Angela Watkins Christian Writer, Reviewer, God's Avenue to Success, Virtual Creator. Matthew 6:33; 3 John 1:2; Deuteronomy 8:13, Open for Collaboration
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Sunday, April 14, 2024
Friday, March 25, 2022
Pray & Supplication - 3/24/22
Friday, February 11, 2022
Double Minded - 2/11/22
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#GreaterHarvestMinistry - Pastor #FelixMoore
#Prayer & #Supplication - James 1:8
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Thursday, February 3, 2022
Panting after God
Greater Harvest Ministry - Pastor #Felix Moore.
A desire to have a heart for God. To do God's will and live Holy.
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Psalm 42:1
Thursday, January 27, 2022
1/27/22 - Pray & Supplication
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Pastor #FelixMoore - GreaterHarvestMinistry
Finish Strong - 2 Timothy 4:7
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#Prayer & #Supplication
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Thursday, January 13, 2022
1/13/22 - Pray & Supplication
Greater Harvest Ministry - Pastor #Felix Moore
#Watch & #Pray - Habakkuk 1:3
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Thursday, January 6, 2022
1/6/22 - Pray & Supplication
Pastor #FelixMoore - #Prayer & #Supplication.
You're Tailor Made - Psalm 100:3b
https://fb.watch/amQGyALHbf/ - 1/6/2022
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
1/4/22 - Prayer & Fasting
Greater Harvest Ministry - Pastor #FelixMoore
The Hidden Power of #Prayer & Fasting
Daniel 9:3-5, Jonah 3:5-10
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Greater Harvest Ministries COGIC: Pastor Felix Moore & First Lady Angela Moore Passion for God - Passion for People Sunday School - 9:30am Worship Service - 12 noon Tuesday night Bible Study - 6pm Thursday morning prayer. & supplication - 9:00am #FelixMoore #Fà cebook #Greà torHarvestMinistry #ÀñgelaMoore
Monday, January 3, 2022
Fasting & Prayer 1/3/2022
Pastor #FelixMoore . 21 Days of #Fasting & #Prayer.
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Isaiah 58:6-12 . Joel 2:12
Greater Harvest Ministries COGIC: Pastor Felix Moore & First Lady Angela Moore Passion for God - Passion for People Sunday School - 9:30am Worship Service - 12 noon Tuesday night Bible Study - 6pm Thursday morning prayer. & supplication - 9:00am #FelixMoore #Fà cebook #Greà torHarvestMinistry #ÀñgelaMoo
Friday, December 29, 2017
Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children - Book Review
Once our kids have "flown the nest," our parenting will change dramatically, but our sons and daughters will always need our prayers.
Prayer is one of the most important parenting assignments we've been given. It is an eternal investment in our kids' hearts and souls, and we must never under estimate its impact.
The Battle Begins
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. -- Nehemiah 4:14
The things you give to God in prayer - your worries, concerns, and needs - are the ties that bind your heart to his. Our struggles are his entry points.
The more we allow the Bible to shape our prayers, the more our requests will line up with God's plan.
There is no "perfect" family.
Everyone - even that beautiful woman who sits across the aisle from you at church, the one with the daughter who just got engaged and the son who just got promoted - has issues. When it comes to raising our children and pursuing God's best for their lives, we all need huge buckets of his grace, and we are all in this together.
It's never too late to start praying God's best for your children.
It doesn't matter how old your children are. You never stop being a parent. You never stop caring.
Blessing and Releasing Your Adult Child
Our adult children have different needs, but all of them can use the prayer of blessing.
A blessing is not the same thing as an endorsement. It's a way of handing our children's future over to God.
As you pray God's blessing on your children, release your plans and trust in God to accomplish his.
Praying for Your Child's Transition to Adulthood
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. -- 1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT
God's ways are not our ways. Ask him to show you how to pray for your children.
As your children navigate the path to adulthood, ask God to help them be wise and make the most of every opportunity.
God gave our children unique talents and abilities. Trust him to put these attributes to good use.
A Year of Prayer
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -- Romans 12:12
Choosing one verse to pray all year long expands your time horizon and allows an awareness of God's faithfulness to take root in your prayer life.
When God gives you a promise to pray for your adult child, leave room for him to fulfill it in ways that go beyond anything you could have imagined.
Reading the Bible allows God's message to penetrate our minds, shape our desires, and give voice to our prayers.
Praying for Good Friends and Fellowship
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. -- Proverbs 27:17
We are created for connection. Ask God to bless your child with rich and meaningful relationships.
Ask God to use your children's worldly interests to connect them to people whose passion is for him.
If your child is not going to church, ask God to prompt someone to invite him.
The Bible offers several portraits of friendships marked by loyalty, dependability, and faithfulness. Jonathan became "one in spirit" with David, giving him his robe (symbolic of his identity) and making a covenant of friendship that would last between their descendants forever. Let's ask God to give our kids faithful friends and to draw them into a life-giving relationship with Jesus, the one who gave up his life "for his friends."
