Testimony - Treva

I was fighting for my life. And I was afraid. How could I go from feeling wonderful to all of a sudden, ‘Hold on. Fight for your life. Be strong?’” Treva Gordon was pregnant with her third child, a girl. But all her hopes and dreams for her unborn daughter turned to fear, 37 weeks into her pregnancy.Treva remembers, “That evening we were watching television, having a wonderful time, and all of a sudden I experienced a pain in my stomach like never before. It was like someone had taken a knife and had stabbed me in my stomach. It immediately caused me to drop to my knees in pain. My son, he ran across the street to get the neighbor and the neighbor came. She found me on the floor. I had never felt pain like that before.”Treva was rushed to a local hospital where doctors diagnosed severe toxemia and several other life-threatening conditions. Dr. Lisa McIntosh, Treva’s doctor recalls her condition, “Her blood pressures were stroke level, very close to death. Her liver hematoma was extremely large. It could have ruptured at any time. When they do rupture the mortality for that event is extremely high.”Treva’s husband Robert was recalled from military service in Iraq to be with her. “I was on a plane leaving within hours. When you hear something like that, first thing you want to do, you want to pray.”Treva’s liver and kidneys were shutting down. Doctors performed an emergency C-section and saved Treva’s baby. But Treva’s life hung in the balance. After two days in intensive care, with no signs of improvement, she was life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.

Jokes for the day

Animals Go To Heaven

A cat and a mouse died on the same day and went up to Heaven. At the top they met God and he asked them 'How do you like it so far?' The mouse replied 'It's great, but can I get a pair of roller skates?' God said 'Sure', and he gave him a pair of roller skates. The next day God saw the cat and asked him 'How do you like it up here so far?' and the cat replied 'Great, I didn't know you had meals on wheels up here!'

Seven Prophetic Promises - Benny Hinn

I trust that you have prayed and sought the Lord to reveal exactly what He wants to show you in the next few minutes.Is your life abounding with blessings, or does it seem as if you and your loved ones are repeatedly harassed by chaos or crisis for no apparent reason? If so, I encourage you to keep reading, for I believe the following teaching contains important Scriptural principles and promises that can set you free and change your life forever!During a recent This Is Your Day program, Dr. Todd Coontz had a powerful word for the body of Christ, and I want to share the seven key points from his message about what God wants to do for you in 2014.“In spite of all that is going on with the world’s economic system,” Todd began, “your future doesn't depend on the world’s circumstances and standards. It is time for you to rise up and claim your godly inheritance! The best days for believers are just ahead!”

Jokes for the day

                                                      Service For Your Dog   

A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside except for a pet dog he for a long time.The dog finally died and Muldoon went to the parish priest, saying "Father, the dog is dead. Could you possibly be saying a Mass for the poor creature?" Father Patrick told the farmer "No, we can't have services for an animal in the church, but I'll tell you what, there's a new denomination down the road apiece, and no telling what they believe in, but maybe they'll do something for the animal." Muldoon said "I'll go right now. By the way, do you think $50,000 is enough to donatefor the service?" Father Patrick replied "Why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic."




                                                          Worries About A Risk

There is a story about a monastery in Europe perched high on a cliff several hundred feet in the air.The only way to reach the monastery was to be suspended in a basket which was pulled to the top by several monks who pulled and tugged with all their strength.Obviously the ride up the steep cliff in that basket was terrifying. One tourist got exceedingly nervous about half-way up as he noticed that the rope by which he was suspended was old and frayed.With a trembling voice he asked the monk who was riding with him in the basket how often they changed the rope. The monk thought for a moment and answered brusquely, "Whenever it breaks."



                                                             Encountering A Bear

A Baptist missionary was walking in Africa when he heard the ominous padding of a lion behind him. "Oh Lord," prayed the missionary, "Grant in Thy goodness that the lion walking behind me is a good Christian lion." And then, in the silence that followed, the missionary heard the lion praying too: "Oh Lord," he prayed, "I thank Thee for the food which I am about to receive."

Fast and Furious 7 cast prays for Paul Walker before filming; Tyrese Gibson 'God's grace is all we have'

Paul Walker's "Fast and Furious 7" has resumed filming, four months after the tragic death of the actor.Prior to commencing filming of the "Fast and Furious 7", actor Tyrese Gibson revealed that the cast will honor Walker with a prayer.Gibson told TooFab: "God's grace is all we have. Before we start filming we are going to have a strong prayer. That will be the start, before we film anything. That's what is needed for us to do Fast & Furious 7." He continued, "This is the only movie I ever worked on where we are all real close even after the movie is over. It wasn't just losing a co-star, he was family for real. That's why it took so long to recover."The cast and crew were back to work this week and director James Wan shared a photo on Instagram, updating fans on the progress of the film. He shared a photo of a clapperboard with the caption: "First dayback filming. Better and stronger. #Fast&Furious7."

