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Dear Friends-
I hope this email finds you happy and at peace.
Dear Friends, I ask that you spend some time praying for those people in your life who support you- your "go to" people. Every time we need to get something off your chests, these are the people whose shoulders we rest our problems on. Most times, they're there for us with strong shoulders to lean on and an open ear. But what happens when they need help? Who's there for the ones who give us wise counsel?
God put those special people in our lives to bring us comfort and support. If they're listening and helping with our issues, they're probably doing the same thing for someone else. Call and check on them sometime. They may say, "all is well" but they need to know that someone cares enough to ask. Thank God for these "go to" people and pray that the Lord is hearing whatever they stand in need of.
If you're reading this and you are the "go to" person, I pray for you. I pray you receive the peace and reassurance that others seek from you. God has gifted you with wise counsel and the responsibility is great. I pray that your spirit remains light and your steps remain quick as you carry out the Lord's work with your advice. No matter how tired or frustrated you feel, there is no one who can give you the peace that God can. The ones who try, they may become frustrated because they don't know how to help; the ones who think they're helping, may not be. "Under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all ( Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Your gift of vision and advice was given to you to share with God's people, not necessarily to receive. Your purpose in life is to draw men closer to him and God wants His light to shine and illuminate the darkness.
I pray that God renews your spirit quickly, so you can move forward and do His work.
Stay blessed,
K.
Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
God will do His part if you do yours!
Dear Friends-
I hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy some relaxation with family and friends this weekend. As part of my studies, I re-read the story of Moses and the Pharoah (which is included in summary form below). There are so many lessons we could learn from this story but during the Lenten season, I'd like us to review it again, focusing on our relationships with God.
Somethimes, we have difficult moments in our lives and we reach out to God to deliver us from our situations. Just like the Pharoah, we promise God not to commit "certain sins" if He relieves us from our pain. "Lord, if you deliver me from this, I promise to stop being so judgemental" or "I promise to be a more understanding wife" or "I promise to stop ignoring my family".
And just like Pharoah, as soon as our situation improves, we go right back to doing the same things we promised God we wouldn't do. Does this sound familiar?
Similar to the story of the Pharoah, our problems become worse and worse everytime we break those promises to God. We can't continue to keep asking for forgiveness and WILLFULLY continue those same sins we promised to stop committing.
As you search your hearts this Lenten season, think of any "issues" you've been struggling with. Ask the Lord to help you stand firm and keep your promise. He knows that we're not strong enough to resist temptation by ourselves but if we ask, in earnest, He will deliver us and reward us for our obedience.
In the meantime, stay blessed and have a wonderful weekend!
K.
Exodus Chapters 5-12 (Moses and Pharoah)
When Moses and his brother Aaron got to Egypt the Lord told them what to do. He said, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. He will be very stubborn and it will take many signs and miracles before he will let you go; but everyone will know that I am God when he finally frees the Israelites."
So they did what God asked and they went to see Pharaoh. In front of Pharaoh Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake (just as God told Moses it would).
Pharaoh didn't look surprised at all, he actually just smiled at Moses and Aaron. Without a word he snapped his fingers and a minute later three men walked in. Pharaoh whispered in one of the men's ears, and he nodded and spoke quietly to the others.
All at the same time they threw the staffs they were carrying to the ground and they became snakes, just like Moses and Aaron's. They turned and looked at each other with disappointment. They realized that these men were Pharaoh's magicians.
Just as Moses was feeling defeated his snake swallowed up all of the other snakes. This made Moses smile, surely Pharaoh would let them go now. But Pharaoh didn't seem to care, he shook his head and said, "Nice try, but the Israelites belong to me, and they work for Egypt I will not let them go."
Moses left disappointed, but excited to talk to God about what they would do next. After all God told them that it wouldn't be easy. So when God spoke next, they listened well, "Pharaoh's heart is hard, he's still not going to change his mind. Go see him tomorrow morning, he didn't listen today but I will continue to show him that I am God."
With their instructions from God, Moses and Aaron met Pharaoh the next morning. Aaron explained to Pharaoh, "Because you still won't listen God is going to change all the water in Egypt into blood. The fish will die, the river will stink, and none of the Egyptians will be able to drink it."
