An Idea for Ministry

Hello Everyone, I'm back from spending Thanksgiving with my mom and step-dad. They're wonderful Christian people, and we spent the day before and Thanksgiving Day feeding the homeless a full dinner. We did it through a ministry that feeds people every Wednesday at a park where a lot of homeless people go. It was a great experience. First we sang, then a man who was once homeless and is now a pastor gave a short message. We also passed out "hygiene kits" to those who wanted them, which I thought was a great idea. It's just a ziplock bag with a washcloth, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, soap, and a couple other items along with a few snacks and a drink. It was a great conversation starter, and as we gave them out we asked if they needed prayer. Many did, and we prayed with them right then and there for whatever their most pressing needs were. We also had warm clothing, scarves and blankets. I got to pray with several people and one I talked with at length about his heroin addiction. He had previously been clean eight years and a believer. I should restate that. He still believes, it's his walk he's having trouble with. We also took some boxed lunches that we made by assembly line and drove up and down the streets giving out meals to people who looked like they could use them.
What a great way to minister, I thought. I took some of the bags with me and gave them away downtown before I even got home. I have to say that it was such a blessing to me to be able to help in a concrete way without worrying that the money I'm giving someone will just go to further their addiction. And, like I said, it's a good way to start a conversation about our Lord, which is the main mission in all of this. I'm going to talk to my church about setting up a ministry like this. I'm sure if we put a box in the foyer with a list of what we need, people would donate. Then we could go out in pairs on the street or in a group at one of the parks. I don't recommend interacting by one's self for safety's sake. I'm so excited I can't wait to start! I'll let you all know what happens with this from time to time.

The Story Of Mark and Sunny

Sunny and Mark
A real story about family, love, citizenship and loved ones being wrongly deported.

This is about love, family, immigration, a couple wrongly deported out of the country and a family split up. Our family is comprised of Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Christians, Catholics, Agnostics and many other denominations. Some believe in closed borders, some believe in open borders. We do however, all agree that the situation with my Son Mark and his wife (my daughter-in-law) Sunny (Kaesun) is an injustice. If anyone knows anyone, who knows anyone, who can help - please pass this on. This story has affected hundreds of South Korean immigrants that thought they had come here legally. They lived here for decades, got jobs, got degrees, went to school, only to be deported from a country and life they love.
A Letter Written by a Dear Friend

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing you regarding an extremely urgent matter. This crisis is not showing up on the news, but should, as it is affecting hundreds of wonderful South Korean immigrants and their friends and family.

Over 20 years ago, three corrupt men, a U.S. immigration supervisor (Leland Sustaire) and two immigration brokers, committed crimes that threaten to deport (or in some cases, already have deported) 275 innocent South Korean immigrants. These greedy brokers were found guilty of bribing Leland Sustaire, who accepted the bribes, and authorized the fraudulent green cards.

Kaesun Song Douglas (lovingly known as Sunny, now wrongly known as alien #A47054690 in Eloy Detention Center), is a brilliant, loving, and honest young woman who began her life in America as a 10 year old immigrant. Her family believed that everything was done legally, and even Daniel Lee, the corrupt broker, has stated that his clients did not know of the bribery and fraud. Regardless, it is 100% unjust that a girl filled with dreams, who arrived in this wonderful country at the age of 10 should be uprooted from the life she has worked so hard to build, over 20 years later!

Not only was Sunny an innocent child through the immigration process, but she is in love with and married to her sweetheart of over five years, who is an American man! I see NO possible explanation for her deportation. The last conversation I had with her before she was snatched from her home, she was discussing her plans for graduate school and how she was excited about the idea of having children and starting a family in the next couple years.