Praying for a Future Spouse
"Let her be the one that the LORD has chosen for my master's son. -- Genesis 24:44
When the time came for his son to get married, Abraham had one main request: Issac's bride couldn't be a Canaanite; rather,he wanted her to be someone from his own country. He sent his servant off to do the picking, and when the fellow got to Abraham's hometown, he prayed a very specific prayer: "LORD ... make me successful today ... May it be that when I say to a young woman, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink; and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too' - let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Issac."
Rebekah showed up, gave the servant a drink, and then offered to fetch water for the camels too - all ten of them.
Almost everyone the author has talked to said they wanted their son or daughter to marry a Christian.
When you pray for your child's marriage partner, it's okay to be specific, but be prepared for God to surprise you.
Praising God changes our perspective and releases supernatural peace, hope, and joy.
Pray that your child's sense of identity and worth will be found in Christ rather than in being single or married.
Praying for a Young Marriage
A man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery. -- Ephesians 5:31-32
We do the praying; God does the changing.
When your children get married, your prayers take on a new dimension. Now you're not just praying for him or for her; you're also praying for them.
Consider using the example of biblical characters - real people, with real relationships and real problems - to shape your prayers for your children.
With a Spirit-filled marriage, all good things are possible.
Praying through a Trouble Married or a Divorce
Be patient, bearing with one another in love. -- Ephesians 4:2
Destructive family patterns can be broken. Ask God to break these bonds and set your children free.
"Let's pray to break any generational bonds or patterns of evil."
When you pray for your child's troubled marriage, remember that his or her spouse is not the enemy.
When your children go through painful trials, ask God to use their suffering to produce perseverance, character, and hope.
Praying for a Good Place to Live
God begun by making one person, and from him came all the different people who live everywhere in the world. God decided exactly when and where they must live. -- Acts 17:26 NCV
Finding a good place to live can take time. Ask God to give your children (and you, if they are at home) the strength to "walk and not be faint."
Asking God to give your child wisdom is always a good starting place for prayer.
Sometimes the best way to help our adult children isn't to give them money or even advice; it's simply to pray.
Praying for a Job
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. -- Psalm 32:8
If we want to pray with faith, we must anchor our requests in God's promises.
We can make all the plans we want - and so can our kids - but God is the one who directs our path.
Trusting God with our children's future means being willing to trust his timing.
Praying When Your Children Have Children
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. -- Isaiah 44:3
Praying for your grandchildren strengthens your relationship with your children and their spouses.
Ask God to provide friends and mentors who will lovingly point your grandchildren toward Christ.
If you have concerns about your grandchildren or how they are being raised, take your worries to God and give his grace time to work.
Praying through a Health Crisis
This is what the LORD ... says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. -- 2 Kings 20:5
Trusting God when we don't know what the future holds opens the door to peace.
Sometimes the key to praying with perseverance is simply to stop looking at your problems and focus instead on who God is and what he has done.
Jesus offers this invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." What a beautiful promise, particularly as we pray for our children's health and safety.
God doesn't just want to heal your child; he wants to take care of you too.
Praying for Mental and Emotional Health
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. -- Psalm 40:1-3
When you pray your child through a mental or emotional illness, don't let shame or fear keep you from enlisting trusted prayer partners to help you carry your burden.
God is in the business of transformation, and he has promised to renew - body, mind, and spirit - day by day.
An unforgiving spirit can hinder your prayers. Ask God to search your heart - and be ready to extend grace (even to yourself) and receive God's love.
Praying for Protection from Harm
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him. -- Psalm 34:7
If God calls your child to a place or a job that scares you, slip your hand into your heavenly Father's and pray, trusting him to guard what you give him.
Asking God to put his angels in charge of your child's safety encompasses more than just physical protection. We can trust him to stand guard over their hearts and minds too.
When you feel too frightened or overwhelmed to pray for your child's safety, remember that God's power is made perfect in your weakness.
Praying through a Job Loss or Financial Difficulty
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. -- Psalm 94:18-19
The Bible has a lot to say about money. Ask God to help your children to manage it wisely.
When we pray our kids through loss or rejection, it helps to remember that Jesus knows exactly how they feel.
God knows how our children are formed, and what they do with their lives matters to him.
Ecclesiastes 7:12 adds this: "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it."
Praying through the Struggles of Infertility
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. -- Psalm 145:16
As you ask God to fulfill your children's deepest longings, pray that they will be satisfied with the gift of his presence.
When God gives your children a promise, come alongside them and believe it.
Praying for Strength to Resist a Party Culture
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. -- Matthew 5:6
Your adult children may be out of your reach, but they are never out of God's sight.
Today's party culture offers counterfeit joy. Pray that your kids will want the real thing.
