Friday, August 1, 2008

The Way We Judge Others

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.> But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry,> teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past.

As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial.> So, does it wash away sin or not?"> The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.> Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters.> Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!> "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23

Friday, February 8, 2008

The Bathtub test

The Bathtub Test

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director how do
you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."

"No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug.

Do you want a bed near the window?"

ARE YOU GOING TO PASS THIS ON, OR DO YOU WANT THE BED NEXT TO MINE ?

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Monday, February 4, 2008

Globalization

GLOBALIZATION

Finally, here is a definition of globalization
I can understand and to which I can relate.

Question:
What is the truest definition of Globalization?

Answer:
Princess Diana's death.

Question: How come?

Answer:
An English princess with

an Egyptian boyfriend

crashes in a French tunnel,

driving a German car

with a Dutch engine,

driven by a Belgian

who was drunk on Scottish whisky,
(check the bottle before you change the spelling),

followed closely by Italian Paparazzi,

on Japanese motorcycles;

treated by an American doctor,

using Brazilian medicines.

This is sent to you by an Argentine ,

using Bill Gates's technology,

and you're probably reading this on
your computer that uses Taiwanese chips,

and a Korean monitor,

assembled by Bangladeshi workers

in a Singapore plant,

transported by Indian lorry-drivers,

hijacked by Indonesians,

unloaded by Sicilian longshoremen,

and trucked to you by Mexican illegals.....

That, my friends, is Globalization

Lost Child

If this was your daughter you would forward it.
Missing 3 year Old Girl -
You never know, who knows whom

Hi guys, Here's another child missing.
Please forward to everyone you know.
She's too precious to be absent from her family.






















This is really sad that the family of
this young girl has to do this, but
others can get the attention of
mass media. Please pass this along
and say a pray for the Strong Family.

PLEASE HELP US BY FORWARDING THIS
EMAIL UNTIL THIS REACHES A WORLD-WIDE
AUDIENCE AND JEWEL IS RETURNED HOME SAFELY

Racharel Strong (father) - 404-357-1881
Simona Strong (mother) - 404-313-4255
Tiesa Locklear (aunt) - 678-234-4902
Tramesa Locklear (aunt) 678-480-1635
Ursala Williams (aunt) 678-362-5246
GOD FIRST, PEOPLE ALWAYS

http://www.letsfindjewelstrong.com/

They Will See God

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

There is something amazing that happens to a soul when quiet majesty is observed.

Take in the scene around you, It's amazing to see some of God's most glorious handiwork. Every tree, the vast blue sky, the swirled mix of sunshine and clouds, the rise of the mountain, and the slope down to the valley all placed by the
hand of God.

As I take in the scene aorund me, I imagined God asking, "Who will notice Me in all of this today? Who will stop for just a moment and see ? Who will let their soul linger ever so slightly and simply utter an acknowledgement of me?

Everyday God is there. Everyday we have an opportunity to notice and acknowledge, and see and rejoice. Even when the world is crazy around me, I can still make the choice to see God.

Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

It doesn't say, "blessed is the perfect person."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the woman who has perfect Biblical knowledge."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the one who never misplaces library books."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the mom who never messes up with her kids."

Nope. It says blessed is that woman whose heart is pure. In other words, "blessed is that woman who lives in expectation of seeing God- who looks for and acknowledges Him- whose greatest desire is to see God--- for she certainly will."

So whether your scenery today consists of beautiful mountains or mountains of laundry -- look for Him -- make the choice to acknowledge Him. Choose to see Him, and then you will.

I choose thankfulness over grumbling and I will see You Lord.

Dear Lord, help me to pause today and make the choice to see You, acknowledge You, thank You, and represent You well. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Power Verses:
Psalm 84:12, "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." (NIV)

John 10:10, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (NLT)

Proverbs 3:6, "Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." (NLT)

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you
worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't
happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does
happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time
schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough,
two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult
projects over time; don't lump the hard things all
together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is
a concern, find out what God would have you do and let
go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a
situation, forget it .

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards
for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an
extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps,
etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of
advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in
line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help
improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to
nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's
time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair
and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are
doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it
the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general
manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're
grateful for that you've never been grateful for
before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If
God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

The Fireman

A fireman was working on the engine outside the
station when he noticed
a little girl nearby in a little red wagon with little
ladders hung off the
sides and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle.

The girl was wearing a fireman's helmet. The wagon was
being pulled by her
dog and her cat.

The fireman walked over to take a closer look. "That
sure is a nice fire
truck," he said with admiration.
"Thanks" the girl replied.

The fireman looked a little closer and noticed that
the girl had tied the
wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's testicles.

"Little Partner," the fireman said, "I don't want to
tell you how to run
your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the
cat's collar, I think
you could go faster."

The girl replied thoughtfully, "You're probably right,
but then I wouldn't
have a siren."

The Puppy

A Farmer had some puppies hr needed to sell He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy.

'Mister,' he said, 'I want to buy one of your puppies.'

'Well,' said the farmer,
As he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, 'These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.'

The boy dropped his head for a moment.
Then reaching deep into his pocket,
He pulled out a handful of change
And held it up to the farmer.

'I've got thirty-nine cents.
Is that enough to take a look?'


Sure,' said the farmer.
And with that he let out a whistle.
'Here, Dolly!' he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran

gently followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.
As the dogs made their way to the fence,


The little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.

Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....

'I want that one,' the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, 'Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.'

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.

In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said,
'You see sir, I don't run too well myself,
And he will need someone who understands.'

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup.
holding it carefully handed it to the litte boy
How Much ask he little boy. 'No charge,' answered the farmer, 'There's no charge for love.'

The world is full of people who need someone who understands .

It's National Friendship Week.

Show your friends how much you care.
Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

I'VE GOT YOU COVERED

Nothing can dim the light that shine from within
Just let me know if ANYONE messes up your day today!





















I GOT YOU COVERED !!

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, grow powerful in union w/Eloah,in union w/His mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that Eloah provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. So take up every piece of war equipment Eloah provides;so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist;and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth bucked around you waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of Shalom. Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of deliverance, along w/the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of Eloah, as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit,vigilantly and persistently, for all Eloah's people."

