October 11, 2010
We've Got a new Ministry!
Please check us out at Encouragement For Living, a site that will offer encouragement from the Lord focused on GLBT people.
May 23, 2010
Welcome to Affirming Worship!
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make youelf step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to those type of churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded. We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
The list follows the jump:
If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
The list follows the jump:
May 16, 2010
A New Season for Jim, Brenda, and Straight Not Narrow
Hopefully you've notice a lack of posts here over the past few days. That is because we are moving into a period of transition in our ministry, one that will not include daily updates to this website.
We will still be involved in affirming ministry, but we will be using this site as more of a reference page than one for daily interaction. We'll be building our resources of Affirming Words, Matthew 25 sources, LGBT Helping Hands, Affirming Churches, and other reference points for those who have been treated as outcasts by their chuch or by "The Church." We'll post updates as new items are added periodically.
We appreciate the support and encouragement we have received from so many of you, and please don't stop. We believe Straight, Not Narrow will continue to be a valuable resource and, we hope, a jumping in point for those who have reach a point that they want someting better, someone greater than them, in their lives. We believe that someone is Jesus Christ, and the material here will continue to point people toward Him.
God bless everyone!
We will still be involved in affirming ministry, but we will be using this site as more of a reference page than one for daily interaction. We'll be building our resources of Affirming Words, Matthew 25 sources, LGBT Helping Hands, Affirming Churches, and other reference points for those who have been treated as outcasts by their chuch or by "The Church." We'll post updates as new items are added periodically.
We appreciate the support and encouragement we have received from so many of you, and please don't stop. We believe Straight, Not Narrow will continue to be a valuable resource and, we hope, a jumping in point for those who have reach a point that they want someting better, someone greater than them, in their lives. We believe that someone is Jesus Christ, and the material here will continue to point people toward Him.
God bless everyone!
May 10, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/10/10 Happiness, the By-product of Righteousness
From: Love Worth Finding
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Happiness is something you stumble over on your way to serving Jesus. When you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, happiness is the by-product of righteousness. People who are trying to be happy are focusing their energy at the wrong target. If you will seek after righteousness, then you will be happy.
What you need is to drink of the Spirit. It is to feed on the Word of God. The deepest need of your heart will be met only in Jesus.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His presence, to fulfill the deepest need of your heart in Him and Him alone. Now trust Him to do it.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Happiness is something you stumble over on your way to serving Jesus. When you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, happiness is the by-product of righteousness. People who are trying to be happy are focusing their energy at the wrong target. If you will seek after righteousness, then you will be happy.
What you need is to drink of the Spirit. It is to feed on the Word of God. The deepest need of your heart will be met only in Jesus.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His presence, to fulfill the deepest need of your heart in Him and Him alone. Now trust Him to do it.
May 08, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/8/10 The Reason We Are Stressed
From: Love Worth Finding
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:30
Do you know the reason we’re stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I’m not going to have what I need!”
Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important – His righteousness. These things don’t even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don’t find your satisfaction in Him, you’re going to be stressed.
Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:30
Do you know the reason we’re stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I’m not going to have what I need!”
Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important – His righteousness. These things don’t even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don’t find your satisfaction in Him, you’re going to be stressed.
Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.
May 07, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/7/10 Biblical Hope, A Firm Certainty
From: Love Worth Finding
“For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
What does the word “hope” mean in the Bible? It doesn’t mean “maybe.” We may use it that way in Modern English, but that’s not what the word “hope” means in the Bible.
“Hope” means certainty, but not just any certainty. It is rock-ribbed assurance with anticipation based on the Word of God. When I was a little boy, my dad would take us out for a ride on Sunday afternoon. The kids would be in the back seat getting into squabbles. If things got too heated, my dad would turn around and say, “When you boys get home, I’m going to whip you.” With my dad, I knew this was a rock-ribbed truth!
Our hope, however, is glad anticipation!
Share the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ with someone today. Maybe there’s someone at the hospital who needs a word of hope. Maybe it’s a member of your family!
“For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
What does the word “hope” mean in the Bible? It doesn’t mean “maybe.” We may use it that way in Modern English, but that’s not what the word “hope” means in the Bible.
