Stability in an Unstable World

Just a short detour from our healing survey of Emily Gardiner Neal.

This is a letter from Annette Capps, who I believe is the daughter of Charles Capps. In order to balance as much of the negativity currently in the news cycle as possible, I thought this letter is a way to a positive, resourceful path amidst the apparent chaos.

Thanks Annette!

The WORD is Stable!

Unstable markets, unstable world economy…Let’s focus on something that is stable…the Word of God and not fixate on the fear that surrounds us.

My Dad tells the story of how during a dry year when he was farming, he prayed for rain for his cotton crop. One particular field had no means of irrigation. As he was driving and praying for rain, he noticed that one spot in the field looked greener than the rest. God spoke to him and said, “Would it be OK if I just caused the moisture to come up under your crop rather than rain from above?” Of course my Dad replied, “Whatever you want to do is fine with me!”

That year the cotton made 1 bale per acre on that field where other farmers only made ∏ bale or less.

Sometimes we become so fixated on the problem or what we believe the solution is that we are not open to alternatives. God is not limited to our ideas of how to fix things. The real issue for Charles Capps was not rain; it was a good cotton crop.

Our real issue today is not the stock market or the credit crisis. The real issue is how we can prosper and succeed in spite of world crisis. God’s Word has not changed. God’s laws have not changed. The same laws of giving and receiving, sowing and reaping, seedtime and harvest still work in October 2008 as well as October 2007.

The spiritual principles that enabled you to pay your house payment, buy your gas and feed your family still apply no matter what the economy. God’s Word drives your economy! Choose kingdom principles to dominate your finances!

I encourage you to continue in faith, not being moved by what you see, hear or feel but what you believe…God’s Word. You are the seed of Abraham through Jesus Christ and His blessing rests on you.

The immoveable, unchangeable Word will work for you as you speak it and stand fast in faith.

God Bless You Richly,

Annette Capps

Spiritual healing not for the sick alone...

The title of this post is taken directly from Emily's , "God Can Heal You Now", How to Stay Well chapter that deals with healings when we are not at the end of our ropes and seeking the "ministry of desperation".  Emily sites several examples of wellness resulting in people's lives when they are involved in a healing ministry.  Here are two examples:

"A Presbyterian attorney who became interested in the healing ministry two years ago, voices the experience of unnumerable people when he says: "I had all my life been subject to severe colds, throat infections, and sinus trouble during winter months.  I am convinced that it is more than coincidence that during the past two years  I have not been indisposed, even for a day"

"The experience of a mother with three youngsters is also typical. "For years I have been nervous and tired," she says, "and also terribly apprehensive about the children's health.  But not any more.  Through the healing ministry I have an entirely different concept of God.  I know now that He wants them to be well, and that if they do get sick, He will heal them.  The result has been that they have turned into the healthiest youngsters on our block, practically never have even colds..."

Emily concludes this section by making these remarks:

"There are very few of us who will not find ourselves recipients of the fringe benefits of the Christian faith -- health and joy -- if we follow the simple prescription consisting of two ingredients: daily devotions, and, if possible, weekly attendance at a healing service. For the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the extension of the Incarnation, is as indispensable as your private devotions."

Source: God Can Heal You Now, pp212-213

Sunny's Positive Thinking Thoughts for 2009

Here is a positive thinking strategy from Sunny for 2009 - The Affirmations Coach.


January 02, 2009
10 Affirmations List For Today - Jan 2, 2009

1 - I'm Grateful For This New Day
2 - I Know Good Things Are Going To Happen Today
3 - I'm Looking For New Opportunities
4 - I'm Also Creating Time & Space That's Reserved Just For Me
5 - I DO Enjoy Being Busy
6 - I Also Enjoy Being Centered & Focused
7 - I'm Pacing Myself & Enjoying Every Moment
8 - I'm Writing Down My 10 Affirmations Today
9 - I'm Reading Them Out Loud To Myself
10 - I'm Living These Affirmations Today, And I'm Making My Life Be

GREAT


Additional Comment -- From Sunny :)

Read This Affirmations List Silently To Yourself

If You Have Time, Write Them Out In Your Own Handwriting

Make ANY Changes To Any Or To All Of These Affirmations, As YOU See

Fit.

Read Them Out Loud And Infuse Them With Some Feeling Of Sincerity

Make Them Yours

Other Options Include Writing Down Only 1 Or 2 Of Them, And Then

Posting Them On Your Computer, Or Carrying Them In Your Pocket, Or

Using Any Other Method To Help You Think, Say & Feel The Affirmations

That Are Special For YOU, Throughout The Entire Day.