REQUEST FOR PRAYER PART 3

Pray in the Mighty Name of Yahshua for

(1); wisdom for officials of the US government regarding Armenia in it's relation toTurkey;and for wisdom of how to handle genocide of Armenians;and that the Good News will spread in that region of the earth;

(2)pray salvation of our Diplomatic Corps and for every employee of Homeland Security; the Pentagon House of Representatives & Congress of the U.S.; & the White House;

(3)that the unused embassy and land in Armenia will be dedicated to King MarYah's use;

(4)that America will see Turkey in it's conjunction w/the beast, and to act accordingly;and that King Yahshua will raise up laborers to the harvest.

Thank you.

REQUEST FOR PART 2

In the Mighty Name of Yahshua, pray

(1)for a cleansing of curruption w/n Miami-Dade County government, and against governmental corruption earthwide;

(2)that people of King MarYAH will humble themselves and pray, and seek Father YAH's Face earthwide on behalf of local goverments;

(3)for unity,balance,love among the brethern/believers earthwide;

(4)against santeria practices & other forms of witchcraft in Miami-Dade and the megalopolis;

(5)salvation among the jetset;come against itching ears & denial of The Truth ;their hearts to open toYahshua as the Way

(6)that synagogues and churches in Europe to come alive to the Holy Spirit of YAH;

(7)that the group in Belgium will be strengthened as they meet and tell of the Love of Yahshua, and for laborers to the harvest in that region be raised up;

(8)young people in Switzerland to turn to Yahshua;

(9)that the Swedish government continues to deny mosques to be built in their land.

PRAYER REQUEST

HalleluYAH to Our King Eloah, in the Mighty Name of His Son, Yahshua HaMoschiach!! Please pray for

(1)the nation of Europe to turn to King Yahshua, for the people to come alive to Him, to turn away from darkness;

(2)For the people of Yisrael to turn to King Yahshua;for laborers to go to the harvest w/o injury;and for discipleship after receiving Yahshua as Saviour to occur;

(3)For wisdom,knowledge,understanding,provision for Robert & Sharonna in their congregation leadership roles, to prosper as they share the Good News. For Germany, Geneva, Madagascar to hear the Word of Yahshua thru them; and to be saved;

(4)Spirit of racism to be cast down earthwide;

(5)for the ethnic cleansing war in Nigeria & in other parts of Africa to be cast down, and for the Name of Master Yahshua to be raised up, w/laborers assigned to the harvest;

(6)safety of Barak Obama & family w/wisdom & understanding for Obama of Father's Word.

JUST THE FACTS

JUST THE FACTS

RECENT STUDY FOUND OUT WHICH DAYS MEN PREFER TO HAVE SEX. IT WAS FOUND THAT
MEN PREFERRED TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY ON THE DAYS THAT STARTED WITH THE
LETTER "T".
EXAMPLES
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
TODAY
TOMORROW
THANKSGIVING
THATURDAY
THUNDAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A RECENT SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED ALSO TO DISCOVER WHY MEN GET OUT OF BED IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. HERE ARE THE SURVEY RESULTS:
5% SAID IT WAS TO GET A GLASS OF WATER
12% SAID IT WAS TO GO TO THE BATHROOM
83% SAID IT WAS TO GO HOME
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE PERFECT BREAKFAST...AS A MAN SEES IT.....
YOU'RE SITTING AT THE TABLE AND YOUR SON IS ON THE COVER OF WHEATIES......
YOUR MISTRESS IS ON THE COVER OF PLAYBOY........
AND YOUR WIFE IS ON THE BACK OF THE MILK CARTON.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT'S THE BEST FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL AFTER 50?
NUDITY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's the difference between a girlfriend and a wife?
ABOUT 45 LBS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT'S TH E FASTEST WAY TO A MAN'S HEART?
THROUGH HIS CHEST WITH A REALLY SHARP KNIFE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOUTHERN ZOO AND A NORTHERN ZOO?
A SOUTHERN ZOO HAS A DESCRIPTION OF THE ANIMAL ON THE FRONT OF THE CAGE,
ALONG WITH A RECIPE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT'S THE CUBAN NATIONAL ANTHEM?
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NORTHERN FAIRYTALE AND A SOUTHERN FAIRYTALE
?
A NORTHERN FAIRYTALE BEGINS "ONCE UPON A TIME....."
AND A SOUTHERN FAIRYTALE BEGINS...........
"Y'ALL AIN'T GONNA BELIEVE THIS SHIT

Bridge For Peace


Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com

1. Winograd Notes Lebanon War Failures but Absolves Olmert
2. Snow Brings a Mantle of White
3. Terrorists Recently Released from Prison Involved in Terror
4. Shas Threatens to Quit Gov't Over Jerusalem
5. Barak: Israel Suspects Iran Has Clandestine Uranium Enrichment Program
6. Homeless Man Freezes to Death in Tel Aviv
7. New Campaign in Los Angeles: Live for Sderot
8. Israel Fears Terror Campaign in Sinai
9. Palestinian Engineer Puts Tel Aviv on the Right Track
10. Erlich and Ram Win Australian Grand Slam Tennis Doubles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Winograd Notes Lebanon War Failures but Absolves Olmert
Providing material for both sides of the political aisle the evening of January 30, the Winograd Commission’s final report on the handling of the second Lebanon War avoided, as expected, any personal recommendations, and ultimately absolved Prime Minister Ehud Olmert from improper motives regarding the ground attack in the final hours of the conflict. The situation sets up a crucial waiting period as Labor party leader Ehud Barak decides whether or not to pull out of the government and force new elections.

Although the report was not condemning, it did call the war a “serious missed opportunity” and portrayed Israel as failing to take advantage of a situation in which they were clearly superior militarily. In addition, the political echelon was cited repeatedly along with the military for strategic and planning mistakes.

However, in addressing the ground offensive at the end of the war in which Israeli soldiers were killed shortly before a ceasefire, the report felt that the flawed effort was nonetheless done for the right reason. Speaking on former Minister of Defense Amir Peretz and Olmert, an English version of the report’s summary said, “We believe that they both acted out of a strong and sincere perception of what they thought at the time was Israel’s interest.”

A member of Olmert’s Kadima party pointed to that as a rebuttal of Olmert’s detractors. Speaking on the report’s determination that Olmert acted with Israeli interests in mind, Member of Knesset Menahem Ben-Sasson, the chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, said, “Those who point to the prime minister and the minister of defense as politically interested in their personal future [in sending in soldiers] now find an answer in this report…They can say nothing, prove nothing about political personal motive.”

Ben-Sasson said he was “very satisfied” with the report and said that not only should Barak not withdraw from the government, but he thinks it is possible another like-minded party could add their numbers to the vulnerable coalition.

