Danny Gokey has a poignant story to tell. His book title “Hope in Front of Me – Find purpose in your darkest moments” gives you an inkling of its substance. Its the first time I have posted a music video. I have a feeling any women viewers will appreciate it. Let me know what you think. Danny Gokey came third on American idol. He almost withdrew from the first audition as his first wife in her early twenties died unexpectedly from complications after heart surgery just weeks before the audition. The quality of this video is not great but even if you don’t like Danny’s song fast forward to the interview so you hear his story. Only God can transform lives like this and you know what, HE is doing it all the time. There is no doubt that all things work together for good to those who love God and are working according to His purposes. If you want to hear Danny sing more, go to the second link, to the interview on Huntley Street. His second song on this clip is my favourite. http://video.christianpost.com/100-huntley-street-featuring-american-idol-finalist-danny-gokey-episode-4-5749/
Tag Archives: hope
Build up Treasure in Heaven says Peter Costello
Peter Costello and wife Tanya (former Treasurer in John Howard, Federal Government of Australia).
In his twenty years in politics Peter Costello never gave a speech like the one entitled “Money is bewitching and beguiling” that he gave at a Men’s Convention with the conference theme “Men at Work” last Friday night.
His keynote address explored money, fame and power. About money, he warned of its failure to ultimately satisfy. “Rather than make you happy, it makes you envious, we never have quite enough,” he said.
Costello defined the rich as “people with more money than me” and revealed that even billionaires compare themselves with each other. He humorously recounted a dinner meeting with the late billionaire Kerry Packer. The Australian dollar had just fallen dramatically and Packer was lamenting how much money he had lost. Packer reportedly said, “do you know how much this has cost me? Don’t think I am rich , I ‘m not a Bill Gates.”
Costello emphasized how temporary are our achievements and reputations and urged those present to look to the one who will ultimately judge all mankind.
Costello closed with the key theme of the 2004 Federal Election campaign “Who do you trust?” Political figures will not save you, he said. “Political figures won’t save your marriage or give purpose for living. Politicians can’t solve personal problems. Christians need to look to God and faith in Christ. Put not your trust in Princes.”
Costello then quoted from PSALM 146 “Happy is he whose hope is in the Lord his God. He remains faithful forever.”
DENZEL WASHINGTON sharing his belief in GOD
“Put your shoes way under your bed each night to ensure you get on your knees first thing of a morning in prayer.”
What good advice that is from a famous movie star who is not afraid to speak about the reality of GOD and the impact for good He will have on your life. True success is obedience to God.
God’s Prophet for America
Letter from Dr Ben Carson reproduced in Newsmax magazine May 22nd, 2014.
In February 2013, I gave a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. Standing a few feet from President Obama, I warned my fellow citizens of the dangers facing our country and called for a return to the principles that made America great.
Many Americans heard and responded, but our nation’s decline has continued. Today the danger is greater than ever before, and I have never shared a more urgent message than I do now. Our growing debt and deteriorating morals have driven us far from the founders’ intent. We’ve made very little progress in basic education. Obamacare threatens our health, liberty, and financial future. Media elitism and political correctness are out of control. Worst of all, we seem to have lost our ability to discuss important issues calmly and respectfully regardless of party affiliation or other differences. As a doctor rather than a politician, I care about what works, not whether someone has an (R) or a (D) after his or her name. We have to come together to solve our problems. Knowing that the future of my grandchildren is in jeopardy because of reckless spending, godless government, and mean-spirited attempts to silence critics left me no choice but to write this book. I have endeavored to propose a road out of our decline, appealing to every American’s decency and common sense. If each of us sits back and expects someone else to take action, it will soon be too late. But with your help, I firmly believe that America may once again be “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Sincerely, Ben Carson
God removed from HIS STORY books
Prior to 1934 an incredible story about George Washington, a man of great faith and a founding father of America appeared in school textbooks. The man who once said; “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favors.” The story occurred on July 9th, 1755. George Washington was with the British troops under General Edward Braddock when they were ambushed by the French. The Brits were being slaughtered. Washington rode horseback, back and forth across the battle delivering orders from General Braddock to the troops. Every other officer on horseback, except Washington was shot down. Even General Braddock was killed, at which point the troops fled in confusion. Washington wrote to his brother John Washington after the battle: But by the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all probability or expectation ; for I had four bullets through my coat , and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me. An old Indian chief recounted fifteen years later that he had been with the French in that battle. “I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes . I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man’s blood mixed with the streams of our forests that I first beheld this chief {Washington}. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior. He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian’s wisdom and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss – twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased firing on you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy: Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man {pointing at Washington}, and guides his destiny – he will become chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I come to pay homage to the man who is a particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.”