Pharaoh smiled and said, "Go ahead." So Aaron did what the Lord told him and put his staff into the water and it turned to blood. Pharaoh seemed a little surprised but he summoned his magicians and they also turned the water into blood. With that, Pharaoh's heart became hard, and he turned and walked back to his palace.
All the fish died, and the water smelled so bad, no matter where you were you could smell it. Can you imagine turning on your tap at home and having blood come out, what about having a bath, or even the water in your toilet. Of course the Egyptians didn't have sinks and toilets back then, but they still used water to drink, to make food, and to clean with.
After a whole week of this Pharaoh still wouldn't let the people go. But his magicians couldn't turn the blood back into water either. The Lord instructed Aaron and Moses to go see Pharaoh once again and He told them, "Tell Pharaoh to let my people go. If he refuses to let them go, I will plague the whole country with frogs."
They did as God asked and Pharaoh once again refused to let the people go. So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frogs came up and covered everything. They really were everywhere! In the stoves where they cooked, in their beds, and they even jumped on the people.
The magicians could also make frogs appear - but this would be the last time that their magic would work. After a day of this Pharaoh couldn't take it anymore and he called for Moses and Aaron.
He begged Moses, "Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go." So Moses prayed to the Lord, and all the frogs died. But when Pharaoh saw that all the frogs were dead, he was relieved and he hardened his heart and changed his mind.
There were many other plagues that followed: Gnats and flies, all the livestock got sick and died, the Egyptians were covered in sores, hail came down and killed all the crops, locusts came and ate all the grass and everything green, and then there was complete darkness. Nobody left their homes because they couldn't even see where they were going.
With each of these plagues Pharaoh said he'd let the Israelites go if God put things back to normal, but then he kept changing his mind. You'd think he would've learned his lesson and let the Israelites go. God doesn't give up.
You may have felt sorry for the Israelites during all these plagues, but God made sure they were not touched by them. Only the Pharaoh and 'his people' the Egyptians went through these terrible times. The Israelites lived a little ways away, and God kept them safe, and put a pretend wall around them so none of the plagues could come to them.
If you thought all the other plagues were bad, there was one last plague (the tenth plague) that was way worse than any of the others. The Lord told them, "This will be the last plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, after this they will let you go. Around midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, even the son of Pharaoh, and there will be great sadness." Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh, but he refused to listen.
The Lord had special instructions for Moses and Aaron, so that the Israelites would be sure to stay safe during this last plague. He told them, "The Israelites must kill their best sheep or goat. Then they are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and tops of the doors on their houses.
On that same night I will pass through Egypt like a ghost and take the life from every first born. If I see blood on the doorway that will be a sign for me to pass over the house and keep all who are inside safe.
This day will always be known as the Passover, because you were passed over and kept safe by God. You will continue to celebrate this day for many years." They were also to eat unleavened bread This would always remind them of the hurry that they left Egypt in.
Now you have to remember Pharaoh could have stopped all this a long time ago. God gave him many opportunities to let the Israelites go, but he would not listen. Unfortunately God had to teach Pharaoh a lesson and He did what He said He would do.
I hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy some relaxation with family and friends this weekend. As part of my studies, I re-read the story of Moses and the Pharoah (which is included in summary form below). There are so many lessons we could learn from this story but during the Lenten season, I'd like us to review it again, focusing on our relationships with God.
Somethimes, we have difficult moments in our lives and we reach out to God to deliver us from our situations. Just like the Pharoah, we promise God not to commit "certain sins" if He relieves us from our pain. "Lord, if you deliver me from this, I promise to stop being so judgemental" or "I promise to be a more understanding wife" or "I promise to stop ignoring my family".
And just like Pharoah, as soon as our situation improves, we go right back to doing the same things we promised God we wouldn't do. Does this sound familiar?
Similar to the story of the Pharoah, our problems become worse and worse everytime we break those promises to God. We can't continue to keep asking for forgiveness and WILLFULLY continue those same sins we promised to stop committing.
