Motive, Manner, and Message of Our Life Group

What’s up family!

So, we didn’t have Life Group this week (another snow storm!!!) so I wanted to send out some chop up material to help keep the wheels in your mind going as well as assist in the development of your spiritual (wo)man.

One of the core values at Life Group is community. We’re mad serious and intentional about promoting a communal Christ Centric environment. If you’ve been to a session this year, you’ve definitely heard the phrase, “We’re living life together.” That’s the thing --- we’re young adults living out life together in many different phases and facets. The analogy Paul gives of the church being one body (I Corinthians 12) really is a model of what we’re doing at Life Group. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body” (I Cor. 12:12, emphasis added). The importance of this lies in the truth that God has intended the believer to be in community with other believers. There are two things that cannot be done on the solo tip in life --- being married and being a Christian! Life Group promotes only what God has originally intended for the believer, namely, to be in community with other believers.

Alongside the priority of promoting a Christ Centric Community, we stay focused about our motives, manner, and message of Life Group. Our friend Paul gives us an example of this in Acts chapter 20:18 – 21:

And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here we see Paul choppin it up with the elders from the church of Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem. One of the initial things I appreciate about this passage of scripture is the importance Paul has in building with the elders. The reader, in this passage, finds a benevolent Paul in that he spends time with them at Miletus where he was waiting to board a ship to Jerusalem. Again, we see that Christianity was intended to be lived in community! Paul knew the importance of thorough chop up sessions! Luke reports a total of eight messages by Paul to different people (Acts 13:14 – 43 (speaking to a Jewish synagogue congregation); 14:14-18; 17:22-34 (Gentiles); 20:17-38 (church leaders); 22:1-21 (a Jewish mob); 23:1-10 (a Jewish council); 24:10-21; 26:1-32 (various government officials). This particular chop up session with the elders is different than other accounts in that we get a glimpse of how Paul built with the believers in Ephesus.

So, checking out verse 18 of chapter 20, Paul begins to give his last words to the elders. He begins by reflecting back on his 3 years with them.

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord…

In this opening comment we find the motive of Paul’s ministry… serving the Lord. Throughout New Testament scripture Paul reminds us of his motive for doing what he does. Even looking at the same chapter, in verse 33, Paul mentions that he’s not at all interested in making money. Paul was solely concerning over the advancement of God’s kingdom in the life of believers. 1 Thess. 2:1-13 gives a great example of Paul’s heart concerning ministry. Verse 8 says, “Being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us,” and in verse 11, “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

In like manner, and solely by God’s grace, we desire the same thing at Life Group. Our motive is exclusively to help others – as well as ourselves – see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4). We are ready to share with you not only the gospel, but our own selves, because all of you have become very dear to us (I Thess. 2:8). In this sense, we’re living life together; helping one another achieve this goal --- the advancement of God’s kingdom in our lives.

As we continue Paul’s convo with the elders in Acts 20:19, he goes on to say that his motive in ministry was to serve the Lord, and the manner in which he did that consisted of humility and with tears. There’s something to be said of a man or woman of God who serves humbly now a days, but to serve in a way that brings tears in completely another story. Often, the tears come from aggravation or heartache over not wanting to deal with this, that, or the third (I’ve been there!), but this wasn’t Paul’s case. The tears came not from wanting to throw in the towel because an idea he had for ministry didn’t work out or because someone offended him; no, they came from his desire for the people. Romans 9 and Philippians 3 are great examples of this. Looking at the former, Paul describes in his letter to the Romans in chapter 9 verses 1 – 5 his anguish (which I’m sure included tears) concerning his Jewish brothers not responding positively to the message of Jesus Christ. He says in verse 2, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart for I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers.” YO! That’s passion for people! You can imagine the tears running down Paul’s face as he says, “They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises” (Romans 9:4). He’s like, “YO, I wanna see my brothers (and sisters) come into the light of the saving knowledge of Christ. Man, this is bringing me to tears. I’m suffering - there’s a deep anguish in my heart over their depravity.”

If this doesn’t suffice for you, check out Phillippians 3:17 – 18: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.”

YO! Paul had passion for the people! When’s the last time you wept for your friend, co-worker, or cousin over the fact they’re unredeemed? This manner of ministry will be reflected in our Life Group. Passion, fervor, vigor, zealousness describe the inner fabrics of what make up our community. We’re enthusiastic and intense in the pursuit of this cause and objective.