The men who committed the crimes have done their time (please see attached article from the LA Times which contains more information).They have stated that their immigrant clients are innocent. These professionals, families, students, and outstanding AMERICANS have spent 20 years building their lives in this country.
They came to this country for a better life. They came to this country to be here for all the reasons we love being Americans. They came to this country because we as a people believe in justice. Ripping an amazing young woman like Sunny away from her husband, education, friends and entire life is utterly and undeniably wrong. Please don’t let me, and everyone whose lives have been touched by Sunny and the many others in her position, lose faith in the justice for which this country stands.
Please, I know you are busy, but anything you can do to help will never be forgotten. Sunny has been torn from her friends and family, is being detained in Arizona, and faces deportation as soon as tomorrow.
Sincerely,

Melissa

*Update

- Sunny was deported to South Korea from her detention center. My son Mark joined his wife in South Korea and they both are trying to gain her acceptance back into the United States.

-Sunny is also juggling her full-time job and taking her last two classes online through San Jose State University in order to earn her degree.

*More Background Information

My daughter-in-law ( Sunny ) Kaesun Song Douglas ( A#47054690 )
came to this country when she was 10 with her Mom and her brother
with visas. She went to school and worked her way through San Jose
State University. In 1986 there was a scam that was started by 2
Korean Brokers (who some of 275 South Koreans had met at church).
These 2 brokers said they would get legal help for these people-for a
fee-and these South Koreans were naive. Instead of getting legal help,
the brokers bribed an INS Supervisor who ended up getting $500,000 for
giving out green cards to these 275 South Koreans. The INS Supervisor
finally, in 1998 turned himself in and testified against the brokers, and
because of that he received a $7,500 fine-6 months in a halfway house-
and 6 months home confinement at his ranch in Tracy. He had burned
all the records previously.

The government told the South Koreans they
had to prove their innocence-which of course they couldn't do because
all the records were burned.

So Sunny is a victim of this whole scandal.
Sunny and my son Mark Douglas were married on 4/01/09. She
immediately became a wonderful part of our family, we all love her
tremendously. She is a sweet, caring, positive, fun person to be with.
I have never heard her say anything negative (except when she was
in the detention center in Eloy,Arizona-she was terrified).

Absolutely everyone I have ever spoken to, thinks this is one of the most unjust
situations they have ever heard of. Congressional Representatives
asked the DOJ to please take these deportations on a case by case
basis. Obviously they did not or Sunny would still be here.
She was in her last semester at San Jose State University
(had previously been on the dean's list-with a great GPA),
was on her way to her car to go to school and was picked up by
INS-on 8/31/10 and taken into custody. She was sent the next day to
the detention center in Eloy,Arizona and was deported on 9/21/10.
Sunny was here for 22 years and was a child when the scam happened.
She should not be responsible for what others did,especially 3 corrupt people.

Sunny loves this country and feels in her heart - this is her country.
Posted by Ms.Jeffry Elaine Douglas

Even as I walk through darkness, #I'm so thankful

There's so much in this country and world that angers me. If you're reading this, we probably share some the same issues. The world around us grows more evil by the day, including those who are supposed to lead us. I've never heard of so many children and infants being killed by their own parents. Then we have the Muslims starting a reality show on TLC, deceiving the uneducated. I could go on and on, and probably will in the days to come, because the issues we don't discuss and plan to enlighten people about leave us guilty by our silence.
Last night I awoke from a nightmare, and was immediately soothed by God's presence when I prayed. It occurred to me that although we are surrounded by this world of darkness and despair, as God's children we have much to be thankful for. And as it is Thanksgiving week, we would do well to remember these things both big and small.

So I started a list using #I'm so thankful. If each of us could contribute a few things, we can share our hope, faith and thankfulness with each another. Here's what I've got so far:


#I'm so thankful God's people once again inhabit Israel, the land that He gave them.

#I'm so thankful "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9

#I'm so thankful "In the morning, O lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in
expectation." Psalm 5:3

#I'm so thankful that God even knows the number of hairs on our head.

#I'm so thankful we live under the New Covenant.

#I'm so thankful for each new day that allows me another chance to share God's love.

#I'm so thankful for the jump-up-and-down, tail wagging show of joy that my dogs give me when I come home.