Creators have yet to reveal what will happen to the late actor's Brian O'Conner character. There have been reports that he will be retired from the film and that the remaining shots of Walker will be filmed using body doubles and CGI.It has been reported that screenwriter Chris Morgan has completely rewritten the script following the sudden death of Walker.The film, originally slated for a 2014 release, will not be released on April 10, 2015.

8-year-old Alani Santos believes that just like Jesus, she too can perform miracles. At her father's church just outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Santos believes that God has given her the power to cure the world's worst illneses, from HIV to cancer.On YouTube, Alani can be seen 'healing' a man suffering from years of HIV and helping an elderly woman walk without a cane . 

TD Jakes' daughter Sarah releases book about teen pregnancy - 'Lost and Found: Finding hope in the detours of life'

The daughter of mega-pastor Bishop TD Jakes has released a book in which she opens up about her experiences of being a teen mother, and how her family dealt with the unexpected news.Now in her mid-twenties, Sarah Jakes fell pregnant at the age of just 14. In an interview with Dr Phil yesterday, she shared how her father - world-renowned church leader TD Jakes of The Potter's House, a non-denominational mega-church with an estimated 30,000 members – was rendered speechless when he found out. 

UK churches pray for peace in Ukraine

A service is being held in Manchester on Sunday in support of Ukraine as the country continues to grapple with instability. Irena Pistun, coordinator for Hope Greater Manchester, said: "There has been bloodshed, families destroyed in Ukraine and current tensions are a serious threat to diplomatic relations in Ukraine."We hope, as we create new links with each other during these difficult times and churches begin to unite through prayer and fasting across the world, we can create one 'peace' at a time". If churches can unite there's hope for us all."The 'One Peace At a Time' service has the support of the Maranatha Community and HOPE 2014, and is taking place at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manchester at 3pm.Dennis Wrigley, of Maranatha said: "We are calling on Christians to fast for half a day on 30 March in respect of the grave situation in Ukraine. Just cutting out one meal in the day and all snacks."Fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual admonitions though both Moses fasted and Jesus fasted especially so during difficult times."

Southampton churches working together on homelessness

Churches in Southampton are partnering to offer spiritual and practical solutions to homelessness in the city.A prayer meeting was held last week at CentralBaptist Church in solidarity with rough sleepers and those living in poor quality housing.The Homelessness and Housing Awareness evening was organised by the Love Southampton coalition of local churches to deepen understanding around issues of homelessness.Those present were encouraged to pray as well as support practical initiatives, like the Southampton Churches' Rent Deposit Scheme, a fund designed to support people on low incomes or in receipt of benefits to gain access to privately rented accommodation within the City of Southampton. 

Testimony - Fatuma Shubisa

 Fatuma Shubisa works hard to provide for her and her husband’s nine children. She lives in the little village of Alelu in rural Ethiopia. She considers her simple life a gift from God, because it was God himself who raised her from the dead .Fatuma says "For two months, I was very, very seriously sick."One day Fatuma’s mother came to care for her daughter.  But her daughter passed away. "She came  and touched my face. I was cold. My eyes were open. She closed my eyes and straightened my legs," Fatuma says. "My mother cried when she found out that I was dead. Because of that, everybody came and started crying."The pain Fatuma felt during her long sickness was finally over.  Fatuma grew upMuslim but had converted to Christianity. She says after she died, she felt herself being drawn to heaven."I was very happy, and I was going with a very merry heart."Along the way, Fatuma saw someone she recognized. It was her husband’s brother, who had died two years earlier.

Jokes for the day

Two Trouble Makers

A couple had two little mischievous boys, ages 8 and 10. They were always getting into trouble, and their parents knew that if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons would get the blame. The boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed and asked to see them individually.So, the mother sent her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon. The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?"They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open.The clergyman repeated the question. "Where is God?"Again, the boy made no attempt to answer.So, the clergyman raised his voice some more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "Where is God!?"The boy screamed and bolted from the room. He ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him.When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?" The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied: "We are in real BIG trouble this time! God is missing, and they think we took him.

Archbishop of Canberbury on Gay Marriage in UK: Church Has Accepted That It's the Law.