(Other examples of this can be found in Acts 20:31,37; and 2 Corinthians 2:4)

Last, but certainly not least, the message of Paul is also described in his convo with the elders. Verse 20 of Acts chapter 20 says, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Man, Paul was a Christ Centric dude. He was clear in that the ONLY way a sinner can be saved is through Christ. Here’s one example:

I am ashamed that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you (check 1 Corinthians 15:1-8), let him be accursed.
– Galatians 1:6 – 9

The message was clear in Paul’s case --- Christ Alone homie (Solus Christus)! Back in Acts 20:32 Paul says, “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (emphasis added). This is what we will do at Life Group through various chop up sessions like, “Drop The Bottles and Get It Poppin For Christ” and “Spiritual Disciplines (coming next month). As the message was clear and concise in the mouth of Paul, so it will be in the mouths of our Life Group, namely, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

In closing, the motive of our Life Group is to offer support and help, the manner in which we will do this will be with humility and tears over the state of your soul, and the message will be Christ Crucified all day every day! Acts 26:31 brings a nice consummation to this blog entry and what we do at Life Group:

To [help] open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith. – Acts 26:31

SOLUS CHRISTUS! CHRISTUS VICTOR!

Haiti Relief Concert at Cathedral International THIS FRIDAY!

Let's continue to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti by supporting Cathedral International's Community Prayer Service and Haiti Relief Benefit Concert.
This event is free and open to the public. All monetary donations will be collected and 100% of the proceeds collected during the concert will be distrubted to the following organizations: Samaritan's Purse, Yele Haiti (Wyclef Jean's charity), International Committee of the Red Cross, American Baptist Churches, and the Christian Haitian Outreach.

Also, bring items such as bottled water, batteries, flashlights, toothpaste, powdered milk, feminine hygiene products, soap and towels.

You can click the link of this blog to donate now. It's fast and easy!

Let's support and help!

THIS FRIDAY @ 7 PM!

277 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ

Sip...Sip...Sip On That Sizzurp... Oh Really!

CLICK THE TITLE ABOVE TO VIEW THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO!

Its Friday night and you've had a hard week...you're ready to relieve your stress with with your friends, some drinks and a night out. It can't hurt because you know how to control yourself. Or maybe the person you have your eye on is going to be at the hottest party tonight and you just can't miss them seeing you looking and feeling right. U hit the mall and get the flyest outfit. You stop by the liquor store to get the pregame drinks...and don't forget making sure you have room on your credit card to make sure you can buy the bar. This sounds all too familiar and for the most part is the way of the world .

However, Jesus calls His children to come out from among believers and separate themselves from uncleanly things!

The drop the bottle series will begin seeking to explore why young adults really feel the need to drink, associate with a certain crowd, and club. We will try to understand what's driving those feelings of depression, loneliness, acceptance, and wanting to find that special someone. Most importantly we will discuss what the Word of God says about this lifestyle and the way it will lead to destruction. Its not God's will for our lives to mirror that of an unclean and unstable lifestyle. What is important for young adults to beleive is that God understands our desires to have a good time, be accepted, and find that special someone according to His will. Risking your life and the lives of others is not in His plan. For the God says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Do you trust His plan?

Join us for an honest conversation about clubbing and drinking...we pray that once we are through you will drop the bottles and get it poppin for the Savior that lives in all of us!

Web Stream of Live Praise and Worship 24/7!!!

What up!!!

Check this website for live 24/7 streaming praise and worship --- literally!!! A church in Kansas City has a live 24/7 praise and worship service. They never stop goin in for the Lord and His people. Makes me wonder how heaven will be... A continual non-stop worship experience!!!

Once you log on to the site, click on the viewer box and enjoy! You can listen while you're at work, studying, cleaning the house, etc...

It's free too!!!

Click on the title of this blog and be blessed!

--- A sinner saved by grace!

Young Adult Life Group Starting This Friday @ 9 PM!

Come Join us this Friday in the Solus Christus Lounge as we start our Life Group Sessions again. What is a life group?

Song we sung at CrossFire!

What up everyone,

Here is a youtube video of the song we sung at Life Group one time.

The Lord was in the place!!! Amen!!!