Why was this story removed from school textbooks in the USA? As incredible a story as it may seem, the Indian chief’s prophecy was true and of course it demonstrates the outcome of having faith in God – for a person, even a country. This nation chose to inscribe the phrase “In God We Trust” on their money. By doing so they were proclaiming to the world that their trust was not in their money, not in the power that comes from having money – but in God. Sadly whilst the phrase is still on their money God is no longer a reality in most peoples lives. Since the Bible and prayer have also been taken out of American schools is it a coincidence that it is a nation in decline?
The world does not acknowledge it but God is still operating in peoples lives today to change their destinies and those of nations.
Recommended reading America the Beautiful by Ben Carson M.D. – Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great
The most momentous event in history
ETERNAL LIFE – Take the time this Easter to consider what JESUS (second person of the Trinity) did for humanity just 2014 years ago.
His perfect LOVE, His perfect OBEDIENCE enabled His perfect OFFERING for my sins and yours. GOD the Father FORGIVES those who repent of their sins and acknowledge JESUS as their Lord and Saviour.
The evidence for the resurrection of JESUS is irrefutable. The inability of the Jewish Religious leaders to produce Christ’s body. Many people saw Christ appear (500). Many saw him not individually but together. They saw him appear not once but many times. They not only saw him but touched him, conversed with him and ate with him. Following JESUS ascension to heaven the disciples were miraculously empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (third person of the Trinity) as told by Jesus to take the GOOD NEWS to the world. The sincerity of the disciples was attested to by their suffering and death. If the disciples had not zealously done as JESUS had instructed them Christianity would have died at its birth.
Have you accepted JESUS free gift of Eternal Life? You can be empowered by the Holy Spirit to start living eternally now.
GOD’S JUDGMENT
It is obvious from the Old Testament stories that God judges people and nations. Apart from Noah’s Flood (all but eight people destroyed) one of the most gruesome stories is when God commanded Israel to destroy the Amalekites totally, including their women and children and property.
God commanded their destruction not only because of their heinous morality and child sacrifices but also because they opposed Israel when they came out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 25:17-19 and 1 Samuel 15:2-3). Moreover because Saul listened to the people and spared the best livestock rather than fear God he lost his kingship over Israel.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft , And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being King. 1 Samuel 15:23
God’s actions against the Amalekites is only immoral to those who don’t recognize His authority. He has the right to judge the people He created when they rebel against Him.
God requires OBEDIENCE to his moral laws and commands. The GOOD NEWS is He understood we were incapable in a Fallen world to keep His commandments. God, The Son entered His world, 2014 years ago to save us. He changed history forever and every time we write the date we should remember that fact and rejoice in His MERCY, GRACE and LOVE.
Atheists have no objective standard for morality and basically what ever the group decides stands until another group over rules it. Sodomy was a gaolable offence up to the mid 1970’s in Australia.
God must judge evil otherwise He ceases to be a good God.
The world operates as if God does not judge people and nations today. They could not be more wrong.
The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus will return to save Israel and to usher in His millennial reign from Jerusalem. Jesus even tells us that just as in Noah’s day people will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage then He will come unexpectedly to judge nations. Matthew 24:36-39
Isn’t it amazing how the Middle East is central focus of the world today. Israel is surrounded by hostile nations intent on destroying them. It is not about land – take a look at the map (Israel in blue). It’s about the final horrendous spiritual battle that leads to the battle of Armageddon which will usher in Jesus millennial reign.
We know the end and already have eternal life so start living eternal now. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. What is the Holy Spirit’s agenda for you today? Are you listening?
What is the Holy Spirit to you?
Whilst Dr Walter Wilson was saved December 21st, 1896, he did not personally become acquainted with the Holy Spirit until January 14th, 1914. After he was saved, Walter had a deep love for the scriptures yet it bothered him that his life did not seem to bear spiritual fruit. In 1913 he was challenged by a missionary with the question “What is the Holy Spirit to you?” Wilson answered “He is one of the persons of the Godhead, a Teacher, a Guide; the third person of the trinity”.
“He is just as great,” the missionary said, “just as precious, just as needed as the other two Persons of the Trinity. But you still have not answered my question, What is He to you?”
