Prayers at Gateway #1

We have student body prayer every Tuesday night at 9:30 and tonight I feel that God spoke to me and led me into a new demention and this is what I prayed and felt...

I felt drawn to the secret place with God and he wanted to take me to a place with Him so I could block out the rest of the world. I sometimes forget that He longs to be with me as I long to be with Him. I put this whole *great big God* image on Him and forget that He is the love of my life. He is my friend and comforter and companion. He longs for my companionship just as long for His. I put this label on Him and make Him something so far away. I love Him with all of my heart. I am passionately, crazy, madly in love with Jesus. There is a void for love in my heart that only He can fill. I could go on and on about how much I love Him, but He truly is my all in all. I wanted to encourage the folks back home to fall in love with Jesus. As the song says, "falling in love with Jesus is the best thing I've ever done." I truly believe that loving Jesus is the best thing I have ever done.

Insights from Psalms Pt. 1

We are constantly bombarded with thoughts, ideas and activities that are no where near what the Word of God teaches us. The messages that come in to our life are constantly pulling for our attention, our priorities and our faith. How to we handle or filter these messages to our "JUNK FOLDER" and do we get rid of the "SPAM" in our life. I don't have a new suggest or teaching. But, I do find that a simple answer is HIS WORD. David understood a lot even though he only had part of what we have today. God's word is vital to having a relationship with him.

Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psa 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
Psa 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psa 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Psa 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction's.

Do you see it ? These are just 5 of the 58 verse in the book of Psalms where David places a priority on Gods Word. And, because he placed a priority on THE WORD he was able to have a better understand or "filter" on everything around him. David realized that an occasionally experience with the Word was not enough. If his life was going to be different he had to get up close and personal with Gods Word. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Later he wrote "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word."

There is something powerful about his Word. Are you ready to experience life change ? Are you ready to filter out the JUNK messages of this World and tune into messages from God. Then don't wait another day, don't wait for Sunday, get in his word today. There is no excuse for not having God's Word a part of your everyday life. His Word is STILL relevant to ever issue of our life, it STILL has the answer to every question. Get the "FILTER" in your life and you will find a new strength and direction.

For online Bible resources be sure to check out biblegateway.com or e-sword.net . Both free resources to explore God's Word.

Treasures Of The Net #1

The Internet is like a ocean and if explored in the right places there are some great free treasures to be found. And, I know in a day were everyone is trying to save a penny its nice t get something FREE. So, Each week I am going to share my pick 5 for the week of great websites and free software that my benefit your day. Some of them may be serious and some may just be for fun.



Treasures of the net #1


1. http://budgettracker.com Comprehensive and highly-customizable personal finance calculator and budget tracking tool. Using Budget Tracker you can manage your budget, bills and transactions from a single place, setup bill due reminders to your email or mobile phone, track upcoming bills and lots more.



2. http://tadalist.com/ A simple online to do list, you can access from any computer. You can also share your to do list with other. For instances, have a chore for your child to do add it to their list and they will receive a e-mail reminder. Maybe that's a stretch for its use, the refrigerator may still work better. But, HEY its free and a neat deal.



3. http://whocalled.us/ The phone is ringing, and I don't recognize the number, All Caller ID says is, "NAME UNAVAILABLE". Type the number in here and you might find out who it is.



4. http://www.frugalreader.com/ I haven't tried this one yet, but it looks great for BOOK READERS. Get the books you want, when you want them, for as long as you want them. Three simple steps: List books that you own for other members to request. Request books from other members. Mail requested books to other members and they do the same for you. I am am avid book reader, i think i'll try it.





5. http://www.openoffice.org/ Do you need a program that does word processing, database, presentations and more for free. This is a free office program that is similar to microsoft office (word, powerpoint, excel and etc). I loaded this on my wifes computer and it works great, and its FREE!




Check back next week for my pick 5 treasures of the net.
DISCLAIMER - I do not support any viewpoints or agendas from any linked site. And, I dont make any money by sending you to a free site. With any resource you may need to use a shovel and a rake. Rake in what you can use and shovel out the junk.