"Wonderful, Marvelous, Glorious, Matchless in EVERY WAY!!!" My GOD!!! Christ the King was displayed marvelously on His throne Friday nite!!!

What's up to everyone who's visiting The Solus Christus Blog for the first time. Stay tuned for more information about the site as well as different blogs this week. If you look to your right, you'll find some info on the blog and how it works...

Just wanted to post this youtube video so ya'll can check it out... If you have any suggestions on how we could serve you better at CrossFire! e mail thesoluschristushour@gmail.com or post a comment to this blog.

Grace and Peace,

A Sinner Saved by HIS grace...

MUST READ DEVOTION!

What did you think about Spurgeon's devotion? In what ways did it minister to you?

"The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men."-Psalm 33:13

Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne, and coming down from heaven to attend to the wants and to behold the woes of mankind. We love Him, who, when Sodom and Gomorrah were full of iniquity, would not destroy those cities until He had made a personal visitation of them. We cannot help pouring out our heart in affection for our Lord who inclines His ear from the highest glory, and puts it to the lip of the dying sinner, whose failing heart longs after reconciliation. How can we but love Him when we know that He numbers the very hairs of our heads, marks our path, and orders our ways? Specially is this great truth brought near to our heart, when we recollect how attentive He is, not merely to the temporal interests of His creatures, but to their spiritual concerns. Though leagues of distance lie between the finite creature and the infinite Creator, yet there are links uniting both. When a tears wept by thee, think not that God doth not behold; for, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him." Thy sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah; thy whisper can incline His ear unto thee; thy prayer can stay His hand; thy faith can move His arm. Think not that God sits on high taking no account of thee. Remember that however poor and needy thou art, yet the Lord thinketh upon thee. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards Him.

Oh! then repeat the truth that never tires;
No God is like the God my soul desires;
He at whose voice heaven trembles, even He,
Great as He is, knows how to stoop to me.

Reading The Bible in 90 Days (Week 2)!!!

What's up everyone!!!

We hope this finds you doing well in the Lord. Know that CrossFire! is praying for you in earnest hopes that you will continue to press forward in your pursuit of the Lord. Chase after HIM with all your might! Please feel free to e mail your prayer request, questions, or concerns to thesoluschristushour@gmail.com. You will get a speedy response.

Below are the scriptures for the 2nd week. How have you been doing in your reading of the Bible in 90 days? Do you find this reading schedule helpful? If you didn't start last week, don't worry, just pick up with this week and keep it moving. I know it may be very difficult to begin reading the Bible. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

#1. Buy a Bible that you can understand. Reading a version like the King James tend to be difficult to understand with all the thou's and art's. Consider picking up a New International Version (NIV) Study Bible or English Standard Version (ESV). Having a version of the Bible that's easy to comprehend grammatically is half the battle.

#2. Visit sites like biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org to familize yourself with some study tools and further explanation of scriptures you might not understand.

#3. Start reading your Bible with friends. Reading in groups with other Christians help strengthen and encourage you along the way.

For those who have other tips, post them on this blog to help others out.

Here are the scriptures for the week beginning Sunday, May 31 - Sunday, June 7

Day 1: Lev. 1:1 - Lev 14:32
Day 2: Lev. 14:33 - Lev 26:26
Day 3: Lev. 26:27 - Num. 8:14
Day 4: Num. 8:15 - Num. 21:7
Day 5: Num. 21:8 - Num. 32:19
Day 6: Num. 32:20 - Deut. 7:26
Day 7: Deut. 8:1 - Deut. 23:11
Day 8: Deut. 23:12 - Deut. 34:12


Please don't hesitate to hit us up with any prayer request, questions, suggestions, or concerns at thesoluschristushour@gmail.com

Grace and Peace,
CrossFire! Young Adult Ministry

SOLUS CHRISTUS (IN CHRIST ALONE!!!)

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

CROSSFIRE! Every FRIDAY @ 9 PM!!!

Reading The Bible in 90 Days!!

Are you having a difficult time reading your Bible? Do you find yourself struggling in keeping a consistent schedule of reading everyday? Is Sunday morning the only time you pick up your Bible as you're on your way to church? Does your Bible have dust on it from 2008????

