Praise Him!

Peace be with you!

God cares

The 5 Keys to Wealth and Happiness

Got this in my email few days ago..and I know it's worth sharing :) 

The 5 Keys to Wealth and Happiness
By : Toni Robbins

We all have the ability to take absolute charge of our lives—but having the ability isn’t the same as using it.

Life is full of pitfalls that prevent us from maximizing our full potential. The 5 Keys to Wealth and Happiness is your map to where some of these pitfalls are, and your guide to overcoming them. If you master these keys, there’s no limit to what you can do!

Key #1: You must learn how to handle frustration.

Frustration can kill dreams. It can change a positive attitude into a negative one, an empowering state into a crippling one. Look at almost any great success, and you’ll find there’s been massive frustration along the way. All successful people know to plow through roadblocks, using each setback as a learning experience.

Key #2: You must learn how to handle rejection.

Is there anything in the human language that stings more than “no?” How often have you decided not to try for a position at your company, make a sales call, or take an audition because you didn’t want to be rejected? There are no real successes without rejection. The more rejection you get, the better you are, the more you’ve learned, and the closer you are to your outcome.

Key #3: You must learn to handle financial pressure.

Handling financial pressure is about knowing how to get and how to give, knowing how to earn and how to save. Money is like anything else in life; you can make it work for you, or against you. Learn to deal with financial pressure with the same purpose and elegance as other things in your life, so money is no longer a source of unhappiness or compromised ideals.

Key #4: You must learn to handle complacency.

“It’s not the events of your life that determine how you feel and act, but rather the way you interpret and evaluate those experiences.”
– Anthony Robbins

We’ve all seen people—celebrities, athletes, business owners, etc.—who reach a level of success and then stop. Comfort can be a disastrous emotion because when we get too comfortable, we stop growing, creating, sharing and adding value. The key to managing complacency is to stay focused on your vision and make sure you don’t “major in minor things.”

Key #5: Always give more than you expect to receive.

This is the most important key because it virtually guarantees true happiness. Most people spend their time thinking about how they can receive. Our lives change the moment we change our focus from what we can get to what we can give. The key to any relationship is you have to give first and then keep on giving. Don’t stop and wait to receive!

Focusing On The Future Not The Past

image from awesomeculture.com

Written by Harold Herring

10.  Get out in front of your battle…begin praising God for the victory…even before you see it manifest.

  9.  God doesn’t want you settling for…just getting by or spinning your wheels going nowhere.  God wants you to maximize your future..

  8.  God is more interested in where you’re going…than where you’ve been.  Your focus should be front and centered.  Philippians 3:13

  7.  Your reputation goes before you it can either open or close doors for you.

  6.  Be on time today...to your job...every appointment. Being late is a sign of disrespect. God is on time and we should be too.

  5.  The best way to encourage yourself is to recall all that God has done for you in the past.

  4.  Confidence will take you places doubt never will.  Confidence in Him makes you a winner in life…no matter…what you’re facing.

  3.  Lack of opportunity…create it.  Lack of confidence…develop it.  Lack of education…get it.   Lack of success…make it happen.

  2.  Never make an important decision when you are too angry…too lonely…too tired…too hungry or when you haven’t prayed about it..

  1.  God is doing more for you right now…that you can’t see…so He can bring into manifestation…the things you can see.

Do not worry

that's effective. always.

Be still

That's what I'm gonna do. I'm not gonna worry, I'm not gonna fret.
I will trust my Lord because I know HE knows what's BEST for me.

image source : Ten For The Road

A pathway to Joy

Got this in my email this morning, I do not know who exactly wrote this but it is so true :) worth sharing.

~*~

image source : http://voicesofglass.com/category/joy/

A PATHWAY TO JOY

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America title.
4. Name ten people who have won either the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

So how did you do?

 The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

 Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care . 

7 things to make your faith grow

This is written by Harold Herring, sent to me through email by a Pastor, I'm just re-posting the snippets but you can read the article in full here. I'm sure you'll also learn from this.

 "Here are the seven things to make your faith grow...

1. Feed your FAITH..through the Word
 
READ YOUR BIBLE. . .BEGIN DOING WHAT IT SAYS AND YOU WILL HAVE A GROWTH SPURT IN FAITH.

2. Exercise your faith..by your actions

what you do in life. . .will be a reflection of what you’ve learned.

3. Speak to your faith..to make it grow

Your boldness in your faith will open doors of opportunity for you. 

4. Free your faith....from negativity

 “Feed your faith and starve your doubts.”

5. Believing the impossible as possible

 Luke 1:37 in the Amplified Bible says:
“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.”

6.  Share it with others

Philemon 1:6 says “As you share the faith you have in common with others, I pray that you may come to have a complete knowledge of every blessing we have in Christ.”