“Hope” means certainty, but not just any certainty. It is rock-ribbed assurance with anticipation based on the Word of God. When I was a little boy, my dad would take us out for a ride on Sunday afternoon. The kids would be in the back seat getting into squabbles. If things got too heated, my dad would turn around and say, “When you boys get home, I’m going to whip you.” With my dad, I knew this was a rock-ribbed truth!
Our hope, however, is glad anticipation!
Share the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ with someone today. Maybe there’s someone at the hospital who needs a word of hope. Maybe it’s a member of your family!
May 06, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/6/10 It's All About Jesus
From: Love Worth Finding
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
The thing I love about the Old Testament is the thing I love about the New Testament. The Old Testament and the New Testament both are the inspired Word of God. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament has a message different from the New Testament. All of the Bible is about Jesus. If you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus, you better go reread it.
Somebody may ask if you have read the four gospels, and you can answer them, “I’ve read all sixty-six!”
From Genesis to Revelation,
•It has the same villain – Satan.
•It has the same hero – Jesus.
•It has the same purpose – to present salvation in no other name but Jesus.
Read Isaiah 53. What are the prophecies that were fulfilled in the life of Christ?
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
The thing I love about the Old Testament is the thing I love about the New Testament. The Old Testament and the New Testament both are the inspired Word of God. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament has a message different from the New Testament. All of the Bible is about Jesus. If you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus, you better go reread it.
Somebody may ask if you have read the four gospels, and you can answer them, “I’ve read all sixty-six!”
From Genesis to Revelation,
•It has the same villain – Satan.
•It has the same hero – Jesus.
•It has the same purpose – to present salvation in no other name but Jesus.
Read Isaiah 53. What are the prophecies that were fulfilled in the life of Christ?
May 05, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/5/10 Over Our Heads, But Under His Feet
From: Love Worth Finding
“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27
Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered.
When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you.
Where are your problems? Under His feet.
Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!
Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.
“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27
Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered.
When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you.
Where are your problems? Under His feet.
Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!
Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.
May 04, 2010
Affirming Words 5/4/10-"Why We Need Jesus" Parts 2 and 3 of 3
A sermon by Rev. Clinton Crenshaw from The Big Easy MCC in New Orleans, LA.
Encouraging Words 5/4/10 God's Omnipotence in Creation
From: Love Worth Finding
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, “God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence.” God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there’s a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope that you don’t believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, “God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence.” God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there’s a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope that you don’t believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
May 03, 2010
Affirming Words 5/3/10-"Why We Need Jesus" Part 1 of 3
A sermon by Rev. Clinton Crenshaw at The Big Easy MCC in New Orleans, LA.
LGBT Helping Hands 5/3/10-The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (Springfield, MO)
The mission of GLO is to support the well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals in the Greater Springfield, MO area by organizing and sponsoring community events and increasing the public understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks envisions, in the 21st Century, an environment of safety and respect where basic human rights are guaranteed to all.
GLO is accomplishing our mission and our vision in several unique ways. Through outlets such as Pride Fest, and the Queen City Cabaret, GLO offers the community a celebration of its creative talent and spirit. Our partnership with the Forest Institute now allows for free professional counseling, and our support and social groups continue to further our aim of increasing public awareness and understanding of LGBT issues and concerns. Our decade-long presence on historic Commercial Street, has provided both visibility and continuity. It is clear: We are here to stay.
Click here to find out more.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks envisions, in the 21st Century, an environment of safety and respect where basic human rights are guaranteed to all.
GLO is accomplishing our mission and our vision in several unique ways. Through outlets such as Pride Fest, and the Queen City Cabaret, GLO offers the community a celebration of its creative talent and spirit. Our partnership with the Forest Institute now allows for free professional counseling, and our support and social groups continue to further our aim of increasing public awareness and understanding of LGBT issues and concerns. Our decade-long presence on historic Commercial Street, has provided both visibility and continuity. It is clear: We are here to stay.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 5/3/10 The Wakeup Call
From: Love Worth Finding
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11
Do you know what Napoleon said about China? “There lies a sleeping giant, and let him sleep, because if he awakens, he will shake the world.” I believe the devil says that about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the church is just that—a sleeping giant. We’re asleep because we have been chloroformed by the spirit of this age. We’re bombarded on every side by all kinds of amusement. Do you know what amuse means? It’s a combination of two words. Muse means to think, and the alpha prefix in front of it means not to. We are a generation that is amusing ourselves into oblivion. And it’s time to wake up!