Well, if you can relate to any of these or other situations, CrossFire! has the answer for you!!! We are preparing to read the entire Bible in 90 DAYS! Let's do it all together! What better way to help and develop the important habit of reading the Bible than with a reading plan and with others to help you along the way! We can read the Bible cover to cover by investing as little as 30 mins a day. The 90 days have two "grace days". (Thank God for GRACE!!!)

Here are the scriptures for the week beginning Sunday, May 24 - Sunday, May 31.

Day 1: Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 16:16
Day 2: Genesis 17:1 - Genesis 28:19
Day 3: Genesis 28:20 - Genesis 40:11
Day 4: Genesis 40:12 - Genesis 50:26
Day 5: Exodus 1:1 - Exodus 15:18
Day 6: Exodus 15:19 - Exodus 28:43
Day 7: Exodus 29:1 - Exodus 40:38
Day 8: Lev. 1:1 - Lev 14:32

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

- Solus Christus (In Christ Alone!)

Happy Memorial Day from CrossFire! Young Adult Ministry!!!

Send this eCard !

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!! Enjoy the day off and BBQ's but don't forget those who labor among us that allow us to enjoy the liberties that we enjoy!!! Let's keep them in prayer!!!

-- Solus Christus

Does He Know My Name? Christian Courting 101

So what do you think about what Ashley did? Feel free to post your comments.
Don't forget.... CrossFire! meets EVERY FRIDAY AT 9 PM... 272 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ

Grace and Peace....

The Rock Ya Dome (R.Y.D.) Section!!!

What's Up,

This section is solely for those scriptures that "Rock Ya Dome." You know when you come across a scripture(s) that makes you read it twice like, "Hold Up... what did that just say..."

Something like, Isaiah 44:24 which reads: THUS SAYS THE LORD, YOUR REDEEMER, WHO FORMED YOU FROM THE WOMB: "I AM THE LORD, WHO MADE ALL THINGS, WHO ALONE STRETCHED OUT THE HEAVENS, WHO SPREAD OUT THE EARTH BY MYSELF..."

This is a R.Y.D. scripture. Did you catch the fact that the God we serve stretched out the heavens ALONE!!! He needed no one's help!!! Think about how far and wide the heavens go. If you ever get somewhere on this earth when you can see the end of the heavens, let me know... My God!!!

Here's another one so you get the point...

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew drew back and fell to the ground." - John 18:4-6

Yo, the soldiers fell to the ground when they came across Jesus... That Rock'd My Dome.

Post your R.Y.D. scriptures so we all can say on one accord, "To whom will we compare or God to or count him equal?" -Isaiah 46:3-5

SOLUS CHRISTUS

Notes from 3/6/09's CrossFire! The Art of Pursuit: Steps to Define Your Vision

Hey Everyone! Here are the notes from this past Friday's CrossFire! We had an awesome session with Pastor Joy and her husband, Cornell Fields, about how to reach our Vision! Read over the notes and leave your comments about the steps to achieve your vision. What are some obstacles you come across when trying to achieve your vision??? And be sure to write out your vision and bring it with you to this weeks session so we can all come in agreement with you in prayer!

The Art of Pursuit
Steps to Define Your Vision

Why do we have goals?
• For Self Discovery
• To reach happiness
• To develop healthy relationships
• To establish careers
• To develop talents


There are three different types of people when it comes to achieving goals
Some people are:
• Pilots-their goals are very clear and they are able to execute them with ease
• Servants of own motivation-sometimes they are pilots but sometimes if they are not clear about their goals, they can get stuck in a rut
• Sheep-they wander aimlessly until someone pulls them in a direction and says “you should do this”

What are some goals that you want to be a reality in your life?

We all pretty much had the same ideas…we are looking for success in our finances, careers, and in relationships

How do you complete your goals now?
• Write them down
• Save and attack
• Network
• Stay focused on the task
• Diligence
• Staying positive
• Saying things out loud to others (I have to follow through)
• Strategize
• Having a Support System/Accountability
• Being around like minded people

Picture a trianlge with four levels
At the top is The Word
The Second level is God's Will and Design for us
Next is God's Plan
And finally is our Purpose

Without each level, our purpose is unable to become fulfilled.
It all starts with The Word-We must always be mindful of God's Word!
Proverbs 29:18- Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Why do people perish where there is no vision?
• Confusion
• Lack of Direction
• Lack of Identity
• Feeling of hopelessness
“When Purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable”-Dr. Myles Monroe

