Testimony: Tina

Since being a teenager my mother and I began to visit Mediums, Psychics, Crystal Ball and Tarot Card readers. We went to people’s houses for ‘sittings’ to contact the dead and receive messages. We began to attend audiences where one of our favourite Mediums would be performing. Mum wasn’t as enthralled as I was, and on hearing several Mediums saying to me – ‘You can do what I am doing’ – it encourages you to develop your ‘gift’.

What I was most attracted to was the Tarot Cards. I was more than eager to go out and buy a pack, along with some instruction books. Then I began to seek out classes where I could learn properly. I was taught to ‘feel’ the deck which I was attracted to, and meditate upon them. I bought different decks of cards to work with. I loved them.

I quickly learnt how to read them, and started reading for family and friends, they all thought I was good at it, and came back for more. I even began to keep a record of their readings on my computer, so that I could print it out for them for them to look back on when predicted events happened in their lives. People loved it.

So I began to go to development circles. Concentrate on ‘tuning into oneself’ and picking up any visions we might receive. This was then shared with the group and discussed. We were given exercises to do to develop our abilities, and the leading Medium would then make contact and deliver messages to individuals.

I became enthralled, and went out and bought heaps of different books on self development, meditations, charka reading, channelling, crystals . . . . You name it – I bought it! I studied them earnestly, eager to develop.

We began to have ‘sittings’ at our house, where we would invite several friends or family members to participate in the group. And we would tape record our sittings in order to look back on them as predicted events unfolded. We were hooked!

I also began visiting the local Spiritualist church where Clairaudience is carried out, delivering messages from the dead, or having private sittings.

I was particularly attracted to the Tarot Cards, and very much took to developing this ‘gift’ and wanted to know all there was to know about them. So this was the line of the Occult which I most focussed upon.

We thought it was fine as no harm came to us whatsoever, and everyone who took part in such activities seemed to come to no harm at all, so we continued . . . .

--------------------------------------------------------------

In 2006 I discovered for myself how dangerous the Occult was when I tried to turn away from it. I was invited on an Alpha course to learn about Christianity. This was the very beginning of me turning away from the Occult . . . . . .

There were some strange things which started to happen at that time. I was told to pray and ask Jesus into my life, and things did settle down. I thought any strange happenings were over with and that I was free from the Occult.

But two years later there were more strange happenings around the cards . . . .

I hadn’t read the Tarot Cards for other people for a few years, but was aware I still had them at the back of a cupboard. As far as I was concerned I had stopped dabbling in the Occult as I had stopped going to classes, circles, visiting Mediums, etc. I only occasionally got the cards out just to read for myself, maybe once a year or so. I also still had all the books I’d bought, I didn’t realise how VITAL it was that I get rid of everything which tied me to the Occult.

In the Spring of 2008 I became the member of a Methodist church, and thought it was only right that I get rid of my Tarot Cards, as I was now a Christian, and decided to give 100% to the God who showed me that he IS pure love itself. . . . .

It was after getting rid of them that there were several strange happenings, one of these happenings was the presence of a spirit, between May and August. I realised I had actually been in touch with ‘something’, as I started to feel a presence which kept coming to me, very often, almost weekly. It came at any time, out shopping, at work, sitting on a bus, when I was fully awake. I guess it was because I had finally broken the connection, and it was trying to keep it. I got used to it being around, I wasn’t frightened at all. I couldn’t determine who it was, just a definite ‘energy’, in physical terms I guess I could describe it as being aware of a small area of ‘fog’. Although it is impossible to physically describe the non physical.

There was even a time when it came whilst I was reading my bible at home, at this point I still didn’t realise it was evil, and I actually welcomed it, wondering who it was, as it wasn’t giving me any identity. My welcome made it become more vibrant. I could feel an increase in its ‘vibration.’

At first its presence made me feel calm and I became familiar with it’s ‘vibration’. As the weeks went by, it became stronger, and in its presence I could feel it’s energy blending more with mine, my body felt quite ‘heavy’, I begun to feel incredibly nauseous when it was around and my mind felt ‘spaced out’.

The final time was the strongest, in August. I was in the Pentecostal church and it was Holy Communion, I was in the kitchen filling up the thimbles for the Communion. I felt its presence very strongly, even though the place was busy, people talking to me, distractions, I knew ‘something’ was there and nobody else seemed aware of it.

It seemed to strongly ‘touch’ my mind, the very point at which you think was strongly emphasised. As I walked to the front of the church to place the Communion thimbles at the table, there was the familiar feeling of it blending with me. I sat down, and this was more than being calm – I could hardly move out of the chair – my body was so very heavy. My mind was extremely ‘spacey’. Someone came to ask me to serve cups of tea after the service, I immediately answered “I’d love to”. (Normally I would have hesitated as I am quite a shy person). But when I answered it felt like it wasn’t quite me controlling my voice, the words just came, although I was aware that it still sounded like me. As the service began and everyone started to sing, the presence quickly faded. I realised afterwards this was the beginnings of something wanting to take possession of my faculties.

Over the next few weeks, I became frightened and very upset, not knowing when it was going to come back, obviously wondering how I could get rid of it. I rang my church Minister and made an appointment to see him, needing help and not knowing what to do.

But I days later I cancelled the appointment as it seems that it had decided to leave me alone, and I haven’t felt it since – thank goodness! I can only assume it was because I was in the presence of God and it fled. What more proof do we need of Jesus saving us!! Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” There was a whole congregation there singing to him! There was definitely something in the church that day which got rid of this spirit. That is absolutely AMAZING! Spirits flee in his presence! IT HAS HAPPENED. AMAZING!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now my life seems to be back to normal. But on a bad day I start wondering if it will come back. Anyone who has never experienced the presence of a spirit entity could easily dismiss it as imagination, or something mentally wrong, or find a psychological reason for imagining things, - (another torment). The experience is something else completely. I know fully how a spirits presence is absolutely unmistakeable. As real as the person next to you.

Anyone who becomes involved in Occult practices WILL have supernatural encounters. You called them up! You’ve called Satan! He will come. It shows how spirit entities have the ability to reveal or conceal themselves, to whoever they choose, wherever they choose, whatever you’re doing, whoever you’re with, at whatever time they choose. It is dangerous!

Since turning to Christianity there have been other times when I’ve felt the presence of something far more grand and powerful than any ‘lower’ spirit – a sure sign of an evil one, lacking the power of anything Godly which has the ability to fill a room with depth, sensitivity and love.

I now realise what was beginning to happen to me, and how much worse it could have been, and I realise there are also people who have been into the Occult who have experienced far worse than I did. People who are into Occult practices and think it is safe are very nice, well meaning people, but are deceived victims of Satan. You think you are fine, that there’s nothing to worry about . . . . until you try to turn away from it. Then Satan’s demons will show their true colours and try to keep a hold you’re your soul. These spirits are demonic, and want your life. It is not just the truth for me, I am not just one person who has had bad experiences, it is the truth for everyone.