As you search your hearts this Lenten season, think of any "issues" you've been struggling with. Ask the Lord to help you stand firm and keep your promise. He knows that we're not strong enough to resist temptation by ourselves but if we ask, in earnest, He will deliver us and reward us for our obedience.
In the meantime, stay blessed and have a wonderful weekend!
K.
Exodus Chapters 5-12 (Moses and Pharoah)
When Moses and his brother Aaron got to Egypt the Lord told them what to do. He said, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. He will be very stubborn and it will take many signs and miracles before he will let you go; but everyone will know that I am God when he finally frees the Israelites."
So they did what God asked and they went to see Pharaoh. In front of Pharaoh Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake (just as God told Moses it would).
Pharaoh didn't look surprised at all, he actually just smiled at Moses and Aaron. Without a word he snapped his fingers and a minute later three men walked in. Pharaoh whispered in one of the men's ears, and he nodded and spoke quietly to the others.
All at the same time they threw the staffs they were carrying to the ground and they became snakes, just like Moses and Aaron's. They turned and looked at each other with disappointment. They realized that these men were Pharaoh's magicians.
Just as Moses was feeling defeated his snake swallowed up all of the other snakes. This made Moses smile, surely Pharaoh would let them go now. But Pharaoh didn't seem to care, he shook his head and said, "Nice try, but the Israelites belong to me, and they work for Egypt I will not let them go."
Moses left disappointed, but excited to talk to God about what they would do next. After all God told them that it wouldn't be easy. So when God spoke next, they listened well, "Pharaoh's heart is hard, he's still not going to change his mind. Go see him tomorrow morning, he didn't listen today but I will continue to show him that I am God."
With their instructions from God, Moses and Aaron met Pharaoh the next morning. Aaron explained to Pharaoh, "Because you still won't listen God is going to change all the water in Egypt into blood. The fish will die, the river will stink, and none of the Egyptians will be able to drink it."
Pharaoh smiled and said, "Go ahead." So Aaron did what the Lord told him and put his staff into the water and it turned to blood. Pharaoh seemed a little surprised but he summoned his magicians and they also turned the water into blood. With that, Pharaoh's heart became hard, and he turned and walked back to his palace.
All the fish died, and the water smelled so bad, no matter where you were you could smell it. Can you imagine turning on your tap at home and having blood come out, what about having a bath, or even the water in your toilet. Of course the Egyptians didn't have sinks and toilets back then, but they still used water to drink, to make food, and to clean with.
After a whole week of this Pharaoh still wouldn't let the people go. But his magicians couldn't turn the blood back into water either. The Lord instructed Aaron and Moses to go see Pharaoh once again and He told them, "Tell Pharaoh to let my people go. If he refuses to let them go, I will plague the whole country with frogs."
They did as God asked and Pharaoh once again refused to let the people go. So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frogs came up and covered everything. They really were everywhere! In the stoves where they cooked, in their beds, and they even jumped on the people.
The magicians could also make frogs appear - but this would be the last time that their magic would work. After a day of this Pharaoh couldn't take it anymore and he called for Moses and Aaron.
He begged Moses, "Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go." So Moses prayed to the Lord, and all the frogs died. But when Pharaoh saw that all the frogs were dead, he was relieved and he hardened his heart and changed his mind.
There were many other plagues that followed: Gnats and flies, all the livestock got sick and died, the Egyptians were covered in sores, hail came down and killed all the crops, locusts came and ate all the grass and everything green, and then there was complete darkness. Nobody left their homes because they couldn't even see where they were going.
With each of these plagues Pharaoh said he'd let the Israelites go if God put things back to normal, but then he kept changing his mind. You'd think he would've learned his lesson and let the Israelites go. God doesn't give up.
You may have felt sorry for the Israelites during all these plagues, but God made sure they were not touched by them. Only the Pharaoh and 'his people' the Egyptians went through these terrible times. The Israelites lived a little ways away, and God kept them safe, and put a pretend wall around them so none of the plagues could come to them.
If you thought all the other plagues were bad, there was one last plague (the tenth plague) that was way worse than any of the others. The Lord told them, "This will be the last plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, after this they will let you go. Around midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, even the son of Pharaoh, and there will be great sadness." Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh, but he refused to listen.