We cannot glory - steal from God.
Praying for Protection from Sexual Sin
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. -- Romans 12:2
God loves us unconditionally. Ask him to help you show that same kind of love to your children, even if you don't like what they do.
God's kindness leads us to repentance. Ask God to surround your children with people who will lovingly point them toward him.
Light scatters darkness. Ask God to turn your children from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
Praying for Recovery from an Addiction
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. -- Isaiah 61:1
Addiction is a formidable enemy, but the weapons we fight with - including prayer - have divine power to demolish strongholds.
God is always at work in our kids' lives, and he can use the worst things to bring about good.
We cannot control or cure our children's addictions, but we can hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, knowing that he who promised is faithful.
Praying for Your Prodigal
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. -- Jeremiah 24:7
Ask God to work in your prodigal's mind and spirit, demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.
God knows what it's like to grieve over a prodigal child - and to rejoice over his return.
Our struggles are often God's entry points.
Is Jesus Enough?
God doesn't want us to trust in an outcome; he wants us to trust in him.
Heavenly Father...
Whom have we in heaven but you? Work in us and in our children, so that nothing compares to the desire we have for you. Be the strength of our hearts and our portion forever. Amen. -- Psalm 73:25-26
Jodie Berndt is the author of several books, including The Undertaker Wife, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, and Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens. She and her husband, Robert, have four grown children and two son-in-laws. A Speaker and Bible Teacher, Jodie encourages readers to pursue joy, celebrate grace, and live on purpose.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Sunday - Called to Be Inclusive - Acts 10:19-33 - 8/27/17
God prepares Cornelius and Peter.
Leviticus 11 - three times the vision came instructing Peter to break the Jewish food-laws.
Peter goeth to Cornelius.
Acts 10:19 ... While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Acts 11:12 ... And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Acts 10:20 ... Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Acts 15:7 ... That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Acts 10:21 ... Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
Acts 10:22 ... And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and
Acts 10:1,2 ... (The vision of Cornelius) THERE was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band.
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
Acts 10:22 ... of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Acts 22:12 ... And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Acts 10:23 ... Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Acts 10:45 ... And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:24 ... And the morrow after they entered into Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Acts 10:25 ... And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Acts 10:26 ... But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 14:14,15 ... Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Acts 10:27 ... And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
Acts 10:28 ... And he said unto them, ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;
Acts 11:3 (Peter accused of consorting with the Gentiles) Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
Acts 10:28 ... but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 15:8,9 ... And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 10:29 ... Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
Acts 10:30 ... And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me
Acts 1:10 ... And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 10:30 ... in bright clothing
Luke 24:4 ... And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there about, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
Acts 10:31 ...And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard
Acts 10:4 ... And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Acts 10:31 ... and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Hebrews 6:10 ... For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Acts 10:32 ... Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:33 ... Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Reference summary used from The SouthWestern Co., Publishers & Booksellers; Nashville, TN
Monday, July 17, 2017
Wheels of Wisdom - Life Lessons For The Restless Spirit: Book Review
As Director of Rescue for TheHopeLine, the authors have the opportunity to serve and oversee others who serve many people who lack bare necessities and are struggling to move forward. Each year, TheHopeLine engages tens of thousands of people around the globe. In the authors role, they've learned three things about the need out there: First, people are struggling regardless of location, age, occupation, ethnicity, religion or income. Second, everyone needs help sometimes.
This book is neither a theological book nor an adventure journal, though it contains elements of both.
The authors come at life from a Christian perspective. We know that not all people are in the same place in their spiritual journey - or even believe such exist.
The authors "honeymoon on wheels" occurred in the summer of 2010 shortly after they were married. They were first-time newlyweds at age fifty-two. They shared this journey in their inaugural book, Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast, a memoir that describes how God brought them together and then the celebration that followed on their self-supported tour from Oregon to Maine.
In 2012, they cycled from Florida to Maine on their Mom-to-Mom Tour.
Then, in 2014, the authors embarked across America yet again when they cycled from Oregon to Pennsylvania. They dedicated that tour to raising awareness and funds for a cause that is dear to their hearts. Hence, the name TheHopeLine Tour of 2014 came to be.
They share in the book that speak to recognizing your purpose and calling. Discerning right from wrong is important, but it's not always easy.
All of us were created with unique qualities, and we were not cut out for just anything.
Truly wise is a person who thinks before he speaks and says something that sticks with you.
Not all of us are wired to bicycle seventy miles a day. Have you ever asked yourself, What was I made to do? We all have unique gifts and desires. Once you discover your special attributes and devote your time to utilizing them, you'll experience deep joy and fulfillment as you live out a facet of God's calling on your life.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. JEREMIAH 29:11
When you travel to parts unknown, you need a reliable map. And when you feel you're losing your way through life, it's time to consult the road map for life - and to follow what it says.