***Vision is prophetic insight into the end of a thing***
• Purpose is what I am here to achieve
• Vision is having an idea of what the end result will look like

10 Steps to Get to Your Vision
1. Develop a desire to connect with emotions: fear and desire motivate us to make choices
2. Develop realistic goals: have a 1, 2, 3 year goal plan that will help you to reach your ultimate goal. Don’t do too much too fast because you will become frustrated and quit.
3. Write it down: begin a plan for yourself. Write the vision, make it plain
4. Make a list of the benefits: Why do you want to achieve your goal??? “A man can endure a “what” if he has a big enough “why”
5. Find out where you are now, and take an assessment. What needs to be done first…
6. Set deadlines that you’ll stick to and have multiple deadlines (in one year I will have this finished. In 5 years I will have this finished….)
7. Make a list of obstacles: if there are no obstacles, then there is no real vision. Is there anything you need to change or develop? What part of the process will determine speed in terms of achieving your goal?
8. Identify additional information you’ll need
9. Make a list of people whose cooperation you will need, or help you’ll require: Tune into station WIIFM (What’s In It For Me- be mindful that sometimes we have to be willing to lend a hand to those who have opened doors for us)
10. Make a plan that includes all the steps above:
• Proverbs 20:18-Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.
• Proverbs 19:21-Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
• Proverbs 20:5-The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.


***Can you hear God telling you to move?? Allow God to speak to you however he wants!***

***Bring your written out vision plans this Friday so we can pray over them!!!!***

Why Stay in the Burning Building?

Imagine that you live on the 6th floor of an apartment building. You are sitting on your couch, feeling very comfortable and relaxed. While watching the television, you become startled by the sound of the fire alarm going off in your building. “Beeeeeep…..beeeeeep….beeeeeep,” you hear continuously. Upon hearing this, what would be your first reaction?
Do you scramble around for your keys, cell phone, wallet, photographs, and other items that seem ‘necessary’ for your survival? Do you wait in your apartment, hoping that someone just pulled the alarm and believe that it is not necessary to depart? Do you immediately run down the fire escape in efforts to flee from the burning building?

The most logical answer would be to immediately run down the fire escape to flee from the burning building. It is obvious that the building constructor designed this fire escape to help those in danger find a way out. After all, we do not want our bodies to become a product of scars, burns, or even death. So, with knowing the corrective action that we should take, why so we still stay in the burning building?

Input anybody?

Because God is such a mighty God and because He created all of us, He knows our every thought. Because He is our Creator and our building constructor, He knows us inside and out. He knows the very thought that you and I are thinking at this moment. Not only is He a creator of all beings but He is also a protector. Meaning, that He designed us to always be kept from harm and protected from the dangers that may come about in life. God designed His children with a fire escape, our love for Him, that would allow us to depart from sin and disobedience. With this is mind, we must listen when God tells us to move or we will let that burning building (sin) consume us. We know from His word that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) so it is crucial to obey His word and to glorify Him at all times.

It is important that we do not become too comfortable in our relationship with God. When you sit on your couch, or your relationship with Christ, you become comfortable and content with being lazy in your walk as a Christian. All of us must keep the fire for Christ burning inside so that our fleshly desires are consumed. When these desires are consumed, we can see the fire escape so much clearer when faced with sin. God will clear the smoke, if we trust Him with our lives. God is the only person who can help us prepare for when the devil attacks. The devil is sneaky and will attack you sometimes when you least expect it so it is always important to stay in your word, keep your prayer closet and continue to develop a relationship with Christ that glorifies our Heavenly Father.

Know that the only necessity that you need to survive is to be saved by God. God provides us with everything that we need to spiritually survive so that we shall not perish but have everlasting life. It is so crucial to refrain from becoming consumed by items and worldly things that we find more pleasurable than our relationship with Christ. John 6:57 says, “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.” We do not need other things, the only necessity we need is Jesus.

Listen to what God tells you. It is important that you do not ignore the word of God or mistake it for something that it is not. God speaks to us so that we can do the things that He has called for us to do. By listening to Him, we are able to walk in the pathways that He created just for us to walk in. Just as He led His people out of the bondage of Egypt, He will lead you down the fire escape and out the bondage of sin.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5). If you believe that He is a shield, then you can believe He will shield you from sin. He is our fire escape and He will not allow the devil to burn those who believe in Him.