The Lord had special instructions for Moses and Aaron, so that the Israelites would be sure to stay safe during this last plague. He told them, "The Israelites must kill their best sheep or goat. Then they are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and tops of the doors on their houses.
On that same night I will pass through Egypt like a ghost and take the life from every first born. If I see blood on the doorway that will be a sign for me to pass over the house and keep all who are inside safe.
This day will always be known as the Passover, because you were passed over and kept safe by God. You will continue to celebrate this day for many years." They were also to eat unleavened bread This would always remind them of the hurry that they left Egypt in.
Now you have to remember Pharaoh could have stopped all this a long time ago. God gave him many opportunities to let the Israelites go, but he would not listen. Unfortunately God had to teach Pharaoh a lesson and He did what He said He would do.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
If you're a praying person...
Hello all-
I apologize for the duplicate post but several dear Friends were so moved by the poem that they requested permission to share it. In response, my dear friend EJT blessed me by helping me with the initial steps to having it published.
Please feel free to share the poem with everyone!
K.
Dear Friends-
Tonight's message is a little different but I hope you enjoy. It's an original poem I felt led to write.
Stay blessed,
K.
If you're a praying person, remember me
I may not always show
What lies beneath
My private struggles
Those moments I'm weak
I just keep on moving because I have faith
Trying not to succumb to human nature
If you're a praying person, remember me
I have such great hope
For what's in store
I move along daily
Pushing fear aside
Knowing God is with me
And my needs He'll provide
But in the still of the night
A voice whispers inside
Leaving me cold and unsure
That His promises are true
If you're a praying person, keep me in mind
So seeds of fear and doubt
Cannot take root
If you're a praying person, remember me
Because God is good
No matter how I feel today
God's got me in His palm
Whether I recognize His blessings
Or become angry and curse
His blessings abound
His love keeps me secure
Whether I'm an eagle soaring
Above the cares of the world
Or I'm trapped in the depths of despair
Sometimes I need reminding that God's in control
I need Him to send an angel
To bring me comfort
When my heart needs to mend
I need Him to send a friend
When I'm feeling low
To make me smile
To bless me with more warmth
than I could know...
So when you wonder how I am
And may even wonder what you can do
If you're a praying person, remember me
Because I'll be praying for you...
(c) 2009 Karen Abigail Williams. All rights reserved
I apologize for the duplicate post but several dear Friends were so moved by the poem that they requested permission to share it. In response, my dear friend EJT blessed me by helping me with the initial steps to having it published.
Please feel free to share the poem with everyone!
K.
Dear Friends-
Tonight's message is a little different but I hope you enjoy. It's an original poem I felt led to write.
Stay blessed,
K.
If you're a praying person, remember me
I may not always show
What lies beneath
My private struggles
Those moments I'm weak
I just keep on moving because I have faith
Trying not to succumb to human nature
If you're a praying person, remember me
I have such great hope
For what's in store
I move along daily
Pushing fear aside
Knowing God is with me
And my needs He'll provide
But in the still of the night
A voice whispers inside
Leaving me cold and unsure
That His promises are true
If you're a praying person, keep me in mind
So seeds of fear and doubt
Cannot take root
If you're a praying person, remember me
Because God is good
No matter how I feel today
God's got me in His palm
Whether I recognize His blessings
Or become angry and curse
His blessings abound
His love keeps me secure
Whether I'm an eagle soaring
Above the cares of the world
Or I'm trapped in the depths of despair
Sometimes I need reminding that God's in control
I need Him to send an angel
To bring me comfort
When my heart needs to mend
I need Him to send a friend
When I'm feeling low
To make me smile
To bless me with more warmth
than I could know...
So when you wonder how I am
And may even wonder what you can do
If you're a praying person, remember me
Because I'll be praying for you...
(c) 2009 Karen Abigail Williams. All rights reserved
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Christian= community activitst
Dear Friends-In light of the racist cartoon that was recently published by the New York post, I am re-running a post about the Christian's role in fighting for social justice. Please consider the message in the context of today's events. After reading it, please reach out to the NY Post and its advertisers to express your feelings on the issue. Information for the paper and its advertisers are below.