The Purpose Of The Message

Trying to get back in some sort of routine after a crazy summer. We had two awesome youth camps this summer I was privileged to be a part of. Two crazy weeks of running the fireworks stand, camp meeting, taking care of things while Pastor was away and then, I had a week of beautiful weather in Wisconsin spending time with Lisas family.

All summer it seems there has been one constant theme in my thoughts and dreams. "I've been brought out." Now, dont get me wrong I have been raised in a wonderful home and have a great apostolic heritage. I was shielded and protected from so many things. But, I have countless friends that have had similar backgrounds but still it didnt change their life. I was 11 at Gateway College in St. Louis for Missouri Junior Camp. It was hot, it was my first camp in Missouri. But, Justin Gleason and I both made up in our minds we were going to ge the Holy Ghost that week. And it was Tuesday Night as The Kings Clown preached a illustrated message about Noah that I came to the altar lifted up my hands and "God Brought ME Out."

It was no longer a message my family believed, it was no longer a message I just heard preached. But, the message had changed my life. Its been since that day where I am constantly reminded that the message was never intended to be keep silent in me. The only reason I was brought out, its because I had family, friends, and ministers that live, taught, and preached "GOD BROUGHT ME OUT." I have grown to understand there is a purpose for the message; we truly have been brought out of darkness into this marvelous light, that we should show forth the praise of him that brought us out.

The Old Testament there is an unfolding drama. He was a baby that shouldn’t have even been alive. But, a mommy and daddy hid him away. Then as time went on they put him in the river in a basket. And, God took that baby right into the enemy’s house. He was raised and protected right in the midst of who was trying to destroy him. And, there came a day that Moses walked before Pharaoh and said, I've been brought out, the meaning of his very name. But, he said Pharaoh God has given me a message that I cant keep to myself, the purpose of the message was not to keep to myself, "LET MY PEOPLE GO." I wish I could have seen old Pharaohs face as the one he thought he would destroy stood before him and declared victory for the captive.

The New Testament has the wonderful account of a Baby Born. The Baby was thought to have been killed with all of the rest under the age of 2. But a day came as Herod was comfortable on his throne that the reports started coming in from all around about miracles, signs and wonders being done by Jesus. Herod thought he had things under control, as Jesus was lead to a cross. All of Hell thought that they had silenced the MESSAGE, it was 3 days later. Jesus arose from that grave and took the keys to death, hell and the grave. A made a way for you and me. I believe his voice pierced hell "LET MY PEOPLE GO."
Isa 53:5(5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

John 10:10 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. "

So, just like Paul understood in the NT the message isn't for you to keep to yourself. The message isn't something just to come in to church and sing and shout about. The message has a purpose. The message isn't just to think about or get happy about. The message has a purpose. The message isn't just for a preacher to preach or a singer to sing. It has a purpose.
Mat 22:9(9) Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Question: Where would you be if someone hadn't fulfilled the purpose of the message? He has done too much for us to stay quiet any longer; he has done too much for us for us to be complacent. It’s time to fulfill the purpose of the message. Don’t wait another minute share with someone the message that God brought me out and he wants to bring you out.

Surrender

My hands hold safely to my dreams, clutching tightly not one has fallen. So many years I’ve shaped each one, reflecting my heart showing who I am. Now you’re asking me to show what I am holding oh so tightly. Cant open my hands cant let go. Does it matter? Should I show you? Cant you let me go? Surrender, surrender you whisper gently. You say I will be free I know, but cant you see my dreams are me. Say you have a plan for me and that you want the best for my life. Told me the world had yet to see what you could do with one that’s committed to your call. I know of course what I should do, and I cant hold these dreams forever. If I give them now to you will you seek them away forever or can I dream again?

I am reminded of a story that we all know about the rich young ruler. He asked Jesus what could he do to enter in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus replied, sell all you have and follow me. the young man left in sorrow for he had great wealth. My interpretation of what he actually wanted as for the young man to surrender himself to the will of God. Sometimes I wonder if the man had just said sure maybe he wouldn’t have even had to sell all his possessions. Maybe Jesus just wanted him to be willing to surrender all.