“I think there is no reason for anybody to leave this coalition government. It showed itself to be of proper potential to make changes already in the last seven months,” said Ben-Sasson.

Meanwhile, apparently drawing on the repeated statements of failure for both the military and political echelons, including the government’s failing to define Israel’s overall strategy in the conflict or an exit strategy, the opposition Likud party said in a statement that Olmert must take personal responsibility and resign, and Barak must keep his campaign promise to quit the government.

“If the defense minister searched for an excuse in the report not to resign, he did not find one,” said the Likud statement.

(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, January 31, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Pray that the current volatility within the Israeli government will lead to accountability and responsibility by elected officials. Pray that this present debate will provide the wisdom and honesty needed in those who govern the people.

Scripture
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Snow Brings a Mantle of White
When I ventured to my windows January 30 I was greeted by steadily falling snow. The cars below were wearing thick robes of white. The street covered with ice, indicated the consistency of the overnight precipitation. People were outside keen to enter into a unique experience…snow falling in Jerusalem. They wore coats or sheets of clear plastic. Families sauntered along the street where I live, just as they do, when traffic stops on Saturday for Shabbat.

The snowfall was generous and the joy was shared with the Galilee, as well as Judea and Samaria. Authorities closed schools and many offices opted for a day off as public transport halted because of the treacherous road conditions. The forecasters have predicted light snow falls also for Thursday.

Municipality snow-removing vehicles were busy at work keeping major thoroughfares open. I noticed the garbage removal men were still on deck running their regular route with an extra difficulty to overcome. Most people avoided driving. I even saw pedestrians lose their footing on the glassy pavements.

In the midst of the automotive calm, the wail of Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance sirens could be heard as those reliable crews dealt with accident victims throughout the city. Arutz Sheva reported MDA evacuated five women in labor to local hospitals. They also assisted several in Jerusalem who suffered broken bones.

Mayor Uri Lupoliansky hosted a snowman competition in Sacher Park, Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile there were road closures on highway 60 (Jerusalem-Shiloh) where the snow reached heights up to 20 centimetres (8 inches). The weather bureau says the snow will be gone by Shabbat (Friday).

(By Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, January 30, 2008)

Editor’s Note: It goes without saying there are many people in distress during the current snowfall. See Prayer Focus 6. You can give to bless them and comfort them in their desperate need. Give today. Go to “Opportunities” on our website—www.bridgesforpeace.com—and give to comfort the People of the Book. Thank you

Prayer Focus
Please pray that the Lord would reach out in love and comfort to those who are suffering in the freezing conditions in Israel. While many rejoice and praise God, enjoying the wonders of the snow, others need your love and tender care. Pray that the Lord would bless them through His great mercy!

Scripture
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 66:13).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Terrorists Recently Released from Prison Involved in Terror
Towards noon January 25, Israeli security officials confirmed earlier reports that claimed that the two terrorists affiliated with Hamas who infiltrated the Kfar Etzion yeshiva on Thursday night and stabbed two tutors before they were shot dead, had recently been released from jail in Israel.

The two were identified as relatives Mohammed and Mahmoud Sbarana, both aged twenty from the village of Beit Omar near Hebron. Earlier Israeli security officials denied reports claiming the two had recently been released from jail. After further investigation however it became apparent that the two had completed their prison sentence and were released.

Israeli security officials stressed that the two had not been released in the framework of any deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

(By Staff, Infolive.tv, January 25, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Pray for the families of those who were bereaved in this vicious attack.

Scripture
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Shas Threatens to Quit Gov't Over Jerusalem
Shas' Council of Torah Sages convened January 27 at the home of the party's spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and announced that Shas would quit the government once negotiations with the Palestinians over the fate of Jerusalem begin.

"The moment Israel starts discussing Jerusalem with the Palestinians, Shas will immediately resign from the government," the council's secretary Rafael Pinhasi stated.

Shas has already made similar statements in the past, and Sunday's declaration was predominately aimed at making it clear to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert once again that the party would make no compromises on the matter.

"The Council of Torah Sages believes that no peace talks should be held before terror activities are stopped completely," a statement issued by Pinhasi said.

Shas Chairman Eli Yishai, who met with Olmert last week, said he asked the prime minister that the negotiations with the Palestinians be conducted with full transparency.

"The prime minister promised me that construction in Jerusalem and its surrounding would not be frozen," Yishai told the council. "I also spoke to the defense minister, who told me he would look into it. If this matter isn't resolved, I will approach the prime minister again," he added.

(By Neta Sela, Ynetnews.com, January 27, 2008)
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3499476,00.html
Prayer Focus
With the Winograd Report now publicized, the prime minister has said he will get on with implementing his policies of peace. Pray for the plan to divide Jerusalem that the Lord will protect His city throughout the future negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

Scripture
“He also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, ‘In Jerusalem shall My name be forever’” (2 Chronicles 33:4).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Barak: Israel Suspects Iran Has Clandestine Uranium Enrichment Program
Iran is not threatening Israel and does not want nuclear weapons, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said January 26. Speaking to Israel Radio on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucheher Mottaki said that it was Israel that possessed nuclear weapons and are "threatening Teheran." Iran, said Mottaki did not recognize two countries South Africa and Israel. However with the end of apartheid in South Africa the problem was solved and in Israel’s case there is no reason why relations cannot change when it changes its policy he said.

Meanwhile, in an interview to the Washington Post published Saturday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel believes Iran has a clandestine uranium enrichment program beyond the one in Natanz and suspects that it is already working on warheads for ground-to-ground missiles. Barak said Israel believes "the Iranians are aiming at nuclear capability," even though "they may have slowed down the weapons [development] in 2003, because it was at the height of the American military campaign [in Iraq]."

"We think that they are quite advanced, much beyond the level of the Manhattan Project," Barak stated, referring to the codename of the US nuclear development project during World War II.

"It's clear that the real risk with Iran turning nuclear is that it will be the end of the non-proliferation regime because it will open the door on active proliferation," he said. "It's very dangerous that we will end up in 10 to 15 years with a nuclear device in the hands of terrorists." "The leading intelligence communities should concentrate on finding whether there is…a clandestine enrichment operation and a weapons group working on the weapons technology," he said.

But he acknowledged that the international community was not as certain of Iran's nuclear aspirations. "Clearly the NIE [National Intelligence Estimate] reduced the enthusiasm even for tougher sanctions," he said. "We need a much deeper and more intimate cooperation between the United States, the EU, Russia and China. And this needs a paradigm shift in the way we approach China and Russia."