Why Not Read Them Aloud Again Before You Go To Sleep?
Aloha! Sunny :)
Sunny Hills, CPCC, Maui, Hawai'i
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
The Affirmations Coach (TM)

Please Tell Your Friends About Sunny Thoughts
Sign Up Here For FREE Positive Affirmations and Positive Thinking

The Meaning of ALOHA:
A = Ahonui = Patience
L = Lokahi = Unity
O = 'Olu'olu = Agreeableness
H = Ha'aha'a = Humility
A = Akahai = Kindness
~Paul Pearsall, Phd., The Pleasure Prescription

Check him out and get motivated for 2009:

http://www.sunnythoughts.com/

Experience the Favor of God in Healing

An Opportunity for God's Favor

Today's Scripture

It was not because of his sins or his parents sins, Jesus answered. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him (John 9:3 NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In the Bible, we read of a man who was born blind. Some people were asking Jesus, Why was he born this way? Whose fault was it, his or his parents? They were trying to find someone to blame, some reason, some excuse for his condition. And interestingly, we tend to do the same type of thing today. But I love the way Jesus answered them; He said, It s not anybody s fault. The reason this man was born this way was so that the goodness of God could be displayed in his life. Then He touched the man and healed him.

When you have a setback, when life deals you a tough blow, when the economy is unstable, don t get bitter. Don t settle there. Recognize you are a prime candidate for God to show His favor and goodness through. When the storms of life come, your attitude should be, God, I m ready! I know You have something great in store! I refuse to live defeated and depressed. I know this difficulty is simply another opportunity for You to show Your goodness through me.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to show Your glory and goodness through me. I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You are working all things out for my good. I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Source:Joel Osteen Ministries

A Merry Heart and Medicine

Proverbs 17:22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

(Good News) Being cheerful keeps you healthy.

(Smith-Goodspeed) A happy heart is a healing medicine…

(Basic English) A glad heart makes a healthy body…

(Moffatt) A glad heart helps and heals…

(Jerusalem) A glad heart is excellent medicine, a spirit depressed wastes

the bones away.

(Knox) A cheerful heart makes a quick recovery; it is crushed spirits that

waste a man’s frame.

(Fenton) The best medicine is a cheerful heart…

(Rotherham) A joyful heart worketh an excellent cure…

(Living Bible) …a broken spirit makes one sick.

God's Mysteries in Healings

Emily began to make some general conclusions in the early months of her journey into the world of spiritual healing:

"Scores of such verifiable healings, reported by reputable doctors, induced me to believe that these healings were not mere happenstance. At the end of a few months, I noted that this strange healing force worked in curiously different ways. Some healings occurred though absent prayer, with the patient miles away. Some were instant and complete; others were delayed and gradual. In most cases of spiritual healing, the defective organ supposedly causing the illness was resored to normal function, but in a few cases the individual attained complete health in spite of the fact that the condition of the organ remained ostensibly unchanged."

Emily tried to make sense out of the emerging evidence:

In an effort to shed some light on the healing phenomenon, I searched continuosly for some evidence of a general, underlying psychic factor - some common quality of personality, perhaps, that might make those healed peculiarly susceptible to the healing power, whatever it was an wherever it came from. I could find no such common denominator. Those healed came from every walk of life. They were of varying degrees of intelligence and different levels of education. There were of many diverse temperaments. Only after the healings was there a discernible common bond: a joyous faith in God, founded on the conviction shared by factory worker and professional alike, the God's mysteries cannot be intellectualized."

Source: Celebration of Healing, p.13-14

Spiritual Healing and the "Risen Christ"

This description of spiritual healing was key to me as I read and studied Emily Gardiner Neal's encounter, as a skeptical reporter, of the faith healings she witnessed:

"There is nothing new about faith healing. It has been practiced in one form or another for thousands of years. Many were the sick treated, and probably helped, at the temples of Aesculapius, legendary Greek god of medicine. Many have been the sick treated and possibly cured by withchcraft. Many are the sick today, who by faith in an amulet, a well-phrased slogan, or their doctor, are physically improved.

But there is a vast difference between these kinds of "faith" healings, and today's revived ministry within the Church. Spiritual healing does not concern itself with the curing of the body alone with no reference to the spirit; nor yet is it the type of metaphysical healing which affirms the spiritual at the expense of the physical. Spiritual healing deals with the cure of the whole person -- body, mind and spirit. Its goal and purpose is the seeking of a closer relationship with God -- the soul's salvation. When the spirit is healed through faith in and through the power of the Risen Christ, healing of the mind and body follows as an expected corollary."

