23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:23-25
God’s Word is a mirror. I’ve always heard that but today I really stopped to think about what that means.
In the physical realm, mirrors are really important. Regardless of whether you only look in the mirror in the bathroom as you brush your teeth in the morning or check the mirror in your purse every 30 minutes… if all the mirrors in the world were taken away, you’d probably get a little freaked out. Why? Because mirrors help us to understand ourselves better.
In fact, without a mirror, there’s actually no way for your eyes to know what you look like. Yes, you could see your arms and your legs, etc etc. But try and look directly at your face right now. … I'll wait.
Exactly. It’s impossible. Your eyes have never actually “seen” your face in the first place – you’ve only seen a reflection of your face in a mirror.
The Encounter [September 26]
Date: This Sunday, September 26thTime: 7-10pm
Location: Hope Christian Church (6251 Ammendale Rd, Beltsville, MD)
Admission: FREE!
If you're in the DC area, please be sure to check out The Encounter. It's an amazing event hosted by Brandon Camphor and One Way on every last Sunday of the month to unite young adult believers, worship God and promote righteous living. At each gathering a topic is highlighted through discussion and various performances.
Brandon Camphor invites you to "Join us this month as we continue on the topic of Relationships. Last month we had an intense yet enlightening time on this subject matter and so many questions were left unanswered so we will continue this month..."
Special Guests Include:
-Bona
-McAllister
-Brandon Camphor & OneWay
You don't wanna miss it!!
the Truth.
just a little something to ponder...
(stay encouraged).
Ephesians 1:3-14
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
(stay encouraged).
Ephesians 1:3-14
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Our Country tis of thee...
Almighty Father, Worthy Lamb and Spirit of God I pray that the words that follow transplant hearts, renew minds and restore souls unto your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last week was one of the most painful spiritual battles of my life. I mean I kept sinning over and over and felt powerless, weak, abandoned and just plain cold. I kept imagining vain things and was actually questioning whether this whole "christian walk-thing" was for real. Lecrae once hollered in a song "satan is a beast" and now I understand. He wants you to get into that funk where you start seeing the world's actions as normal and the christian life as an impossible triathlon with no real prize at the end.
The battle rages on furiously and deception is is his best tool. This WAR is not for the faint of heart. Everywhere I turn my past entices and coos me. I know better but my flesh seems to overpower me at times. "Just one more thought, just one more day, just one more taste"....ugh. I know it is said "revenge is the Lord's" but Jesus if I meet Satan face to face I don't know if i could be civil. I felt like I was in the jaws of death (i can't be too explicit but it was deep) it was only the saving hand of our gracious Lord that saved me. Romans 8:38-39 strengthens me though check it out.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last week was one of the most painful spiritual battles of my life. I mean I kept sinning over and over and felt powerless, weak, abandoned and just plain cold. I kept imagining vain things and was actually questioning whether this whole "christian walk-thing" was for real. Lecrae once hollered in a song "satan is a beast" and now I understand. He wants you to get into that funk where you start seeing the world's actions as normal and the christian life as an impossible triathlon with no real prize at the end.
The battle rages on furiously and deception is is his best tool. This WAR is not for the faint of heart. Everywhere I turn my past entices and coos me. I know better but my flesh seems to overpower me at times. "Just one more thought, just one more day, just one more taste"....ugh. I know it is said "revenge is the Lord's" but Jesus if I meet Satan face to face I don't know if i could be civil. I felt like I was in the jaws of death (i can't be too explicit but it was deep) it was only the saving hand of our gracious Lord that saved me. Romans 8:38-39 strengthens me though check it out.
God be glorified... by any means necessary
Hey there. For those who don't know me, my name is Nia. Not that knowing my name would help you to know me any better... but the story that follows most definitely will. Just a heads up, it's a very sin-filled story. But thankfully it has become a God-glorying story. It's my testimony. I posted it to Facebook a few months back, but I'm sharing it here as well and asking that God would use it to bless you and prepare your heart to fully receive Him.