#I'm so thankful that though my body struggles with illness, my mind remains clear.

#I'm so thankful for the mercy and peace that comes from my Father.

#I'm so thankful for the roof over my head and warm blankets to pull up to my chin.

#I'm so thankful for this place where I can hear encouraging words from others that believe as I do.

#I'm so thankful that in this country my faith is not grounds for jail or death.

#I'm so thankful for God's unconditional love.

@vaibk Vaibhav Khare RT @SuzieTors #I'm so thankful for God's unconditional love.

#I'm so thankful that I have adult children that I can be proud of.

#I'm so thankful that when I wake from a bad dream, my heavenly Father is right there to comfort me.

No Christmas at White House this year

White House will not do Christmas!        Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House..  This isn't a rumor; this is a fact.     A very talented artist for several years has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The WH sends out an invitation  to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year.     She  got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees. And, to please not send any ornaments painted   with a religious theme. She was very  upset at this development and sent back a reply telling  them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas.     Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the  future of America . If you missed is statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us  away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible.     Just another step toward turning America away from Christianity!     We should shout to the highest hills that the White House is ours - not the Obama's, and 85% of Americans believe in Christ (Christmas)

From my Mom and worth passing on

FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD

Twas the Month before Christmas  Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. Why the PC Police had taken away The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ' Holiday'. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears  You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday! Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet MERRY CHRISTMAS Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!  If you agree please forward, if not, simply delete.

Coming to a High School Near You

Religion News  You're here » News Main Index » Religion News Religion News  Holocaust/Abortion Movie, Coming to a School Near You by Staff November 7, 2011 Like This Page? LOS ANGELES, (christiansunite.com) -- A free DVD of the award-winning viral movie "180" may be coming to a high school near you. The creator of www.180movie.com, Ray Comfort, said "180 received over a million views in 22 days, because it's 'shocking.' It opens with 14 people (mainly college students) who have no idea of the identity of Adolf Hitler. One reviewer said, 'So, what's a pretty good documentary could have been even stronger without the fools early on.' Perhaps those who are quick to call these students fools lack perception themselves. These young people are rather ignorant as to perhaps the darkest period of human history, because the American education system has failed them." Late last month, between 180,000 and 200,000 copies of the 33-minute DVD were given out at 100 of America's top universities, and now the Jewish author and TV co-host is turning his attention to high schools. "No doubt some will say that Holocaust education isn't appropriate for high school kids. However, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum says that the appropriate age is '11 years of age and older.' Nelly Silagy Benedek, Director of Education, The Jewish Museum (New York) agrees: 'From my experience, the best age to introduce students to the topic of the Holocaust is in high school.'" In 2004, approximately 125,000 students visited the Washington D.C.'s United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Sixty-four percent were middle school students (ages 11-14), 35% were high school students (ages 15-18), and less than 1% were elementary students. The public school guideline for education says: "Given the repetitive nature of the teaching of history in the United States (i.e., U.S. history is taught at ages 10, 13, and 16), it can be assumed that students will encounter the Holocaust in both middle and high school." Education about the Holocaust isn't mandatory in the U.S. "In the United States, the 50 individual states, not the federal government, are primarily responsible for education policy. Therefore, there is no national curriculum or course of study on the Holocaust that has been created by the government of the United States. Five states have enacted laws requiring the teaching of the Holocaust." Comfort added, "It's evident that many of the States aren't bothering to teach kids about one of the darkest periods of human history. I am concerned that we may become like the U.K. where some schools dropped teaching about the Holocaust for fear of offending Moslems, some of whom deny that the Holocaust even happened. This is more than a travesty, so we are giving hundreds of thousands of kids a free documentary that received more than a million views on YouTube in 22 days. We have already started locally, and they are going like hot cakes on a cold winter's day." The "180" movie has been criticized by some because it compares the Holocaust to American abortion. Comfort said, "The amazing thing is that people who watch it, change from pro-abortion to pro-life. We have received thousands of emails from people, many of whom have changed while watching the movie." Here are some of many: "We both voted for a pro-choice president the last election. After watching this documentary he said to me in tears that he was wrong. We have had our minds changed about who we vote for." "THANK YOU! ... I'll be spreading the word about 180!! And I NEVER will vote for a candidate that is pro-choice or anything close to it." "I have showed this to almost all my friends, and even the very atheist or very liberal ones have changed their views!" "I have always been pro-life, but have voted for presidents that are not. When the part came up about standing up for the innocent, it opened my eyes. I will never vote like that again. Thank you so much." "THANK YOU for changing my mind on how I view abortion and how I plan on voting in the future." "I was always pro-choice and now I am pro-life after watching such a powerful video." "It changed my mind and made me aware that I've got to make a stand on this issue." "From someone that has been Pro-choice this video changed my view on life completely." "This movie has changed my heart! I stopped after the movie and just repented [to] God for my forgiveness." "I used to vote pro-choice. I will not ever do so again. EVER." "Hey, my name is Aubrey and I'm a senior at a public high school in West Virginia. This past week in our civics class we were writing essays about laws that we wish would change in America. After seeing this video I choose to do mine on abortion, and how I wished it would be illegal. After I had finished reading my essay, a discussion arose in class (obviously) about how they thought abortion should be a choice, especially if the child is unhealthy or was caused because of rape. But once we started to compare it to Hitler and the Jews every ones minds started to change. I just wanted to let you know, and say thank you for doing what you do! Because of 180 I was able to turn around the entire class opinion about abortion and by the end of the class 25 of the 25 students and my teacher as well had all raised their hand agreeing that abortion should be illegal." Please scroll down one more time for movie! Discuss this article in the ChristiansUnite Discussion Forums Back to Religion News Headlines After the above endorsements, there's not too much I have to add, except that I hope that you will take the time to watch this.  I've always been pro-life with a few reservations.  It seemed to me that  in certain cases it would be warranted, but my mind has been changed as well.