7. Discuss your faith..frequently with your manufacturer

If we want to have advantages in life then we need to understand our instruction manual. . .God’s Holy Word.  Every answer to every problem we face is in the book.

Don't get snared

Got this on my email this morning. It was totally related to what I posted yesterday about power in declaration, the power of your words.

Just sharing with you guys :)

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Don’t Get Snared TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “You are snared by the words of your mouth...” (Proverbs 6:2, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria During the 1990’s, Jose Lima was the star pitcher for the Houston Astros. One season, he won 20 games and was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. When the Astros moved from the Astrodome to their new ballpark downtown, the fence in left field was much closer than the fence in the Astrodome. It favored the hitters and made it more difficult on the pitchers. The first time Jose Lima went to the new ballpark, he stood on the mound, looked at the fence, and the first words out of his mouth were, “I’ll never be able to pitch in here. The fence is way too close.” Sure enough, he went from being a 20-game winner to a 16-game loser. It was one of the biggest negative turnarounds in the history of the Astros. What happened? He prophesied his future. Today, don’t get snared by the words of your mouth. When negative thoughts come, don’t speak them out; instead, speak life. Speak hope. Speak blessing. Speak what you seek! Speak the Word of God so you can move forward in the victory He has prepared for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I submit my thoughts, my words, and every area of my life to You. Help me, by Your Spirit, to speak life according to Your Word. Help me to stay aligned with You on the path of blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Exceedingly and Abundantly

image source : http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2012/02/11/the-story-behind-the-artist-taking-risks/

Taking Prayer Walking to new Heights over Niagara Falls

Got this on my email and thought of sharing it to anyone who reads my blog :)
God bless!!

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Revs. Al and Deb Warner (Aug 2, 2012)

"Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls…" Ps. 42:7 NIV

"The King of the Wire puts his faith in the King of kings." QMI news agency

EDITOR'S NOTE: BCN has already published several articles regarding high wire walker Nik Wallenda's extraordinary and inspiring walk over Niagara back in June. However, this particular piece noted many of the prayerful activities of Believers in the area, and prophetic words which preceded that event. We felt it was important to include those as Nik's feat was actually a remarkable fulfillment of some of them. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

Revs. Al and Deb Warner
(on behalf of those who serve the regional church in
Western New York & Southern Ontario)

The eyes of the world were on Niagara Falls, twin cities in the U.S. and Canada, as Nik Wallenda performed his high-wire walk on June 15th. To the amazement of millions of people who watched breathlessly, Nik seemed calm, had a smile on his face, granted interviews during the walk, and spent much of the 26 heart-pounding minutes praying and quoting Scripture as the ABC crowd listened in.

Nik talked to both his earthly father, Terry, and his Heavenly Father:

"Thank You for Your peace, Lord. Thank You for Your confidence, God. Thank You Jesus."

"Thank You Jesus, my righteous King. Praise You, Father God. Praise You, Jesus."

"God is good. What an amazing opportunity. What a blessing."

"Oh Lord, You are my Savior, You are my King. You are my Jesus. You are my Counselor, You are my wisdom. Praise You Jesus."

Nick prayed and prophesied over two nations as the world held its collective breath. Of course Nik does not just pray when the television cameras are on, but as Nik says, "I'm always praying."

As is the case for Christians across the world, our region (which includes Western New York and Southern Ontario) has been believing for a move of God of epic proportions to come in our midst. We have fasted, we have prayed, we have repented, we have prophesied, we have come together. But could God have moved outside our religious 'box' to answer our collective prayers? I am reminded of God's word to Isaiah, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19 a) Could a daredevil's stunt be an answer to our prayers?

Steve Shultz summed it up this way for his Elijah List readers shortly after the event: "…perhaps the MOST PROPHETIC EVENT that we have posted, is a link to a man walking from the USA to Canada. …God allows, even prophesied, that we would not 'see it coming' what HE was about to do."

As my wife Deb and I watched and listened to Nik, it dawned on us that we were observing the most surprising move of God that we have ever witnessed. What happened in the Niagara region to prepare for this unconventional move of God? Long before the international press turned its cameras toward Niagara, God was preparing the ground for seed and harvest.

Niagara Falls, NY, has been declining for 50 years.
1959 – Niagara Falls, NY, population, 110,000
2012 – Niagara Falls, NY, population, 51,000

God is resurrecting Niagara Falls. Recent highlights include:
August, 2003 – Pastors in Niagara Falls, NY, came to together to pray in response to a word from Canadian pastor Dennis Wiedrick, as well as the murdering of youth in the city. Continues to this day.