Source: God Can Heal You Now - Emily Gardiner Neal

A Reporter Finds God - A Great Hunger

I will be sharing quotes and thoughts in the next few days (possibly weeks) from "Celebration of Healing", a selection of writings of Emily Gardiner Neal who came to a healing ministry from a background in journalism.

Her first book, published in 1956 was A Reporter Finds God Through Spiritual Healing, and she continued writing and engaged in healing ministry through 1989 - when she quietly went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ.

Today I will start somewhere in the middle with this soul grabbing quote:

After traveling all over the nation, talking to and with people of every educational level and in every stage of belief and disbelief, I have observed a great hunger. The hunger is not for intellectual answers to religious questions that the mind may be satisfied, but for a personal experience of the living God that the soul may be fulfilled.

May this be our desire today...

Mark Twain's Secret to Getting Things Done

Mark Twain said:

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting
started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small
manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

Toil and Blood and Treasure

"I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means..." John Adams

Pray for those that are in Military Service for our Country

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the
service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the
love and thanks of man and woman."

-- Thomas Paine (The American Crisis, No. 1, 19 December 1776)

Reference: Thomas Paine: Collected Writings , Foner ed., Library
of America (91)

Ben Franklin said...

Ben Franklin said.

We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist.

In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered.

I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men.

And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is
it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? Sir, in the sacredwritings,
that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that buildit."

Amen

Thomas Paine

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
Thomas Paine, 1776

Christos anesti

Today the Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter - Christos Anesti...lets celebrate with them and understand the history.

Introduction

Greek Orthodox Easter corresponds to the Biblical series of events leading to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

The Date of Orthodox Easter: Since AD 1582 October (when the Gregorian Calendar was adopted by much of Catholic Europe), the Orthodox Easter usually falls on dates different than the Western Christian Easter, although apparently the Churches are discussing using the same formula to determine Easter -probably a formula different than that currently used by either Church.

Easter

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that the Orthodox Church is:The authentic and original Christian Church established by Jesus Christ and his Apostles. Easter begins on the Saturday of Lazarus (the Saturday before Palm Sunday, 1 week before Easter Sunday) with children going from door to door singing the hymn of "Lazaros" and collecting money and eggs.

Date

Easter Sunday is the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon (PFM) date for the year.

Every few years, "Western" (Catholic and Protestant) Easter and Greek Orthodox Easter coincide; these years are indicated by (same) following the date. For example, this occurred in 1990 because the Western Easter Sunday date of (Gregorian calendar) April 15, 1990 is the same as the Orthodox Easter Sunday date of (Julian calendar) April 2, 1990.

Holy

Holy Thursday is the day for dyeing eggs. Holy Saturday is the only Saturday of the year where a strict fast is kept. Then they will go to a priest for confession, and are so allowed to partake in the Holy Communion. At midnight the priest announces the resurrection of Christ ("Christos anesti") and lets the people light their candles of the Holy Flame taken from Christ's nativity cave in Jerusalem. This is because all of these churches were originally one church calling itself the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Historically and theologically, Orthodox Christians use the adjective "Catholic" or "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" to refer to the Church body which holds to the Orthodox faith. Large Christian Orthodox communities exist in the middle eastern countries of Israel (and West Bank and Gaza), Lebanon, Syria and Jordan (some families can trace their ancestry to the earliest Christians of the Holy Land). [9] The faith taught by Jesus to the apostles, given life by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and passed down to future generations uncorrupted, is known as Holy Tradition.

Russian

The personal, idiosyncratic and creative traditions of Western European religious art are largely lacking in Orthodox iconography before the 17th century, when Russian iconography was strongly influenced by religious paintings and engravings from both Protestant and Catholic Europe. An article by a Russian Orthodox Father that states several reasons for the use of the Old Calendar.

Getting Rich in these Uncertain Times

Getting Rich

We live in turbulent economic times and the headlines are full of alarms. Of course, that's what sells newspapers and attracts attention. After all, the networks won't sell many ads for a broadcast that headlines, "Nice Day, Millions are Safe and Happy!"

At the same time, I've received an astounding number of calls and emails from people facing real panic over home foreclosures, lay-offs, health or education costs. I have no idea why I'm suddenly getting these emails--it's a new thing compared to past years--but they concern me. While I hope the fear is largely based on media hype, for individual families, the anxiety is real.

Obviously, millions around the world (this is not just an American problem) are faced with rising prices, especially for food. We're faced with economic uncertainty and in too many cases, with real emergencies. Some of us are losing our jobs, our homes, even our hope. This is not acceptable!

Fortunately, history shows that over time things tend to get better, but what about the family who needs help today? As individuals and as groups, I think we should be upset about this. We need to get involved.