Francis Marion National Forest was the setting for a beautiful ride on the Mom-to-Mom Tour after we left Moncks Center.
When Debbie became a Christian and finally allowed God to guide her through life, His Holy Spirit kindled her heart and stimulated her mind as she read the Bible. She could ask and to shed light on challenging passages. Studying the Bible with others has also helped illuminate its meaning for Debbie.
Just like the bicycling maps, the Bible offers more than she realized at first. No wonder it is the best-selling book in the world. The Bible has become her daily dose of wisdom, hope, and encouragement.
The Bible contains instructions that can guide you wherever you go in life. Debbie shares she is going to follow His Word as best she can, one step at a time, so she will never get lost again. Won't you join following the Bible?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. PSALM 119:105
When you're off course, you need to take great pains to get back on course or else you will jeopardize the achievement of your ultimate goal. And, sometimes, shortcuts will only get you further off course.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. PROVERBS 4:25-26
When was the last time you took a shortcut and got off track in your personal life?
You've heard it said, "Haste makes waste." Well, it's true. Take the time to do things right the first time.
As Time and Debbie headed into town, he said to Debbie, "His rear tire doesn't feel right. It's squishy."
He wrestled with the heavy, bulky bicycle and then decided to remove the panniers,because he couldn't balance the bicycle and work on it. Debbie located the tools and handed them to him. A young man who had heard their commotion from an open window emerged from the house on the corner as he removed the rear tire.
"Do you need any tools or any help?" he offered. He was wearing a T-shirt with a logo for a Christian school, which he found reassuring, he'd volunteered for years helping a Christian school with their accounting,
When they arrived in town, they pulled up to a convenience store for a break. When he looked down at the newly repaired tire, it was flat ... again. Maybe the young man at their last stop would have performed the repair more proficiently than Tim had.
Sometimes we travel through life too fast.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. PSALM 103:10
Do you find yourself having to repeat chores because you hurried through them the first time?
What you value most will either advance you toward your goals or prevent you from attaining them. The wrong values and priorities can derail your trek.
We'd traveled the Hi-Line for four days on our honeymoon tour.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. MATTHEW 6:21
Unexpected developments can lead to discouragement.
Rather than losing hope, be encouraged. You can get moving at a healthy pace once again.
It's important to remember these two words found throughout the Holy Bible: "Fear Not."
Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10
How can you continue to move ahead and work through your fear rather than allowing it to control you?
When we dwell on problems rather than seek encouragement and solutions, it's hard to move forward. Negative thinking will kill our efforts every time.
Debbie and Tim were both determined to move on, wiser and better prepared.
Sometimes, God sends us help when we're having trouble helping ourselves.
Debbie wondered what caused their Good Samaritans to pass their way precisely when they needed them the most. What caused them to stop?
It's confronting to know God sends the perfect helpers at just the right time. You needn't be afraid or worry when you trust in Him. Simply enjoy the ride!
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. LUKE 10:33
How did you describe it at the time: as a chance encounter or a divine appointment? How about now?
When you experience a miracle, it's time to let others know about it.
Debbie have been amazed by the healing power of God. When she asked God to take away her bulimia back in the early summer of 1986. God hears our cry for help and healing.
Sometimes, we are healed instantly, and sometimes, it takes time. Since she became a Christian, she have had to wait a long time for some prayers to be answered. Throughout her thirties and forties, she prayed for a husband. Tim and Debbie did not get married until they were both fifty-two.
One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. JOHN 9:25B
When the riding gets rough, don't lose sight of the big picture. Difficult circumstances are usually temporary. You'll find relief on the other side and have a better appreciation for the blessings in life.
Encouragement feeds a soul in pursuit of worthy goals. You'll find it in most unexpected ways.
And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. MATTHEW 28:20B
Think of three different forms of encouragement that you received in the last week.
After dinner, Debbie and Tim had joined about four hundred people of all ages already gathered in the large auditorium for worship, the program, and prayer. It was powerful. The praise band led them in worship.
Finally, a humbly prayer warrior prayed that God's extravagant would ignite a mass movement of faith in Jesus across the nation.
God makes a promise in 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 - "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Tim and Debbie Bishop have coauthored four books about their midlife launch into marriage, cross-country bicycle touring, and other matters of faith and inspiration.
The Bishops serve as volunteer for Hope Coaches for TheHopeLine, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach, rescue, and restore hurting teens and young adults.
Since TheHopeLine receives its support entirely from private sources, it is often in need of funding to sustain its important work.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sunday - God's Love Manifest - John 15:1-17 - 3/19/17
Christ is the vine, & God is the husbandman who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with followers are as good as dead & will be cut off & cast aside.
Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning (1) separating & (2) cutting back branches. Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. God must sometimes discipline us to strength our character & faith. But branches that don't bear fruit are cut off at the trunk, because not only are they worthless, they often infect the rest of the tree.