Pray that Persecuted Christians Will Stand Strong through the Storm

Pray that Persecuted Christians Will Stand Strong through the Storm:

'via Blog this'

2011 World Watch List

2011 World Watch List:

'via Blog this'

Okay, so I'm a little different...

How's this for weirdness... I'm probably one of the last few adults in America that does not have a cell phone.
This is by choice, although I may be changing my mind soon because there are a lot of times I would like to access the web while I'm not at home.
When I was 19, I took off on my own on an adventure.  I made a clean break with my family, or so I thought at the time.  I traveled by car up from northern CA to Reno, where I had lived at one time and have awesome memories of. As I traveled downstate, my car broke down and I started hitchhiking.  I wound up on the border of Mexico and with the last of my money rented a 2.00 a night hotel room.  Lucky for me, there was a carnival on the American side, and they hired me.  I traveled with them for three months, and I'd been gone for six when a very kind man convinced me that at least I should call my mother and let her know I was okay.  I did, and as it was getting pretty cold sleeping under the ride platforms at night, I went to my mom's for a few months before moving here, now twenty five years ago.
The whole point of this long story is that I truly enjoyed feeling somewhat like a ghost. I even changed my name on my driver's license.  You could do that then; I don't know about now.
But there are times that I like to escape.  Maybe just sit in a parking lot for a few hours and read and -poof- it's like being free again, though I'd never go away again.  I love my kids too much!
Anyway, that's one of the reasons I've never wanted to be instantly accessible to everyone.  Like I said, this now poses a bit of a problem because if I'm going to gone from home, I have no way of coming online.
You know, I could always just turn the thing off, but then people would say, "I've been trying to call you...grrrr."  Oh! I could always forget to charge it.
Anyway, all this to say I'm going to be away from home a few days.  But I will definitely be back!