I knew Christianity was what I’d been looking for all my life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”, this struck a chord with me instantly, how fantastic! I am now a member of a Methodist and a Pentecostal church. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever of the existence of God and totally accept our Lord Jesus Christ as our only hope and saviour from demonic spirits. God has proved to me he exists, that he is more powerful than evil and that evil spirits flee from him. I want nothing but God in every part of my life, to devote my life to God, I live every second of every day for him, and always will.

The Apologist's First Question

By Ravi Zacharias


I have little doubt that the single greatest obstacle to the impact of the Gospel has not been its inability to provide answers, but the failure on our part to live it out. I remember well in the early days of my Christian faith talking to a close Hindu friend. He was questioning the experience of conversion as being supernatural. He absolutely insisted that conversion was nothing more than a decision to lead a more ethical life and that, in most cases, it was not any different from other ethical religions. I had heard his argument before. But then he said something I have never forgotten: "If this conversion is truly supernatural, why is it not more evident in the lives of so many Christians I know?" His question is a troublesome one. In fact,it is so deeply disturbing a question that I think of all the challenges to belief, this is the most difficult question of all.

I have never struggled with my own personal faith as far as intellectual challenges to the Gospel are concerned. But I have often had struggles of the soul in trying to figure out why the Christian faith is not more visible. After lecturing at a major American university, I was driven to the airport by the organizer of the event. I was quite jolted by what he told me. He said, "My wife brought our neighbor last night. She is a medical doctor and had not been to anything like this before. On their way home, my wife asked her what she thought of it all." He paused and then continued,"Do you know what she said?" Rather reluctantly, I shook my head. "She said, 'That was a very powerful evening. The arguments were very persuasive. I wonder what he is like in his private life.'"

Because my Hindu friend had not witnessed spiritual transformation in the life of Christians, whatever answer she received were nullified. In the doctor's case, the answers were intellectually and existentially satisfying, but she still needed to know, did they really make a difference in the life of the one proclaiming them? The Irish evangelist Gypsy Smith once said, "There are five Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Christian, and some people will never read the first four." In otherwords, the message is seen before it is heard.


For both the Hindu questioner and the American doctor, the answers to their questions were not enough; they depended upon the visible transformation of the one offering them. 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the gives us the defining statement: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Notice that before the answer is given, the one giving the answer is called to a certain prerequisite. The lordship of Christ over the life of the apologist is foundational to all answers given. Peter, of all the disciples, knew well how to ask questions and also how fickle the human heartis. He knew the seductive power of the spectacular in momentary enthrallment.

He knew what it was to betray someone and to fail. He knew what it was to try to explain the Gospel--as he did at Pentecost. Peter's strong reminder of the heart of the apologistis the basis of all apologetic attempts. With character in mind, there follow two immediate imperatives: the quality of life lived and the clarity of answers given. The way the Christian's life is lived will determine the impact upon believers and skeptics alike. This is a defining line because the claim by the believer is unique. The claim is that of a "new birth." After all, no Buddhist or Hindu or Muslim claims his or her life of devotion to be supernatural, yet they often live amore consistent life. And how often does the so-called Christian, even while teaching some of the loftiest truths one could ever teach, live a life bereft of that beauty and character.

In apologetics the question is often asked, "If there is only one way, how is it that there are few in all of creation who qualify?" That question is actually more potent than the questioner realizes. It should further be raised, "Out of the few who actually qualify, why are even fewer living it out?" The spiritual condition and character of the apologistare of immense importance.

This call to a life reflecting the person of Christ is the ultimate call of everyone who wishes to do apologetics. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well(John 4:1–26) she raised one question after another as if that were really her problem. It would have been very easy for the Lord to call her bluff with some castigating words.

Instead, like a gentle and nimble-handed goldsmith, he rubbed away the markings of sin and pain in her life until she was amazed at how much true gold he brought out in her. He gave her hope, knowing all along who she was on the inside. Likewise, we cannot simply vanquish the person in an attempt to rescue the message. The value of the person is an essential part of the message. This means the apologist's task begins with a godly walk. One ought to take time to reflect seriously upon the question, 'Has God truly wrought a miracle in mylife'

Is my own heart proof of the supernatural intervention of God?

That is the apologist's first question.

*** Special Alert ***

Dear Prayer Partners:

I want to introduce you to our *NEW* website.

The Lighthouse Prayerline will form part of a larger network called
"The Lord's Lighthouse".

You may visit the new site at http://lighthouseministries.webs.com
and sign in to the site.

We have a Photo Album, Blog, and a Guestbook to be used as you desire.

You can also access the Lighthouse Prayer Line from the new site by
clicking the link that says "PRAYER LINE".

The current site, Lighthouse Prayer Line, will only be used for
Prayer Requests & Praise Reports. Testamonies, Devotions, and
Photos will be moved to our new site at lighthouseministries.webs.com.

The URL www.lighthouseprayerline.org will also be changed so that it
will be directed to our new site.

Please visit http://lighthouseministries.webs.com (new site) and send
us your feedback.

You can contact me at the following E-Mail Addresses:

Lighthouse Ministries: lighthouse.ministries@vodamail.co.za
My personal Mailbox: francois.putter@vodamail.co.za

Telephone: +27 51 430 3175
Mobile Phone: +27 79 465 5880

Snail Mail:

9 Sarel Cilliers Street
Hilton
Bloemfontein
9301
South Africa

Thanks & May God Bless You.

Francois Putter

*~*Prayer Requests for 1/11/10:

Beginning January 15th, 2010, ownership of Lighthouse Prayer Line will be administered by Francois Putter (Bloemfontein for Jesus).

Bloemfontein for Jesus is an Interdenominational Christian Mission, started during October 2008 for the purpose to unite the Church of Christ through Cell Ministries, Bible Study Groups, Prayer Actions and Evangelical Out­reaches to all nations around the world.

The idea to begin a Ministry like Bloemfontein for Jesus started way back in 1995 when I decided to finally give myself in full-time service to the Lord Je­sus Christ.

The moment I was baptised, I started to pray to the Lord to give me a vision on what my personal purpose is on earth.

The Lord shown me that there are many people online who do not have any other way to learn about Him than to be actively involved in an Online Minis­try.

I have told the Lord: “Lord, there are so many online ministries already active on the Net. I know that you are no Copycat. I know that you created me to have my own unique way to work with other people. Please show me exactly how you want me to work in Your kingdom.”

The Lord shown me in many things He want me to do. This is how Bloemfon­tein for Jesus started.