In the meantime, stay blessed and "keep fighting the good fight"! K.
Dear Friends-
Over the years, I've heard Christians say that we shouldn't concern ourselves with the cares of the world- be in the world and not of it. That statement has partial truth.
Christ wants us to love each other as He loved the church. Part of that love involves concern for each others, calling us to demand justice for those deemed "the least" in this society. If you have the special blessing of being a person of color, a woman or anyone with a heightened sensitivity to oppression, you have a special responsibility to respond to God's Word on seeking justice on behalf of our brothers and sisters. I could point out numerous verses in the Bible where God call us to be at the forefront of issues of civil rights but I leave you an excerpt of Dr. King's Drumline Instinct Speech, delivered on Feb. 4, 1968 at Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.(See a portion of the speech below)
Dr. King talks about injustice arising from the evil mindset that one group feels a divine sense of superiority over everyone else. He eloquently expresses the premise under which I live my life and the type of things that I want said about me at my funeral. Every time we think that issues of justice have nothing to do with us personally, look to the Word and see what God says about our responsibility. We can't pray for change. We can't hope that things get better. We have to be the change we want to see. Jesus was the quintessential community activitst. He fought for "the least of us" and demanded that we speak the truth about the evils of oppression against society's minority.
According to 2 Peter 1:3: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Pray, reflect on your own life, and talk to your children.
Stay blessed, K.
Every now and then I guess we all think realistically (Yes, sir) about that day when we will be victimized with what is life's final common denominator—that something that we call death. We all think about it. And every now and then I think about my own death and I think about my own funeral. And I don't think of it in a morbid sense. And every now and then I ask myself, "What is it that I would want said?" And I leave the word to you this morning. If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don't want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. (Yes) And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize—that isn't important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards—that's not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school. (Yes) I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. (Yes) I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. (Amen) I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. (Yes) And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. (Yes) I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. (Lord) I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity. (Yes) Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. (Amen) Say that I was a drum major for peace. (Yes) I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. (Yes) I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. (Amen) And that's all I want to say. If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, If I can spread the message as the master taught, Then my living will not be in vain. Yes, Jesus, I want to be on your right or your left side, (Yes) not for any selfish reason. I want to be on your right or your left side, not in terms of some political kingdom or ambition. But I just want to be there in love and in justice and in truth and in commitment to others, so that we can make of this old world a new world.
Calling for a Boycott of New York Post Advertisers
By Christopher Netter
National Advertisers: Bank of America City Bank HSBC Capital One Bank Bloomingdale's Department Store Diesel Clothing Line Baby Phat Clothing Line Jill Stuart Clothing Line
New York Local Advertisers: Madison Square Garden ASA College Paragon Sports First Platinum Capital Corporation Russian Tea Room
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Are you right with God?
Dear Friends-
I hope everyone is doing well and having a productive workweek. My week started with shocking and sad news of a good friend from high school who was murdered senselessly in Atlanta. I pray that his family and friends are comforted with God's peace during this difficult time.
As I thought about the situation more, I also prayed that Marc knew the Lord and had a relationship with Him. My grandmother in heaven always used to remind me that her prayers couldn't save her children- that we had to know the Lord for ourselves. My grandmother who is still alive would also remind me to get myself right with God because "we know not the day, nor the hour". I pray that Marc is in heaven with the Lord.
But what about you? If your life was to end today, can you be sure that you're right with God? It's not about good works- good works and "being a good person" is not enough get us into heaven. Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer? Do you give him the first ten percent of your week by attending church? Are you investing in the relationship at all? If there's anything you can do to improve your relationship with Him, start doing it now. Make the connection with God and be sure that no matter when your hour comes, He will say, "well done thy good and faithful servant".
In the meantime, be blessed,
K.
(An article about Marc is below)
Matthew 24
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[k] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
DeKalb businessman shot in the head
By ANDRIA SIMMONS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A DeKalb County businessman found dead over the weekend in the parking lot of a Duluth restaurant was killed by a gunshot to the head, an autopsy concluded.
