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PeaceMeal - October 28, 2009 - Evil Has A Name‏

2009-10-31T16:20:00Z

Evil Has A Name

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Satan prefers that we do not recognize his role in our conflicts. As long as we see other people as our only adversaries and focus our attacks on them, we will give no thought to guarding against our most dangerous enemy. Both James and Peter were aware of this danger, and they warn us to actively resist Satan's schemes (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Paul gives a similar warning, reminding us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12).

Adapted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) pp. 50-51.

Food for Thought

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight."
-- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

So the problem isn't really the terrorists, or even the difficult person in your neighborhood, family, or church.

What would be your answer if someone approached you on a street corner and asked, Who is your most dangerous enemy? Think about it for a moment. Just what would you say? Odds are that among both non-Christians and Christians, most of us would answer in terms of flesh and blood; in other words, someone or some group of people. But as Ken reminds us, that's just not the case. Or at least, it's not the truth. Three scriptural authors -- Peter, James and Paul -- all echo the reality that our most dangerous enemy in this life is Satan.

But think about that question again -- Who is your most dangerous enemy? And think about the reactions you would get, from non-believer or believer, if you answered with, Satan. Would you get the raised eyebrows of total shock and awe? Would you get a full-out belly laugh followed by a "come on, I'm being serious here"? Would you get a dismissive roll of the eyes, indicating you must be one of those people? Our responses to that question and the responses we might get from those around us are very, very telling. There is an enemy out there and we're basically oblivious to his schemes - we're asleep at the wheel. We just keep on blaming each one another, a.k.a., flesh and blood, for everything that's going on. Ken says it well: Satan prefers that we do not recognize his role in our conflicts.

If we have any intention of living and moving and have our being as peacemakers, it's imperative that we live with an awareness of our most dangerous enemy. Now it is true that most of our struggle comes through flesh and blood, but we've got to be self-controlled and alert to the truth that it's not against flesh and blood. Peacemakers with that kind of presence of heart and mind are Satan's most dangerous enemies. Awake, o sleeper! Live dangerously!

When we feel like giving up...

2009-10-31T16:19:00Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8at6y2K8JU

NEED HOPE?‏

2009-10-31T16:17:00Z

Nick Vujicic Speaks at Tabernacle in SLC

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/nick-vujicic-speaks-at-tabernacle-in-slc/3431144969

The Accountability Of Passion /ZEAL then SEAL the DEAL to be REAL‏

2009-10-31T16:15:00Z

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Accountability Of Passion
Lisa Birch

I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.

He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.

I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.

A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.

It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.

When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.

Think about Christ.

He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.

Not even death.

If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?

Even 99 percent isn't enough.

Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.

Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log onto www.verticalfix.com.

*Lisa Birch is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

SF Daily Devotional - Accountability/ PARTNERS‏

2009-10-31T16:14:00Z

Monday, October 19, 2009

Accountability
Tanya James

Accountability; what a 14 letter word!
But what does it mean?

"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"

So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?

Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.

I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.

People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.

There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.

I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.

Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.

Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!

Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz.

*Tanya James is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

Please Pray for Seth Aguilar / while we are wallowing in the our daily struggles‏

2009-10-31T16:12:00Z

Beloved BRETHREN in CHRIST,

While we are drowning in the COCOON of our own sufferings and daily struggles, we might find the REFRESHING RELIEF of the FOUNTAIN of LIFE and LIVING WATER by looking beyond the boarders of our LAND of MILK and HONEY...

and bending our knees, raising our hands up in PRAYERS, SUPPLICATION, INTERCESSION and THANKSGIVING...

for the YOUNG MEN and WOMEN after GOD's own HEART SERVING where none of us dare not tread...

LOVING OUT LOUD, SHINING the LIGHT of CHRIST unto the ends of the earth...

derisively and condescendingly labelled persecuted as SUICIDAL, INSANE, and MASOCHISTS and THREATS to WORLD PEACE by those hanging by their nails to what they choose to measure their NET WORTH, SUCCESS and BOTTOM LINE with...

and for the FAMILIES they leave behind...

www.thelittleroseofPEACE.com

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus.

I just got off the SKYPE phone with Seth in China.

He had to leave Macau for one month to stay in Hong

Kong. He is alone at an International Hostle waiting to

hear from his pastor to see if he will spend the month in

the Philippines. The other 2 missionaries, Kyle and Robert

are in the Philippines for the remaining month, please pray for them.

Seth asked for prayers and said it is very dark in China.

Every where he turns he sees and feels the darkness all

around. Thee 3 missionary young men are praying for an

extended VISA. Please pray for him every chance you get. He

misses church, worship, fellowship and american food.

He left for China, Sept 8th.

Thank you so much!

A mom on her knees

Diana Navarro

Horizon School of Evangelism 1

please forward his prayer request

SF Daily Devotional - Be Accountable: Watch the Company You Keep‏

2009-10-31T16:11:00Z

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Be Accountable: Watch the Company You Keep
Pastor Andre Butler

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" --Hebrews 10:24

Believers are called to think about how to help other believers live right. This not only applies to attending church, but also to being involved in a small group. Believers gather so that they can help one another and be accountable to one another.