This ministry first started as an online ministry to represent the Naval Hill Prayer Mountain Ministry.

The Prayer Mountain is active for the past 7 years, but when I started Bloem­fontein for Jesus, I decided to publish some photo’s of the Prayer Group at Naval Hill. You may visit http://bloemfontein4jesus.webs.com/ if you want to see more about us.

Bloemfontein for Jesus is not only an online Ministry. Although we concen­trate on online ministries, we also have some cell-groups, Bible Study Groups and Prayer Actions where we have personal contact with fellow Christians.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Anyone who has questions with regard to this ministry, or the future of the Prayer house Ministry after it has been handed over to us, is welcome to send an E-Mail to bfn4j@telkomsa.net and I will answer any questions you have.

Francois Putter

BLOEMFONTEIN FOR JESUS
9 SAREL CILLIERS STREET
HILTON
BLOEMFONTEIN
9301
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Thank you for your prayers!.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

If you are a regular reader/prayer partner, we would be
honored for you to post your pic on our link for prayer
partners at the top of the sidebar (right-hand side).

If you do not have a pic, any icon/clipart can serve as
a symbol of your devotion to those requesting prayer.

In no way does your inclusion mean that you are
endorsing this site or ALL of its content; it simply
means you are approaching the throne of Jesus
Christ with their pleas in mind. God bless you &
thanks for your meaningful work!!

In His precious name,

~Mark Seay (LighthousePrayerLine.org)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
(¯`*•.(¯`*•.God is Good - ALL of the Time!!!.•*´¯).•*´¯)
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe" (Psalm 18:10).

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

Hi friend,

Please keep the following individuals in your prayers:

1) "Could you do me a special favor? I need some prayers said for my 82 year old mother-in-law. She has been in the hospital for the last few days. Marge went in for some stomach problems and they found out her gall bladder is not working. Then she started throwing up liquid poo, not good. The doctors tried a tube through the stomach and it's blocked to the intestines. About 20 years ago she had half her stomach removed due to ulcers. So about 12:15 p.m. your time (she lives in Michigan) the doctors took her in for some exploratory surgery and to remove the gall bladder. My husband left this morning at 1:00 a.m. Chicago time to get to Michigan before his mom went under the knife. He told me her weight is under a 100 pounds and she can't even raise her head she is so weak. sigh..........I feel so bad since I can't be there for my husband and give him a hand." -Missy;

2) "Dear Beloved Brother in christ Mark seay.

Greetings to you in the most precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank you for your precious love and prayers about us. Our almighty Lord through out the last year protected us and kept us under his arms and leaded us in one more another 2010. Behalf of that in the 31st Night service Lord had leaded us amazingly, in that program from 10pm to 10-30pm believers are sang some songs after that 10-30-pm to 11pm believers had proclaimed the God’s faithfulness through giving their testimonies how Lord protected them through out the year.

11pm to 12-10pm thanks giving time through out the last year Lord had protected us from the all the problems and all kind of situation for that spending time in prayers and worshipping lift up his holy name many, people are repent many areas of their lives through the worship.

12-10pm to 12-30 I had given the New Year message Lord had used me as his instrument through preach his word. 12-30pm to 1-30 children had done cultural activities through singing some songs, playing action songs, and some skits what they had learned from many days. Nearly 200 Hindu people are attending to this prayer meeting. People are appreciated to Bindu and Pinkey for their grate performances they danced well. I am very happy to send photos of this program through this attachment. Please continuously keep us in your valuable prayers Lord would provide his strength, courage and encouragements to do more work for Christ and extend his kingdom in this Hindu land until I die.

Here our church, orphan children and widows and we all are continuously praying for you and for your blessed family. Especially our orphan children are gladly sending their lots of love and their lovely kisses and their lovely hugs to you and to your blessed family. Convey our lovely and best regards to your friends and to your Blessed church congregation. Close with lots of love and prayers and wait for your gracious and prayerful reply. Thanking you, Your Beloved Brother in Christ, Pastor.K.Syam Sundar, New Beginning Missions, Workers for Christ.";

3) "I am asking for prayer for my marriage and my husband. He recently told me he "has to find himself" and wants me to decide if I want a separation or a divorce. I want neither. I am praying that God will speak to him and his heart so he can heal himself. He is hurting me by telling me this. I feel God has brought us together for a reason and we have 3 beautiful children." -Pam;

4) Pietro asks for our prayers: "I want to learn to love and love unconditionally. I ask for prayers to help me in my relationships, that my feelings may not weaken and I may give up on the relationships. Right now, I am feeling lost and hopeless. I ask the Lord to please remove those "demons" from my heart & head. Thank you, all, for any prayers you can offer. God bless.";

5) "I am going in for gallbladder surgery this morning at Sheridan memorial hospital in SHeridan, Wy, please pray for a complication free surgery & a fast recovery and a good results! Thank you." -Shana;

6) Denny asks for our prayers. He writes, "could you please pray for me.I'm a business owner out in colorado had 90 employes at one time but had to have a lay off now i'm down to 15 employes and the walls are coming in dont know how much longer i can kept the downs open i need a merical and to top it off my wife is very sick could you please pray for us.";

7) "Please pray for me today. I have an appointment with my attorney for bankruptcy. I just hope all goes well today. I have to get one more apprasial for my car so I can claim it for the case. I do hope that things will get better for me. Just ask God to help and give me peace during this trying time." -C. Givens;

8) "please pray for my son as he finds his way through his struggles with college and opens himself to new ideas. may he turn to God as his source of strength and discernment." -Ann;

9) Paulette asks for our prayers. She writes, "I pray for family unity communities to have unity and cities praying for each other and other families too as if the their family are our own. Pray for the heart of Christ to abide in us as a whole." -Paulette;

10) "My husband had emergecy gallbladder revmoval surgery on Dec 31st and has had severe complications. Somehow a he had a hole in his bile duct and his body filled with bile and we almost lost him. For some unexplained medical reason the hole repaired itself overnight. The doctors have never seen this before and can not explain why. I believe god answered my prayers and we witnessed a miracle. Now I need another one for he has had a setback again today. I need him home not only for myself but our beautiful three year old daughter. My faith is wearing thin and I am afraid please pray that this set back is temporary so he can come home to us where he needs to be." - Goodwin;

11) "My 80 year old father has an appointment with his cardiologist this week to see if he needs heart surgery. Please pray that his condition is treatable and for God's hand to be on him." -Karen;

12) "Father, You have blessed me far beyond anything I could ever deserve. I am so sorry for my constant failures. I want to walk in Your presence daily & serve You as I should. I want to be a good Christian example in the way I live the life You have given me. Please forgive me for my sins. I commit to You Lord God Almighty to begin serving as I should. You deserve nothing less. When You chose for my life here to be done, I want to leave a Godly legacy for those still here. Please lift me up in all of your prayers & again I will lift you all up as well. In the sweet name of Jesus I pray. Amen." -Steve

------------------------------------------------------------

*** MISSIONS PRAYER REQUESTS: ***


-Guatemala:

Pray for the team of eleven individuals who will be serving in Guatemala January 10-16 and will be ministering to children at Mrs. Arzu's schools, Mama Carmen's and Manchen Girls Home. The team will be delivering backpacks, school supplies and Bibles to children in Guatemala City.