August, 2006 – Cindy Jacobs' prophetic word at Niagara Falls:
"The Lord says look to the north of America to the Niagara Falls area, even in the Peace Bridge area for there is a hotbed of terrorism in that area... listen, anyone that lives along the northern borders of the United States, the very northern border, God is calling us to pray. God is calling for Canadians, God is calling for those in the U.S. Let us join hand to hand and let's intercede and let's protect our nation."

February, 2008 – Pastors from Niagara Falls, NY, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, gather to pray.

September, 2008 – 400+ pastors and intercessors from both sides of the border, including the mayors of Niagara Falls, NY and Ontario, gathered and prayed on the Rainbow Bridge, thus spanning the Niagara Gorge and linking two nations in prayer. This was in response to a prophetic word given by Cindy Jacobs in 2006.

May, 2009 – Chuck Pierce's prophetic word:
"…it will be known all over our nation that Buffalo and the waters of Niagara Falls are a sign of the river of God that has come into Buffalo. We thank you that even the power stations in the Buffalo area and in the Niagara area will begin to shift, and you will begin to activate new industry, and you will begin to move in a new way."

April 17, 2012 – Doug Addison's prophetic word:
"This month I keep feeling that there is something significant that is going to be centered right around the Niagara Falls area. God is releasing something new and powerful that will prove to be a dividing point for many who do not understand how God's power works."

May 15, 2012 – Kathie Walters' prophetic word:
"Many people have had visions of Niagara being a type of the next and last great move of the Spirit... Niagara is coming – it is close, closer than you think, and you are being drawn by His love and His power."

What are some lessons to be learned from Nik Wallenda?

1. Nik first dreamed of walking over Niagara Falls when his parents brought him here when he was 6. He stewarded the dream for 27 years, including years of training and planning, along with seemingly insurmountable obstacles and disappointments. Both the U.S. and Canada had to change their 128-year-old ban on Niagara Falls stunts. Divine dreams require persistence and endurance to complete successfully.

2. We were nervous when we heard that Nik Wallenda was going to perform in Niagara Falls. We were afraid that Nik might be added to the long list of visionaries that have come here and died, either literally or figuratively. But the season has changed. We cannot let the past paralyze our future. Although Nik fought it, ABC required that he be tethered throughout the walk. We believe the tether may be a prophetic picture—visionaries are safer when they are tethered (rightly aligned, connected to or partnering with) one another. We are better TOGETHER!

3. As Nik listened to the voice of his father, Terry, in his ear, he received the wisdom and encouragement he needed to complete his dream. Terry was also a veteran wire-walker with 36 years of experience. We have our Father's reassuring voice, as well as seasoned saints cheering us on. (Heb. 12)

4. Encouraged by the roar of the crowd as he got closer to land, Nik sprinted the final few steps. Nik finished well, as Scripture encourages us to do. But you may not hear the crowd's cheers until the end.

5. Even 'secular' news sources reported on Nik's faith in their coverage.

*Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press: "A Born-Again Christian, Wallenda said he stays calm on the wire by talking to God, quoting Scripture and praying."

*The Toronto Star: "His wife and three children held hands and prayed with him minutes before he began. …Prayer comes easily to Nik, a Born-Again Christian, who thanked God and Jesus out loud—and through his microphone to the world—for much of his 26-minute feat."

*Good Morning America, ABC directly asked Nik about his praying while he walked the wire. "I prayed non-stop. The Bible says to pray without ceasing and I'm always praying."

*Buffalo News: "Once the cameras were shut off, Wallenda walked around the park, picked up cigarette butts and tried to make sure the piles of trash left by media staffers were cleaned up."

We often criticize secular television for its lack of positive coverage of Christian events. But ABC took this to a far greater audience than Christian television could have. ABC – 13.1 million viewers. Canadian CTV television – 6.8 million viewers. Internet viewers estimated at over a billion people worldwide (Enigma Research). Could it be that God is positioning Christians to "know their God… and carry out great exploits"? (Daniel 11:32, NKJV)

What's next for Nik and for our region? Nik told the Buffalo News, "There will always be a piece of my heart in Niagara Falls… The truth is, I do see a future here and hope to have a show in this area and hope to spend more time here."

Nik, thank you for releasing a new spirit to dream and hope again throughout our region. Perhaps you succeeded even beyond your own lofty goals to 'inspire people.' On behalf of our cities, thank you Nik, for hearing God and persevering to walk it out!

"So there was great joy in that city." Acts 8:8
__________________

Revs. Al & Deb Warner are the founders and directors of Set Free Inc. Set Free is a networking ministry connecting business, governmental and church leaders for a Nehemiah-like rebuilding and transformation of our city. Al and Deb have over 30 years experience pastoring local churches and working as missionaries in Hong Kong. In 1997, God laid a burden on their heart to bring the regional church of greater Buffalo, NY, together. As they obeyed, God birthed their ministry, Set Free Inc. The Warners have led multiple prayer and training events over the years, including National Day of Prayer.