I lift weights from time to time, and I've found that it is best to do it when I have a partner. A good partner will not let me skip certain things or slack off, but will force me to go ahead and take an extra set. When I get stuck, a good partner helps me finish what I am doing. In short, a good partner holds me accountable.

James 5:16 says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." The word "faults" mean "side slips, transgressions, or sins." Notice that it does not say to confess your faults to your pastor. Your pastor is not the only one you are accountable to. There should be other believers in your life that you are accountable to.

If you're married then your accountability partner should be your spouse. If you are not married, there should be someone of the same gender who can come to you and ask, "How are you doing on this issue?" It should be someone that you will tell the truth to. You don't need to tell everyone your business, but you do need to be accountable to someone who can help you and provoke you to love and good works.

Unbelievers cannot be your hanging buddies. If they are, it will not be long before you are living in sin as they are. You also cannot keep company with those struggling with a sinful area, whether they are an unbeliever or a believer. You might say, "I can't cut that person off. He's family. She's an old college buddy." But you cannot minister to that person while you are slipping into the very same sin in which he or she is entrapped.

I used to have friends who gossiped about other people. I would be talking with them, and it was not long before they started talking about someone, and I would join in. I soon realized I could not spend my time sinning like that. I had to cut them off for their own good and mine.

You can't say that you can never be around unbelievers, because if that were the case, you would have to leave the planet. Unbelievers are not living right, but you cannot reach them with that attitude. You must operate in love. But keep in mind that you must maintain boundaries. God sets these boundaries because He wants His best for your life, and does not want you to go through things that you do not have to go through.

So, be accountable and watch the company you keep!

Pastor Andre Butler is senior pastor of Faith Christian Center, located in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Pastor Andre is also the founder and president of Andre Butler Ministries and Six20 The Gathering Campus Ministry. He is a devoted husband and father of three girls. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto www.andrebutler.tv or www.myspace.com/pastorandrebutler

*Pastor Andre Butler is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

PEACEMAKER and lawyer, engineer, pastor, author KEN SANDE!

2009-10-31T16:09:00Z

BELOVED BRETHREN in CHRIST,

DIVINE ORCHESTRATION happens to me soooooooooooo much I would be a FOOL indeed to ever DOUBT the existence of our OMNISCIENT, OMNIPRESENT & OMNIPOTENT TRIUNE GOD like I did for THREE years of my TEEN life again.

Coincidentally, the only movie I was ever in was titled, "TATLONG TAONG WALANG DIYOS", which means, "THREE YEARS WITHOUT GOD". A critic wrote that it is probably the BEST MOVIE ever produced in PHILIPPINE CINEMA HISTORY. It is the only movie that portrayed the JAPANESE of WORLD WAR II, as if, the critic says, "from GOD's EYES". Is that what CHRISTIANESE call WISDOM? SEEING and LOVING from GOD's EYES and HEART?

Was BLIND and now I SEE?

Was CHOSEN FROZEN and now CHOSEN BEGOTTEN?

The PRODIGAL child RECONCILED?

I posted this verse below a few days ago on FACEBOOK on Wednesday, the day after my TUESDAY eve PEACEMAKER MINISTRIES....I was actually having one of those LOW moments of feeling defeated and frustrated at the INCOMPETENCE of the CHRISTIAN world...I was actually feeling that indeed, we CHRISTIANS have become WIMPS! CHICKENS!

I just discovered from my TWO-INCH thick WEBSTER's DICTIONARY that WIMP actually means,Weakly Interacting Massive Particles...something about chemicals.

Come to think of it. We, CHRISTIANS in AMERICA have become WIMPs.

We have lost our flavor as the SALT of the EARTH.

We have HIDDEN our BRIGHT LIGHT under our WINGS.

MASSIVE...means BIG and POWERFUL...as the CREATOR's favorite in this WORLD HE created we have become PARTAKERS of HIS OMNIPOTENCE. We have within our very SOULS that GOD's OMNIPOTENCE brewing like a volcano in each of us.

But wait? Are not pent up VOLCANOES DESTRUCTIVE?

That is the DIFFERENCE between human WIMPs and the VOLCANO.

Remember the WEAKLY INTERACTING before the MASSIVE?

GOD is a RELATIONAL GOD. That is why HE became FLESH so that HE can RECONCILE us to HIMSELF. It is solely in that INTERACTING that GIVING can occur. You cannot GIVE (DIE for) to yourself. GOD GAVE...died to HIMSELF so that we, MANKIND, HIS favorite creatures, can be RECONCILED to HIMSELF.

The "OUTRAGEOUS, CONTAGIOUS JOY" (copywright book by ED YOUNG) and the PEACE that requires DIVINE EXPLANATION can only be yours if you have that GIFT of GOD HIMSELF in your MIND, BODY and SOUL. In your THOUGHTS. In your WORDS. In your DEEDS.

JESUS LOVES yah' all!

www.thelittleroseofPEACE.com

Please do not forget to READ on DOWN BELOW to see the VERSE and the PEACEMAKING MINISTRIES

article...LEST you ROB yourself of HIS BLESSINGS because of SPIRITUAL ARROGANCE...