The Lord has blessed us with the privilege and resources to serve children in Guatemala. Please join us in praying for additional funding to meet the needs of more children.

A new school year is beginning this month in both Guatemala and Honduras. Pray for the children as they start the new year, that they would be encouraged in their studies and that they would grasp God's love and perfect plan for them.

-Honduras:

Pray for Mike Douris and Bob Beams as they travel to Honduras and Guatemala January 15-22. Pray for guidance and wisdom as they visit and evaluate programs.

Also pray for discernment in hiring a case manager at AFE School. Pray that God would bring the right person for the job so that the students and staff are equipped and encouraged to grow in knowledge and truth of who God is and how He desires to use them for His kingdom purposes.

-India:

Pray for the team from Emmaus Church in Rockwall, TX who will be serving in India January 11-22. They will be showing love to children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and to those who have a parent who works in the Red Light Area. Because of Dr. Edward's husband's death, the kids were not able to celebrate Christmas. Thus, the team will also celebrate with them.

One of the children at Santvana Home, Vishal, passed away last night after battling AIDS. Vishal was actually progressing and doing well through treatment. The staff commented on his infectious laugh and grin. Please pray for Dr. Edwards, the staff and the other children at the home as they grieve the loss of this sweet boy.

Continue to pray for Dr. Edwards as she grieves the loss of her husband and transitions into life without him. Pray for her leadership at Santvana and for God to give her peace.

-Russia:

Pray for Marina, our newest case manager, in St. Petersburg. Marina works with orphan graduates, helping them transition out of the orphanage into independent living.


**God bless you for caring enough to pray!!!**

........................................

"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*~*Spotlight Site*~*

www.christianfreebies.com/backgrounds.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*** WANNA SERVE?? ***

If you know of someone who would like to serve our Lord
Jesus but is not sure where to start, please consider one
of the following volunteering opportunities:

PRAY for the persecuted. Often we ask Christians who have been tortured, arrested or abused, what they need most. They answer emphatically, "Please pray for us." Be-A-Voice Network makes it effortless to pray for the suffering church. Join now and receive up-to-date prayer bulletins to share with friends and family to grow your prayer network.

WRITE to prisoners: "Please don't stop. The letters are a great encouragement ..." says Joseph, a Chinese Christian, on behalf of Li Ying, imprisoned in China for loving Jesus. We've seen how letters give strength to Christian prisoners and their families. In some cases letters have even led to a prisoner's early release. SHARE their voice: As a member of the Be-A-Voice Network you can send FREE copies of Tortured for Christ, written by VOM's founder Richard Wurmbrand, to Christian friends and family members.

Become a Be-A-Voice volunteer by committing to one or more of the above. Register today!

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining the Be-A-Voice Network today, thus fulfilling Scripture, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also." Hebrews 13:3 (NKJV)

It's easy to serve the persecuted church. PRAY. WRITE. SHARE. Join Now!

If you are interested, please email me at LighthousePrayerLine3@gmail.com with "Send Me the Volunteer Link" in the subject line along with your name.

God bless you! Hope to hear from you soon!!

Mark Seay
LighthousePrayerLine.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

***FREE Christian Bookmarks!!***

http://www.christianfreebies.com/bookmarks.shtml

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

GOT BIBLE QUESTIONS?

Ask www.bibleinfo.com
Click on "Ask a Bible question."



Write to "Your Bible Questions" at

Sign of the Times
PO Box 5398
Nampa, ID 83653-5398
U.S.A.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Word, Necessary Food
By C.H. Spurgeon


"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

If God so willed it we could live without bread, even as
Jesus did for forty days; but we could not live without
His Word. By that Word we were created, and by it
alone can we be kept in being, for he sustaineth all
things by the Word of His power. Bread is a second
cause; the LORD Himself is the first source of our
sustenance. He can work without the second cause
as well as with it; and we must not tie Him down to
one mode of operation. Let us not be too eager after
the visible, but let us look to the invisible God. We
have heard believers say that in deep poverty, when
bread ran short, their appetites became short, too;
and to others, when common supplies failed, the
LORD has sent in unexpected help.

But we must have the Word of the LORD. With this
alone we can withstand the devil. Take this from us,
and our enemy will have us in his power, for we shall
soon faint. Our souls need food, and there is none for
them outside of the Word of the LORD. All the books
and all the preachers in the world cannot furnish us a
single meal: it is only the Word from the mouth of God
that can fill the mouth of a believer. LORD, evermore
give us this bread. We prize it above royal dainties.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Handwriting On The Wall
By Unknown Author


A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear - he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper, and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KID PRAYERS
LighthousePrayerLine.org


Dear God,
Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was
it an accident?
Norma

Dear God,
Instead of letting people die and having to make new
ones, why don't You just keep the ones you have now?
Jane

Dear God,
Who draws the lines around the countries?
Nan

Dear God,
I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church.
Is that okay?
Neil

Dear God,
Thank you for my baby brother, but what I prayed for
was a puppy.
Joyce

Dear God, It rained for our whole vacation and is my
father mad! He said some things about you that people
are not supposed to say, but I hope you will not hurt
him anyway Your friend (but I am not going to tell you
who I am)

Dear God,
Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything
before. You can look it up.
Bruce

Dear God,
If we come back as something, please don't let me be
Jennifer Horton, because I hate her.
Denise

Dear God,
I want to be just like my daddy when I get big, but not
with so much hair all over.
Sam

Dear God,
I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions.
Ruth

Dear God,
I think about you sometimes, even when I'm not praying.
Elliott

Dear God,
I bet it is very hard for you to love all the people in
the world. There are only four people in our family
and I can never do it.
Nan

Dear God,
Of all the people who worked for you, I like Noah and
David the best.
Rob

Dear God,
My brother told me about being born, but it doesn't
sound right. They are just kidding, aren't they?
Marsha

Dear God,
If you watch me in church on Sunday, I'll show you my
new shoes.
Mickey

Dear God,
We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday
School, we learned that you did it. So I bet he stole
your idea.
Sincerely, Donna

Dear God,
I do not think anybody could be a better God. Well I
just want you to know that I am not just saying this
because you are God already.
Charles

Dear God,
I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the
sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool!
Eugene

Dear God,
Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much
if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother.
Larry

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Be sure to send in your prayer request for the next mailing.