Prayer, joy, & soul-winning are also fruit.
Abiding in Christ means (1) believing he is God's Son (2) receiving Him as Saviour (3) doing what God says (4) continuing in faith (5) & relating to the community of believers. Christ's body Jesus says to only live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from him our efforts are unfruitful.
When a vine bears "much fruit," God is glorified, for daily He sent the sunshine & rain to make the crops grow, & constantly be nurtured each tiny plant & prepared to blossomed. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the barns, safe & ready for use! This farming picture shows how God is glorified when people come into a right relationship with him & begin to "bear much fruit" in their lives.
Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.
We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, & He loved us enough to give His life for us. Give all the love you can, & then try to give a little more.
Jesus made the first choice --- to love & to die for us; to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice --- to accept or reject His offer. Without His choice, we would have no choice.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale Publishing House, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Thursday - Wholeness by Prayer & Action - James 5:13-20 - 2/23/17
The elders should be on call to respond to the illness of any members & the church should stay alert to pray for the needs of all its members.
"And the prayer of faith," does not refer to the faith of the sick person, but to the faith of the church. God heals, faith doesn't, & all prayers are subject to God's will. That is why God often waits for our prayers of faith before intervening to heal a person.
"Confess your faults" can be translated "Confess your sins." Christ has made it possible for us to go directly to God for forgiveness, but confessing our sins to one another still has an important place in the life of the church. In Christ's Kingdom, every believer is a priest to other believers. We must help others come to Christ & tell them of Christ's forgiveness.
The Christian's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. Since God's power is infinitely greater than our own, it only makes sense to rely on it - especially because he encourages us to do so.
For more about the great prophet Elijah (Elias), read his Profile in I Kings 18.
Clearly the person who has slipped away is a believer who has fallen into sin - one who is no longer living a life consistent with his belief. Christians disagree over whether or not it is possible for people to lose their salvation, but all agree that those who move away from their faith are in serious trouble & need to repent. James urges Christians to help backsliders return to God. By taking the initiative, praying for the person, & acting in love, we can meet the person where he is & bring him back to God.
The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence of result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly & truthfully, live in obedient to God's commands, & love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God & one another. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Belief, faith & trust must have hands & feet - ours!
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Tuesday - Cry for Help Answered - Psalm 22:1-5 - 10/25/16
Psalm 22:1 ...My God,
Matthew 27:46 ... And about the 9th hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying E'li, E'li, la'ma sa-bach-tha-ni? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Psalm 22:1 ... my God, shy hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, & from the words of my roaring?
Hebrews 5:7 ... Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers & supplications with strong crying & tears unto him that was able to save him from death, & was heard in that he feared;
Psalm 22:2 ... O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not: and in the night season, & am not silent (no silence to me).
Psalm 22:3 ... But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Is'ra-el.
Deuteronomy 10:21 ... He is they praise, & he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great & terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
Psalm 22:4 ... Our fathers trusted in thee:they trusted, & thou didst deliver them
Psalm 22:5 ... They cried unto thee, & were delivered: they trusted in thee, & were not confounded.
Psalm 25:2,3 ... O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me,
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Scripture reference used from the KJV Bible, The SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
Monday, August 10, 2015
A Method For Prayer 1710 Edition: Book Review
An Awesome Prayer Book. I love it!!!!
I was most impressed when Steve sent me a case of books for me & my family - I placed 4 in our Church & the others outside of my Church.
To The Reader:
For if we have spiritual senses exercised, true devotion, that inspiring flame of pious affections to God, as far as in a judgment of charity we discern it in others (though in different shapes & dresses, which may seem uncouth to one another) cannot but appear beautiful & amiable.
Pythagaras's golden verses begin with the precept; Whatever men made a god of they prayed to, Deliver me, for thou art my god (Isaiah 44:17). It is a piece of respect & homage so exactly consonant to the natural ideas which all men have of God, that it is certain those that live without prayer live without God in the world.
Prayer is the solemn & religious offering up of devout acknowledgments & desires to God, or a sincere representation of holy affections, with a design to give unto God the glory due unto HIS name thereby, & to obtain from HIM promised favours, & both through the mediator. Humble adorations of God, & thanksgiving to HIM, are as necessary in prayer, as any other part of it. The Greek word Proseuche from Euche is a vow directed to God. The Latin word Votum is is used for prayer: Jonah's mariners with their sacrifices made vows; for prayer is to move & oblige ourselves, not to move or oblige God. And long discourse of his there to shew that his ho gosnoticos, i.e., his believer (for faith is called knowledge, & pgf. 719, he makes his companions to be hoi homoioos pepis teucotes, those that have in like manner believed)lives a life of communion with God, & so is praying always; that he have their stated hours of prayer, but he para holon euchatai ton bion, prays all his life long. The Scripture describes prayer to be our drawing near to God, lifting up our souls to HIM, pouring out our hearts before HIM.
