Christ is born

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ
the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (New International Version)

The Book of Genesis, part 2: In the beginning | Jane Williams

The history of how Genesis was created and passed down through the ages reminds us that we have the book for a reason

In the beginning, Genesis was not a book, or even part of a book. We are so used to the ease and convenience of printing that it is...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/20/book-genesis-beginning) to read the full story.

Marriage is a gift, not a gamble | Edward Clare

The church needs to build on young couples' positive vision of their marriage, not offer preparation that presents it as a gamble

What faith do you need for marriage?

In 1998, the newly elected Labour government, eager to be seen as supportive of...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/17/marriage-preparation-gift-not-gamble) to read the full story

Refuse to die

Jesus says in John 10:18 "No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." NLT If we follow his footsteps we should be able to do the same.

When the right time came he offered his life not those who killed him. When we are faced with difficult situations the honours is on us to give up or not.Don't surrender too soon even if things are really bad.

The world is full of dissapointments so don't add to what is already to full capacity. What is needed from you is courage and motivation because its still very little.

Don't fall before you're pushed - English Proverb

Even if you have not achieved all your goals in 2010 don't be hard on your self. Goals can be revised and achieved. Don't wrry about whta they will say whom you have told. Even if you had achieved it thay will say anything.

Stay blessed

Sinful mind cannot please God.

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit
is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not
submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful
nature cannot please God.

Romans 8:6-8 (New International Version)

Happiness doesn't increase with growing wealth of nations, finds study

A survey of developed and developing countries suggests citizens' sense of wellbeing does not rise with increasing wealth

Getting richer does not make a country happier in the long run, according to the largest-ever review of the links between a...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/dec/13/happiness-growing-wealth-nations-study) to read the full story

Practice what you preach | Rosie Harper

A superficial marriage pep talk sells people short. As Christians we must express our beliefs and engage with our spiritual side

I am haunted by a simple comment. A set of church financials was looking a tad scary and I called on a great pal of...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/13/practice-preach-marriage-christiantity) to read the full story

The Book of Genesis, part 1: God created | Jane Williams

Genesis looks at what the culture around it believes about the nature of the material world, and disagrees with it profoundly

Genesis 1 and 2 must be among the most hotly debated texts in the Bible. But our obsession with whether and how they can be...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/13/book-genesis-god-created) to read the full story

What faith do you need for marriage? | The question

What advice do you give to people who are to get married? This week we ask representatives of many faiths

The news that Prince William and Kate Middleton are to be advised on their forthcoming marriage by the bishop of London has drawn a lot of sour...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/13/marriage-faith-preparation) to read the full story

I know the plans i have for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

The cringe at the heart of Christmas | Giles Fraser

The idea of God as a little baby is one of the most disruptive theological suggestions ever made

Christmas can be a bad time for those of us with an allergy to all that Jesus-is-my-friend theology. As the angels sing, the eternal mystery pulsing...

Click here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/dec/11/christmas-cringe-god-theology) to read the full story

Daily Bible Verse

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor
adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves
nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit
the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (New International Version)

Teaching on Obedience and Disobedience.

Obedience is the practical acceptance of the authority and will of God. It includes both submitting to Him and then expressing that submission in actions, words and thoughts. To be obedient is to be in agreement with God. To be in agreement with God is to be in a position of power in Christ.Disobedience is caused by rebellion and distrust of God. To be disobedient is to yield to self-will instead of surrendering to God and desiring His will in all things.

God expects obedience (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
To choose Christ is to choose obedience (John 14:15,21).
To become disobedient is to sin or rebel against God (I Sam 15:22,23).

What the Bible Says
"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse -- the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known" (Deut 11:26-28).

"But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king" (I Samuel 15:22,23).

"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land" (Isaiah 1:19).
"If you love me, you will obey what I command....Whoever has my commands, and obeys them he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him" (John 14:15,21).
"Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46)
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).

Correcting The Sin of Disobedience
The following suggestions should help you discover areas of either deliberate or subconscious disobedience to God and to those in authority over you. Begin by asking yourself whether you are obeying God in different areas of your life, such as personal relationships, your behavior, God's lordship in your marriage or job or other areas, personal devotions, etc. Take an honest inventory of your life.
Thank God for areas of disobedience you may discover.

Once identified, they can be removed. This will result in new joy and greater faith. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20). "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Confess the disobedience as sin. Ask God for forgiveness and claim His promise of complete pardon. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). If your act of disobedience involves others who are in authority over you, you must rectify the situation with them. The Bible teaches that we can and should live at peace with ourselves and others.

Disobedience to God and those in authority over you can block the joy, blessings and inner peace which God desires for you.
Use your will to relinquish each specific act of disobedience. Denounce even the desire to be disobedient. As Paul did, compel your flesh and its soulishness to obey. The Bible says that as a Christian, you have mighty weapons of warfare which will break down walls of disobedience. Rely on the faith of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Plan specific actions. Ask forgiveness of others, make amends where needed. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22,23). As each of these qualities develops in you, you will find not only the sin of disobedience fading, but other sins as well.

When Praying
Pray that the fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness to God and other people, be produced within you.Thank and praise God for revealing your disobedience to you and for giving you meekness (submissiveness) and love for Him and others -- even your enemies. Rejoice in your new freedom and joy in the Lord as you realize that you are free from bondage of disobedience.

Other References
I John 5:2,3 -- Test of obedience and love
Colossians 3 -- Admonition to emulate Jesus
Psalm 51 -- David's example of new obedience to God
Take a piece of paper and draw a vertical line down the center. To the left of the line list the areas in which you have been disobedient. To the right of the line list the alternatives of obedience. Begin to act on the alternatives, forming new life patterns.

Stay blessed

THIS BEGINNING 2

"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." (John 2:11 KJV)

Jesus invited to a wedding celebration in Cana. When His mother realised that the wine had ran out, she went to Jesus and told Him, "...they have no wine." Wine is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the active power of God that created the whole universe. The statement that the mother of Jesus says is that of realisation of a pressing need that was there. Her expression of it to Jesus was a petition.

When Mary presents the petition to Jesus, full of faith and belief she tells the people, "Whatsoever he says unto you, do it." Today I want you to know that extra ordinary miracles come out of the obedience of extra ordinary instructions. Jesus went on to give instructions that were somewhat bizarre and way out of the ordinary. As they obeyed his directives, the greatest wine was produced that day. They filled the purification pots with water to the brim and when they had done so, Jesus commanded them to draw. There is a principle here; you can only draw after you have filled. There is need to build capacity for you to be able to fulfil that which you are called for. You could never become the greatest before you have put time and effort towards that.

The Bible records that, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory and His disciples believed on Him." This miracle was the grand opening of Jesus' ministry. It was a showcase of what He came to earth to do.

I want to speak to you today and tell you that the seasons have turned around for you. As you march into 2011, there will be some defining moments in your life. I know you might have had many beginnings before but may this season go down into the history of your life as 'this' beginning. When Jesus entered this season of miracles, even the men that were following him now believed in Him. They had walked with Him, not really sure of the authenticity of what he was saying to them but on this day, His glory was manifested and they believed on Him.

There is a turnaround coming into your life. Forget your pain riddled history. Forget the confusion of the past. Forget about those who left you. In this season glory is going to be manifested in your life. You carry answers for your community. The Holy Spirit that lives in you is seeking expression in every facet and area of your life. When this manifestation takes place, the world around you will have to see the glory. I declare that 2011 will not be the same for you. You are beginning, you are commencing and you are making history. Bid farewell to a life of mediocrity because what has begun in you is a great thing.

Obama and Big Government vs. 'God's America'?

On Nov. 30, about a dozen moderate Christian leaders gathered for a meeting in Washington, D.C. Their colleagues on the religious right had been delivering a potent new message about God and country, of fear and domination, that was resonating among...

Click here (http://www.newsweek.com/2010/12/09/one-nation-under-god.html?from=rss) to read the full story

Let God use you

'Mary said...be it unto me according to thy word'. Luke 1:37-38.

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WikiLeaks founder threatens to release entire cache of unfiltered files

"WikiLeaks founder threatens to release entire cache of unfiltered files" at http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/wikileaks-founder-threatens-to-release-entire-cache-of-unfiltered-files/article1825922/ from globeandmail.com, Canada's leading source for online news

This beginning.

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Subject: THIS BEGINNING 1: FROM THE SHEPHERD'S DESK

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. (Num 17:8 KJV)

Contention was the order of the day. There was need for an ultimate proof to seal the ministry and calling of Aaron as a priest. His power to represent had been mostly resisted by the people he and Moses were leading. In reaction to this, God asked Moses to collect rods from all the tribes including the rod of Aaron. These were taken into the very presence of God in the tabernacle. A rod is a dry stick meant to be used for various purposes and it was mostly carried by the men. It was a symbol of his authority and part of his day to day fashion. Time would fail me if I go into the history of how the rod became a rod. It obviously had to go through the process of drying up.

The Lord commanded Moses to bring the twelve rods into the tabernacle. Behold, the rod of Aaron was budded, and brought forth buds and bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds. Here is a dead rod with no future, no attachment to soil and no one watering it defying natural processes. It brought forth buds and bloomed flowers and yielded fruits overnight. How is this possible? The presence of God in which the dry stick had been placed turned its disadvantages into advantages, its disaster into destiny and its downfall into a lifting up. The presence of God became the soil to give nutrition to this dry stick; it became the water for it to become fruitful. Overnight, the unexpected happened because God was on Aaron's side.

I must speak to you today because there are things that God would want you to know. It is your season and it is the time for your story to change. God is on your side and as you dwell in His presence, things are changing. They might have called you a dry stick; your environment might seem like a dry stick. You might have been banished to death and destruction, but hear my voice today! You've been placed in the presence of God. You are budding, blossoming and yielding almonds. This is your beginning and not your end.

I don't care who you are not connected to, that does not matter. If there was no need for connection to the soil for this dry stick to be fruitful then there is no need for any earthly connection for you. God is about to turn the hearts of people who don't know you to favour you. His presence gives you access to things you never imagined. When Obededom took the ark of the presence of God into His house, everything he had was blessed in three months. Did you hear that, everything of his was blessed (2 Sam 6:11)! That is what the presence of God does, it even changes your skin complexion; you will begin to glow because of His glory. Even the grass that grows at your house will be unmistakably blessed. You will be forever green even in the time when the rain does not fall.

You my friend are not a dry twig, your finances are not dry, your marriage is not dry, your children are not dry, your ministry and business know no dryness! The presence of the Lord Has changed all that. Today your territory has been invaded by the presence of God. It has become God's territory. The impossible has been set in motion for you. This word has been activated in heaven, take it and move into your place. It is a now Word, expect overnight miracles. That dryness will not continue henceforth. You are budding, blooming and yielding fruit. Will you believe God with me?