We need community conversations about globalization, housing costs, health care and job training. Fortunately, most TIPS subscribers live in democracies where we can voice our opinions. We can agree, or disagree. We can share our point of view--especially if we are willing to listen to opposing viewpoints. In this election year, get involved. I'm not suggesting any particular candidate, party or perspective, but I think democracy is a good thing and it works best when people get in the game.

On a personal level, however, I think we also need to be dramatically more aggressive about individual responsibility. I'm going to say some very blunt things, and some of you will disagree. Good for you! But here's my point of view:

1. Debt is bad. Most of us live beyond our means. As individuals and as a nation, we are addicted to spending money we don't have. Consumer and credit card debt is nuts! Pay off debt and set yourself free.

2. Greed is bad. Many (not all!) foreclosures happen because buyers got caught-up with brokers and took "leverage" to ridiculous extremes. People bought homes, cars, vacations, and other things counting on rising incomes and luck to bail them out. Like any form of gambling, over time the casino wins and the players lose. Every time.

3. Ambition is good. I love setting goals and having big dreams. A healthy desire to create, to have more and live better is good and it's best when based on solid plans, hard work, and patience. In building a great life, some boredom and routine are good. Adrenalin is usually a bad sign.

4. Saving is good. The hardest part of getting rich is accumulating the first $20,000 in savings. Week by week, putting money in a savings account is something any child can learn, and it's the first step to wealth. Live below your means, save a little every month. Getting rich fast is exciting, but rare. Getting rich slowly is easy and absolutely reliable.

5. Investing is good. The second step to getting rich (after learning to save) is investing for growth. I'm talking about Warren Buffet's attitude of steady, predictable growth over a lifetime. If you want to speculate with some of your hard-earned savings, I suppose that's alright, but never confuse speculation with investment. They are different games and have different results.

These are turbulent times and the news media may bring bad news for a long time to come. I don't know about that. But I do know each of us is in charge of our own decisions. We have the power to live well and we can encourage others to do the same. We can do our work and build a great life. We can save for the future and make a difference in our community. And along the way we can love well, and maybe have some fun!




Written & Published by Philip E. Humbert, PhD

Visit our website at:
http://www.philiphumbert.com

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm first appeared in English in 1603 with the meaning "possession by a god." The source of the word is the Greek enthousiasmos, which ultimately comes from the adjective entheos, "having the god within," formed from en, "in, within," and theos, "god."

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“Is enthusiasm important in selling? Yes, genuine,
heartfelt enthusiasm is one of the most potent factors of success in
almost any undertaking.”

- Dale Carnegie

This is Your Life!

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The One-Minute TIP

This is your life. Don't blow it! It's been said that time is the only resource any of us truly has, and once it's gone, it's gone forever. Work as hard and as much as you choose, then quit! Work can be rewarding and delightful, but don't let it be an addiction. Earning money, building our businesses and "getting ahead" are things we DO, not something we ARE. Remember the distinction.

Written & Published by Philip E. Humbert, PhD
Visit our website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com
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Resurrected Christ

Provided by Pastor Wilson:
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One way to meditate on Christ during this Easter season

is by looking thoughtfully at artists' depictions of the events
surrounding Christ's death and resurrection.

I have been greatly blessed by seeing these events through the eyes of James J. Tissot
(French painter and illustrator, 1836-1902). He was a well-known French impressionist painter, who in his later years produced a series of 700 watercolors to illustrate the Old and New Testaments -- and helped develop his own Christian faith. I hope you enjoy Tissot's exquisite work as much as I have.
Pastor Ralph
http://www.joyfulheart.com/
James J. Tissot, 'Resurrection' (1896)
Brooklyn Museum, watercolor.

IChThUS IMPRIMIS

IChThUS IMPRIMIS

“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” —Matthew 28:1-9
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“[I]f the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” —Romans 8:11

God's Promise to You Today

"Call Unto Me and I will answer you,and show you great and mighty things, which you knowest not..." Jeremiah 33:3

Norman Vincent Peale comments in his daily devotional - Positive Thinking for Every Day of the Year - that:

"The Christian religion is far greater than anyone realizes. It tells weak people they can become strong. It tells defeated people they can become victorious, It tells unhappy, mixed up people they can become organized. It teaches that we can become great persons. There is nothing else like it in the whole wide world."

Have you called and asked God recently for great and mighty things?

If you want daily motivations about how God can be part of your daily life you can click the image above and get it from Amazon. These devotionals are no longer in print, but contain timeless, motivational messages from the Bible that will ignite your enthusiasm for life.