What Jesus Desires in His Followers

"My prayer is not for [my disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:20-23, emphasis added )

Jesus prayed these words during the final hours of his life. As death drew near, the Lord focused on a single concept he knew to be of paramount importance for all those who would believe in him. He did not pray that his followers would always be happy, that they would never suffer, or that their rights would always be defended. Jesus prayed that his followers would get along with one another. This was so important to him that he tied his reputation and the credibility of his message to how well his followers would display unity and oneness.

Adapted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 48.

Food for Thought

Read Jesus' prayer once more and think about how important unity is to him. Is it equally important to you? How can you demonstrate this unity in your own life today? In your family? At work? In your church? How might the world see that God sent his Son by the way you relate to those around you? Pray that God through his Holy Spirit will strengthen and sustain you to glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ in the crucible of conflict.

SF Daily Devotional - Empower Your Tongue With The Word Of God‏

2009-10-31T16:08:00Z

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Empower Your Tongue With The Word Of God
Pastor Paula White

There are literally hundreds of Bible verses dealing with "the tongue" ...about what we should or shouldn't say or speak...and the power of words over our lives.

One of the bluntest statements on this topic is found in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

God's Word encourages us to give expression to our noblest and highest thoughts. Thoughts give rise to spoken words. When we "speak life" we are thinking and expressing out of our faith in God's Word, in obedience to His will, and in appreciation of His blessing over our lives.

Proverbs 21:23: Whosoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

To empower our tongue to speak blessing over our lives and the lives of others, one of the best things we can do is learn to speak God's Word spontaneously in response to life situations. Speaking God's Word is also how we encourage and motivate ourselves. It's how we activate our faith.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

At some point in our past, perhaps words were spoken to us, at us, or over us that didn't match up with what God intends for our lives. Rather than replaying "old tapes" in your head -- of the "negative talk" that's been said to you or about you -- it's important to start making new tapes. Fill your mind -- and your mouth! -- with positive statements that you can speak and affirm over your life...that match up with what God has decreed for you.

Psalm 40:3: And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God...

Remind yourself of God's desire to bless you. Speak words of truth to yourself about His plans for you! Just as you speak and write affirmations to yourself, admonish yourself, too. To admonish is to advise - and sometimes, insist! Think of admonition as "preaching to yourself." When you admonish yourself, you are preaching what you know you need to hear! Speak to yourself what you know to be the truth of God's Word, and His commandments given to bless your life.

Here are some possible suggestions:

"God wants me to have good health - physically, emotionally, and spiritually."

"God wants me to have good relationships - with family and friends who will love and value me."

"God wants me to have peace in my heart - calm assurance that He will always protect me and provide for me in personal and eternal ways."

Speaking words like these, and repeating Bible verses that inspire you throughout the day, will strengthen your faith, draw you closer to God in intimate and abiding relationship, and empower you to lead a life of victory through Christ.

So watch your mouth, and empower your tongue -- with the Word of God!

A life coach, author, and highly sought after motivational speaker, Pastor Paula White is the host of her own television program -- Paula Today, which reaches an audience of 2.3 billion people worldwide, spearheading a number of global humanitarian efforts. Her mission in life is to Transform Lives, Heal Hearts and Win Souls. For more information about Paula, log onto www.paulawhite.org.

*Pastor Paula White is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

SF Daily Devotional - The Power Of The Tongue/ (DECLARE VICTORY!)

2009-10-31T16:07:00Z

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Power Of The Tongue
Dr. Zachary Tims, Jr.

No matter what the world may say, life is NOT short. It is a long journey of experience as we strive to navigate through life's cycles. Even the best of us hit the curbs, the bumps, the pits, and struggle in the valleys. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers us from them all."

God in His divine foreknowledge, purpose, and plan has made provisions for us to get through the hard places in life. This is a message on the Valley of Dry Bones that will set you free.

In Ezekiel 37, there were a lot of problems going on in the Valley of Dry Bones. The children of Israel were a mess. They were scattered, disconnected, disjointed and dead. God asked Ezekiel if the dry bones could live, and Ezekiel told God, "You know."

Then God commanded Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones, "hear the word of the Lord." With the power of God in his tongue, Ezekiel spoke the word to the dry bones, "...and you shall live!" and they came back to life.

The power of the tongue can heal and deliver. Your problems will respond when you start speaking the right things to them. God will turn it around in your favor. He will resolve your problems when you receive the Word of the Lord, and start speaking it over your life...."Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." "...for this too shall pass."

"God is going to make a way for me, for with God nothing is impossible." "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." "I've never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread." Yes, the power of the tongue will send a message to hell, "devil, I'm coming back and the gates of hell cannot prevail against me!"

What do you say to the scattered bones of your dreams, and the dried up promises in your valley? "What say ye?" You use the power of your tongue to speak to your situation, "Live!" You have to resolve to make life happen. The issues of cancer, violent relationships, failures, employment challenges, financial problems, and every adversity the devil tries to put on you in your negative cycles are subject to the power of the tongue. It must go!