“He is nothing to me”, Wilson said, surprised at his own candour. “I have no contact with Him, no personal relationship, and get along quite well without Him”. His visitor replied, “it is because of this that your life is so fruitless even though your efforts are so great. The missionary’s words taunted Wilson into the next year. He wanted to bear the fruit of the Spirit but feared becoming a fanatic, giving an inferior place to Jesus Christ by overly exalting the Holy Spirit. On January 14th, 1914 everything changed when Wilson heard Dr James Gray, later to become President of Moody Bible Institute preach a sermon on Romans 12:1
Gray asked, “Have you noticed that this verse does not tell us to whom we should give our bodies? It is not the Lord Jesus…..He has his own body. It is not God the Father….He remains upon His throne. Another has come to earth without a body….God gives you the privilege and indescribable honour of presenting your bodies to the Holy Spirit, to be His dwelling place on earth”.
Wilson reported later that he said to the Holy Spirit, “My Lord, I have mistreated You all my Christian life. I have treated you like a servant….I shall do so NO more. Now I give you this body of mine ; from my head to my feet……………., I hand over to YOU for YOU to live in it the life that YOU please.
Walter Wilson , the “beloved physician” often testified, “With regard to my own experience with the Holy Spirit, I may say that the transformation in my life on JAN 14th 1914, was greater , much greater than the change that took place when I was saved DEC 21st 1896.
Dr Wilson died in 1969 after a life of amazing service as a physician (1904 – 1912), General Manager (1912 – 1920) and then President (1926 -1928) of a major corporation. He founded the Kansas City Bible Institute in 1932 which became the Kansas City Bible College when he became President. He hosted a daily Bible exposition broadcast on two radio stations in Kansas City 1933-1944, one rated the most popular radio program in the area. But above all he considered Holy Spirit guided “soul winning” his prime task since handing over his life to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in 1914.
What is your answer to the question, “What is the Holy Spirit to you?”
Embrace change in 2014
You can confidently embrace change with our unchanging God.
Our faithful, changeless Lord will show us the way to go, guide and bless our every step and provide goodness and mercy everyday of our lives.
Joshua is one of my favourite Old Testament heroes. He led Israel in at eighty years of age to take the “Promised Land”. He confidently and courageously defeated more than thirty enemy armies because he understood victory comes through faith in God and complete obedience to His word. He knew victory would not come through military might or numerical superiority.
Like Joshua let’s confess at the start of 2014 “We have never been this way before” but also like Joshua be confident that God will show us the way if we are humble and obedient, seeking to serve Him faithfully.
My scripture for 2014 will be Phillip 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Have you chosen one as yet?
Nick brings hope to Uruguay
God is using Nick Vujicic to introduce people around the world to the transforming power of JESUS CHRIST. I already have two posts on Nick – Nick on Oprah Winfrey’s Show and Nick in Cambodia. If you didn’t see Nick on 60 Minutes take a look on YouTube.
On 22 October Nick arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, to talk about the freedom God has given him. Vujicic spoke boldly about the transforming power of God’s Word before politicians and journalists at Uruguay’s House of Parliament. Thousands of Uruguayans watched on television. Director of Operation Mobilization, Uruguay, Alejandro Las, was appointed as his official translator.
President Mujica also met with Vujicic and they joined in prayer as Alejandro translated.
“In the last few years it must have been the closest encounter he has had with the gospel in his life,” reflected Alejandro.
The front page of the Uruguayan newspaper the next morning proclaimed, “Vujicic Challenges Abortion Laws at Teleton”. His time at the centre for handicapped children brought a great deal of media attention, which he used to proclaim a biblical perspective on abortion.
In a press conference soon after, an OM journalist asked him about his views on separation of church and state.
Vujicic said, “When people see me, they say,“Wow Nick! We love your values; we love your attitude; we love your strength; we want your joy! But don’t tell us anything about your God. But for me you can’t separate the two. It’s only because of my faith that I have what I have.”
The streets in Montevideo were covered wall to wall with posters of Nick Vujicic. His testimony was aired on the three largest secular television channels in the country: Teledoce, Canal 4 and Canal 10.
At the Rambla, the recreational coastline of Montevideo, nearly 15,000 people stood for two hours in the chilly night air to hear what he had to say.
“If you want to know about the peace that has set me free, that will set you free, lift up your hand,” he shouted. As Alejandro fervently translated the message, a drug addict standing near the OM team raised his hand.
Another hand went up. Followed by another.
The dark sky over Montevideo’s shoreline witnessed hundreds of hands go up as individuals indicated a desire to know the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
LIVING ETERNAL NOW 