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in England and Wales on Saturday and while the Church of England has accepted that new reality, it still maintains guidelines for its clergy against marrying gay and lesbian couples.

"I think the church has reacted by fully accepting that it's the law, and should react on Saturday by continuing to demonstrate in word and action, the love of Christ for every human being," Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told The Guardian on Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth II officially approved the gay marriage law in July 2013, after the bill passed the parliament. The Anglican Communion had spoken out against the bill, arguing that changing the definition of marriage will not be good for society.

In February, the House of Bishops of the Church of England issued a statement on same-sex marriage, acknowledging that not everyone in the church agrees on how to handle the controversial issue.

"However we are all in agreement that the Christian understanding and doctrine of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman remains unchanged," the bishops wrote.

Al Qaeda-Linked Islamists Capture Syrian Christian Village.

Syrian Islamist forces have killed Hilal Assad, a relative of Syrian President Bashar al Assad and key commander of the government military forces who was defending the Armenian Christian city of Kassat last weekend.Led by Al-Nusra forces, fighters from Ahrar al Sham, the Islamic Front, and others affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria took over the 1,700 person town on Sunday, filled with many believed to be backing President Bashar al Assad in hopes that he could better ensure their safety than Islamist rebels, according to the AP. The victorious rebels walked through the streets shouting and praising Allah, the Christian Broadcasting Network has described.

Many of the Armenian-Syrians subsequently lashed out at Turkey for allowing Islamists to cross and transport weapons across the Syrian-Turkish border with few repercussions, and expressed anger towards Turkey shooting down a Syrian war plane the same weekend.

Jefferson Bethke: Why Are Christians Upset With Noah's 'Creative License' but Not 'Son of God's'?

Christian author and spoken-word artist Jefferson Bethke took to social media to express his enthusiasm for the upcoming "Noah" film. He also expressed his confusion on why Christians have been so critical of the movie's fidelity to the Bible.Emma Watson plays Ila, Noah's daughter-in-law, in the upcoming "Noah" film."Does anyone else find it fascinating that Son of God got little backlash, because it was marketed to Christians & churches, yet Noah isn't marketed to the Church and is getting a ton of backlash? Even though both took substantial creative license," Bethke tweeted on Monday.

Steve Patton, a California pastor, responded to Bethke, suggesting that the reaction of Christians might have had something to do with the faith background of those promoting "Noah," as "Son of God's" producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey were not shy about sharing about their Christian faith while doing press for the movie."I think because Noah is made by a known atheist (Darren Aronofsky), people are up in arms. Let me tell it- meh," tweeted Patton.Bethke agreed with Patton's rationale."Ya I'm almost positive that's the reason. Super fascinating tho that most won't explicitly say that's reason. They say license," he responded."Seems to show us Christians want to be catered to? Or we think the director has to be a Christian?" he added.The film has stirred controversy as some Christians believe it does not adhere to the biblical story. Some of the most vocal critics include Ken Ham of the Creation Museum, evangelist Ray Comfort, and more recently conservative radio host Glenn Beck.

Comedian Kevin Hart Recalls How the Bible Contained His Mother's Surprising Heartfelt Gift

Hart told Winfrey that as he began to encounter minor success in his first year of comedy, he was also running low on rent money and repeatedly contacted his mother to help him finance his lifestyle.His mother's response to Hart's calls was always the same, as she asked her son: "Have you been reading your bible?""She's like, 'Are you reading your Bible?,'" Hart told Oprah on her March 23 edition of "Oprah Prime."I said, 'Mom, come on - I don't have time to talk about that right now. I'm late. I need the rent money."Hart's mother replied by saying "When you read your bible, then we'll talk about your rent."The comedian said conversations such as this one went on for weeks until he eventually received an eviction notice on his door. Desperate, Hart decided to take his mother's advice, only to find a relieving surprise when he eventually decided to read his bible."I go home and say, 'Man let me open this Bible up,'" Hart explained. "Open the Bible up, six rent checks fell out. She put all my rent checks in the Bible."Winfrey responded to Hart's story with shock and surprise, replying "Oh my goodness!"Hart, originally from Philadelphia, Pa., has made a name for himself as a comedic actor in the U.S., gaining mainstream recognition just in the past few years by starring in films such as "Grudge Match," "Ride Along" and "About Last Night."