Use your tongue to bring others out of the valley. Remember to sow the seed of encouragement into other people's lives, even if you too are going through the valley.

Life is not short, the journey is long and problems may keep coming. Yet, the power of the tongue must say, "Hear ye the Word of the Lord, these dry bones shall live!"

The founder and pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, located in Apopka, Fl, Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the author of "It's Never Too Late," through Charisma House Publications. His ministry can be seen worldwide in over 100 million homes daily through both radio and television broadcasts. For more information on Dr. Tims Jr., log onto www.ztims.com.

*Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

SF Daily Devotional - The Sideshow/ from the DIRECTOR‏

2009-10-31T16:04:00Z

BELOVED family in CHRIST,

Funny how this week's STREAMING FAITH topic is so SPECIFICALLY and MICROSCOPICALLY synchronized with our churches' sermons, bible studies, devotions, lessons....

Is the month to thank PASTORS and MISSIONARIES also the month for TONGUES? not the GIFT of TONGUES/WORDS/COMMUNICATION/FACIAL EXPRESSIONS/BODY MOVEMENTS.e-mails

Maybe it is!

Oh LORD our GOD, forgive us for our propensity to CONVERT the GIFTS that sets us apart from your other creatures on earth to a CURSE!

Let us COMMUNICATE your TRUTH, LOVE, COMPASSION and JUSTICE for YOUR KINGDOM purpose, within YOUR WILL, within YOUR WAY, with YOUR WISDOM and with YOUR GENTLE HEART.

"Show me, if there is any WICKED way in me" is quite one of the undertaught, underquoted verse in the BIBLE. See? I don't even remember the address...something about "ANXIETIES and lead me to the way of understanding".....SOMETHING....like as we get OLDER and FATTER, we are hating to look at the MIRROR....and the REAL IMAGE, we have BECOME!

www.thelittleroseofPEACE.com

Pls. read on down below, it spoke LOUDLY to me...I am sure it will to you, too.

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: dailydevotionals@reply.bronto.com
To: lrpgordon@aol.com
Subject: SF Daily Devotional - The Sideshow
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:02:13 -0400

Click here to FORWARD this Devotional to a friend!

Having trouble reading today's word? View the ONLINE VERSION here.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Sideshow
Milan Ford

As a 33-year old, some may find it strange that I happen to be a big fan of 70's music. Not exactly sure how I actually became one.

I used to think it was because of all those crazy space outfits the bands back then would wear. Or maybe it was because many could argue that the 70's were the last decade real instruments were used or played by artists on stage. You can blame my generation for that.

One thing is for certain: the artists back then were great at telling stories through their music.

A great example of that talent was the 1974 classic hit, Sideshow. By far, one of my favorites. Who can ever forget that famous circus melody and barker announcement, followed by the legendary falsetto voice of Ted Mills, who sung these words ever so softly:

Step right up, hurry, hurry before the show begins, my friends
Stand in line, get your tickets, I hope you will attend
It'll only cost you fifty cents to see
What life has done to those like you and me

Then I first heard those words as a child, I (in ignorance) got excited. An avid fan of the circus, I just knew the singer would begin to talk about some of the trademark attractions I had come to expect and enjoy every time I went to "the big top."

But then came these words:

See the man who's been cryin' for a million years, so many tears (So many tears)
See the girl who's collected broken hearts for souvenirs
It's more exciting than a one man band
The saddest little show in all the land

What? Did I miss something here?

What happened to the human cannonball?
The tightrope walkers?
And of course, those incredible tiger-tamers?

What kind of circus act could have possibly caused all this pain? It took me a while, but I think I found one.

"For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?" (James 3:7-10v)

God has given us all a unique commission to bring forth fresh water to a world dying of thirst.
But more often than not, the water our tongues produce has a tendency to become bitter at times.

As believers, we all have been guilty of using our tongues to lift up prayers and songs of worship to a loving God, while at the same time, using them to attack out friends, family members, co-workers, and yes, even our church leaders.

Let's just be honest for a second; Our tongues can create quite a sideshow.

Like never before, our nation is looking for men and women of wisdom. They're looking for people whose tongues are so fixated on the love and kindness of our God that no matter the circus act, we are always able to give the world a better show.

Remember This: The power our tongues have can change the very course of someone's life.

I challenge us all today to examine the words we speak. The jokes we share. The emails we receive. And the ones we decide to forward. The world is taking notes on the kind of acts we are producing.

Don't miss an opportunity to show the world what life in Christ had done for you and me.

Step right up. Hurry, hurry!

Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan is scheduled to release his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, later this fall (2009). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.

SF Daily Devotional - Watch Your Mouth‏

2009-10-31T16:02:00Z

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Watch Your Mouth
Pastor Marquis Boone

James 3:2-11 (NIV) "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"

Today the text shows us that the tongue is small but POWERFUL. The author of James begins chapter 3 by speaking on the power of the tongue. He says that if you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true; if you could find someone who knew how to control his or her tongue at all times; who never said anything wrong; then you'd have a perfect person who's in perfect control of their life.