Some words there must be, of the mind at least, in which, as in the smoke, this incense must ascend; not that God may understand us, for our thoughts afar off are known to HIM, but that we may the better understand ourselves.
Thus prayer must be sparsim (a sprinkling of it) in every duty, & our eyes must be ever towards the Lord.
Nay if the groanings be such as cannot be uttered, HE that searcheth the heart knows them to be the mind of the Spirit, & will accept of them (Romans 8:26,27).
If we had the tongue of men & angels, & have not the heart of humble serious Christians in prayer, we are but as sounding brass & a tinkling cymbal. It is only the effectual fervent prayer, the Deesis energumene, the in-wrought, in-laid prayer that avails much.
And if any good Christians receive assistance from Rev Matthew Henry's Prayer Book in their devotions, he hoped they would not deny him one request, which is, that they would pray for him, that he may obtain mercy of the Lord to be found among the faithful watchmen on Jerusalem's walls, who never held their peace day or night, but gave themselves to the word & prayer, that at length he may finish have finished his course with joy. .... Matth. Henry, Chester, March 25, 1710
Adoration
Of First Part Of Prayer, Which Is Address To God, Adoration Of HIM, With Suitable Acknowledgments, Professions, & Preparatory Requests.
Let us now attend upon the Lord without distraction, & let not our hearts be far from HIM when we draw nigh to HIM with our mouths, & honour HIM with our lips (I Corinthians 7:35; Matthew 15:8).
Having thus engaged our hearts to approach unto God (Jeremiah 30:21).
We Must Reverently Adore GOD As A Being Transcendently Bright & Blessed, Self-Existent & Self-Sufficient, An Infinite & Eternal Spirit, That Has All Perfections In Himself, And Give HIM Glory Of His titles & Attributes.
Thou art the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning, & from whom preceedeth every good & perfect gift (James 1:17)
Thou art the blessed & only Potentate; the King of king, & Lord of lords, who only hast immortality; dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen nor can see (I Timothy 6:15,16).
We Must Give To GOD Glory The Praise Of That Splendor & Glory Wherein HE Is Pleased To Manifest HIMSELF In The Upper Room.
We Must Give Honor To The Three Persons In The GodHead Distinctly, To The FATHER, The SON, & The HOLY GHOST, That Great & Sacred Name Into Which We Were Baptized, & In Which We Assemble For Religious Worship, In Communion With The Universal Church.
We Must Acknowledge It An Unspeakable Favour, & An Inestimable Privilege, That We Are Not Only Admitted, But Invited & Encouraged To Draw Nigh To GOD In Prayer.
We Must Express The Sense The Sense We Have Of Our Own Meanness & Unworthiness To Draw Near To GOD, & Speak To HIM.
We Must Likewise Profess Our Believing HOPE & Confidence In GOD, & HIS ALL_Sufficiency, In HIS POWER, PROVIDENCE, & PROMISE.
We Must Intreat GOD'S Favourable Acceptable Of Us & Our Poor Performance.
We Must Beg For POWERFUL Assistance & Influence Of The Blessed Spirit Of Grace In Our Prayers.
O pour upon us the spirit of grace & supplication; the Spirit of adoption teaching us to cry, Abba Father; that we may find in our hearts to pray this prayer (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 8:13; II Samuel 7:27).
WE MUST MAKE THE GLORY OF GOD OUR HIGHEST END IN ALL OUR PRAYERS.
WE MUST PROFESS OUR ENTIRE RELIANCE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD, & COME IN HIS NAME.
Confession of Sin
ON THE SECOND PART OF PRAYER, WHICH IS, CONFESSION OF SIN, COMPLAINTS OF OURSELVES, & HUMBLE PROFESSIONALS OF REPENTANCE.
Having given glory to GOD, which is HIS due, we must next take shame to ourselves, which is our due, & humble ourselves before HIM in the sense of our own sinfulness & vileness; & herein also we must give glory to HIM, as our judge, by whom we deserved to be condemned, & yet hope, through Christ, to be acquitted & be absolved (Joshua 7:19).
In this part of our work,
We must acknowledge the great reason the great reason we have to lie very low before GOD, & to be ashamed of ourselves when we come into HIS presence, & to be afraid of HIS wrath, having made ourselves both odious to HIS holiness, & obnoxious to HIS justice.
WE MUST TAKE HOLD OF THE GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT GOD HATH GIVEN US TO HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE HIM WITH SORROW & SHAME, 7 TO CONFESS OUR SINS.
Monday, May 26, 2014
God-Centered Prayer: Book Review
There are many wonderful things we can learn from the Old Testament saints. Theologian Graham Scroggie put it this way: "The New is in the old contained, and the Old is in the New explained!" Elijah, is commended for the way he prayed (James 5:17-18). We all want to pursue God with the passion of David, a man after God's heart, and with faith like Abraham.