Barak also spoke of the fledgling Middle East peace process, saying Israel was willing to reach an accord but was not sure of the Palestinian Authority's ability to implement one. "There has never been a shortage of goodwill on Israel's side. [PA President Mahmoud Abbas [Abu Mazen] and Prime Minister Salaam Fayad] are both willing and ready, but there is a great question mark as to whether they are able. They control only half of their people," he said.

(By Staff, Infolive.tv, January 26, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Pray that the world leaders will not be duped into allowing the Iranian nuclear project to continue despite the many warnings of their continued activities in that direction.

Scripture
“Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy” (Psalm 64:1).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Homeless Man Freezes to Death in Tel Aviv
A homeless man believed to be about 50 years old froze to death in Tel Aviv on the night of January 27. A Magen David Adom [MDA] crew dispatched to the city's Nadav Street on Monday morning proclaimed the man dead. This appears to be another death related to the recent cold spell.

Yaniv Riz, an MDA paramedic, was dispatched to the scene of the incident. "We received a report about an unconscious man lying in the street. When we arrived his entire body was blue. He was lying there for several hours, and when we arrived he had already died of hypothermia."

According to Riz, the man did not find shelter from the cold. "It was on a main street, not in some corner. It appears that he was walking in the street and collapsed.

"What shocked me was that he had a piece of bread in his hand, which he had apparently planned to eat. He had no blanket and was only dressed in a coat and long trousers, nothing more."

On Sunday, two people were killed in a fire that erupted in a deserted building in Rishon Lezion's Herzl Street, south of Tel Aviv. The bodies of the two people, believed to be homeless, were found inside the burnt building after firefighters gained control of the flames.

One of the bodies was burnt as a result of the fire, while the other body was unharmed, causing rescue services to believe that the second person died after inhaling smoke.

A police investigation revealed that the two sought shelter from the cold in the deserted building and choked on the dense smoke while sleeping. The fire then spread throughout the building and destroyed it.

(By Metal Yasur Beit-Or, Ynetnews.com, January 28, 2008)
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3499541,00.html

Editor’s Note: Please pray about giving financially to Bridges for Peace so we can be prepared for the seasonal emergencies. Go to our Bridges for Peace Web site and click on “Opportunities.”

Prayer Focus
Pray for those who are suffering terribly and even dying in the extreme cold this winter. See Editor’s Note—Prayer Focus 2.

Scripture
“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. New Campaign in Los Angeles: Live for Sderot
The Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Israeli Leadership Club (ILC) on January 29 launched the 'Live for Sderot' campaign' in the city.

The campaign is aimed at presenting the distress of the children living in the rocket-battered town of Sderot and breaking through the global media's disregard of the city, which is mostly mentioned only in relation to the distress of the Gaza Strip's residents.

As part of the campaign, El-Al Airlines will fly a delegation of 10 teenagers from Sderot to Los Angeles. The youths will visit campuses and schools throughout the city and share their experiences with the students.

The selected teens will also enjoy a dreamlike tour of the city, with visits to Universal Studios, Disneyland and an NBA game. The delegation's stay in Los Angeles will be financed by the ILC.

A new website, www.live4sderot.org, will be launched as part of the campaign and will include information about Sderot. In addition, a video featuring Sderot's children and dealing with each person's right to live in peace has been posted on the YouTube website.

The campaign will reach its climax on February 26, when the Consulate General and the ILC will host a charity and solidarity concert for Sderot. The organizations seek to raise at least US $1 million for the city's children.

The concert, which will include a performance by Israeli singer Ninet Tayeb and will be attended by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, will also launch the celebrations of the State of Israel's 60th anniversary in the city.

A Foreign Ministry official noted that "this activity is part of the Foreign Ministry's efforts to raise the world's awareness to the ongoing suffering of the residents of Sderot and Gaza vicinity communities.

"This effort is a key task of the Ministry's communications and PR department, which is holding a series of events and activities in this framework among the public and the media, focusing on the internet."

(By Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews, January 30, 2008)
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3500432,00.html

Editor’s Note: Bridges for Peace, with the support of US donors, is currently providing blankets and heaters to the residents of Sderot, Help us help them in this snowy winter. Visit “Opportunities” on our Bridges for Peace Web site and give for our Sderot support effort. Praise God for this further effort in LA))

Prayer Focus
Pray for those who are under attack from missiles and rockets and who also suffer right now, in the harshness of the winter.

Scripture
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Israel Fears Terror Campaign in Sinai
A team of Israeli security and government officials visited Cairo on Monday to express concern over the possibility of a new wave of terror attacks in the Sinai Peninsula, the Arabic daily A-Sharq Al-Awsat reports.

Israel is concerned the mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza over the last week has allowed terrorists based in the coastal enclave to move into Egyptian controlled Sinai, where they can launch attacks on Israeli vacationers.

The Media Line’s cameras filmed weapons being moved across the Gaza-Egypt border after Hamas supporters blew seven holes in the frontier wall. Sinai has witnessed several terror attacks in recent years, mainly aimed at the hotels where Israeli tourists stay.

(By Staff. The Media Line, January 29, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Pray that Israel will experience peace on her borders. Pray that the enemy will not use the coming 60th birthday celebrations in Israel to cause pain and sorrow in the Land.
Scripture
“He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat” (Psalm 147:14).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Palestinian Engineer Puts Tel Aviv on the Right Track
It might be a bit of a head-scratcher for those who see nothing but the violent clashes on TV, but a Palestinian is now part of a Tel Aviv design and planning team, working on the city's new light rail train project, expected to be completed by 2012. The train is expected to ease congestion and pollution in the city's busy streets. With Issa Zananiri on board, it might also help ease a little of the conflict in the region, by increasing tolerance and understanding between Palestinians and Israelis.

Zananiri, 26, is a Palestinian Christian from the small village of Beit Hanina just outside of east Jerusalem. His name Issa means Jesus in Arabic. Like the stereotypical Jewish family, Zananiri's family—and other Arab families in his community—dream that their sons will grow up to be doctors or engineers one day, he says.

So far Zananiri's parent's dreams have come true. Happy that he is an engineer with a good job, they support the fact that he works in Tel Aviv, among Israelis. "I have a father who is open to everybody," says Zananiri.

But life in Israel can be complicated, he notes. He holds an Israeli identity card, but not citizenship. And as a Greek Orthodox Christian, he is somehow caught in the middle of the conflict, belonging to neither the Muslim nor the Jewish struggle.