The havoc that the tongue can wreak is monumental! It is the tongue as we'll learn today that can either build people up or tear them down. It is a beast that is frequently out of control. As Christians, we are warned to tame that beast rather than inflicting wounds, and use it to build the Kingdom of God.

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two fallen frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two fallen frogs ignored their comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were not getting out. Finally, one of the fallen frogs took heed to what they were saying and gave up. The other fallen frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped harder and harder and finally made it out. - Author Unknown

When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

In this season, of your life let every word that is spoken to you, encourage you even if it's bad. The tongue has so much authority that many of us have to learn how to be mindful of what we say; how we say it; and who we say it to in this season of our life. I don't think any of us would deny that we have problems with our tongues.

Some of us struggle more than others, but each of us has to find a way to tame that beast. Let me give you a few steps to consider:

RETHINK YOUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH - just because you can say it does not mean it has to be said.
REFUSE TO TEAR OTHERS DOWN - instead use that same tongue to build them up.

Ask yourself, "ARE MY WORDS FRESH WATER OR SALT WATER" - will the words you speak burn a person or refresh them?

The second most deadly instrument is a loaded gun. The first is the human tongue. The gun merely kills bodies. The tongue kills reputations and often times ruins character. So today as the body of Christ, speak life.

Pastor Marquis Boone is the Lead Pastor at Fresh Start Church. A church that exists to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people. He is the former Youth Pastor of New Mercies Christian Church; as well as the founder of Dream Out Loud, LLC, an organization dedicated to providing young people with practical methods on how to give their dreams an active voice. For more information about Elder Boone, log onto www.dreamoutloudtoday.com or www.therawyouth.com

*Pastor Boone is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

SF Daily Devotional - The Hard Fight Against Lust‏

2009-10-31T16:00:00Z

Thursday, October 08, 2009

The Hard Fight Against Lust
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar

The American Heritage Dictionary defines lust as "a sexual craving, especially excessive or unrestrained; any overwhelming desire or craving." While there are many types of lust, sexual lust is probably one of the most dangerous because it is a seed that, when planted, can produce a harvest of fornication and even death.

James 1:14-15 (AMP) says, "But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death."

Anytime you have an overwhelming sexual desire for someone who is not your spouse, it has the potential to kill you and pull you away from the will of God for your life.

Why do people give in to sexual lust? Because it "feels good" or because they don't really believe that there are consequences. The truth of the matter is that lust can be difficult to control because it is a desire that cannot be quenched. Lust will never be satisfied; it must always have more.

To combat lust, you must create boundaries in your life that help keep you out of potentially compromising situations. If you're single, for example, avoid late-night visits and phone conversations with members of the opposite sex.

Or, if you know you are challenged in this area, confide in a friend who can keep you accountable and help you maintain your purity. But the best way to quench the fire of lust is through the Word of God. It is always the best source of power when it comes to defeating any type of sin, including lust. If you are struggling with lust, follow these steps to help you overcome this sin in your life:

1) Focus on the will of God. When you choose to give your attention to anything that opposes God's Word, you leave yourself vulnerable for lust to enter your mind, body and spirit. It then conceives and brings forth sin, and eventually leads to death. Stay focused on God's will and plan for your life. Stay on track!

2) Guard your eyes and ears. If you conceive a child, nine months later a child will be born. It is the same way with lust. If you sit up all night watching pornography, for example, that seed will be planted into your spirit and you'll eventually see the results of it in your life. Make it a point to monitor the material you allow into your spirit through your eyes and ears. It really does have an ability to alter your behavior.

3) Think about the Word. Satan's most powerful weapon is the power of suggestion. His job is to try to inject a pattern of thinking into your mind that goes against the Word of God. But if you continue to read and study God's Word, your mind will be better equipped to discern the truth from Satan's lies.

4) Speak the Word. Try this exercise. Count to yourself from 1 to 10, keeping your mouth closed. Now say out loud, "Glory Hallelujah!" What happened to your counting? It stopped. Why? Because it was captured by what was coming out of your mouth. You can combat lustful thoughts and desires by shifting your focus to the Word of God and making daily verbal confessions over your life about your purity and wholeness in Christ.

Make this confession over your life: Father, I thank You that today I am free from the spirit of lust. I will no longer think lustful thoughts, but instead I will think on things that are true, things that are noble, just and pure (Philippians 4:8).

I walk in complete victory and self-control over my mind and my body in Jesus' name, amen!

Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, 25,000 member church in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning "Changing Your World" television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org to learn more. Click here to browse and purchase Books, CDs, and DVDs by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar!

Strategic Update on the Mysterious Islands Film Project‏

2009-10-06T13:42:00Z

To the Close Friends of Vision Forum Ministries and Supporters of 'The Mysterious Islands' Project

This is a huge week in the war of the worldviews between biblical Christianity and Darwinism. The enemies of the Christian family and the biblical account of human origins are ramping up their efforts. We are about to see the largest pro-Darwinism media assault in history as the world prepares for the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. In fact, this morning the New York Times ran a front page story on Darwin and the Galápagos. Over the last week, there has been a spate of television broadcasts and news stories preparing people for the new films, conferences, television broadcasts, and events directing citizens of the world to honor Charles Darwin.

