Posted on 04/30/2010 8:03:48 AM PDT by Quix
KEITH GREEN info
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_15105172?source=most_viewed
Nearly 30 years after Christian-rock pioneer Keith Green died in a plane crash, his widow and a Hollywood producer have teamed up to bring his story to the big screen in the hope of introducing a new generation to his music.
One of several Christian rock musicians who lived in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970s, Keith and his wife, Melody, wrote numerous hit songs, but also formed a seven-home community in Woodland Hills where they cared for people in need.
“The stuff he did was breaking all the rules,” said Melody, now an author, composer and speaker who leads Last Days Ministries out of Kansas City, Mo.
“He showed up in flip-flops, blue jeans and suspenders and really kind of revolutionized the music industry by giving away his music for free, loving God, really loving people and telling Christians, `Hey, we’ve got to do what we say we believe.”’
Melody Green is working with producer Mike Leahy to make a movie version of her book “No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green.”
Leahy has been involved with a number of Hollywood projects over the past 20 years, including “The Prophecy” starring Christopher Walken and “Infinity” directed by Matthew Broderick. But this is the first project for the production company he formed with his wife, Lori, to make films with a spiritual or social message.
They hope to start shooting later this year, and release the film in 2011.
...
THX THX.
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — May 20, 2010:
Be obedient to My Word, for it will be your place of safety and protection in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You can do nothing about this generation, but you can do plenty to be people of the Spirit and truth. Maintain your integrity even when surrounded by darkness and trouble. You are people of light and not darkness, so walk in the light, says the Lord. Walk in the Spirit!
Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
AMEN! AMEN! THX THX.
The Conversion of Charles Finney
posted on May 17, 2010
At Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit – the Comforter that Jesus promised to send us before He ascended back into heaven. But the Spirit did not descend only once, 2000 years ago; it has visited the earth again and again, over the centuries, wherever and whenever hearts long for its bracing, cleansing wind.
One of those times and places was upstate New York in the early 19th century, when a young lawyer named Charles Finney experienced a conversion so powerful that its impact was felt around the world. This story is told best by Finney himself, in memoirs first published in 1876 (edited for this web posting):
I was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, in 1792.
My parents were not religious people. I seldom heard a sermon, unless it was from some ignorant traveling minister, and I recollect very well that the people would return from meeting laughing at the mistakes which had been made and the absurdities which had been advanced.
In 1818, when I was 26, I entered the law office of Squire W—, at Adams, in Jefferson County, upstate New York, as a student.
Up to this time I had never lived in a praying community, except when I was attending high school in New England. The preaching in that place was by an aged clergyman, an excellent man, but he read his sermons in a monotonous, humdrum manner that left no impression whatever on my mind.
Thus when I went to Adams to study law, I was almost as ignorant of religion as a heathen.
In studying the law, I found that the authors frequently quoted Scripture, and referred especially to Moses as authority for many of the principles of common law. This excited my curiosity so much that I went and purchased a Bible, the first I had ever owned; and whenever I found a reference to the Bible, I turned to the passage and consulted it in its connection. This soon led to my taking a new interest in the Bible, and I read and meditated on it much more than I had ever done before in my life. However, much of it I still did not understand.
I began to talk to the local minister, but found it impossible to attach any meaning to many of the terms which he used. What did he mean by repentance? And what did he mean by faith? And I was particularly struck by the fact that the prayers that I listened to, from week to week, were not, that I could see, answered. And so as I read my Bible and attended prayer meetings, I became very restless.
But I was very proud without knowing it. I had no regard for the opinions of others, and was unwilling to have anyone know that I was seeking the salvation of my soul. When I prayed I would only whisper, after having stopped the key-hole to the door, lest someone should discover me. And I kept my Bible out of sight. If I was reading it when anybody came in, I would throw my law books upon it, to create the impression that I had not had it in my hand. I was unwilling to converse with the minister, because I did not want to let him know how I felt, and for the same reason I avoided conversation with the elders of the church.
Then one night in October 1821 a strange feeling came over me, as if I was about to die. I knew that if I did I should sink down to hell; but I quieted myself as best I could until morning.
At an early hour I started for the office. But just before I arrived at the office, something seemed to confront me: “What are you waiting for? What are you trying to do? Are you endeavoring to work out a righteousness of your own?”
Just at this point the whole question of salvation opened to my mind in a manner most marvelous to me. I saw, as clearly as I ever have since, the reality and fullness of the atonement of Christ. I saw that his work was a finished work; and that instead of having, or needing, any righteousness of my own to recommend me to God, I had to submit myself to the righteousness of God through Christ.