Questions remain about why 38-year-old Marc Stewart was killed, and when. His body was found on Valentine’s Day — several days after his wife reported him missing — in a parked car at Bahama Breeze at 3590 Breckinridge Boulevard. It was the second fatal shooting to occur in the restaurant’s parking lot in the past seven months, and the fourth homicide in the vicinity of Gwinnett Place Mall since July.
Stewart was last seen leaving his home in Stone Mountain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. A patron at the restaurant told police that the victim appeared to be sleeping inside a parked Ford Explorer when she arrived at the restaurant Saturday evening. The woman honked her car horn to wake him, but he was unresponsive, a police report said.
Stewart was president and chief executive officer of Island Coast Entertainment, a 10-year-old event planning company based in Atlanta.
I hope everyone is doing well and having a productive workweek. My week started with shocking and sad news of a good friend from high school who was murdered senselessly in Atlanta. I pray that his family and friends are comforted with God's peace during this difficult time.
As I thought about the situation more, I also prayed that Marc knew the Lord and had a relationship with Him. My grandmother in heaven always used to remind me that her prayers couldn't save her children- that we had to know the Lord for ourselves. My grandmother who is still alive would also remind me to get myself right with God because "we know not the day, nor the hour". I pray that Marc is in heaven with the Lord.
But what about you? If your life was to end today, can you be sure that you're right with God? It's not about good works- good works and "being a good person" is not enough get us into heaven. Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer? Do you give him the first ten percent of your week by attending church? Are you investing in the relationship at all? If there's anything you can do to improve your relationship with Him, start doing it now. Make the connection with God and be sure that no matter when your hour comes, He will say, "well done thy good and faithful servant".
In the meantime, be blessed,
K.
(An article about Marc is below)
Matthew 24
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[k] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
DeKalb businessman shot in the head
By ANDRIA SIMMONS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A DeKalb County businessman found dead over the weekend in the parking lot of a Duluth restaurant was killed by a gunshot to the head, an autopsy concluded.
Questions remain about why 38-year-old Marc Stewart was killed, and when. His body was found on Valentine’s Day — several days after his wife reported him missing — in a parked car at Bahama Breeze at 3590 Breckinridge Boulevard. It was the second fatal shooting to occur in the restaurant’s parking lot in the past seven months, and the fourth homicide in the vicinity of Gwinnett Place Mall since July.
Stewart was last seen leaving his home in Stone Mountain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. A patron at the restaurant told police that the victim appeared to be sleeping inside a parked Ford Explorer when she arrived at the restaurant Saturday evening. The woman honked her car horn to wake him, but he was unresponsive, a police report said.
Stewart was president and chief executive officer of Island Coast Entertainment, a 10-year-old event planning company based in Atlanta.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Live your life!
Dear Friends-
I bring you a message of hope today from Ecclesiastes 9. No matter what difficulties on your heart and mind today, God wants you to trust Him and enjoy life anyway. Our time on this earth is fleeting. We don't have time to sit around wondering "why me?" or living a life of regret.
Just understand that sometimes things happen- even to believers.
In the meantime, spend the time enjoying your loved ones and living your purpose. Tomorrow will come soon.
Stay blessed!
K.
Seize Life! (The Message Bible)
4 -6 Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers. Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone. There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth. 7 -10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.
11 I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is— The race is not always to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor satisfaction to the wise, Nor riches to the smart, Nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all. 12 No one can predict misfortune. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap, So men and women are caught By accidents evil and sudden.
Wisdom Is Better than Muscle
13 -15 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice. There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.)
16 All the same, I still say that wisdom is better than muscle, even though the wise poor man was treated with contempt and soon forgotten. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than warheads, But one hothead can ruin the good earth.
I bring you a message of hope today from Ecclesiastes 9. No matter what difficulties on your heart and mind today, God wants you to trust Him and enjoy life anyway. Our time on this earth is fleeting. We don't have time to sit around wondering "why me?" or living a life of regret.
Just understand that sometimes things happen- even to believers.
In the meantime, spend the time enjoying your loved ones and living your purpose. Tomorrow will come soon.
Stay blessed!