I know in my own life I have experienced times when I had to lay down my pride and what I had planned for the will of God to be manifested in my life. I remember when I was faced with the decision to end my somewhat musical *career* so to speak. I had built up what I thought was intended for my life when in fact God had a whole different plan for me. And when I gave Him my everything and gave him my dreams He led me down a way I never dreamed of. I felt a new calling to the youth and music ministry I had never had before. God opened doors for me to minister to young people and to see the change in their lives and be there for them. He has also renewed the desire to see the promises he has in store for me.

Surrender isn’t always easy for us. It involves admitting our weaknesses. To understand that we are nothing and God is sovereign and supreme ruler in our lives. Until we give him ultimate control we are running our own lives which in the end leads to destruction. I never knew what my life could be like when I gave it to God until I did. I gave him my dreams, my life, my time, my heart, and my future. My trust is in him and him alone and he will take care of me and has always done so. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to thee my blessed savior. I surrender all.

... As if it were your last...

... I'll never forget...

...

A Different Kind of Valentine

I was thinking about Valentines Day and how much I hate it and dread its coming. I read an article written by a girl my age who was feeling the same sadness, loneliness, heartache, and etc. After reading that I thought about how although I don’t have a love so to speak I have the love of God.

I think about how much He has done for me in the past and present, and what He will do in the future. I also think of His sacrifice and how He paid a debt that I could not. He showed the ultimate act of love by dying on a cross for my sins. Because of Him I can live and be free today.

It sounds cheesy, but this year I will say Jesus is my Valentine. He is the love of my life.

So this year on V-Day I will try not to think so negatively on it. I will celebrate the love of God.

A Call to Worship

When I was a kid I always wanted to be something more than the ordinary. I used to dream about being a superstar or a superhero. I wanted to have a life that was something to be remembered.

Ok so the superstardom was kind of thrown out the door. My name hasn’t been in lights any time recently. I am certain one day I will be discovered for my apple throwing skills or what not.

The superhero thing didn’t work out so well either. I haven’t fallen into any kind of radioactive mixture, and I am afraid of spiders so there goes that one.

I may never achieve the things that I always thought were my dreams, but I do have an extraordinary life.

I am a worshipper. First and foremost in my life I am called to worship. I am called to lift my hands and praise Him with my life, my songs, and my heart. I may not be the most amazing person to ever walk the face of the earth, but I have a higher calling. If I sit down on my special task I am declining the call. I want to answer the call.

America needs God

America the beautiful,

or so you used to be.

Land of the Pilgrims' pride;

I'm glad they'll never see.

~~~

Babies piled in dumpsters,

Abortion on demand,

Oh, sweet land of liberty;

your house is on the sand.

~~~

Our children wander aimlessly

poisoned by cocaine

choosing to indulge their lusts,

when God has said abstain

~~~

From sea to shining sea,

our Nation turns away

From the teaching of God's love

and a need to always pray.

~~~

We've kept God in our temples,

how callous we have grown.

When earth is but His footstool,

and Heaven is His throne.

~~~

We've voted in a government

that's rotting at the core,

Appointing Godless Judges;

who throw reason out the door,

~~~

Too soft to place a killer

in a well deserved tomb,

But brave enough to kill a baby

before he leaves the womb.

~~~

You think that God's not angry,

that our land's a moral slum?

How much longer will He wait

before His judgment comes?

~~~

How are we to face our God,

from Whom we cannot hide?

What then is left for us to do,

but stem this evil tide?

~~~

If we who are His children,

will humbly turn and pray;

Seek His holy face

and mend our evil way:

~~~

Then God will hear from Heaven;

and forgive us of our sins,

He'll heal our sickly land

and those who live within.

~~~

But, America the Beautiful,

If you don't - then you will see,

A sad but Holy God

withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~~

~~Judge Roy Moore~~