Salvation seemed to me an offer to be accepted; it was full and complete; and all that was necessary on my part, was to give up my sins, and to accept Christ. North of the village lay a piece of woods, and I turned and bent my course toward these woods, feeling that I must be alone, and away from all human eyes and ears, so that I could pour out my prayer to God.
But still my pride showed itself. As I went over the hill, it occurred to me that someone might see me and suppose that I was going away to pray. Probably there was not a person on earth that would have suspected such a thing, had he seen me going. But so great was my pride, and so much was I possessed with the fear of man, that I crept along under the fence, till I got so far out of sight that no one could see me. Then I penetrated into the woods and knelt down for prayer, vowing that I would give my heart to God, or never come down from the woods again.
As I returned to the village, I found that my mind had become wonderfully quiet and peaceful.
No words can express the love that was in my heart. I wept aloud with joy; and I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart.
The next morning, a client came into the office and said to me, “Mr. Finney, do you recollect that my cause is to be tried at ten o’clock this morning? I suppose you are ready?” I had been retained to attend this suit as his attorney. I replied to him, “Mr. B-, I have a retainer from the Lord Jesus Christ to plead his cause, and can no longer plead yours.” He looked at me with astonishment, and said, “What do you mean?” I told him, in a few words, that I had enlisted in the cause of Christ; and that he must go and get somebody else to attend court; I could not do it. Without making any reply, he went out, and I sallied forth from the office to converse with those whom I should meet about their souls. I had the impression, which has never left my mind, that God wanted me to preach the Gospel, and that I must begin immediately.
No longer had I any desire to practice law. Everything in that direction was shut up. My whole mind was taken up with Jesus and his salvation; the world seemed to me of very little consequence. Nothing, it seemed, could be put in competition with the worth of souls; no labor could be so sweet, and no employment so exalted, as that of holding up Christ to a dying world.
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — May 31, 2010:
This is a time of breakthrough for those who will leave the past behind and extend mercy to those who have used you, abused you or been unkind in any way. I am calling to you, My people, to forgive with a heart of generosity. If you hear My call and do as I ask, you will have peace with liberality; nothing held back. Let go of everything that holds you down, says the Lord.
Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
THX.
Wesley’s Notes
Job 2:4 Skin, and c. - The sense is, this is so far from being an evidence of Job’s sincere and generous piety, that it is only an act of mere self - love; he is contented with the loss of his estate, and children too, so long as he sleeps in a whole skin; and he is well pleased, that thou wilt accept of these a ransom in his stead; and it is not true patience which makes him seem to bear his crosses so submissively, but policy, that he may appease thy wrath against him, and prevent those farther plagues, which, for his hypocrisy, he fears thou wilt otherwise bring upon his own carcase.
As I stood in the front of Father God’s throne, toward the left side of His seat, I held Jesus’ hand and viewed a scene that seemed to be an reenactment of Job 1:6, Job 2:1-3.
Suddenly, I felt a cold energy around me when an ugly, heinous, wild-looking being appeared in front of God’s throne. This place was flowing with God’s majesty, holiness, and glory. However, when the ugly being appeared, I was able to smell stench and feel evil energy.
The evil kowtowed continuously toward Father. How this evil being unceasingly grumbled and complained against something. At that moment, I instantly knew: ‘This being is the one that has led multitudes of souls astray and had seduced the whole world — Satan!’
I do not know how Satan was able to obtain an audience in front of the throne of God. What was his procedure or right? Perhaps, Job 1:6 is appropriate Biblical scripture for this situation. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.” Satan appeared as a hybrid of a human and monster, perhaps, because he was cursed. Satan had a face of a deformed animal. On his face spouted many various horns and hideous tumors. His mouth resembled that of a frog. Satan’s body was covered with repulsive, needle-shaped hairs. I also noticed a thick tail and it reminded me of a monkey’s long tail. He gestured annoyingly with his hands and feet. Moreover, he used a variety of body movements to express his argument with God. My body shivered as I saw his sharp fingernails and toenails. They looked like they were from a wild beast.
Satan was attempting to obtain some type of special permission from Father God. Although Father God and Jesus were beside me, I was still very nervous. I was so nervous I thought I was going to have a panic attack. The Lord noticed my anxiety and tightly held my hand to comfort me. “Do not worry.” Before the authority and power of Father God, Satan abased himself.
http://www.spiritlessons.com/Documents/Babtize_by_Blazing_Fire/Book_3/index.htm
Pastor Kim:
Thanks to Jesus, many souls who were oppressed in darkness were finally exposed to the true light. They were able to taste healing and freedom at the same time.