K.
Seize Life! (The Message Bible)
4 -6 Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers. Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone. There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth. 7 -10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.
11 I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is— The race is not always to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor satisfaction to the wise, Nor riches to the smart, Nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all. 12 No one can predict misfortune. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap, So men and women are caught By accidents evil and sudden.
Wisdom Is Better than Muscle
13 -15 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice. There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.)
16 All the same, I still say that wisdom is better than muscle, even though the wise poor man was treated with contempt and soon forgotten. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than warheads, But one hothead can ruin the good earth.
Friday, January 16, 2009
God will deliver...If we live right!
Dear Friends-
As I watch the coverage of the "Miracle on the Hudson", I can't help but think about the times that I've been rescued from difficult situations. Today's word is a reminder that the Lord's goodness and mercy towards us.
Now I know there are some on this list who question God's decision to rescue some and not others. Honestly, I can't answer that question. As the creator of heaven and earth, and the author of our lives, God makes decisions based on His divine and perfect purpose. Sometimes, we're allowed to suffer so that we can rely on Him. Other times, He wants us to learn something and will allow us to continue suffering until we "get it".What I know for sure is that God will deliver us if it's His will to do so. The Lord will not rescue us from our poor decisions nor will he prevent us from dealing with the consequences of sin. If we live right and obey Him, He will be there.
Have a blessed weekend!
K.
2 Samuel 22David's Song of Deliverance 1And David spoke(A) to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2(B) He said,
(C) "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 3(D) my[a] God, my rock,(E) in whom I take refuge,(F) my shield, and(G) the horn of my salvation, (H) my stronghold and(I) my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.4I call upon the LORD, who is(J) worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 5(K) "For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;[b]6(L) the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 7(M) "In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called.From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry(N) came to his ears. 8"Then(O) the earth reeled and rocked; (P) the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.9Smoke went up from his nostrils,[c] and devouring fire from his mouth; (Q) glowing coals flamed forth from him.10(R) He bowed the heavens and(S) came down; (T) thick darkness was under his feet.11He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen on(U) the wings of the wind.12He made(V) darkness around him(W) his canopy, thick clouds, a gathering of water.13Out of the brightness before him (X) coals of fire flamed forth.14(Y) The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.15And he sent out(Z) arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them.16Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare,at the rebuke of the LORD, at the(AA) blast of the breath of his nostrils. 17(AB) "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.18He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.19They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.20(AC) He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because(AD) he delighted in me. 21"The LORD(AE) dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the(AF) cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.22(AG) For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.23(AH) For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside.24I was(AI) blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.25(AJ) And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
As I watch the coverage of the "Miracle on the Hudson", I can't help but think about the times that I've been rescued from difficult situations. Today's word is a reminder that the Lord's goodness and mercy towards us.
Now I know there are some on this list who question God's decision to rescue some and not others. Honestly, I can't answer that question. As the creator of heaven and earth, and the author of our lives, God makes decisions based on His divine and perfect purpose. Sometimes, we're allowed to suffer so that we can rely on Him. Other times, He wants us to learn something and will allow us to continue suffering until we "get it".What I know for sure is that God will deliver us if it's His will to do so. The Lord will not rescue us from our poor decisions nor will he prevent us from dealing with the consequences of sin. If we live right and obey Him, He will be there.
Have a blessed weekend!
K.
2 Samuel 22David's Song of Deliverance 1And David spoke(A) to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2(B) He said,
(C) "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 3(D) my[a] God, my rock,(E) in whom I take refuge,(F) my shield, and(G) the horn of my salvation, (H) my stronghold and(I) my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.4I call upon the LORD, who is(J) worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 5(K) "For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;[b]6(L) the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 7(M) "In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called.From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry(N) came to his ears. 8"Then(O) the earth reeled and rocked; (P) the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.9Smoke went up from his nostrils,[c] and devouring fire from his mouth; (Q) glowing coals flamed forth from him.10(R) He bowed the heavens and(S) came down; (T) thick darkness was under his feet.11He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen on(U) the wings of the wind.12He made(V) darkness around him(W) his canopy, thick clouds, a gathering of water.13Out of the brightness before him (X) coals of fire flamed forth.14(Y) The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.15And he sent out(Z) arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them.16Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare,at the rebuke of the LORD, at the(AA) blast of the breath of his nostrils. 17(AB) "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.18He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.19They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.20(AC) He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because(AD) he delighted in me. 21"The LORD(AE) dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the(AF) cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.22(AG) For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.23(AH) For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside.24I was(AI) blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.25(AJ) And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If you're wasting time...ask God to order your steps!