You are in my thoughts and prayers! May the Lord continue to bless you with knowledge of Himself.

In Christ's Love,

Mark Seay

Lighthouse Prayer Line
105 Quincy Drive
Greer, SC 29650
LighthousePrayerLine.org

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (Corinthians 6:19-20).

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

"A sinner can no more repent and believe without the Holy Spirit's aid than he can create a world" (Charles Spurgeon).

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

We hope you have found today's newsletter encouraging to your
walk with Jesus Christ. Please send all prayer requests and
praise reports to us by using the "comments" hyperlink, which
can be found at the end of each blog/article. God is Good!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(¯`*•.(¯`*•.God is Good - ALL of the Time!!!.•*´¯).•*´¯)
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Visit Us Soon!.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

REMEMBER: We are Transformed by Beholding JESUS!!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

"I have resolved that my mouth will not sin" (Psalm 17:3b - NIV).

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Prayer Partners:

As we are nearing the completion of our first draft of the Lighthouse Commentary on the New Testament, we’re praying for a Publisher and Editor to come forth to share in this service for our Lord Jesus in preparation for His Kingdom to come.

First, if you’re interested in becoming a contributing Editor, express it by emailing us at LighthousePrayerLine3@gmail.com. In Early July of 2010, we will snail mail a copy to you as we should be finished by that time. You can then “red line” the copy and mail it back to us.

Secondly, we will then send it to an interested Co-publisher for typing (final draft). If this is something you would like to do, please contact us as we will get this final draft to you for production sometime around the end of September.

If neither of these duties sound like something you would be willing to take on, please keep this project in your prayers, just the same. All active participants will receive credit whether their work is only partially utilized [Ibid.: Rom 12:1-8].

Prayerfully,

Mark Seay
Lighthouse Prayer Line

*~*Prayer Requests for 1/1/10:

Beginning January 15th, 2010, ownership of Lighthouse Prayer Line will be administered by Francois Putter (Bloemfontein for Jesus).

Bloemfontein for Jesus is an Interdenominational Christian Mission, started during October 2008 for the purpose to unite the Church of Christ through Cell Ministries, Bible Study Groups, Prayer Actions and Evangelical Out­reaches to all nations around the world.

The idea to begin a Ministry like Bloemfontein for Jesus started way back in 1995 when I decided to finally give myself in full-time service to the Lord Je­sus Christ.

The moment I was baptised, I started to pray to the Lord to give me a vision on what my personal purpose is on earth.

The Lord shown me that there are many people online who do not have any other way to learn about Him than to be actively involved in an Online Minis­try.

I have told the Lord: “Lord, there are so many online ministries already active on the Net. I know that you are no Copycat. I know that you created me to have my own unique way to work with other people. Please show me exactly how you want me to work in Your kingdom.”

The Lord shown me in many things He want me to do. This is how Bloemfon­tein for Jesus started.

This ministry first started as an online ministry to represent the Naval Hill Prayer Mountain Ministry.

The Prayer Mountain is active for the past 7 years, but when I started Bloem­fontein for Jesus, I decided to publish some photo’s of the Prayer Group at Naval Hill. You may visit http://bloemfontein4jesus.webs.com/ if you want to see more about us.

Bloemfontein for Jesus is not only an online Ministry. Although we concen­trate on online ministries, we also have some cell-groups, Bible Study Groups and Prayer Actions where we have personal contact with fellow Christians.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Anyone who has questions with regard to this ministry, or the future of the Prayer house Ministry after it has been handed over to us, is welcome to send an E-Mail to bfn4j@telkomsa.net and I will answer any questions you have.

Francois Putter

BLOEMFONTEIN FOR JESUS
9 SAREL CILLIERS STREET
HILTON
BLOEMFONTEIN
9301
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

God's Boll Weevils

In the center of main street in Enterprise, Alabama, stands one of the strangest monuments in the world. It's a memorial to an insect! Handsomely carved in stone is the likeness of a boll weevil. Many believe that divine providence was involved in the circumstances that led to the erection of this unusual statue. In early plantation days almost everyone in the community raised cotton. But as the years rolled on, a serious pestilence infested the area in the form of a small beetle that punctured the boll of the plant. As a result, it became almost impossible to bring a season's growth to maturity. George Washington Carver, along with several other scientists, became deeply concerned about the situation and began intensive studies to see if any substitute crop could be grown in that part of the country. Raising peanuts was the answer, for they could be planted and harvested with very little loss.

In time, cotton gins were forgotten in that region, and it became known as an outstanding peanut center of the world. Soon the farmers' profits far exceeded what they had earned from their best cotton yield. In the end, they realized that the destructive insect they had feared had actually triggered the research that brought them prosperity.

The Lord often allows trials to unsettle our lives for a blessed purpose. Perhaps we are trying to "grow cotton" when we should be "raising peanuts." If so, the delays and disappointments we experience are just the gracious "boll weevils" sent to redirect us so that we will plant the crop of God's choosing!

(See Rom 8:28; James 1:2-4)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Thank you for your prayers!.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

If you are a regular reader/prayer partner, we would be honored for you to post your pic on our link for prayer partners at the top of the sidebar (right-hand side).

If you do not have a pic, any icon/clipart can serve as a symbol of your devotion to those requesting prayer.

In no way does your inclusion mean that you are endorsing this site or ALL of its content; it simply means you are approaching the throne of Jesus Christ with their pleas in mind. God bless you & thanks for your meaningful work!!

In His precious name,

~Mark Seay (LighthousePrayerLine.org)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
(¯`*•.(¯`*•.God is Good - ALL of the Time!!!.•*´¯).•*´¯)
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe" (Psalm 18:10).