Our Deliverer is coming

My Deliverer- video below

This is a beautiful song by Rich Mullins, who has since passed away.  I hope you'll take a moment and click on the link and watch it.  I had a really bad nightmare last night and I felt a lot better after watching this.  There is so much evil in this world, it can be very discouraging.  But we have a Deliverer, and He is coming.  This world will flash by in the blink of an eye and we will go home, where there will be no more pain or suffering.

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

In the video there are some graphic pictures of suffering.  We all wonder why God allows it?  I'm no theologian, but in this world, if there were no wrongs, how would God ever see what we will do about it?
A word about prayer.
Sometimes it seems like saying, well, I'll pray about this or that seems like a trite response.  But think about it for a moment.  What could be more powerful than asking the God who created the universe to step in and help?  We don't need to be eloquent, just sincere.  He hears our prayers that come from the gut.
If it's a person in our life (rather than an issue) that needs prayer, why not take their hand and pray with them right then and there rather than promising to do it later?  Praying together with someone who needs it is a powerful thing.

My prayer for today:  Father, please reach down and comfort those who are hurting. Let us feel your presence today in all we do.  For those who are being persecuted for their faith, would you reach down and wrap your arms around them and give them the strength to endure, and let them feel your love.  In the name of your son, Jesus, amen.

These OWS protests...

It's been too long since I've written anything.  I haven't been feeling well physically, but it's been more than that.
 Some of the things that have been going on at the OWS protests have upset me.  I know that there's a lot of anger out there; I'm angry myself at the way our country is going.  That's why I support the Tea Party.  Our country has problems, sure; we need less government, less restrictions, and we need to return to a sense of personal responsibility.  And we need a strong leader.
The protesters seem to be calling for a form of communism and we know from history that it's not the answer.

 But it was the picture of a man defecating on the American flag shook me to my soul.

I realize that it's only a symbol, but it's the symbol of the country I that I love. I felt such pride on a boat on the Sea of Galilee when they raised our flag and played our national anthem.  I still put my hand on my heart when I sing it.  I loved my time in Israel, but when our plane touched down in LA, I began to applaud, and soon most of my fellow passengers joined in.  Being in the middle east caused me to cherish my country even more, and I was glad to be home.
Then there was Oakland.  It was the large fire set in the middle of the street along with people breaking windows and spray painting on buildings is why the tear gas was deployed. Some in the media have made it appear that the police reacted in a way that was out of line, but it was turning into a riot.  Peaceful protest is one thing, rioting is another all together.  I think if this situation goes on much longer, I think that we're going to see more of it.  These demonstrations aren't changing anything; they don't even agree on what it is they want.  They have the right to march, peacefully gather, but I don't understand why these tent cities are being allowed to stand.  Women are being raped and told to keep quiet.  I can't support that.  I can't support mob rule.  When I listen to what they have to say, so much of it is in ignorance of reality.  Counter protest would only lead to more violence.  I think it's time for the cities to step in and enforce their ordinances about overnight camping in parks, etc., and I think it will lose it's steam.

All this is an excellent reason why we need to win young people to Christ.  The younger generation is lacking in meaning and direction.  They're searching for something, and the only thing that satisfies over the long term is a relationship with God.  I've been writing lately about Christians that are being persecuted and even killed for their faith.  Imagine if our youth-and many of them are, don't get me wrong- turned their hearts to evangelism instead of marching in the streets?  Then we would see something worthwhile accomplished.
We each of us have young people in our lives.  Let's get them involved.  Give them opportunity to talk to us, and listen to what they have to say.  Ask them, "Can I pray for you?"  Explain what we believe; that we have a Messiah that through his sacrifice on the cross, we have forgiveness for sin, and we can each of us be a new creation.  Invite them to go places with you and show them the love that comes from God.  Love speaks volumes.  And ask them to church.  You'd be surprised at how many times they will go.
They are crying out for love.  Let's give it to them.