Hello Dear Friends!
I hope everyone is having a blessed and highly favored week! Today's message is based on a message I learned this past Sunday. Instead of resolutions this year, I've established a series of small goals that I would accomplish everyday and, if I only do 80% of that list on a daily basis, then I'm happy. This year, my only goal is to truly understand that I can't do it all but the little that I can do will be part of God's purpose for my life.
How do you ensure that the important things get done? Ask God for guidance with your plans. Have a vision and prioritize! Order your steps according to His Word. Create six categories of importance for you life and seek to accomplish two things from each category every day. This way, your life doesn't get cluttered with unnecessary activities- and it's easy to say no to things that don't fulfill that purpose.Here's an example of my new 2009 schedule (in order). If a request is made of me, and it doesn't fit into the list of priorities, it doesn't get added.
1. Spiritual: a) Spend quiet time with God daily (prayer, mediation, reading, fasting, etc.); b) share a word with someone else2. Family/ Friends: a) Face time with immediate family daily; b) Initiate some form of contact with extended family or friends daily (phone, email, text, visit)3. Health a) exercise, rest, and/or some sort of health/ wellness activity; b) schedule maintenance appointments (doctors, dentists, salon for me or family) 4. Career/ Business a) do an activity to assess where I am or how to advance my career or business; b) make plans for next steps5. Home a) do an activity to maintain my home (cleaning, decluttering, rearranging) b) do an activity to upgrade my home (purchase new items as needed, create plans for renovation6. Community a) do ONE deliverable assignment for any organization I belong to and attend one meeting or conference call; b) if no meetings are planned that day, do two deliverable assignments for that day.
I hope that you will be blessed by this email and the Scripture below.
Love,K.
Psalm 37: 23 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 119: 129-144 (the Message Bible) 129 -136 Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book! 137 -144 You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me. Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
I hope everyone is having a blessed and highly favored week! Today's message is based on a message I learned this past Sunday. Instead of resolutions this year, I've established a series of small goals that I would accomplish everyday and, if I only do 80% of that list on a daily basis, then I'm happy. This year, my only goal is to truly understand that I can't do it all but the little that I can do will be part of God's purpose for my life.
How do you ensure that the important things get done? Ask God for guidance with your plans. Have a vision and prioritize! Order your steps according to His Word. Create six categories of importance for you life and seek to accomplish two things from each category every day. This way, your life doesn't get cluttered with unnecessary activities- and it's easy to say no to things that don't fulfill that purpose.Here's an example of my new 2009 schedule (in order). If a request is made of me, and it doesn't fit into the list of priorities, it doesn't get added.
1. Spiritual: a) Spend quiet time with God daily (prayer, mediation, reading, fasting, etc.); b) share a word with someone else2. Family/ Friends: a) Face time with immediate family daily; b) Initiate some form of contact with extended family or friends daily (phone, email, text, visit)3. Health a) exercise, rest, and/or some sort of health/ wellness activity; b) schedule maintenance appointments (doctors, dentists, salon for me or family) 4. Career/ Business a) do an activity to assess where I am or how to advance my career or business; b) make plans for next steps5. Home a) do an activity to maintain my home (cleaning, decluttering, rearranging) b) do an activity to upgrade my home (purchase new items as needed, create plans for renovation6. Community a) do ONE deliverable assignment for any organization I belong to and attend one meeting or conference call; b) if no meetings are planned that day, do two deliverable assignments for that day.
I hope that you will be blessed by this email and the Scripture below.
Love,K.
Psalm 37: 23 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 119: 129-144 (the Message Bible) 129 -136 Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book! 137 -144 You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me. Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
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