Erica Campbell Exclusive: Mary Mary Singer Talks Overcoming Obstacles On The Road To 'Help'

Erica Campbell is not afraid to admit she needs prayer just because she is a gospel singing sensation, and after overcoming a traumatic year in the public eye she is showing people how to turn to God for Help.Campbell, 42, has Grammy, AMA, ASCAP and Image awards among others as a member of Mary Mary. Now she is forging her individual path with her debut solo album, "Help."However, the road to releasing her first solo effort was paved with obstacles in 2013 including her father's death, a ruptured vocal chord, parting ways with her manager and helping her sister and fellow group member Tina overcome marital infidelities publicly.Instead of folding under pressure, Erica followed God's calling and channeled her experiences into "Help," an eclectic album that she hopes reaches people even if they may not know God."I just want to reach as many people as possible. I want people to be ok with asking for help," Erica told The Christian Post. "A lot of times we let our ego get in the way and we don't ask not only God but we don't ask anybody for help. And we suffer silently, and it's not necessary."Erica's new album showcases her individual suffering and vulnerability in songs like "Eddie," where the singer pays an emotional tribute to her late father who passed away last year. With different sounds like guitars, harmonicas and ukulele the Mary Mary group member makes her mark as an individual in "Help," with some unique production and heartfelt stories that branch out of the traditional gospel music sound."The messages are kind of consistent with the year that I had in 2013 and everything was directing me to God knowing that I would make it through, that I wouldn't stay there long," Erica told CP. "Everything in Mary Mary had been me and Tina. Now it's just me, my voice and opinions."Still, Erica is still very much a part of Mary Mary and will record at least two more albums as a part of the gospel music duo with her sister Tina. While her sister has taken a break from music, the pair currently appear on WE tv every Thursday night for their self titled reality television series, "Mary Mary."

Violence Against Christian Copts in Egypt Continues Despite Fall of Muslim Brotherhood.

Violence in Egypt against Coptic Christians has continued despite the fall of former president Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, with believers still facing abductions and the government seizing their property, the Board of Inquiry in Cairo reported.

The report, according to  Fides News Agency, shows that Copts, who make up close to 10 percent of the population, are continuing to face "endemic forms of violence and abuse" in many parts of Egypt, particularly in the governorates of Luxor, Sohag and Aswan."The worrying scenario has been reconstructed in detail on the basis of meetings with community representatives, civil society organizations and material provided which witness this phenomena of violence," Fides reported.Christians have been heavily targeted in Egypt following the fall of Morsi last July, with Islamic extremists blaming them for supporting the protests that led to the change in government. Believers were killed, and Christian churches, bookstores and orphanages were burned down in violent attacks.

U.S. politicians have spoken out against this violence, with Republican Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) urging the U.S. State Department in October to help stop the sectarian violence and the persecution of Copts."Egypt's Christian minority and their ability to worship are in danger. The situation warrants a clear U.S. response. We are especially troubled by reports that Egyptian authorities have failed to respond to attacks on Christians and churches, or hold perpetrators accountable," the senators wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry.

Blasphemy death sentence for Christian road sweeper in Pakistan

A Christian road sweeper in Pakistan has been sentenced to death for blasphemy.

Sawan Masih was also fined 200,000 rupees (around £1,200) by judges at a private hearing today, reports Release International. The father of three, from Joseph Colony in the Badami Bagharea of Lahore, was accused of blasphemy after a row with a Muslim friend over property in March last year. 

President Obama Meets Pope Francis for the First Time

 During his recent European trip United States President Barack Obama made a stop at the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis. The encounter occurred as President Obama sought strategic responses to Russia's invasion of Crimea.

It was the first such meeting between the President and the Pontiff.During the 50-minute meeting, The Vatican Press Office reports the two world leaders discussed issues ranging from income inequality, the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection, the eradication of human trafficking, as well as the issue of immigration reform

The Faith - Grace - Certainty Connection by John Piper

For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,  (as it is written, "A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU") in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.  In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE."  Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;  yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,  and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.Let's start  with the promise that Abraham and his descendants - that is, all who have the faith of Abraham (Jews and Gentiles) - will be heirs of the world.  "The promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world. . ." This was the summary and implication of all God's promises to Abraham: he and his descendants would inherit the world - or as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:21, "All things belong to you . . . and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God." I closed with four exhortations: Rejoice in this great hope; be secure in all your affliction; venture something a little bit crazy for Christ; give God the glory. Some of you did that this past week, and some radical choices were made that will change the rest of your life.Now today it only gets better. Paul is so serious and so eager for you to bank your hope on the promise of being an heir of all things - and for you to live your life with the kind of radical abandon for Christ that will make people see and wonder and give glory to God - that he now labors to show what God has done to make the promise guaranteed and certain. So the question you should have in your mind during the message today is: What has God done to make sure and certain and firm and guaranteed the promise that his people will inherit the world?