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” (Matthew 4:16)
For 15 years, I have struggled, been troubled, and experienced nervousness from conventional and traditional thinking. The Lord then told me, “Pastor Kim! Do not be afraid, just believe! Break the existing conventional spiritual thinking that has framed you! Is there anything that I can not do? Put down everything and be adventurous! Come to Me with big and bold steps!”
When I stepped out one step at a time, a streak of light began to shine. I eventually came to this point. From this moment forward, I am very interested on how the Lord will lead me. What methods will He utilize? We are weak and half equipped.
For example, in some areas, we seem very spiritual but more or less, we are not very spiritual at all. I am no different. There is a coward in everyone and for me it is hidden behind my outward appearance as a pastor.
As a result, I have dug the spiritual well on my knees in order to win the endless spiritual battles and for the battles that lie before me.
http://www.spiritlessons.com/Documents/Babtize_by_Blazing_Fire/Book_4/index.htm
People who bring healing, link at end ...
= = =
... Even though we are in tribulation and disciplining, and when we are finished going through it all, there will be days in which we will bear fruit daily.
When we pass the difficult milestone, there will be no more winter.
As a result, the leaves will not wither and the fruits will not fall onto the ground.
People who are filled with the Holy Spirit are like a tree planted near a stream of water (Psalm 1:3).
Even the leaves will be used for healing (Ezekiel 47:12, Rev 22:2).
If one person change and because a person has changed, a family can and will be changed. Our churches and country will be changed.
We need one person who can properly receive the Holy Spirit.
We need one person who can properly receive the gifts.
Then everything can and will change.
On the outside, all Christians appear as though they all live their lives in faith but on the inside, there are Christians who heal the lives of other people.
Those types of Christians heal others with whatever they do.
They give positive hope.
This is a real blessing.
If we receive the spiritual blessings and grace of God, we should not let it evaporate from us.
Otherwise, we will become like the Dead Sea.
...
http://www.baptizingfire.com/sermon7.htm
Superstition, blasphemy and an outright denial of the grace that is God's alone.
"Flee from idolatry," teaches Scripture.
"Flee." Don't walk. RUN from it.
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS.
We have the rabid clique sorts to thank for that.
They were arguing that there was no such book that said any such horribly untrue things about the Vatican Institution, dogma, beliefs, practices.
I decided I’d have to see for myself. That’s the result. And that’s only a SMALL FRACTION of the horrible stuff in that volume.
Os Hillman’s e-letter today:
Do You Know God’s Calling On Your Life? An excellent tool is available to help you discover the strengths, interests, gifts, and skills God wired into you to fulfill your calling. Excellent for adults as well as young adults and teens. Learn More
A Fine-tuned Instrument
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, October 04 2010
“...I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:9 My business career has been as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world’s finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world’s finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after.
Let the master Craftsman have His way in your life today. You will be pleased with the instrument He fashions.
Signs and Wonders Today
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, November 28 2010
“The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.” - Acts 15:12
“I was a pastor for 19 years before I went into business,” said the man sitting across the table from me as we were sharing lunch together. What led him from being a pastor to a businessman was both a move of God and an attack from the enemy.
“I was a pastor of a particular denomination that did not embrace all of God’s Word. It was a time in my life when I was experiencing many physical problems. I was on the verge of being admitted to the hospital. I had been seeking God about whether He was truly a God of healing and whether His Word was applicable in all areas of life as it was in the early Church. I was to go into the hospital the next day. That night I cried out to the Lord. I confronted God about His Word. I asked Him if He still did miracles today. Just then, I turned on my TV and saw an evangelist preaching. At that very moment, he stopped preaching, looked into the TV camera, and said these words: ‘There is a man in the viewing audience who has been a pastor for many years and is struggling to know whether God heals today. His own denomination does not believe He does. [He even named his denomination.] God is healing you right now to demonstrate to you that His healing is for today, and you are to know that His Word is true for today just like it was for the early Church.’ “
My friend was shocked. The TV evangelist could not have described him more accurately if he had been sitting in the same living room with him. God healed him that very night. He was not admitted to the hospital. He was forced to go before his church and witness to God’s power in his life. He was soon fired as pastor of this church, and this is what led him into business.
So often when we experience God in greater and deeper ways, the persecution comes not from the world, but from those who are closest to us. The religious community persecuted Jesus. He was betrayed by one of His own disciples. However, we must realize this betrayal was necessary for God to accomplish His work through Jesus.
God will bring each of us to a crisis of faith to test what we really believe. For my friend, he had to experience God in a new way. Then he had to be tested in that belief to the point of losing his job.
Have you experienced God in all of your life? Are there areas in which you believe God does not operate today? Before you discount God, seek Him with a whole heart. You might be surprised at what you will find.
-* -* -* -* -* -*
http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/become-a-change-agent/
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