Are you taking the Christian life seriously? If this were your last day on earth, how would you spend it? In amusement? Or in evangelism?
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11
Do you know what Napoleon said about China? “There lies a sleeping giant, and let him sleep, because if he awakens, he will shake the world.” I believe the devil says that about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the church is just that—a sleeping giant. We’re asleep because we have been chloroformed by the spirit of this age. We’re bombarded on every side by all kinds of amusement. Do you know what amuse means? It’s a combination of two words. Muse means to think, and the alpha prefix in front of it means not to. We are a generation that is amusing ourselves into oblivion. And it’s time to wake up!
Are you taking the Christian life seriously? If this were your last day on earth, how would you spend it? In amusement? Or in evangelism?
May 01, 2010
Affirming Words 5/1/10-"Life Among the Living"
A sermon by Pastor Tom Millner at Church of the Holy SpiritSong in Ft. Lauderdale, FL:
Life Among the Living from COHSS on Vimeo.
Encouraging Words 5/1/10 Praying in Secret
From: Love Worth Finding
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
What did our Lord mean when He said, “Enter into your closet to pray”? The word “closet” simply means somewhere where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven.
As you study the life of Jesus, you’ll discover that Jesus sought times to be alone. Sometimes He would go on a mountain, sometimes into the wilderness, and sometimes into a garden. It is the secret place that is the sacred place.
The mark of your prayer life is not really how well you pray in public but in private.
When you enter your closet to pray,
•spend some time in silence
•clear your mind
•listen for His Words of edification, encouragement, and exhortation
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
What did our Lord mean when He said, “Enter into your closet to pray”? The word “closet” simply means somewhere where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven.
As you study the life of Jesus, you’ll discover that Jesus sought times to be alone. Sometimes He would go on a mountain, sometimes into the wilderness, and sometimes into a garden. It is the secret place that is the sacred place.
The mark of your prayer life is not really how well you pray in public but in private.
When you enter your closet to pray,
•spend some time in silence
•clear your mind
•listen for His Words of edification, encouragement, and exhortation
April 30, 2010
Affirming Words 4/30/10-"Like a Tree Planted By the River" Part 5 of 5
A sermon by Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Hickory, NC delivered at Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
Matthew 25 Resource 4/30/10-Market Street Mission (Morristown, NJ)
The Market Street Mission ministers to the homeless, helpless, and hopeless in Northern NJ by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a structured program which enables them to lead responsible, productive lives.
The Market Street Mission ministers to the needy people in our communities. We meet their physical needs with food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities, and their emotional and spiritual needs with guidance and life change programs.
Click here to find out more.
The Market Street Mission ministers to the needy people in our communities. We meet their physical needs with food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities, and their emotional and spiritual needs with guidance and life change programs.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/30/10 Starting Your Day Out Right
From: Love Worth Finding
“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
Christianity is a love relationship. You cannot love someone that you do not know, and you cannot know someone that you don’t spend quality time with.
•To know Jesus is to love Him.
•To love Him is to trust Him.
•To trust Him is to obey Him.
•To obey Him is to be blessed.
It begins with a quality, daily communication with the Lord.
Why is it best to spend time with the Lord in the morning? Because you are getting ready to go on a road trip through life. You don’t take the trip and then read the map, do you?
How are you starting your mornings? With a cup of coffee and the paper? Or with the pure milk of the Word and the light of His presence?
“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
Christianity is a love relationship. You cannot love someone that you do not know, and you cannot know someone that you don’t spend quality time with.
•To know Jesus is to love Him.
•To love Him is to trust Him.
•To trust Him is to obey Him.
•To obey Him is to be blessed.
It begins with a quality, daily communication with the Lord.
Why is it best to spend time with the Lord in the morning? Because you are getting ready to go on a road trip through life. You don’t take the trip and then read the map, do you?
How are you starting your mornings? With a cup of coffee and the paper? Or with the pure milk of the Word and the light of His presence?
April 29, 2010
Affirming Words 4/29/10-"Like a Tree Planted By the River" Part 4 of 5
A sermon by Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Hickory, NC delivered at Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
lGBT Helping Hands 4/29/10-The NW Network (Seattle, WA)
The Northwest Network increases our communities' ability to support the self-determination and safety of bisexual, transgendered, lesbian, and gay survivors of abuse through education, organizing and advocacy. We work within a broad liberation movement dedicated to social and economic justice, equality and respect for all people and the creation of loving, inclusive and accountable communities.