Though it's uncommon for Palestinians to live and work in Tel Aviv, his Israeli co-workers have embraced him completely in the workplace, he says. "I just received a very welcoming environment when I first came to work," he told ISRAEL21c.

He gives the answer 2012 as the year when the train is finally expected to be ready, but the answer comes with a measure of conjecture. It is an elusive question, he recognizes, and one that many Israelis are asking amongst themselves. We are, after all, still in the Middle East," he concludes, in a light-hearted manner.

(By Karen Kloosterman, Israel21c.org, January 29, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Praise God for this unique situation. Pray that this kind of love, friendship, and acceptance will be seen throughout Israel and the Middle East.
Scripture
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Erlich and Ram Win Australian Grand Slam Tennis Doubles
Israelis were celebrating with tennis stars Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram after they won their first grand slam doubles title 7–5, 7–6. The brilliant pair defeated Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Michael Liodra in the Australian Open men’s doubles final played January 26. They are the first Israelis to win the trophy.

After the success, Erlich acknowledged the joyful support of their fans. A strong, vocal contingent of supporters followed the pair to every match played over the past two weeks. Even Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called to congratulated the stars.

They defeated the Frenchmen who are the Wimbledon champions. Erlich and Ram were ahead when rain stopped play. When the contest resumed the Frenchmen rallied and the Israeli duo had a tough battle but emerged with tennis of the highest standard.

They lifted for the win. They were down 3–1 in the final set tiebreak but in a sustained effort won the next four points to win.

(By Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, January 26, 2008)

Prayer Focus
Praise God for the success and joy of these outstanding athletes.

Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
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WHO ARE WE?
For those who are new to the list, Bridges for Peace is a Christian charitable organization, headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. Since 1977, we have been working to build Christian–Jewish understanding and support for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. We do this through 14 different aid projects, and by disseminating information about Israel and teaching Christians about the Hebraic roots of Christianity. We have national offices in Israel, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Our Spanish Resource Center is in Jerusalem, Israel.

To receive more information and our other publications, send your e-mail and postal mailing address to intl.office@bridgesforpeace.com

We also invite you to visit our Web site at http://www.bridgesforpeace.com
WEEKLY UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
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It is our goal to send you news items to help you more effectively pray for Israel in accordance with Psalm 122:6. Therefore, in addition to the news items, we add Prayer Focus, where applicable, so that you can pray along with us for Israel. We will also continue to intersperse positive news items so that our message is not just crisis-oriented. We don't want to be just another news-service provider, but to send an interpretative message ultimately focusing on prayer for Israel.

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Friday, February 1, 2008

Perspective

Perspective

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on
a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him
how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be
considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son,
"How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and
they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields
that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to
protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would
happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of
worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

A sneaky way to make money

A sneaky way to make money - 1/29/08 (Jim O)

This is a joke that is supposed to bring you luck.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
An elderly woman walked into the Bank of Canada one morning with
a purse full of money. She wanted to open a savings account and
insisted on talking to the president of the bank because, as she
said, she had a lot of money.

After many lengthy discussions (after all, the client is always right),
an employee took the elderly woman to the president's office.

The president of the bank asked her how much she wanted to deposit. She placed her purse on his desk and replied, '$165,000'. The president was curious and asked her how she had been able to save so much money. The elderly woman replied that she made bets.

The president was surprised and asked, 'What kind of bets?'

The elderly woman replied, 'Well, I bet you $25,000 that your testicles are square.'

The president started to laugh and told the woman that it was impossible to win a bet like that.

The woman never batted an eye. She just looked at the president and said, 'Would you like to take my bet?'

'Certainly', replied the president. 'I bet you $25,000 that my testicles are not square.'

'Done', the elderly woman answered. 'But given the amount of money involved, if you don't mind I would like to come back at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning with my lawyer as a witness.' 'No problem', said the president of the Bank confidently.

That night, the president became very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of the mirror examining his testicles, turning them this way and that, checking them over again and a gain until he was positive that no one could consider his testicles as square and reassuring himself that there was no way he could lose the bet.

The next morning at exactly 10 o'clock the elderly woman arrived at the president's office with her lawyer and acknowledged the $25,000 bet made the day before: that the president's testicles were square.

The president confirmed that the bet was the same as the one made the day before. Then the elderly woman asked him to drop his pants so that she and her lawyer could see clearly.

The president was happy to oblige.

The elderly woman came closer so she could see better and asked the president if she could touch them. 'Of course', said the president. 'Given the amount of money involved, you should be 100% sure.'

The elderly woman did so with a little smile. Suddenly the president noticed that the lawyer was banging his head against the wall. He asked the elderly woman why he was doing that and she replied, 'Oh, it's probably because I bet him $100,000 that around 10 o'clock in the morning I would be holding the balls of the President of the Bank of Canada!'

The origin of this Canadian story is unknown but it brings luck to everyone to whom it is sent. Whoever breaks the chain would definitely be unlucky.

Do not keep this letter. And do not send money.

Just forward it to five of your friends to whom you wish good luck. Something good will happen to you in the next four days. If the chain is not broken, you will have good luck during the four days.

Even if all you do is make someone laugh, send it on!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you send this page to more than 5 people, you will have good luck for the next 5 years in addition to the luck you will have within the next 4 days.

FUNNY WARNING

The Center for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly
Contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by
hand, and even electronically.

This virus is called Weary Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you
receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues, or anyone else via
any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your
private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave
the premises. Take two good friends to the nearest grocery store and
purchase one or both of the antidotes - Work Isolating Neutralizer
Extract (WINE) and Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take
the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from
your system.

You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If
you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is
controlling your life

DIRECTION FOR TODAY & FOREVER

He Directs Your Steps

Today's Scripture

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you doing to bring your dreams to pass? Are you getting prepared? Do you have clear direction? Are you taking steps of faith? Success is intentional. You may not know what steps to take right now, but God has a good plan for your life. If you’ll do your part to seek Him and begin to make plans to succeed, God will guide you. He will direct your steps. You don’t have to vaguely go through life. God wants to show you His plan. He wants to pour out His blessing on you and see you living a life of victory. Decide today to make plans to succeed. Write down your goals. Make time to evaluate where you are in life. Evaluate your finances, your career, your relationships. Don’t go another week without having a plan for your future. Evaluate how you're spending your time and money. If you’ll go beyond dreaming and start making plans to succeed, God promises He’s going to direct you r steps. He will lead you down the path of His favor. He’ll lead you into increase. He’ll lead you into promotion, and you’re going to see your dreams come to pass and walk in success in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Help me to see clearly the plan You have for me today and every day. I submit every area of my life to You and trust that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I bless Your name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

CLEANING HOUSE FOR 2008

CLEANING HOUSE FOR 2008

Last Week I threw out worrying, it was getting old and in the way.

