Association
On July 2, Public Security Bureau (PSB) police officers evicted prominent house church leader, Pastor Hua Huiqi and his family from their home in Beijing, China. According to China Aid Association (CAA), “Hua and his family were resting in their rental apartment when PSB officials led by Officer Yang Jian, used a 10-pound hammer to break down the doors and locks of the apartment. Hua’s brother was beaten by police officers and suffered severe damage to his eye. Hua and his family, including his 90-year-old father, were forced onto the street with their furniture. They are currently in search of a new home and are being hosted by a Christian family in Beijing.” According to CAA, “The Chinese government has expressed its intentions to either detain Hua until September 30, a date well after the Olympics, or to remove Hua and his family completely out of Beijing during the Games. The Chinese government had branded Hua and other human rights and religious activists as ‘troublemakers’ and is adamant about keeping such people from attending the Games in August.” Praise God for Pastor Hua and his family’s faithfulness. Ask God to watch over his family, especially his elderly parents who are great examples of faith and courage. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict the persecutors and draw them into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Psalm 55:16-19

Works For Me Wednesday – Steam Mop your Floors

I HATE mopping the kitchen and bathroom floors. We have 2 dogs, one of which sheds his short brindle hairs simply by breathing. There are 3 men, each of whom daily shave or trim their hair, beards and nose hairs leaving hundreds of bits of stubble and hair bits of various lengths all over the sink and floor. Then there is my youngest, who goes into the bathroom after the men to do her hair – meaning she sprays half a can of mousse, gel and hair spray to “scrunch” her hair; thereby gluing the hundreds of little hairs left by the men, on to the floor!

I have to sweep the floors twice before I can even begin mopping and even then I don’t get the kind of clean I’m looking for – until now. I was up late one night and saw and info-mercial about the Shark Steamer and I knew I had to have it. The downside is I hate calling in during info-mercials because they try to get you to buy so many other things you don’t really want and then there is S&H, so I held off.

Then about 3 weeks ago I was in BB&B and saw the steamer and had a 20% off coupon so into my cart it went.

I will say that the first time I used it, I wasn’t totally impressed. I even thought about taking it back because even though I swept the floors as usual before mopping, there was still stuff left behind and the floor was tacky, even though I didn’t use any cleaners.

Then it dawned on me, years of using cleaners had caused a build up on my floors so I swept the floor again and ran the steamer over the floor again.

I can’t believe how clean my floors get and how super fast they dry. I still sweep 2 times before I mop, but it’s worth it. I can now clean my floors every day and it takes me less than 10 minutes to sweep and mop and I’m saving money and the environment because I don’t need any cleaners. If I want something fragrant in the air I spray some Oust or light a candle – a Soy Candle, that is!

My kids love helping out which is awesome and my floors never looked better. It is worth the investment!

For lots of other great WFMW posts, check out Rocks In My Dryer every Wednesday!

Thought For The Day Mark 11:24

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” KJV

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” NASB

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].” AMP

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” NLT

“Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” ASV

“Because of this I say to you, all whatever — praying — ye do ask, believe that ye receive, and it shall be to you.” YLT

“Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for —believe that you have received them, and you will have them.” HCSB

^“For this reason I say to you, All things whatsoever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye receive it, and it shall come to pass for you.” DARBY

“Therefore I say unto you, all things, whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive; and they shall come unto you.” DRA

“Therefore I say to you, all things whatever things ye praying shall ask, believe ye that ye shall take, and they shall come to you.” WYC

To me, no matter what version of the bible you read, there are 4 words in Mark 11:24, that are pretty much the same throughout each of them – pray, ask, believe, receive.

One word that is not listed in any of these interpretations is “faith”, however I believe it is the basis, the cornerstone if you will, of what gives this scripture it’s power. If you when you pray, you ask through faith, believing through faith you will therefore; receive through your faith. “For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

note – translations are taken from www.bible.com, the bible version is listed in italics after each translation.

Hymn Of Repentance

Each month I receive a magazine by Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries. It is packed with stories and articles as well as a daily bible reading.

I must confess that I don’t always pick up the magazine right away because I’m always reading something, and I subscribe to quite a few magazines, but I do get around to reading them all eventually.

In the March issue on page 39 there is a beautiful hymn based on Psalm 139:23-24 by J Edwin Orr and I wanted to share it with you.

Cleanse Me

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;

Try me O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.

See if there be some wicked way in me.

Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;

Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.

Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;

Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;

Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.

Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;

I now surrender, Lord – in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee,

Send a revival, start the work in me.

Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;

For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

Update On Logan 7/7

I just received this update from Daniel and knew you would all want to hear this wonderful news. All praise and glory to God, Master and Creator of the Universe!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am waiting for Logan’s Grandma to give me an update on Logan. The last I heard, Logan is scheduled to come home tomorrow, July 8^th. That was not for certain when I spoke with Gail last. Also, Gail is trying to get me a beautiful picture of Logan taken recently. Gail did tell me that Logan continues to make wonderful progress with his therapy and is getting better each day.

As I’ve said before, the prayers are working and are still needed. We need to continue to pray for Logan until he is back 100%!!!!

Thank you all again for your continued love and support for Logan and the family. As soon as I hear from Gail, I will make sure to let you all know! I can’t wait to send the beautiful picture of Logan to you all!!!! He has become our MIRACLE and I know you all feel like Logan is one of your own, just as I do!!!!!!

Love to you all!

Lisa Thompson

Jay Sekulow and the ACLJ

I was browsing through some member sites at In Christ Always, and came across The Judah Set. I was looking at their Forums page and came across the discussion, Standing Up For Students.

I have copied the discussion and pasted it below, because it cannot be viewed unless you are a member and my goal here is to inform people of the situation and not pressure anyone into joining the social network.

I cannot believe with all the emails circulating about terrorists and Islam that this event has not crossed my inbox. This is a matter of extreme importance and urgency.

Please take a moment to read more about this by clicking HERE. Then sign the petition by Jay Sekulow and the ACLJ by clicking HERE.

Prayer and a moment of silence have been taken out of our schools, Darwinism is being drilled into their minds and we wonder why teen pregnancy; violence; teen suicide; drug abuse and alcoholism are all on the rise.

I ask you to share this with as many people as you can and pray for Jay and the ACLJ to have victory in the mighty name of Jesus, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach!

Standing Up for Students

Posted by TheJudahSet on May 14, 2008 at 12:19pm in The Kingdom of GOD

This week Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, Senior Counsel Stuart Roth, and Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Jordan Sekulow bring you an update today on an ACLJ case involving a community college student who has been punished by her professor because of her Christian beliefs. Click here to sign our National Petition of Protest. See the video as Jay shares up to date information about this story.
http://www.aclj.org/OnTheTv/
Please take the simple but POWERFUL action of signing the online petition to protect our students rights to have an education without having to accept the beliefs of some out of control professors on public campuses across this country. He is clearly abusing his authority and power.