Click here to help support The Mysterious Islands project

At Vision Forum Ministries, we are exceedingly grateful for the unique opportunity that the Lord has given us to tackle the great idolatry of our age and to raise the standard of Jesus Christ in a timely and creative way through our new feature documentary, The Mysterious Islands. Everything is coming together beautifully. This weekend I watched a rough cut of more than 50% of the film. The power of the message and the beauty of the cinematography was stunning.

I am writing to ask you to seriously commit to praying for Vision Forum Ministries and our filmmakers as we scramble to put the final touches on this film. We truly need the favor of the Lord at this time. It’s going to be an intense rush to the finish line, but I have every confidence that we will make it and do so with excellence.

There is another reason I am writing. In the providence of God, the Lord has kindly sent us a donor who has made a $50,000 challenge to help us raise the necessary funds to complete our film and have the maximum impact getting it out in the culture. If we are able to raise $25,000 in the next seven days, he will match that amount with his own $25,000.

Let me explain why that is important: It is one thing to make a great film that proclaims the glory of the God of creation, but it is another thing to be able to take advantage of a unique moment in time to multiply our efforts and influence many fold. God has given us that moment in time. Now we need the resources to multiply the power and impact of this film. Here are some of the things that would help us accomplish this goal:

Having sufficient capital to enable us to complete the film with all the necessary bells and whistles in tip-top excellence.
Being able to hire a publicist to multiply our efforts with the press, which would significantly help in getting a number of important print articles published and give us access to important radio and television opportunities.
Providing screenings of the films in key cities around the country, thus exposing it to tens of thousands and creating a media event that brings attention to the biblical message of creation. (If possible, we want to screen the film at the same locations where the Darwinists are holding their international conventions.)
It has also been suggested to us that we consider a creative billboard strategy in key locations around the country.

Click here to help support The Mysterious Islands project

Time is of the essence for us. We do not want to presume upon the Lord's provision, but we do want to be bold for the Lord. As God provides, we will be taking immediate action. The specific number we hope to raise is $100,000. The $50,000 matching grant offer brings us a significant way toward this goal. If you believe in this mission, then I would welcome your consideration to help us meet this generous matching grant.

Thank you again for your love for Vision Forum Ministries. We earnestly desire your prayers at this time.

	Persevero,

	Doug Phillips President, Vision Forum Ministries

SF Daily Devotional - Holiness - Getting Your Priorities in Order‏

2009-10-06T13:40:07Z

Monday, October 05, 2009

Holiness - Getting Your Priorities in Order
Dr. Zachary Tims, Jr.

Do you have daily "intimate" fellowship with God? A life of holiness in the believer demands a life of priority, precedence, and first preference for God, such as with David, "a man after God's own heart."

David was consumed with a love and deep passion for God, "Oh God, thou art my God: Early will I seek You, My soul thirsts for You, My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land, Where there is no water." Psalm 63:1-2

Developing Christian character is a work of establishing set order in our lives. The worship of God is a spiritual discipline that exhibits the values of living holy. Spending quality time in the presence of God is how David expressed his passion.

It was the "one thing" in his day that took precedence in his life, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His tabernacle." Psalm 27:4.

The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray and He gave them the whole spiritual dynamic written in Matthew 6, "Give us this day, our daily bread...." The focal point is that EACH DAY, God wants to have daily fellowship with us; not a casual, materialistic, lop-sided, one-dimensional relationship, but an intimate DAILY fellowship of spending time together in His presence.

He has so much that he wants to give to us, yet He does not bestow all of it upon us up front, else we would not come back. What we need will fall into place when we get our priorities in order.

How else will God know our passion if we do not spend time with Him? Like David, our example, God desires intimacy and a purposeful relationship with His children. How would you feel if a stranger asked to borrow your car? A red flag would check you immediately and you probably would respond, "Hey, I don't know you like that!"

That is the way some people treat God -- too casual, too complacent, and not making a reasonable investment in building a relationship with Him. God comes where He is celebrated. When we pursue His presence, it shows God how much we value a relationship with Him.

Getting closer to God is tantamount to holiness in our Christian walk. We are too needy a people who require God's provisions for our daily survival. This fact was demonstrated in the lives of the children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years when God's supply never ran out.

Each day was a total dependence on the Lord to send them fresh manna from heaven for their daily nourishment. No one suffered lack and no one needed to be greedy. God made enough manna every day for everyone. Yet, if anyone horded the manna overnight, it provoked God to send worms to eat it up so the people would learn the basic principle of dependence on Him and His grace for their daily survival.

God's sustaining provisions daily load us with benefits.
Living holy is a conscious act of discipline and a priority to make Him first in our lives.

SF Daily Devotional - Holiness - Getting Your Priorities in Order‏

2009-10-06T13:37:00Z

Monday, October 05, 2009

Holiness - Getting Your Priorities in Order
Dr. Zachary Tims, Jr.

He has so much that he wants to give to us, yet He does not bestow all of it upon us up front, else we would not come back. What we need will fall into place when we get our priorities in order.