When the enemy tries to attack, flee! You do not need to debate with sin. When you feel that heat by your toe, it means that it is time to run. God will lead you in the right direction and you will not have to deal with eternal scars, wounds, or death.

The bible says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)

Next time, will you stay in the burning building?

Please pray for...

Hey Saint Fam,

It's Stace including a blog called "Please pray for...."

We all are in different seasons in our walk with God. Currently, my season is researching/clarity, learning to just STAND and BE still as well as the renewal of my spirit.

I keep a daily journal of prayers/thank you letters to God. I look back and become truly amazed at my prayers to God for others as well as for myself. I was led to this scripture from the Book of James, Chapter 5 Verses 13-18, which reads:

Is there any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

This blog can be scriptures, quotes, words of encouragement, or whatever comes into your spirit.

Please just run with it but always run to the Lord!!

Love and Blessings,

Tasha T.S.

The Soapbox Section... Tell em why you happy!!!

What up saints... We're reintroducing 'The SoapBox Section... Tell em why you happy' for 2009.

This section is for people who want to make a joyful noise and give the Lord His due praise... What sparked this blog in 08 was the desire to share our testimonies with one another.

Feel free to add your comments... and check out some of the previous testimonies declaring the goodness of the Lord.

Let the Lord use you and make sure you get on your SOAPBOX and TELL EM WHY YOU HAPPY
SON... TELL EM WHY YOU HAPPY!!!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! - Psalm 100:1

Bible Reference Website...

Yo, that bible reference website I mentioned during the call is www.blueletterbible.com. It's similar to your normal bible search engine, but I prefer it over the other ones that I've come across. In the right hand corner under, "search the bible" is where you can put in words like "excellent" or "trust" and it will pull up all the scriptures that has the word in it.

If you look to the left on the main menu screen, you'll find a tab called, "Study Tools." There's some pretty good stuff on there... Search the site out and post any good findings...

Be diligent!!!

SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!

"The Devotional Lounge"

New idea!!! Thank God for revelation...

This post is called "The Devotional Suite." Since we all read different devotionals, the Lord gave me an idea to spark a Blog to place all the different devotions that we want other heads to peep... something that we think may be a blessing to another reader...

Guest will spark the first one and I'll look to read everyone's as they flow in...

Remember, we're praying every Tuesday and Friday mornings at 5:30 AM. The number is 712-432-0600 and the pin number is 836736#. When the system asks you to state your name, the password is, "I Made It!!!"... (LOL... Shout out to Kris)

SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!

The Names of God...

qué está arriba everyobdy!!!

Here's a study we all can do... Let's study all the different names of God. Here's the first one with a little explanation.

El Shaddai

(el shad-di')
All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty

Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Gen 17:1.

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.

Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3

SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!

The Devil's Attitude Towards Us...

Hey,

I writing a paper right now at Starbucks (it's due at 6:20 pm... oh MY!!!) about how Holiness changes things... (That's a working title...) So anyway, I reading a story titled, "The Life of Anthony of Egypt". It's about this guy named Anthony who decided to live a life of COMPLETE discipline. He was a Christian monk. Strict dude...

So as the devil tries to convince Anthony not to journey down the path of holiness (how many times has that happened to you) and his (the devil) last attempt to trip Anthony up is to appear in the form of a boy and talk to him. Anthony asks him who he is and that's where we pick up... Check this out...

the devil speaking....

"Many I deceived, many I casts down; but now attacking you and thy labors as I had many others, I proved weak." When Anthony asked, Who are you who speaks thus with me? he answered with a lamentable voice, "I am the friend of whoredom, and have taken upon me incitements which lead to it against the young. I am called the spirit of lust. How many have I deceived who wished to live soberly, how many are the chaste whom my incitements I have over-persuaded! I am he on account of whom also the prophet reproves those who have fallen, saying, "You have been caused to err by the spirit of whoredom." For by me they have been tripped up. I am he who have so often troubled you..."

- The Life of Anthony of Egypt, Readings in World Christian History, Volume 1: Earliest Christianity to 1453, pg 133.

Reading this it made me think how the enemy's utmost goal is to deceive and trip us up. Homey don't like us and we shouldn't like him. The devil has no good intentions whatsoever for us as Christians. He is totally, 110% against us.

I'll post Anthony's response later... Gotta get back to writing...

SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!!