It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(Didn't have time to read it anyway) .

Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories ,
(Remember how I treasured them so)?

Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.

Threw out I might, I think and I ought
WOW, you should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while.

His name is GOD the Father, and I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.

Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,
Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.

I FOUND IT- its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.

Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the things on the shelf.

It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!

May the Lord open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that
you will not have room enough to receive it all.
Malachi 3:10.

May the Lord bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever
hope for.
Philippians 4:19.

Take 60 seconds & Bless someone!
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Population

Raleigh Passes Minneapolis in Population

Posted: 23 minutes ago

Raleigh — The City of Oaks is bigger than the Mini-Apple.

Raleigh has passed Minneapolis to become the 49th most populous city in the U.S., according to biannual population estimates by Raleigh's Growth Management Division. The city's estimated population as of Jan. 1 was 374,320, an increase of 6,325 people in the past six months, officials said.

The city’s population increased by 14,988, or 4.17 percent, during 2007, officials said. Population estimates are based on the number of dwellings, the average number of people per household and the dwelling occupancy and vacancy averages.

“We thought Raleigh’s growth rate would drop slightly in 2007, given the national economy. However, Raleigh’s job growth and quality of life continues to attract new residents,” Raleigh Planning Director Mitchell Silver said in a statement.

In 2006, Raleigh passed Tampa, Fla.; Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and St. Louis to become the 51st largest city in the country. Last year, the city moved into the Top 50 by passing Wichita, Kan.

The national rankings are unofficial because U.S. Census Bureau estimates lag one year behind local estimates.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred-Forgive.
Free your mind from worries- Most never happen.
Live simply and appreciate what you have.
Give More…
Expect less…

A Life That Pleases God

A Life That Pleases God

By Micca Monda Campbell

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5 (NKJ)

Devotion:
The Tennessee Women's prison has an unusual baptistery in their chapel. It's a coffin. For these women, being baptized in a coffin is a powerful visual of their death and burial with Christ. Thereafter, the coffin, which is a permanent fixture in the chapel, becomes a daily reminder that they are no longer slaves to sin and enemies of God. Their old way of living is dead, buried, and gone; and they are now free to live a life pleasing to God.

This is such an awesome truth in ours lives that Billy Graham says, "We should meditate on the truth that we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness, until returning to the old way of living is unthinkable."

While it is true that we are dead to our old life, staying dead is another matter. Often, our dead flesh will raise its ugly head and try to influence our thoughts and actions. If we listen long enough to its demands, we suddenly find ourselves at the graveyard fervently digging up our old flesh, so that it can perform its sinful deeds.

Christians have a responsibility to put to death their old nature through daily surrender or else they cannot live a life pleasing to God. They will begin to think only of themselves again and ways to gratify their flesh. However, those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit will live a life of righteousness free from sin. Those who follow the Holy Spirit will not think about fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Their thoughts are occupied by God's Word, His ways, and purposes.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely an admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." So, what dominates your thoughts?

If we only think of ourselves, what we want and our rights, then eventually we'll find ourselves going down the wrong path, one that leads to a stinky life. On the other hand, thinking on things that are pure and worthy brings forth life that is pleasing to God and a witness to others.

If you are in Christ, then the flesh no longer dominates you, my sister. So stop visiting the graveyard. Instead be led by the Holy Spirit by dying daily to your old way of thinking and living. Then, the Spirit of God can create in you a pure life that releases a sweet, pleasing aroma.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess that I often visit the graveyard to free my dead flesh. Help me to keep that person in the grave by yielding solely to Your Holy Spirit so that my life will be pleasing to You, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Begin each day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide your thoughts and actions and you will not give in to your own desires. When you fail, quickly confess it and surrender again. Soon Christ's character will exude in your life while overcoming your own.

Reflections:
When you smell the stench of selfish flesh do you quickly confess it, turn from it, and begin living in the spirit again?

Is your life overall a pleasing aroma to God?
Do you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life even when it's hard?

Power Verses:
Galatians 5:6, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (KJV)

Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (NKJ)

Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJ)

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT

ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! ALERT

Good morning to all in receipt of this message;

Thank the Supreme Being, that HIV can not survive in air, oxygen kills the virus, hence it is appalling to think that someone would be by way of a brains that operate in such a small capacity; to think that someone, anyone, would be acceptable of such behavior and the other problems that can be caused and be proven fatal such as Hepatitis is unheard of. The stain of Hepatitis has grown with a labeling from the alphabet of different types to letter M if not mistaken. We must all bow our head and ask that there is only one person in the world like this…however, it is distressing to think that there are so many others of the like. We’ll keep them in our prayers and ask that, “No weapon formed against us shall prosper…”

All of you have a great day and super (bowl) weekend!

Don’t know if it is true or not but you decide.

I’m forwarding because you never know… DISGUSTING!

SEND THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. PEOPLE ARE SICK.

This is something you may want to take note of:

ONLY USE KETCHUP FROM THE PACKET IN FAST FOOD OUTLETS!!

A man was caught placing blood in the ketchup dispenser at a fast
food outlet (to remain unnamed) within the last month. It is believed
that he is HIV+. So be sure to let your friends/family know...

Only use items that come in a closed packet.

Thelma Jean Martin
Department of Health and Human Services
Quality Assurance

The Bell.

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven(Col.1:14).I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are!?

Keep this bell ringing...
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace.."
Numbers 6:24-26

Women Respect Your Selvies

A little long but interesting.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so
long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

This statement is from a man on Black Voices. It's painful, but true...

Bottom line--if I sleep with a woman I don't know or care about

SEX is NOT going to make me care. (I stopped doing that years ago)

That kind of sex is like scratching an itch. Once a man scratches,he's through.

He ain't sitting around thinking about that spot that
itched or how good it felt scratching it.

He's moving on with his life until that spot itches
again and it don't matter which hand he scratches it
with, just as long as he gets rid of the itch.

Too many women PRETEND they can handle a sexual fling,but wind up getting caught up and wanting us to romance and wine and dine them and pretend we're having a "relationship" when it's NOTHING but a booty
call.

Come on, ladies, y'all know I'm telling the truth.