God's sustaining provisions daily load us with benefits.
Living holy is a conscious act of discipline and a priority to make Him first in our lives.

SF Daily Devotional - Living As A New Creation‏

2009-10-06T13:35:00Z

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Living As A New Creation
Pastor Andre Butler

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:" --2 Corinthians 5:17a

The Bible says that when you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, your spirit was recreated. You went from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The spirit that is living inside your body looks just like God's, and wants you to act just like God. Have you noticed that there is a part of you that always wants to do the right thing? Why is that? Because, your spirit is holy and always wants you to do things God's way. Your flesh, however, may still want to drink, smoke, sleep around, tell people off, party, or curse from time to time. Your flesh is working to bring you into the captivity of sin again.

There is a war going on inside of you right now. Your spirit and your flesh are in a boxing ring every day. Have you ever said, "I'll never tell off someone like that again," only to find yourself saying the same things one week later? Have you ever said, "I'll never go to that porn website again," only to find yourself at the same website a month later? For some reason, you just keep doing the same things. You are fighting a war, and your flesh is winning. This describes the plight of many Christians, particularly those who are still carnal. The word carnal means "flesh ruled." Carnal Christians plan to do the right thing and try to grow spiritually, yet keep making the same mistakes.

God did not put you in a place where you're winning in one moment and losing in the next. He wants you to live in constant spiritual victory. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to end up. But you cannot get to where God wants you to be until you deal with the issues of your flesh.

God asks you to be holy, and live for Him. Christian believers should not be like non-believers. We should not talk like they talk or react like they react. Our lifestyle should be separate and different from that of the world. This is more easily said than done. You are surrounded by the world. You live in the world. What is a Christian to do? How do you get to a place where you are holy, obedient, and blessed? By renewing your mind using the Word of God.

What you have is a battle between your spirit and your flesh to gain control of your mind. If your flesh can get you to start thinking in line with your fleshly desires, then your flesh wins. But if you renew your mind and start thinking in line with God's Word, your spirit wins. You need to decide to daily renew your mind with the Word of God, because it is only when you do that you will change, and your spirit will have ultimate victory.

Evelyn Vargas-knaebel / found a long lost ACTRESS friend‏

2009-10-06T13:34:00Z

FRIENDS and SUPPORTERS,

In the THEATER, we call this STAGE MANAGEMENT....the STAGE MANAGER synchronizes, calls, take notes, prompts the cast and production staff of a production. Does the phone calls, scheduling, of rehearsals and usually assigns and does the "PROMPTERS" job. He/She basically knows the production/show to the T that he/she can actually take over any of the characters/cast and staff position. She can be alone or a team of 10 to however big the show or movie production is.

The LORD has just reunited me, at HIS appointed TIME, with a best friend in the THEATER and the MOVIES....from 1976-77...

Another FACEBOOK GIFT from the LORD. I found my long lost BEST FRIEND at the PETA-KALINANGAN,

Philippine Educational Theater Association, EVELYN VARGAS, now KNAEBEL, today October 3, 2009.

DIVINELY ORCHESTRATED indeed. I really feel NINE MONTHS pregnant and ready to BURST with my first THEATRICAL production. This is so eerily inspiring, motivating, actuating and convicting to me! The LORD is indeed so EXACTING with me. HE wants me to PRODUCE the "HOLY WOODS HOLY WINS PARTY Style"....an INTERNATIONAL BIBLICAL FASHION/PASSION Show this HALLOWEEN 2009! HE even gave me the SCRIPT, (changed it to the OCTOBER 31ST NLT ONE YEAR BIBLE reading) which is more appropriate...and the music also includes PINAY PIE's "CUTIE, CUTE, CUTE" and "HULOG" (Fall)

("How can I have time to secure permission to use all these music background, LORD?", I whimper. "TECHNOLOGY!" HE blurts with such an EXACTING voice!)

Evelyn, daughter Bianca and nephews graced my last LRP REALTY & DEVELOPMENT Company, Inc. party for CHRISTMAS for my employees and my daughter Rizalind's birthday in 1991 after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. I reunited with her when I saw her perform at the PASKUHAN VILLAGE, (365 days CHRISTMAS VILLAGE) in Pampanga prior to the damages the volcanic eruption did to this year-round Christmas celebration village.

As a CONTRACTOR/VENDOR/LABOR recruiter to the U.S. NAVAL Facility and its American contract awardees, I also had the privilege of entertaining my business clients and friends at the then, SUBIC NAVAL FACILITY, (now SBMA, an international free port). EVELYN and daughter were among the latest beneficiaries of those privileges. I would synchronize their visits to Sta. Monica and Subic when one of the properties I was rental managing was empty to be the guest house for her and her entourage.

"Those were the days my friend....I thought they'd never end.....Lay li lay li lay lay......"

Evelyn is a CERTIFIED COMEDIENNE, theater and movie actress in the PHILIPPINES....

She and I were usually cast as PROSTITUTES in the theater or television shows. The only time I was cast as a normal beautiful woman was when I get shot and killed or committed suicide or dead.

She is now married to a SWISS guy, housewife and promoting the PHILIPPINE CINEMA to the SWISS ALPS......