As Predicted, Violence Escalating Among 'Occupiers' - Fox News Video - Fox News

As Predicted, Violence Escalating Among 'Occupiers' - Fox News Video - Fox News:

'via Blog this'

I realize this is a few days old, but worth posting anyway for those who haven't seen it.

Islamic extremists behead 17-year-old Christian in Somalia

Religion News

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Islamic extremists behead 17-year-old Christian in Somalia

by Staff
October 31, 2011 

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(christiansunite.com) - Al Shabaab militants murdered a teenage boy on September 25 after monitoring Bible studies hosted by the boy's family near Mogadishu, says a journalist in the Somali capital.

Islamic militants began watching the family of Guled Jama Muktar after the family arrived in the country from Kenya in 2008. "I personally know this family as Christians who used to have secret Bible meetings in their house," the source said.

According to witnesses, al Shabaab members arrived at Guled's home at 6 a.m. while he was getting ready for school and his parents were already at work at an area market. "The neighbours heard screaming coming from the house, and then it immediately stopped," the source said. The neighbours informed the parents, who quickly returned home to bury their son fearing further violence. The family then fled.

This latest killing is not an isolated occurrence. A mother of four was brutally killed for her Christian faith in January, a young Christian man was shot dead this past spring, and a kidnapped Christian convert's decapitated body was found in September. Muslim extremists from al Shabaab, which has ties to al Qaeda, control the south and centre areas of the country. Al Shabaab has been designated a terrorist organization by several western governments.

Please pray that the family of Guled would find peace and rest in the Lord and that their faith would remain strong despite this loss. Pray that al Shabaab would be thwarted in their efforts to harm and kill Christians and that God's love and protection would surround His faithful followers in Somalia. Pray for lasting peace in this war-torn nation.

To post a prayer of solidarity with those mourning the loss of Guled, go to our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall. To learn more about persecution in Somalia, please visit www.persecution.net/somalia.htm.

Discuss this article in the ChristiansUnite Discussion Forums


Executed for being a Christian and holding Bible studies in his home...

Please lift this family up in prayer as they are fleeing for their lives.

Faith like a child

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.  He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

The faith of children is a beautiful sight to behold.  They don't question the truth of what they're told; they want details, perhaps- will my dog go to heaven?- but their belief is unquestioning.  Maybe that's why Jesus said "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck." Mark 9:42

As we grow older, the more cynical we become.  We turn things over and over in our minds, wanting proof, wanting to see with our own eyes.

But blessed is the one who receives the kingdom like a child, with unwavering faith.

Remember the Roman Centurion who came to Jesus to ask for help?
"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, " I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith." Matthew 8:8-10 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."  And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Faith is essential.  Because if we don't first believe, how can anything else happen?

Prayer: Father, help us to have the faith of a child.  Open up our hearts that we may wholeheartedly believe.
Grant us the kind of faith that believes that You will always love and be there for us, day and night, when we sleep and when we wake.  Help us share that faith with our families, friends and coworkers, that they may know the love You have for us.  In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Living Water

Psalm 63:1

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you, in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

Our bodies can live for only a few days without water; we all know that it's vital to sustain our lives.

For many years I have had an illness that at times does not allow me to retain anything I take into my

stomach, even the smallest sip of water. After about 24 hours, I begin to crave it so intensely that I will

swish it in my mouth just for the taste of it. My lips begin to crack and I can think of almost nothing

else but the need for water. This is when I must return to the hospital and receive fluids in an IV.

The world we live in is a “dry and weary land” for our souls. In this world, just as surely as I need

water to sustain my body, I need spiritual water to sustain my soul. Jesus said in John 4:14, “but

whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” I know that when life gets hectic and I don't spend the

time drinking the spiritual water that comes from spending time with God through prayer, reading the

Word and worship, my soul begins to dehydrate as surely as my body does. Just as quickly, too.

Prayer: Father, please refresh my soul with the living water that only you can give. Help me this day

to listen to Your Spirit's promptings that I may bring You to others that they may drink as well.