Jokes for the day

A sermon about lying

A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17." The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying." 

Are we supposed to obey our pastors?

The verse that speaks the most directly to this question is Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”Pastors are hurt deeply to see people ignore the counsel of God they share in messages or Bible lessons. Some people “blow off” the Word of God, doing so not only to their own hurt but also to the hurt of those who are around them. Young people especially have the tendency to ignore the counsel of those older than they, making the mistake of trusting their own wisdom as well as their own heart. God states that a godly pastor shares precepts from God’s Word because he desires not only to serve God but to feed the flock the spiritual food that will result in their experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10b).

Jokes for the day

Lightning just struck

As Bill was approaching mid-life, physically he was a mess. Not only was he going bald, but years of office work had given him a large pot belly. The last straw came when he asked a woman co-worker out on a date, and she all but laughed at him. That does it, he decided. I'm going to start a whole new regimen. He began attending aerobics classes. He started working out with weights. He changed his diet. And he got an expensivehair transplant. In six months, he was a different man. Again, he asked his female co-worker out, and this time she accepted. There he was, all dressed up for the date, looking better than he ever had. He stood poised to ring the woman's doorbell, when a bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him off his feet. As he lay there dying, he turned his eyes toward the heavens and said, "Why, God, why now? After all I've been through, how could you do this to me?" From up above, there came a voice, "Sorry. I didn't not recoginize you."

Christian School Rebukes 8-Year-Old Girl for Looking Too "Boyish"

Eight-year old Sunnie Kahle recently left her private Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia after the administration complained that her appearance was not sufficiently female. Sunnie has a short haircut and enjoys wearing t-shirts and jeans; the administration believes that this confuses other children and does not coincide with the “biblical lifestyle” the school promotes.

Timberlake Christian Schools elementary principal Becky Bowman sent Kahle’s great-grandmother and legal guardian Doris Thompson a letter stating the school’s religious beliefs and included Bible passages referencing sexual immorality.

'Bishop of Bling' Expelled from Post After Construction of $41.3 Million Home

Pope Francis has asked German bishop Monsignor Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of Limburg to leave his post since the cost of his personal mansion have gone public. The bishop had been suspended in October pending investigation. 

Gunmen Open Fire in Kenyan Church, Kill 3

Unbelievable!Terrorist attack again,Who says end time isn't here? At least three people were killed Sunday after a pair of gunmen burst into a Kenyan church and opened fire.According to reports from the USA Today, the Kenyan church was packed when the shooters arrived."Both carried big guns and began shooting all over the place. I fell to the ground and could hear screams," Lilian Omondi, who was leading a prayer meeting at the time, says.Three children were among the wounded.The attack happened in Likoni, which is near to Mombasa.

Jokes for the day

At the construction job

There's this cathedral that's still being worked on, and the workers have rigged a "cage elevator" inside so they can get material up and down to the upper floors. A characteristic of these "cage elevators" is that the doors (gate) must be closed manually for them to be "called" to another floor.
One day one of the workers, Peter by name, takes the elevator to the top floor, and it is subsequently needed on the first floor by the sexton. Unfortunately, Peter forgot and left the door open. After the sexton rings for the elevator a couple times, to no avail, he yells up for the worker to send the lift back down. Visitors to the cathedral were treated to this sight: The sexton of the cathedral, head tipped up, yelling up to the heavens:

"Peter! CLOSE THE GATES!!!" 

Testimony - Rianne

 

In this life (20 years as of 2013), by God's grace, He bought me out of the depths of my own sin and loneliness, and gave me joy, a new life, and the greatest companionship ever imagined - the companionship of His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!As a child, I had attended church approximately every time we had visited my Gran in the countryside.  My first experience of God's grace, and my first answered prayer was at the age of five. I had been being bullied at school by a fellow classmate, and wrote a letter to God, asking Him to stop the bullying.  God answered this prayer in an amazing way.  The girl who had been bullying me became my first childhood best friend! Isn't God good!Throughout my childhood, I had a lot of ups and downs.  There was never a  loving, caring father figure around so when my earthly father visited out of the blue when I was eight, I was astounded - having not seen him since I was two.Being eight, I was ecstatic -- particularly when he said he would return the next day!  Sadly though he didn't come.After this I went downhill.  I was angry.  I was hurt and hard-hearted.  I started stealing and lying and acting up.This generally got a lot worse with me by the age of 12.