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

Hi friend,

Please keep the following individuals in your prayers:

1) "I have been praying for a money miracle for some time now and have been unable to know if God will answer in my favor.I seem to have become a worthless vessel, either my entire belief in God is wrong,or my daily sinfulness is choked off any chance i have of making it through this trying time,everytime i hear a word, it's like just hold on God is never late hang in there He hears your cry for help and will not let you down, I have become almost a shutin, the only time i go out is to go to the store or to the bank,take one of my children to work, i have no life that i ever dreamed of just one sown of the flesh,I listen to Preaching at home i try to rise up, I feel like he has left me to my own folly and there is no way out, bills
pressing phone ringing, mortgage due,I do not say these things out loud, i am bewildered to say the least,I now ask for prayer for protection, care and great mighty things that i know not. He has done many things in the past or i would not be alive if he and millions of members of the body of Christ did not exist, I have not worked due to knee n Back operations, ican't seem to get anything going to provide for those around me, will you take a love offering up for me to help, I woke up today to a snowglobe picture, I do not know how to do loan mod, or tackle the credit card company, I have refraned from going to the social programs due to what the word says, ,please pray for me and agree that this will all be different in a good way soon,.. Thank You." -Dale;

2) KB asks for our prayers: "Please pray for Joe D., the father of my brother-in-law, Chris. Joe is elderly, ill, and the doctors don't know what is wrong with him yet. My prayer is that the doctors find out what is wrong so that they can treat it. Also, I ask for prayers for Joe's wife Terry, son Chris and his wife Carol, and for the grandchildren Daniel and Amanda, as they all go through this health crisis together. Thank you!";

3) "Please pray for my strength for the Holy Spirit to fill my soul. I feel weak and have thoughts of impurity. I have missed mass for two consecutive Sundays including Christmas mass and have not gone to confession in about a month. Pray that I give a full confession to my priest and that I may return in fullness to the Lord. Also pray for my son Joey as he has no job and is going through tough times as he was dismissed from his previous employment because of some false accusations. Your prayers have been answered before, as my wife found a job and my son's (Orlando) operation was a success. Thanks to God andyour prayers." -Leonard;

4) Joan asks to be remembered in our prayers. She writes, "We just moved recently and are in need of a refrigerator, washer and dryer. I just thank God for having a roof over our heads but so many small things in my life seem to make life a lot harder. I would like you to pray for and with me that my family can have these things. Thanks.";

5) "Please pray for my son, Eric. He is recovering from drug addiction. Please pray for his continued abstinence, salvation and safety. He has been looking didiligently for a permanent job but can find only temp. employment which is not enough for rent and food. Please pray they God will provide him with a job. Please join me in praying for all those in need of work. Thank you so much for your prayers and may God bless you. In Faith and Belief - In the Holy Name Of Jesus Christ!" -Eric's mom;

6) J asks for our prayers: "Please pray for me now for a really great job with great pay and benefits. I need to make enough money to either rent or buy a smaller place for me and my son.";

7) Please pray for Germaine. She is a mother of 5 children. She has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Her life hand in the balance. She needs our prayers.;

8) Please keep Pastor Frank Page and his family in your prayers. They are weathering some difficult storms.;

9) Please pray for Joe N. for his financial and employment situation this coming year.;

10) Inez asks for your prayers: "Please pray for me and my family,especially my son who has a drug addiction to crack cocaine and he is living a gay life style. please pray that the Lord continues to strengthen me,and my family. Please pray that my family will decide to give their lives to the LORD for HE is good, and HIS mercy endures for ever. GOD BLESS.";

11) "Please pray for God to answer some unspoken requests!" -Anita;

12) Jose asks to be remembered in our prayers. He writes, "God, thanks for your blessings. I pray for wisdom and patience. I pray for guidance in this New Year. Here I am Lord, lead me. I pray for my daugther and a new beginning for her. I pray for my son and his division I college basketball scholarship. I ask this in the name of your son Jesus. Amen." -Jose;

13) "LAST YEAR... january of '09 i was layed off a job i beleived to be a career, i lost a new truck and let it go back to the bank, i lost my sense of self worth and gave up on life, started getting involved with drugs, so much that i had a narcotics team watching my house, i was lost lonely and depressed, i attempted suicide thru self induced overdose. it was the worst year of my life. i turned to you YOU oh LORD, the great YAWEH, the GOD of love, and you saved my life, you have delivered me from the destruction i set upon myself, you gave me a woman who loves me for who i am, you restored me to my old job, moved me 300 miles closer to where i work and gave the nicest home i have ever lived in, put me on a great rig with really good men to work with, and have showered me with your love and protection oh LORD. now i have new enemies in my life. 2 days ago i drove off the road and my truck is stuck in the bottom of a frozen creek, distractions are all around me trying to pull my focus away from you LORD GOD JEHOVA, you are my refuge my shelter my strength and only hope, i am attacked with doubts about my girlfriends faith to me, saddened and made insecure by the devils attacks, my enemies are all around me, i trust in you oh LORD JEHOVA to save me. i beleive in your son JESUS and trust you will take care of my enemies. please give me wisdom, patience, love, strength, knowledge, peace, and endurance to continue enjoying and appreciating all you do for me. dear readers your prayers have helped my life so much, the LORD truly doese have a good plan for everyones life if we just trust him. i feel my life under pressure which is necessarry for growth, and i appreciate everyone who has lifted me up in prayer to the GREAT GOD of all creation who sent his son to pay the price for our salvation." -Jason


**God bless you for caring enough to pray!!!**

........................................

"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*~*Spotlight Site*~*

www.UrbanChristianNews.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*** WANNA SERVE?? ***

If you know of someone who would like to serve our Lord Jesus but is not sure where to start, please consider one of the following volunteering opportunities:

PRAY for the persecuted. Often we ask Christians who have been tortured, arrested or abused, what they need most. They answer emphatically, "Please pray for us." Be-A-Voice Network makes it effortless to pray for the suffering church. Join now and receive up-to-date prayer bulletins to share with friends and family to grow your prayer network.

WRITE to prisoners: "Please don't stop. The letters are a great encouragement ..." says Joseph, a Chinese Christian, on behalf of Li Ying, imprisoned in China for loving Jesus. We've seen how letters give strength to Christian prisoners and their families. In some cases letters have even led to a prisoner's early release. SHARE their voice: As a member of the Be-A-Voice Network you can send FREE copies of Tortured for Christ, written by VOM's founder Richard Wurmbrand, to Christian friends and family members.

Become a Be-A-Voice volunteer by committing to one or more of the above. Register today!

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining the Be-A-Voice Network today, thus fulfilling Scripture, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also." Hebrews 13:3 (NKJV)

It's easy to serve the persecuted church. PRAY. WRITE. SHARE. Join Now!

If you are interested, please email me at LighthousePrayerLine3@gmail.com with "Send Me the Volunteer Link" in the subject line along with your name.

God bless you! Hope to hear from you soon!!

Mark Seay
LighthousePrayerLine.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Guide about Organic Cooking, Shopping, Gardening Tips and Recipes.

If you want to cook and eat healthier and do your part to protect your family and help the environment... or you are interested in growing your own organic foods in your garden...

http://paydotcom.com/r/51746/lit4u

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why Can't I Just Be a Good Person?
By Michael Ramsden


"People are basically good," writes one poet. "It is only their behavior that lets them down."

It is remarkable to think there are many today who believe they are good enough to get into heaven. Perhaps there is so much bad news about others that they conclude by comparison they are superior, and thus, deserving of a place in eternity. But then it is even more remarkable that when Christians claim they know they are going to heaven, they are regarded as being conceited, boastful, and arrogant. People immediately ask: How can they think that they are better than everyone else?