Unfortunately, ladies, you are part of our problem. You sleep with us BEFORE you know us or what we're about.

Having sex with a man does not automatically make that a "relationship".

Many women will deny they think like this but I'm speaking from personalexperience.

Also, ladies know when their men are fooling around and still turn a blind eye by getting mad at the other woman.

Now, what kind of sense does that make? Why should that woman make YOU (a total stranger) a priority in her life?

IF HE DID NOT MARRY YOU HE IS STILL SINGLE. The
"other woman" is not breaking up a "happy home".

Many women marry men who were cheating BEFORE they
walked down the aisle and then are SHOCKED that a fancy wedding dress or an expensive walk down the aisle didn't change who he was.

Why should he change? YOU let him know it was
acceptable by sticking around that long.

Ladies, start living with your eyes OPEN. Most shady men give themselves away one way or another, usually before the first 30 days.

Women have to stop "rewarding" unfaithful men by pretending it ain't happening.

All of us Black Men (BM) do not cheat. I do not cheat on my lady so don't buy the hype. I know other BM who do not but many men WILL cheat if there are NO real penalties for it.

Stop jumping into bed with brothers YOU DON'T KNOW. That means fewer opportunities for men to cheat.

Women have to STOP being so afraid to ask the important questions that would reveal his TRUE
lifestyle.

Worry LESS about what kind of job he has and what kind of car he drives and encourage him to talk about his past, particularly his past with women.

OPEN those ears and listen. Does he put down his
ex-women and blame them for everything?

And don't be so vain. You are NOT a better woman than
his last. If he dogged her out, you will probably be
NEXT.

Observe him when you are with him. Do you have his home number? Work number? Have you seen where he lives? Where he works? Is he secretive?

Did you ask if he's married or engaged? How does he
treat other people?

Listen to what he says, NOT what you want to hear.

Stop INTERPRETING the meaning of what he says to fit your purposes.

If he says, "I'm not lookin' for nothing right now" -

- DON'T tell yourself, "Aw, he just scared of getting hurt. I can change his mind.."

NO YOU CAN'T. He said exactly what the hell he meant.

BM don't have to lie when so many BW are already DEAF.

If you can't answer BASIC questions about a man DON'T
OPEN YOUR LEGS.

I could kinda understand back in the days when sex
wouldn't KILL people but now? there's no excuse and if a BW takes that huge risk of sleeping with a STRANGER then she better protect herself --sexually AND emotionally.

Show our ___ to the door if we pressure you for sex too soon. Don't be afraid to be alone.

After you give our ____ some you will probably be
alone anyway but now you feel like a fool.

In other words, take your time and check us out. if we REALLY like you, we'll stick around.

BUT if you decided to sleep with a man you hardly know, PROTECT yourself and keep your expectations to ZERO.

We do not owe you a relationship or another date just because you had sex with us. That's not how it works,
baby.

I have TOO many female friends who give me horror
stories that could have been avoided if they'd done their homework first OR moved SLOWER before giving up the panties.

I try as a BM to give them the best advice I can but that won't mean a _____ thing if BW continue to live in a dream world.

You are TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE for your own sexual behavior the same as I am.

Blaming the man won't change a ____thing. BW have to
look in the mirror and take SOME of the blame for what's wrong with BM/BW relationships.

Let me end by saying....

SEX DOES NOT = A RELATIONSHIP
GIVING A MAN A READY-MADE FAMILY WILL NOT MAKE HIM
COMMIT IF HE DOESN'T WANT TO
A MAN WILL NOT RESPECT A WOMAN WHO DOES NOT RESPECT HERSELF OR HER BODY
IF YOU TRADE SEX FOR MATERIAL THINGS YOU ARE
PROSTITUTING YOURSELF
IF HE DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF HIS OTHER CHILDREN WHY WOULD YOU HAVE A BABY WITH HIM?
IF YOU REWARD A DOG WHY SHOULD MEN STOP BEING DOGS?
BRING MORE TO THE TABLE THAN YOUR BODY. NO YOUR ______IS NOT MADE OF GOLD.
IT IS ONLY AS GOOD AS I THINK IT IS. BELIEVE THAT.

BW are going to have to raise their standards if they
expect BM to do it.

The question is, are my beautiful BW up to the
challenge? Are you willing to be strong and stop taking the easy way out?

Ladies, ladies,ladies, hit me back with some truth, not some _______. I don't want to hear: "What you said don't refer to me 'cause I got my _____ together
and I'm a proud black woman who intimidates men and I
never made no mistakes, it's those other women who do things like that."

No, no, no! I don't want to hear you putting yourself on a pedestal because I KNOW you've made mistakes. I want you to hit me back with some TRUTH.

What are BW going to do about these shady, shaky
relationships that wind up in divorce court 60-70%% of the time, that's if we bother getting married at all?

What are BW going to do DIFFERENT to make this
______better? Hit me back, ladies.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Comments heard in 1955

In 1955, I was finally able to vote for the first time (age 21 in those days). Things were different then. Here are some comments you might have heard in 1955. Join me on a trip backeards to that time.

I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.

Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.

"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.

"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?"

"If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."

"When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."

"Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."

"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it."

"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas."

"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President."

"I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."

"It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet."

"It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."

"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."

"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."

"There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel."

"No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood."

"If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it."

Know any friends who would get a kick out of these, pass this on! Be sure and send it to your kids and grandkids too!

ICE

The information below was passed on . Law
Enforcement has verified that this is, indeed, their
practice.
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers
stored in its memory. But nobody, other than
ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to
our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were
taken ill, the people attending on us would have our
mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes,
there are hundreds of numbers stored ; but which one
is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence
this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is
a method of contact during emergency situations. As
cell phones are carried by the majority of the
population, all you need to do is store the number
of a contact person or persons who should be
contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In
Case Of Emergency).
&nb sp;
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found
that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there
were always mobile phones with patients, but they
didn't know which number to call. He therefore
thought that it would be a good idea if there was a
nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an
emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and
hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the
right person by simply dialing the number you have
stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE 1,
ICE 2 and ICE 3 etc. A great idea that will make a
difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE
number in our mobile phones today!!! !

Please forward this. It won't take too many
"forwards" before everybody will know about this. It
really could save your life, or put a loved one's
mind at rest .

ICE will speak for you when you are not able to do
so.

Window Weekly Prayer Points

►January 13

Nepal - Before 1960 no Christian could even live in Nepal. Thank God that now there is more freedom of religion, but it is still difficult and dangerous to tell other people about God.