We provide support and advocacy for LBGT folks of all genders who are surviving abuse. We are leather and kink friendly.
Our services are free and confidential. They include support groups, individual counseling, legal advocacy, shelter referrals, safety planning, basic needs assistance, community education and community organizing.
Click here to find out more.
We provide support and advocacy for LBGT folks of all genders who are surviving abuse. We are leather and kink friendly.
Our services are free and confidential. They include support groups, individual counseling, legal advocacy, shelter referrals, safety planning, basic needs assistance, community education and community organizing.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/29/10 Keeping the Law
From: Love Worth Finding
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Suppose you are driving down the road and a police officer stops you for running a red light.
You say to the officer, “I ran a red light, but you have no right to give me a ticket because I have stopped at all the other streets, and I have obeyed the speed limit.”
He responds, “Don’t tell me about all the things that you’ve done good. You’ve broken the law.”
If you think that you’re going to be saved by keeping the law, then you must keep all of it because God demands perfection. No amount of obedience can make up for one act of disobedience.
If you keep the whole law and yet offend in one point you are guilty of it all.
Read Romans 7:1 – 8:4. Can you relate to Paul’s quandary about keeping the law and the war within his members concerning its requirement of absolute obedience?
Praise God, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law and we are saved by believing in Him.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Suppose you are driving down the road and a police officer stops you for running a red light.
You say to the officer, “I ran a red light, but you have no right to give me a ticket because I have stopped at all the other streets, and I have obeyed the speed limit.”
He responds, “Don’t tell me about all the things that you’ve done good. You’ve broken the law.”
If you think that you’re going to be saved by keeping the law, then you must keep all of it because God demands perfection. No amount of obedience can make up for one act of disobedience.
If you keep the whole law and yet offend in one point you are guilty of it all.
Read Romans 7:1 – 8:4. Can you relate to Paul’s quandary about keeping the law and the war within his members concerning its requirement of absolute obedience?
Praise God, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law and we are saved by believing in Him.
April 28, 2010
Affirming Words 4/28/10-"Like a Tree Planted By the River" Part 3 of 5
A sermon by Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Hickory, NC delivered at Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
Affirming Resource 4/28/10-Lansing Church of the Brethren (MI)
We welcome you to celebrate with us the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ. In light of this Gospel, we are called to be an open, inclusive, and affirming Christian community in this world. We seek wholeness and healing for all as we continue the work of Jesus simply, peacefully, together.
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/28/10 Heaven, A Place On God's Map
From: Love Worth Finding
“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Do you believe that there is a home in heaven waiting for you?
There is because Jesus cannot lie. He is Truth incarnate. He always told the truth. He said, “if it were not so, I would have told you.”
Jesus would not let the hope of heaven go on beating in your heart if it were simply a lie, a superstition, or a fond delusion.
Heaven is not merely a state of mind. It is not a condition. It is a place so real that Jesus is there in a literal, resurrected body. There is a body in this place called heaven. It is His resurrected body.
Heaven is a place on God’s map.
Do you have a dream home? If you’ve never thought about what would be your perfect home, think about your heavenly home. Nothing could be more perfect!
“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Do you believe that there is a home in heaven waiting for you?
There is because Jesus cannot lie. He is Truth incarnate. He always told the truth. He said, “if it were not so, I would have told you.”
Jesus would not let the hope of heaven go on beating in your heart if it were simply a lie, a superstition, or a fond delusion.
Heaven is not merely a state of mind. It is not a condition. It is a place so real that Jesus is there in a literal, resurrected body. There is a body in this place called heaven. It is His resurrected body.
Heaven is a place on God’s map.
Do you have a dream home? If you’ve never thought about what would be your perfect home, think about your heavenly home. Nothing could be more perfect!
April 27, 2010
Affirming Words 4/27/10-"Like a Tree Planted By the River" Part 2 of 5
A sermon by Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Hickory, NC delivered at Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
Matthew 25 Resource 4/27/10-Food Bank of Northern Nevada (McCarran0
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada was founded in 1981 and incorporated in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as a regional food distribution and support system for more than 100 different direct service, non-profit agencies serving the needy, the ill, the elderly and children. Our partner agencies include emergency food pantries and senior meal programs, sliding scale day care centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, family and domestic violence shelters and various youth programs, all of which offer bags of groceries, meals or snacks. Last year, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada distributed food products to provide the equivalent of more than 4 million meals to low income seniors, children and families.