To contact them, email: info@setfreeinc.org

New Beginning

Saw this on facebook, just wanted to share here :)

Our Words can Heal or Destroy

by Christina Ryan Claypool


Words are a powerful tool. Some folks never learn just how powerful they are. Rather, by not guarding what they say, they spend their lives wreaking emotional havoc wherever they go. In explanation, loving words can heal a broken bond, while hurtful remarks could destroy a relationship forever. The importance of governing words is sometimes lost on those who grow up in dysfunction, like I did. We can become misguided individuals believing that as long as we aren’t physically abusing anyone, screaming, or cursing; that verbal attacks are acceptable.

What happened behind closed doors when we were children, is often not an acceptable role model for healthy communication. No matter our age, and regardless of how painful our past has been, it’s wrong to think that God allows His children to wound others. West central Ohio’s Pastor Randy Bargerstock shared this poignant truth in a message once. He said that there is a lie that some people believe that when they have been hurt, this gives them the right to hurt others.

The Bible contradicts this falsehood, “The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. But I tell you, on the Day of Judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, non-working) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, [or]…you will be condemned and sentenced.” Matthew 12:35-37

Not only will we be called to account for our words, but the kind of life that we live today is dependent on healthy communication. After all, Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].” In explanation, unchecked anger, lack of forgiveness, or bitterness, can drive us to say cruel things to others. In Matthew 12:34 we are told that, “…For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.”

“If we permit wrong thoughts [or motives] to dwell in our hearts, we will ultimately speak them. Whatever is hidden in our hearts will sooner or later be expressed openly through our mouths,” cautions Evangelist Joyce Meyer.

Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages also believes that words have great impact. He even identifies, “Words of Affirmation,” as a basic love language for some individuals. “One way to express love emotionally is to use words that build up,” explains the bestselling writer. “Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love,” adds Chapman.

However, sometimes relationships, and especially marriages, fall into a vicious cycle where partners exchange criticisms and complaints, instead of encouraging words. When a relationship reaches this point, author and speaker, Nancy Leigh DeMoss suggests fasting critical comments for 30 days to break the destructive pattern.

Because a man’s greatest need in relationship is respect, the harm of disrespectful words can cause great division. Since a woman’s primary need is for love, she will also begin to have damaged emotions from constant verbal criticism.

Biblical writer, James understood the power of words. “But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless…evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so.” James 3:8-10

We can’t tame our own tongues, but God can. After all, most of us realize that domestic violence is never acceptable often forgetting that verbal battering is another form of abuse. Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit to guard your mouth during disagreements. In addition, realize that you don’t have to raise your voice to be abusive. Rather a demeaning tone or the viciousness of accusatory words can break a loved one’s heart. I will honestly admit that I’m writing this, because controlling my words has been one of my greatest life struggles.

If you are like me, and you do feel yourself losing control, walk away from the situation, until you are able to deal with the confrontation more calmly. Also, apologize to those you have wounded in the past, assuring them that you are working on communicating more appropriately. Pray for wisdom, requesting God’s help in changing destructive verbal behavior. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure; then it is peace loving, courteous, (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits…” James 3:17

If you have read all of the above, then please watch this incredibly insightful, but very short video that millions of viewers have seen on YouTube. You will be amazed at how we say, what we say, affects our lives.

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Christina Ryan Claypool is a 1st place Amy Award winning freelance journalist and Christian speaker. She is the author of the book, Seeds of Hope for Survivors. Contact her through her Website at www.christinaryanclaypool.com

Letters to God

We've been watching faith inspirational movies lately. We rarely watch movies now because for one our television was broken and we can only watch in our computer (subject to movies we can play with it) I hope we can have our tv set replaced so I can watch movies again and maybe watch comfortably sitting in huge bean bags with buckets of popcorn :)..but that's me dreaming lang....

So anyways, last night we watch "Letters to God" and it made me cry a lot.

I used to do that, I write letters to God, though I don't mail them of course instead I write them on my notebook and I realize I miss doing that. Writing letters to God is actually praying, it's a written prayer.

I remember that when I'm feeling low, I write and I tell God how I feel but I also have letters thanking Him and praising Him for his goodness and love.

It helped me a lot, I don't know but during that stage of my life where I used to write letters to God, that's when I feel I am closest to HIM. It feels different. And it also  nice to once in a while go back and read your letters. I do that once in a while.

Now I wish I can go back to writing my letters to God again.