UAE - Pray for God to raise up many more Believers in Jesus Christ from among the Muslim population.
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►January 14

Albania – Pray for Albanians to meet Jesus and follow Him in a way that is culturally appropriate.

Morocco - Moroccans have a pride in their country as a center for Islamic learning and heritage. Pray for open doors for Christians to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
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►January 15

Iraq – Current Iraqi law actually allows Christians to worship freely. Pray that a new government will not only maintain this, but also enforce such freedoms.

Sri Lanka – The northern area of Sri Lanka was hit by the full force of the 2005 Tsunami, killing 31,000 and destroying coastal villages. Pray for restoration of the people there as well as their land.
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►January 16

Israel - Praise God for his continued purposes on this region. Thank God for that the number of Jews and Muslims who are becoming Christians is growing.

Tajikistan - Thank God that in 1992 there were only two or three Tajik Christian Believers, but now there are several hundred around the world. Pray that this number continues to quickly grow.
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►January 17

China - Thank God that China has seen more Christian Church growth than any other country in history. Pray for even more growth and that other 10/40 Window nations will follow the Chinese Church’s example.

Djibouti - There a few Afar and Somali Christians―many of them are jobless and cannot read or write. Pray that these small communities would not feel isolated but would be encouraged and grow.
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►January 18

Laos - Pray for the plans of Laos’ small terrorists insurgency to be defeated.

Western Sahara - Pray for fellowship and discipleship all Christians. Pray for Believers to receive greater acceptance in society.
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►January 19

Taiwan – Praise God that since the ‘90s the number of Christians in Taiwan has been growing.

Bahrain - Bahrain has more social freedoms than in other Arab state as women don’t have to wear the veil. Pray that there would be even more political and religious freedom in Bahrain.

►January 20

Brunei – Muslims aim for Brunei to be a “pure” Islamic state by 2020―and offer incentives like jobs and houses to spread Islam. Pray for Muslims in Brunei to meet Jesus Christ the Savior and follow Him.

Lebanon - Cross border fire between Hizballah and Israel has been ongoing. The sudden escalation of conflict in July 2006 led to bombing raids on Beirut, civilian casualties and a mass exodus of foreigners and refugees. Pray for a miracle of peace in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.
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►January 21

Qatar - The strict form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabi, is the state religion of Qatar. Pray for Muslims to encounter Jesus Christ in their dreams.

Turkmenistan – Pray for the safety of our Christian brothers and sisters in Turkmenistan as persecution is on the rise―with leaders getting beaten up and any foreign Christians being forced to leave the country.
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►January 22

Ethiopia - Pray for clashes between Muslims and Protestants to end in this precious nation.

Myanmar – Pray for peace in this nation. Pray fervently for the country and its leader, Than Shwe, to turn to the Living God.
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►January 23

Chad – With 200 people groups and 120 languages, Chad is one of the most unreached countries in Africa and presents a challenge for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for laborers to be sent to this harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38).

Algeria – The Berber peoples could make up as much as 40% of the population, but the Arab majority have tried to impose their culture on them and stopped them from using their own language. Thousands in the Kabyle region have become Christians and meet openly in their villages. Pray that these churches would be protected from persecution and would grow in the grace of God.
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►January 24

Libya – Pray for the salvation of Col. Muammar al-Qadhafi and his top leaders.

Malaysia - Pray against demonic forces that are using the terrorists like puppets will be toppled, and that the people will be set free to worship the Lord.
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►January 25

Oman - Oman has changed rapidly since the new Sultan took power in 1970. Pray that as people adapt to new ideas and change, they would be open to spiritual change as well.

Kazakhstan - Pray that the influence of Al Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Taliban and other terrorist organizations will not spread to Kazakhstan. (2 Timothy 2:24–26)
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►January 26

Tunisia - Pray for the Tunisian government to crack down on terrorist groups.

Cambodia – The sex industry in Cambodia is growing―a third of all prostitutes are children. Pray for God to break through this industry and deliver child prostitutes.

New school prayer

WRITTEN BY A 15 yr. Old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA :

New Pledge of Allegiance (TOTALLY AWESOME) !

Since the Pledge of Allegiance And
The Lord's Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer :
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said,
'If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'

Not ashamed. Pass this on.

Why parents drink

To all my friends with Children: Why parents drink

A boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper. " Hello ? "

"Is your daddy home?" he asked.

" Yes ," whispered the small voice.

May I talk with him?"

The child whispered, " No ."

Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked,
"Is your Mommy there?" " Yes ."

"May I talk with her?"

Again the small voice whispered, " No ."

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message,
the boss asked, "Is anybody else there?"

" Yes ," whispered the child, " a policeman ". < /B>

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home,
the boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?"

" No, he's busy ", whispered the child.

"Busy doing what?"

" Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman ," came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background
through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?"

" A helicopter " answered the whispering voice.

"What is going on there?" de! mande d the boss, now truly apprehensive.

Again, whispering, the child answered,
" The search team just landed a helicopter ."

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked,
"What are they searching for?"

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle... " ME ."

New Definition of "hillbilly

As a kid growing up in West Virginia, I had heard of those growing up in hill country being referred to as "hillbillies." Later, I was led to understand that a real hllbilly was a northern Michigan potato farmer." ??? I don't really know for sure, but this new portrayal of a hillbilly is worth a whole lot of words. Somebody went to a lot of work to get it just right. Lyle

Can you guess who this is?



It's a "Hill-Billy, silly"

IRISH FAMILY REUNION ......

An Irish daughter had not been home for over 5 years.
Upon her return, her Father cursed her.
"Where have ye been all this time?
Why did ye not write to us, not even a line?
Why didn't ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother thru?"
The girl, crying, replied, "Sniff, sniff ... Dad ...I became a prostitute ..."
"Ye what!!? Out of here, ye shameless harlot! Sinner!
You're a disgrace to this Catholic family."
"OK, Dad-- as ye wish. I just came back to give mum this luxurious fur
coat, title deed to a ten bedroom mansion plus a $5 million savings certificate.
For ye little brother, this gold Rolex. And for ye Daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes limited edition convertible that's parked outside plus a membership to the country club ... (takes a breath) ... and an invitation for ye all to spend New Years Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera and ... "
"Now what was it ye said ye had become?" says Dad.
Girl, crying again, "Sniff, sniff ... a prostitute Daddy! Sniff, sniff."
"Oh! Be Jesus! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant. Come here and give yer old Dad a hug."