Among clients who visit emergency food program sites, 58% are over age 50 and 35% are over age 65. Children are the most vulnerable to hunger – 37% of emergency food recipients are children under the age of 18.
Click here to find out more.
Among clients who visit emergency food program sites, 58% are over age 50 and 35% are over age 65. Children are the most vulnerable to hunger – 37% of emergency food recipients are children under the age of 18.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/27/10 Saving the Worst for Last
From: Love Worth Finding
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
Satan always gives the best first and the worst last. For example, Proverbs 20:17 says, “The bread of deceit is sweet, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” With Satan, it always starts sweet, but it does not end that way.
Satan is a counterfeiter and a deceiver, and he is guilty of false advertising.
•He doesn’t show the drunkard in the gutter covered with flies.
•He doesn’t show the addict shaking uncontrollably from another night of detox.
•He doesn’t show the ruined lives from sexually transmitted diseases.
He always gives the best first and the worst last. Jesus gives the best last.
Do you have a teenager in your home? Then, call a homeless shelter or prison and see if you can bring in your teen for a tour.
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
Satan always gives the best first and the worst last. For example, Proverbs 20:17 says, “The bread of deceit is sweet, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” With Satan, it always starts sweet, but it does not end that way.
Satan is a counterfeiter and a deceiver, and he is guilty of false advertising.
•He doesn’t show the drunkard in the gutter covered with flies.
•He doesn’t show the addict shaking uncontrollably from another night of detox.
•He doesn’t show the ruined lives from sexually transmitted diseases.
He always gives the best first and the worst last. Jesus gives the best last.
Do you have a teenager in your home? Then, call a homeless shelter or prison and see if you can bring in your teen for a tour.
April 26, 2010
Affirming Words 4/26/10-"Like a Tree Planted By the River" Part 1 of 5
A sermon by Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Hickory, NC delivered at Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
lGBT Helping Hands 4/26/10-Compass (Lake Worth, FL)
Compass aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. We accomplish this by emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community organizing. As good neighbors, effective partners, and respected participants in our civic responsibilities, Compass promotes awareness of the caring nature of our diverse community.
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/26/10 Handling the Sting of Criticism
From: Love Worth Finding
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God’s love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. It won’t bother you what others say about you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn’t just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus’ love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then, ask God to teach you from what happened.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God’s love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. It won’t bother you what others say about you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn’t just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus’ love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then, ask God to teach you from what happened.
April 24, 2010
Affirming Words 4/24/10-"Receiving Guidance From God" Part 3 of 3
A sermon by Pastor Sherry Phillips from Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
Encouraging Words 4/24/10 The Only One Who Ever Chose to Die
From: Love Worth Finding
“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Did you know that there has only been one person who ever chose to die? Only one.
"Oh," you say, "Suicide pilots choose to die. Other people choose to die. People who die by their own hand choose to die. People who give themselves for others choose to die."
But really no one has ever chosen to die except Jesus. Why? Because He was the only One who didn’t have to die. Some people may choose to die a little sooner, but nobody has ever truly chosen to die except for One — Jesus.
It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree. It was the silver cords of love and the golden bonds of redemption that held Jesus Christ to that cross.
The fact that no one has ever chosen to die but Jesus, may be a new concept to you. If so, it’s probably new to someone else as well. Share it with someone today!
“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Did you know that there has only been one person who ever chose to die? Only one.
"Oh," you say, "Suicide pilots choose to die. Other people choose to die. People who die by their own hand choose to die. People who give themselves for others choose to die."
But really no one has ever chosen to die except Jesus. Why? Because He was the only One who didn’t have to die. Some people may choose to die a little sooner, but nobody has ever truly chosen to die except for One — Jesus.
It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree. It was the silver cords of love and the golden bonds of redemption that held Jesus Christ to that cross.
The fact that no one has ever chosen to die but Jesus, may be a new concept to you. If so, it’s probably new to someone else as well. Share it with someone today!
April 23, 2010
Affirming Words 4/23/10-"Receiving Guidance From God" Part 2 of 3
A sermon by Pastor Sherry Phillips from Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV:
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