I wonder what COLLABORATIVE WORKS we can do with WENI GAMBOA, BRENDA FAJARDO and SOXY TOPACIO to promote the PHILIPPINE FAMAS entry to the HOLLYWOOD OSCAR'S "Best in FOREIGN LANGUAGE" category for 2009...."DED na si LOLO" (GRANDPA is DEAD) a SATIRICAL COMEDY about the DYSFUNCTIONAL FUNERAL SERVICE celebration (is that not supposed to be GRIEVING?) of the FILIPINO FAMILY......

JUST a thought! DEEP THOUGHT! ("Oh the DEEP, DEEP LOVE of JESUS....." the shortie, fattie, rosie the LRP swaddles and sings away her cutie buttie with the HYMN like a duckie......fades out)

JUST FYI....beloved friends.....

SF Daily Devotional - Our Time‏

2009-10-06T13:29:00Z

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Our Time
Cindy Beall

Have you ever heard someone say, "I just don't have the time...?" Being the analyzer that I am, I have found myself thinking about that phrase for years now. Literally years.

My brother discounts that line of thinking by telling people that no one has time...we make time. I didn't really like hearing it when it came from his lips that day, but now, I couldn't agree with him more.

*I don't have time to call that friend back who needs to talk but I certainly make time to watch 24, LOST and The Office.
*I don't have time to play Jr. Monopoly with my 8-year old son but I will always make time to watch the Texas Longhorns play football.
*I don't have time to volunteer at my church or my son's school but I make time to get to Kirkland's or Pier 1 when there is a sale.

There are plenty of things that I will always make time for. I will always make time to eat. I will always make time to sit on the sofa. I will always make time to check what my fave daily bloggers and twitterers have to say.

People are more likely to make time for others during the season where we celebrate our Savior's birth. What is stopping us from giving our time throughout the rest of the year? Oh, I know I'm crazy to challenge you to give of yourself without expecting anything in return.

But that's the funny part...you will get in return.
You know that whole it is in giving that we receive thing?

It works.

Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto www.cindybeall.com

*Cindy Beall is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

Garage Sale and HELP/PRAYER needed...

2009-10-06T13:25:00Z

FRIENDS and BRETHREN,

Jenn Cheng is a fellow HORIZON SCHOOL of EVANGELISM SPRING alumni and friend. She is currently pursuing the HSE 2 Fall 2009 2nd and last semester of the course with all my other 50 or so classmates. GOD has a different plan for me this fall.

She is gainfully employed full time as a CIVIL ENGINEER, in one of the San Diego civil engineering firms. She, like my other CIVIL ENGINEER friend from Ramona OU JIN, is also from CHINA.

In GOD'S unfathomable style and DIVINE ORCHESTRATION, both CHINESE CIVIL ENGINEERS have decided to FOLLOW and SERVE the LORD...

Ou JIN is leaving on SATURDAY for a brief flying visit/reunion with her husband in one of the dangerous mission fields outside of the U.S. She feels that the enemy has been on the COMBATIVE mode on her and her precious girls. The girls will be left with the care of a caring worship leader of her church and Jennifer, the teen stepdaughter. 10-14 days will be the separation. PLEASE PRAY for these SERVANT martyrs for the GOSPEL.

Jen Chen is a METHODICAL, calculating, highly disciplined, hard-working(as all my other CHINESE businessmen friends in the PHILIPPINES) MARTHA, NEHEMIAH, SERVANT LEADER for CHRIST. By her engagement with the HORIZON SCHOOL of EVANGELISM, we know that she wants to serve the LORD wherever HE leads her to. And yes. SINGLE GODLY MEN out there, she is single. She has some stuff for sale. Probably part of our CONVICTION of WEEDING out the INCONSEQUENTIAL, irrelevant to SALVATION & SERVITUDE STUFF of this WORLD.

GARAGE SALE is one way we raise money for our TUITION for self and each other at the HORIZON SCHOOL of EVANGELISM. Our TUITION per 5-month semester is about $2900. I can imagine Jen wanting to get rid of her "non-essentials to ministry" for the GENEROUS heart of sharing the financial burdens of those who want to finish the fall semester but cannot get a job despite applications even to the lowliest of demotions of careers. JEN has a big heart as big as every CHRISTIAN SERVANT LEADERS should be.

If you have a need for any of the stuff she has left to sell, or wants to HELP the HORIZON SCHOOL of EVANGELISM FALL SEMESTER STUDENTs, future servant leaders of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, please feel free to visit the HORIZON SCHOOL of EVANGELISM of SAN DIEGO website or campus...for more info...

In the meantime, please say a prayer or two, talk to our MASTER PROVIDER, as to the allocation of HELP, financial or otherwise for these two CHINESE CIVIL ENGINEER SERVANT LEADERS for the LORD! and all the other SERVANT LEADERS for CHRIST....OCTOBER is THANKING, PRAYING and BLESSING the PASTORS and MISSIONARIES and SERVANT leaders of the LORD month!

Let us ENCOURAGE them and belie the MYTH that "MINISTRY is a thankless profession"

Maria Rosella Natividad dela Paz Gordon