God interrupted Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea, where they were trapped by Pharaoh and the world's greatest army. They cried out to God about their circumstances. What was God's response? He essentially said, "Folks, this is no time to pray. Moses, raise the rod and split the sea. And Moses did! (Exodus 14:15-16).
When Jesus arrived, HE did things on the Sabbath that the Pharisees couldn't accept. Then came the day when, with HIS disciples, HE lifted the Communion cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20).
God responds to the prayers of those who love and honor HIM. We don't throw out the Old Testament and its prayers.
We approach God's throne of grace "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
I Corinthians 10:13 -- God carefully measures our trials, and HE promises that we won't face more than we can bear. (But we must also keep in mind that when we choose to walk in darkness, we move out from under God's protection).
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Matthew 5:43-45 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Jesus was no ordinary teacher. HE was the Prince of Peace. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).
The prayers God answers are those prayed in accordance with HIS will. The Holy Spirit "searches all things even the deep things of God," and "knows the thoughts of God."
God has told us to call on HIM and he will show us great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
As Moses prayed with his hands raised to heaven, Joshua's army was victorious. Prayer worked! (Exodus 17:8-13)
Sickly King Hezekiah lay on his death bed. He cried out to God in prayer. God gave the king fifteen years. (II Kings 20:5)
The author's daddy, Dr. Robert E. Smith (a pastor) laid at death's door in a Tyler Texas Hospital. The medical team advised the family to make his funeral arrangements. In answer to prayer, God raised him up and gave him four and a half more years.
God has created all things for his pleasure. Everything is about the kingdom.
Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler of a spiritual Kingdom, and on day, all men will bow before HIM (Philippians 2:9-10).
What do we know about any king? He's born into his position. He rules those in his kingdom with absolute authority.
Those who are chosen by the king to serve as his ambassadors do everything to symbolize the kingdom. Scripture calls us "Christ's ambassadors" (II Corinthians 5:20).
The author shares in his book that "New Science Magazine" reported a world values survey that analyzed the levels of happiness in more than sixty-five (65) countries. Of the nations surveyed, the United States ranked sixteen (16) on the list, even though the standard of living in the U.S. far exceeds that of the fifteen (15) happiest nations.
Joshua 6 -- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho walls.
II Chronicles 20:14-21 -- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat's victory.
Mark 6:30-44 -- Praise preceded the feeding of the 5,000
Acts 16:20-34 -- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi
"It is said of Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist, that he wold sit practically motionless for days at a time, meditating and getting the inspiration for his masterpieces."
Celebrate the Small Stuff!
We are to celebrate God's smallest responses to our prayers. The psalmist David said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify HIM with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). Jesus said in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and escaping the wrath of Pharaoh and his army, the children of Israel threw a praise party to celebrate God for bringing them safely out of Egypt.
Sometimes, after God has done something wonderful that we are celebrating, the enemy throws discouragment in our path.
The author and his wife had finished teaching at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and were headed toward the airport, when they began to witness to the cab driver, who was from Ghana. After a few minutes he prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
When the cab stopped, the driver jumped out, hugged them, and thanked them for sharing Christ's life with him.
At the ticket counter the author's wife was given a boarding pass.
Then the woman looked at the author and told him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your ticket has been canceled. You don't have a seat on this flight."
He told th woman, "I did't cancel my ticket."
She told him the airline canceled his ticket.
She then told him that he would have to buy another $471 ticket if he planned to fly home on the flight with his wife.
The author was fuming inside as he pulled out his credit card and purchased another $471 ticket. The author said God asked him, "Eddie, why did you sell my praise for $471?" All it took was one setback, one disappointment, to shut down his "praise party" for the salvation of the cab driver. He had allowed the evil one to crash his praise party and rob God of the praise HE was due - for a measly $471.
Let's acknowledge, thank, and celebrate every victory that God sends our way.
The author shares he does not promise to teach you how to get what you want from God. But he do hope that the readers of his book will know how to be heard in heaven.
I believe that Bethany sent me a complimentary copy to review.
Eddie Smith, Author of "How To Be Heard In Heaven. He is also co-founder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips intercessors worldwide through articles, books, and his international teaching ministry.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Letter From God: Book Review 2002 - 2004
By: Angela Watkins
Let us pray for all leaders, presidents and kings where we may lead a peaceable and quiet life.
On a serious note make sure you do know who your Heavenly Father is.....
By: Angela Doreathy Glass Watkins Bring every big and little thing to God in prayer for help, advice, or sharing your joy! Our Heavenly Father loves us. Sharing a note from a book I have reviewed.
Shared by Angela Doreathy Glass Watkins
Letter From God .....
My Precious Daughter,
I can't wait to hear from you! You are the joy of My heart! I created you to have fellowship with Me, and I love your company when you pray to Me.