Posted on Facebook on 7/28/10 at 8:23PM, entitled "the story of my life: uncensored, uncut and unedited":
I spend a lot of time on Facebook declaring God’s goodness and His redemptive power, but I don’t think I’ve ever shared what God has rescued me from, publicly on Facebook. So here it goes. Behind every saint is a story. And mine is, ha. Let’s just say God’s grace is SO amazing and He is the only reason that I am where I am today.
Posted on Facebook on 7/28/10 at 8:23PM, entitled "the story of my life: uncensored, uncut and unedited":
I spend a lot of time on Facebook declaring God’s goodness and His redemptive power, but I don’t think I’ve ever shared what God has rescued me from, publicly on Facebook. So here it goes. Behind every saint is a story. And mine is, ha. Let’s just say God’s grace is SO amazing and He is the only reason that I am where I am today.
Open Mic Night at Pitt [September 24]
TIME: 8pm-12am
LOCATION: David Lawrence Auditorium (at University of Pittsburgh)
FREE ADMISSION!
Featuring: Some Of Gods Children Gospel Choir, Anointed Steps of Faith, BLN, our very own blogger BRIANNA KENT :) as well as miming, dancing, spoken word and more. ALSO hear the testimony of the guest speaker Minister DANIELLE WILLIAMS a FORMER PORN STAR, STRIPPER, AND PROSTITUTE who is NOW AN ORDAINED MINISTER!
There will be FOOD, RAFFLES, PRIZES, and FUN so come join Ambassadors For Christ (AFC) as we kick off the new semester!
JUST LIKE JESUS: A Heart Like JESUS
JUST LIKE JESUS by Max Lucado
Special thanks to Elder Elisha B. Morris,
Director of Christian Education, for making this available
What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you?
What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, livesin your house, assumes your schedule? Your boss becomes his boss, your motherbecomes his mother, your pains become his pains? With one exception, nothing aboutyour life changes. Your health doesn’t change. Your circumstances don’t change. Yourschedule isn’t altered. Your problems aren’t solved. Only one change occurs.
What if, for one day and one night, Jesus lives your life with his heart? Your heart gets the day off, and your life is led by the heart of Christ. His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior.
What would you be like? Would people notice a change? Your family—would theysee something new? Your coworkers—would they sense a difference? What about theless fortunate? Would you treat them the same? And your friends? Would they detectmore joy? How about your enemies? Would they receive more mercy from Christ’s heartthan from yours?
And you? How would you feel? What alterations would this transplant have on your stress level? Your mood swings? Your temper? Would you sleep better? Would you see sunsets differently? Death differently? Taxes differently? Any chance you’d need fewer aspirin or sedatives? How about your reaction to traffic delays? (Ouch, that touched a nerve.) Would you still dread what you are dreading? Better yet, would you still do what you are doing?
3PFD Album Release Party [October 2]
For more details on the release party [click here]
To hear some of the tracks check out 3PFD's [myspace page]
And just for kicks here's an [album review] from dasouth.com. Maybe I'm a little hype because Evan goes to my church. Who knows. But check it out and stop by the release party if you're in Pittsburgh area. It's free!
Presence 2010: Designed To Worship 2 [October 12-16]
Come out and experience God's presence through worship, workshops, and sermons. NIGHT SESSIONS ARE FREE! And featuring musical guest ISRAEL HOUGHTON on the night of Wednesday, October 12th.
Keep in mind that the morning and afternoon sessions require paid registration, but the night sessions DO NOT require registration and are completely FREE. Night sessions will be PACKED so just be sure to arrive EARLY (or at least on time :-])
For more details on the scheduled speakers and musical guests [click here].
House of Chayah Ministries [September 25]
This saturday, September 25th, House of Chayah will be hold its monthly Rap Session [DETAILS HERE]. This month's guest speaker will be....Sean Finch!! Come out and reason with us once again as we discuss different topics appropriate for todays Young Adults. Now, I have attended twice in the past few months and will gladly be attending on this coming saturday. Below are some video previews of the WONDERFUL WORSHIP.
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