The fact that the same person can think of himself as superior to others, while at the same time criticizing Christians for arrogance, underlines one of the effects of living in a postmodern world. Though the contradiction is frustrating, Christians need to be able to respond coherently to the questions at hand: Why can't I just be a good person?

Isn't it unfair of God to say that you can't get into heaven unless you believe in Him, even though you have been a good person? Who does He think He is?

Jesus was once asked a similar question by a group of inquirers: "What must we do to do the works God requires?" (John 6:28). Interestingly, the question was posed in plural form; it seems they were looking for a list of good things to do. But Jesus replied in the singular, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent" (6:29).

Of course, in the minds of those who feel they have lived a good life, Christ's answer will not go unchallenged. What makes belief so special? Surely what we do is far more important than what we believe. How can a good person, who is not a Christian, be denied access on the basis of belief?

The difficulty here lies in the assumption that is being made in each of these questions--namely, that there is such a thing as a good person. Jesus again offers further clarification in the form of question and answer. He was once asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18). The theory of the questioner was clear: Jesus is a good person; good people go to heaven, so what must I do to be in the same group? But Jesus's reply was surprising. "Why do you call me good?" he asked (18:19). He then answered his own question: "No one is good--except God alone."

The simple truth is that the issue is not about good people not getting into heaven. Alas, the problem is much worse! Jesus seems to define goodness in terms of being like God, and on that basis there are no good people anywhere. Thus, the real question is not about who is good enough to get in to heaven. The real question is how God makes it possible for anyone to get in at all. The answer is that we need to be forgiven, and that forgiveness is won for us through the Cross.(1)

In fact, this is precisely why the Gospel is called Good News, and why we do well to declare it. The good news is that getting into heaven is first and foremost about forgiveness. The Christian testimony is, in fact, far from arrogant! Christians can be sure that they are going to heaven, not because they are good, but because they have received forgiveness by believing in Christ.

In other words, if we will trust in and rely on Jesus--his promises, his person, his life, death, and resurrection--we can be sure that we are saved. Christians are not good people because they live morally superior lives to everyone else. They have been made "good" in God's eyes because Christ has made forgiveness possible -- because Christ has extended his own righteousness to those who will believe.

Good people will certainly go to heaven. However, the path to goodness lies not in religious observances or respectable acts, but in the forgiveness of a good God, given to us through the Cross of Christ.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Affiliate Hijacker: Powerful! Create Site in Minutes:

https://paydotcom.com/r/55810/lit4u/22998381/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Helping Your Spouse Grow Spiritually
By Rob Jackson


What can you do when you and your spouse don't have the same level of spiritual maturity or interest?

What can you do when you and your spouse don't have the same level of spiritual maturity or interest? The answer doesn't lie in lecturing or manipulating your mate. Instead, consider the following five actions you can take to better understand your spouse and make the concept of spiritual growth more intriguing to him or her.

Be Patient:

Whether your spouse is a new Christian, a non-Christian, or just a nonplussed Christian, it's hard not to overreact when he or she doesn't seem to care about the most important thing in your life. But try to remember that God loves your mate even more than you do. He may even be taking your partner on a journey that will ultimately produce a deeper faith.

In any event, be careful. God may choose to reach out to your spouse through you, but He doesn't need your help. Sadly, spiritual conflicts are often made worse by a spouse attempting to jump-start a mate's conscience or play the role of the Holy Spirit.

Don't Stand in the Way:

While perfection isn't possible or even necessary, your behavior can attract or repel your spouse where spiritual growth is concerned. You're living out what you're experiencing with God. Is it appealing? Is your relationship with Christ making you a more enjoyable person to live with—or just a more religious one?

Those who languish spiritually especially need to see the real deal. Your mate will benefit from your companionship when you're serious about your devotion to Christ and realistic about your struggles, too.

Be Authentic:

You should not only share your faith with your spouse, but your concerns as well. It would be hypocritical to pretend you're not worried when a spouse struggles spiritually. But how you share may be as important as what you share. Very few spouses would react negatively to comments like, "I know you're going to be safe to share this with, but it's still not easy to admit I'm worried about you."

The spouse who struggles with faith issues needs a gentle partner to come home to. A holier-than-thou approach is sure to deepen the divide—not only between your partner and yourself, but also between your partner and God (and it can't do much for your own walk with Christ, either). Nobody wants to be smothered or judged or patronized. It's not an issue of spiritual leadership or authority; it's just human nature to pull away when someone invades your space physically or emotionally.

When you're honest about your own faith issues, you assure your spouse that it's part of the journey to have questions and doubts. Your transparency can be especially healing if your mate has felt—accurately or not—that spirituality has become a competition in your marriage. This process applies the scriptural idea of comforting others with the same comfort you've received (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Stay Balanced:

There's no doubt about the importance of faith. But it's possible to lose a healthy perspective, especially when you feel your mate's Christian commitment is at stake. Even though you believe you can trust God with your partner's spiritual development, you may try to take matters into your own hands.

Sometimes a concerned spouse drops hints or invites others to offer unsolicited counsel to the spiritually indifferent spouse. While well intended, these approaches are manipulative. Others withdraw from a mate and become excessively involved with church or other religious endeavors.

Make no mistake: You can't be too devoted to Christ. Nor should you minimize your faith to accommodate your spouse. But overspiritualization and hyper-religiosity will hinder your efforts as much as falling into the opposite ditch of apathy.

Before you sum up your spouse's struggle as merely a "sin issue," take some time to consider his context. What was his religious experience as a child? Was his faith nurtured or hindered? Was his parents' faith meaningful or a chore? Has he experienced a personal relationship with Christ or mere religion?

The Bible is clear: We're not authorized to judge others (Matthew 7:1). Sometimes in marriage we're prone to judge because of what we know—or think we know—about our spouses.

We do know, however, that God cares about our mates. The struggle may take time, and may even challenge our faith. In the meantime, we can trust Him to nurture our spouses and our marriages.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The fleas or God?

Corrie Ten Boom in The Hiding Place relates an incident which taught her this principle. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been transferred to the worst German prison camp they had seen yet, Ravensbruck. Upon entering the barracks, they found them extremely overcrowded and flea-infested. Their Scripture reading that morning in 1 Thessalonians had reminded them to rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances. Betsy told Corrie to stop and thank the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. Corrie at first flatly refused to give thanks for the fleas, but Betsy persisted. She finally succumbed. During the months spent at that camp, they were surprised to find how openly they could hold Bible study and prayer meetings without guard interference. It was several months later when they learned that the guards would not enter the barracks because of the fleas.

(See 1 Thes 5:16-18)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unhindered
By Jill Carattini


My high school band director was adamant about many things, but none so much
as what he called the obligatory rule of good musicianship. That is, the two most important notes in any musical composition are the first and the last. "The audience might forgive you for what comes in the middle," he would say, "but they will never forget neither your very first impression nor your final remark."

The last word of the book of Acts in the Greek New Testament is the word akolutos. The word literally means "unhindered," though many translations render it with multiple words. Others move the word from its final position for the sake of syntax. In both cases, I think something is lost in translation. Luke was intentionally making a statement with this last word of his two volume testimony to the life of Jesus Christ.(1) I think he intended readers to pause at the conclusion of his words, leaving us with the provocative thought of a gospel that is unhindered. He concludes, "Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered" (Acts
28:30-31).

Through prisons and angry crowds, the book of Acts traces the birth and growth of the early church. The book begins with a few hundred believers in Christ and a collective will to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to all the ends of the earth. Opposition to this witness is described at every turn. Persecution, beatings, death, and imprisonment all threatened the voice of the early church and ultimately the spread of the gospel itself. But in spite of all this, Luke epitomizes the history of the early church and the spread of the gospel by boldly describing the progression of God's Word as going forth without so much as the slightest of hindrances. The Good News of God to all the world, he seems to want us to remember, goes forth in power.

When we are pressed on all sides by variant theologies and distorted gospels, when the world delights in yet another conspiracy theory that promises to be the downfall of Christianity, we are to remember the great narration of which we are a part. The book of Acts is largely concerned with documenting the history of the early church within the context of the unhindered work of God from the beginning to the end. "Indeed," says Peter, "all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers" (Acts 3:24-25). We need not live defeated by every emerging plot to undermine Christ. We are to live instead in his victory,
walking forward as heirs of the great unhindered kingdom of God.

Ultimately, we are a part of a movement that will not fade away. The gospel was and is and always will be a testimony that exists without hindrance. No one can thwart the progress of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is sealed by the Spirit that presses it onward. Nothing can stop the ultimate victory of the story of God, for it is finished. Indeed, we follow a God who spoke in the beginning and who will have the final word.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Be sure to send in your prayer request for the next mailing.

You are in my thoughts and prayers! May the Lord continue to bless you with
knowledge of Himself.

In Christ's Love,
Mark Seay

Lighthouse Prayer Line
105 Quincy Drive
Greer, SC 29650
LighthousePrayerLine.org

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (Corinthians 6:19-20).

((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

"A sinner can no more repent and believe without the Holy Spirit's aid than he can create a world" (Charles Spurgeon).
((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))((¯`»¦«´¯))

We hope you have found today's newsletter encouraging to your walk with Jesus Christ. Please send all prayer requests and praise reports to us by using the "comments" hyperlink, which can be found at the end of each blog/article.

God is Good!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(¯`*•.(¯`*•.God is Good - ALL of the Time!!!.•*´¯).•*´¯)
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Visit Us Soon!.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

REMEMBER: We are Transformed by Beholding JESUS!!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

"I have resolved that my mouth will not sin" (Psalm 17:3b - NIV).

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Heaven's Downward Escalator

By Margaret Manning


Christmas morning has come and gone for another year. Arriving and departing at an ever-quickening pace, I am always sad to see it go. Yet, the account of Jesus's birth in Luke's Gospel lingers with me even as another Christmas draws to a close.

I am always struck by the way Luke juxtaposes the announcement of the King of Israel—"for unto you is born this day in the city of David the Savior who is Christ the Lord"—with the sign of his kingship—"and this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). Israel's Messiah would be born in a feed trough for animals, and his royal vestments would be a few tattered cloth strips. How could a tiny baby—born in an animal barn with a manger for his bed—uniquely reveal the glory of God?

Luke's Gospel portrait of Jesus highlights what seem to be the most mundane details for us as modern readers. And yet, Luke highlights these seemingly ordinary details because they illumine his unique view of how God's kingdom would look very different from the kingdom the people of Jesus's day were expecting. For if you were a Jew living during this time, the announcement of the Messiah born in the city of David is a very big deal! The Jews had lived under repressive and oppressive regimes most of their history—some were of their own making, and some were brought upon them by foreign nations and through exile. The Davidic kingship represented the glory days of Israel, and the Jews knew that someday another king like David would arise who would lead them to freedom and greatness again. They were waiting for that king, and for that kingdom.

Out of the silence of 400 years, the angel Gabriel announces the promised Messiah to a young girl, Mary. She sings of his reign as that that which would "scatter the proud, bring down rulers from their thrones, exalt the humble and fill the hungry with good things" (Luke 1:46-52). Out of the silence of that quiet night, the angel spoke and announced what the people had all hoped for: He is here, Luke tells us, born in the same city as your great king of old, King David! The people now would look upon the new David—their new deliverer, their Messiah. He would be their great ruler. The prophet Micah announced, "As for you, Bethlehem too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity."

But the king that came was not the king they expected. He was not born in a palace, the appropriate birthplace for a king, nor was he born into the household of a priest like his cousin John the Baptist. "And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger." Born this day, in the city of David, is your Christ, your Messiah. And guess what? You'll find him in a manger.

The manger receives the Messiah, and poor shepherds receive the announcement of his birth. We might expect that the birth of Israel's king would be heralded throughout the nation—to the priests, the rulers, and to the leaders of the people. But no country-wide announcement is made. In fact, only those who seem most insignificant are the first to hear the good news. The coming of Jesus, the Messiah, is but a whisper into the ears of a few, select individuals; the announcement comes to a young, unmarried girl, her betrothed Joseph, and to poor shepherds—likely the youngest boys and girls in the family, just as David was sent out into the fields to tend his father's sheep. Israel's king would not reveal his glory as a conquering king against the Roman regime; this king came in humility as the prince of peace.

The Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, was the same God who chose to be glorified in human flesh as the baby Jesus. Unveiling the glory of God through the humble circumstances of Christ's birth is a point Luke doesn't want us to miss! Humility reveals the glory of God! Humility demonstrates his greatness and glory. God entered this world in humility to come among us as "God with us, Immanuel." As author Barbara Brown Taylor writes, "None of heaven's escalators are going up [this Christmas]. Everybody up there is coming down, right here, right into our own Bethlehem, bringing us the God who has decided to make his home in our arms."(1)

God's glory came into the world as the baby Jesus with a whisper in a few folks' ears. Those who heard the whisper believed the glory of God was revealed in that manger: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."

It's no matter that Christmas morning has come and gone just as the year gives way to another year. We can carry the message with us all year. Sometimes the most humble things reveal the awesome glory of God.



*(1) Barbara Brown Taylor, Home by Another Way (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 1999), 24.