You are so important to Me that I want you to bring every big and little thing to Me for help, advice, or sharing your joy! I am always available.
Prayer is the way you reach Me. Whether it's an arrow prayer or a lengthy one, I welcome all.
Don't worry if you continue to take back your worries. I am patiently waiting for you to turn them back over to Me again and again,.
I know that you'll grow stronger each time you focus on Me. I'm confident that My Spirit will continue to work in you to learn this challenging surrender, so don't think I'm upset or unhappy with you. I'll never stop drawing you into My loving embrace.
My daughter, you are valuable and precious to Me. Talk to Me often. Relate your worries to Me.
I stand ready to respond and take your burdens.
I love you.
Your Heavenly Father
This review was shared from "Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries" Finding Peace In All Kinds of Weather By Kathy Collard Miller. She has appeared on the 700 Club and other radio and television programs and has spoken in five countries besides the United States.
Angela Doreathy Glass Watkins
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Jubilant! ... 12/8/13 Sunday School Lesson
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:46-56 (Devotional Reading: Psalm 111; Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-56).
Hannah (grace), her vow & prayer (I Samuel 1:19); song of (I Samuel 2).
Horn ... used metaphorically to signify strength & honor, as a type of victory.
Promises: I Samuel 2:2b (Victory Over Enemies & Trouble); I Samuel 2:6; Psalm/Tehillim 146:8; 146:9 (Health & Healing); I Samuel 2:9; Psalm/Tehillim 103:13 (The Lord's Love & Care for HIS Children . The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm 34:7 (The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm/Tehillim 34:8; 111:5; 146:7 (Food Provided for the Lord's Children) .. Healing comes in various ways - Prosperity does not always mean material items or money.
Abimelech or Achish (serpent?), King of Gath ... Gath (a wine-press), Goliath of (I Samuel 17:4).
Praise, God worthy of.
Wisdom, given by God. Fear of the Lord - Wisdom - Understanding.
Zion or Sion (dry place), southwestern hill of Jerusalem, surrounded on all sides except the north deep valleys
Nazarites, law of (Numbers 6)
Luke 1:46-56
Verses 46-48
Verses 46,47 ... Duties To God; Praise; Praise Due To God
Verse 47 (Habakkuk 3:18)
Verse 48 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
(I Samuel 2:1-10; Exodus 15:20-21 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Christian Praise Music, Gospel Music, Spanish Christian Praise Music, and African American Praise Gospel Music
Christian Books on Hannah the mother of Samuel and Mary the mother of Jesus and Elisabeth the mother of John the Baptist
Verses 49-52
Verse 49 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
Verse 49 (Psalm 111:9)
Verse 50 ... Duties To God; Fear; Blessedness of Fearing God
Verse 51 ... Fallen Man; Sins of The Spirit, & Against Ourselves; Pride, Its Hatefulness
Verse 52 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
(Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:15,16; Isaiah 57:15)
Verses 53-56 (Luke 1-2; Luke 1:68-79; I Samuel 2:1-10)
Verse 53 ... Works Of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
Verses 54-55 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Descent (Birth, Lineage; fact of originating from an ancestral stock; one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale; Decline - descent of the family to actual poverty) ... Jesus/Yeshua is Rich over all - but became lowly - humble.
Verse 56 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting & Returning Home
(Romans 1:28)
Monday - December 2, 2013 - My Heart Exults in the Lord - I Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's song in thankfulness to God.
Tuesday - December 3, 2013 - O Magnify the Lord with Me - Psalm 34:1-8
David praises God, & exhorts others thereto by his experience. They blessed who trust in God.
Wednesday - December 4, 2013 - Give Thanks to the Lord - Psalm 100
Exhortation to praise the Lord. Praise - sing - all ye lands (HIS Gates - HIS Courts = Temple)
Thursday - December 5, 2013 - Bless the Compassionate Lord - Psalm 103:13-22
Exhortation to bless God for HIS Mercy. ... Mercy of the Lord - unto Children;s Children - HIS Covenant - HIS Commandments
Friday - December 6, 2013 - Praise the Gracious & Merciful Lord - Psalm 111
The psalmist incites to praise God.
Saturday - December 7, 2013 - The Lord Reigns for ALL Generations - Psalm 146
God is only worthy to be trusted.
Sunday - December 8, 2013 - God Has Done Great Things - Luke 1:46-56
Luke 1:46,57-60 ... The Magnificat form of a beautiful lyrical poem uttered by a Jewish peasant girl whose cultural background was the O.T. writings. The main source where she draws her song is song of Hannah (I Samuel 2:1-10) ... Elisabeth's baby is born soon after Mary's departure. Elizabeth announces his name is to be John, the father receives again the power of speech, after giving signs of consents.
I Samuel 1:9-2:11 ... Hannah's prayer for a son answered.
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV Special Arrangement N.T. Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam's Webster Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition