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Learning the Language of Praise |
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| How to savor a new aspect of God's character every day. | |||
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| I'm not often at a loss for words. My wife says that when we first began dating, the words I used to describe her considerable charms were partly responsible for her budding love for me. | |||
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Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict the world of Sin, and Righteousness and Judgement
[4] But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
[5] But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
[6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
[7] Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
[8] And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
[9] concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
[10] concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
[11] concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
John 16:4-11:10 ESV
Prayer is my Passion Intercessory Prayer Ministry Daily Intercessory Prayerline will be Launched on Monday, August 1, 2011
Our Prayerline Conference Access Number: 1-218-632-0650
Conference Passocode: 8888#
Our Prayerline is open Daily 7 days a week for Intercessory Prayer and also to receive Prayer request.
Hours of Operation:
Early Morning Prayer 6am Eastern, 5am Central, 4am Mountain or 3am Pacific
Monday - Friday
Evening Prayer 10pm Eastern, 9pm Central, 8pm Mountain or 7pm Pacific
Monday - Friday
Evening Prayer 11pm Eastern, 10pm Central, 9pm Mountain or 8pm Pacific
7 Days a week
August 2011 3rd Watch Prayer Schedule:
3am Eastern, 2am Central, 1am Mountain or 12am Pacific
August 1st Monday
August 6th Saturday
August 12th Friday
August 15th Monday
August 22nd Monday
August 29th Monday
August 31st Wednesday
To Contact us or to Submit a Prayer request you may email us at:
prayerismypassion@blessedmail.com
Yours in Kingdom Building,
Pastor Lisa Martin aka Virtuous Lady
Visionary and Overseer of
Prayer is my Passion
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
Hannah's Prayer
[2:1] And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the LORD;
my horn is exalted in the LORD.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
[2] “There is none holy like the LORD:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
[3] Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
[4] The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
[5] Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
[6] The LORD kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
[7] The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
[8] He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's,
and on them he has set the world.
[9] “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces;
against them he will thunder in heaven.
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
1 Samuel 2:1-10 ESV
Open Doors USA Offers Prayer Calendar to Use To Pray with Christians in Muslim-Dominated
SANTA ANA, Calif. (July 20, 2011) – With the start of the month-long Islamic fast called Ramadan that begins Aug. 1, Open Doors USA is launching a 30-day campaign urging Christians in the West to pray with persecuted believers in Muslim-dominated countries.
During August most Muslims will fast from dawn until dusk, seeking to shed their sins through acts of restraint. They believe this is a time of purification accomplished through good deeds and self control.
To guide Christian’s prayers during Ramadan, Open Doors USA is offering a Ramadan Prayer Calendar. The calendar has multiple prayer points designed to help Christians pray with persecuted Christians around the world during the 30 days.
“Ramadan is a time when Christians are especially isolated in some Muslim-dominated countries,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. “This is why it is so important for us to unite in prayer with persecuted Christians throughout the world. I urge you to use the Open Doors resources to pray with our brothers and sisters.”
Eight of the top 10 countries on the Open Doors 2011 World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians have Islamic governments, while 38 of the top 50 on the list are Muslim-dominated societies. Those eight countries include Iran (2), Afghanistan (3), Saudi Arabia (4), Somalia (5), Maldives (6), Yemen (7), Iraq (8) and Uzbekistan (9).
Approximately seven months ago, protests for reforms began in the country of Tunisia. Egypt, Libya and Syria soon followed. The movement is called “Arab Spring.” Throughout these “Arab Spring” protests, some Christians in these countries have faced intensified persecution, especially in Egypt. The observance of Ramadan could increase pressure on believers.
Less than two weeks after the end of Ramadan, Sept. 11 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Muslim terrorist attacks against America.
“It is vital that we pray for both Christians and Muslims during this anniversary,” says Michele Miller, Director of Open Doors Prayer Ministries. “Prayer has changed the hearts of millions, so it is also important to pray past the month of Ramadan.”
During Ramadan Open Doors USA will be sending out daily emails with a story from a Muslim-dominated country, prayer requests and a call to action. For instance, this is from Day 19 on the Ramadan Prayer Calendar: “For Takoosh, whose husband was killed by the Iranian government, Jesus’ command to love her enemies was impossible. Hatred filled her heart….and then she prayed. From the depths of her heart love poured out releasing forgiveness.”
To sign up for these resources and for more information on the campaign, visit the Open Doors USA website at http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/Ramadan.
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Emily Fuentes at 949-413-6721 or email EmilyF@odusa.org)
Subscribe to this newsletter here.
Prayer Initiative Organized for 9/11 Anniversary
While preparing the kids for another school year, you may add joining in united prayer to your to-do list.
In the months leading up to the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Assemblies of God and the Awakening American Alliance are working to make their Cry Out America prayer initiative a top priority.
The partnering groups believe that just as America was “shaken to its foundation” 10 years ago, the country needs to be shook again—this time with a Christ Awakening.
With a recessed economy, a dissolving church attendance and lack of absolute truth, united prayer seems to be the preferred means to battle America's critical spiritual condition.
John Maempa, director of the Office of Prayer and Spiritual Care says: “Desperate times call for desperate measures. We must seek God as never before for the moral and spiritual well-being of our nation. Pray that a powerful move of the Holy Spirit will transform our churches to become transformational in the culture.”
Masses continue to hear the cliche that history repeats itself and the Awakening America Alliance seems to agree with the phrase. The Tennessee-based organization's website states, “The historical patterns of America’s Great Awakenings indicate that it is in precisely this type of seemingly hopeless national environment that God chooses to move in response to the cries of His people.”
Pastors, volunteering county coordinators, believers and churches, regardless of denomination, will organize prayer gatherings. Some have even began the initiative earlier this month and will continue through Sept. 11, taking on 10 consecutive weeks of community prayer. Regardless of length, either 10 weeks, one day, or anywhere in between, supporters seek to follow structured prayer guides to return strengthen America's biblical foundation and to pray for the Holy Spirit to touch “every state, every county and every heart.”
To learn more about the Awakening America Alliance, how you can get involved in Cry Out America, or to become an Alliance partner, visit www.awakeningamerica.us or call 1-888-9 AWAKE US (292-5387). To sign up to serve, go towww.awakeningamerica.us/cryoutamerica.
From:
Friending: Real Relationships in a Virtual World
My friend began what he called a hikoi. Hikoi is a Marori word that refers to a ceremonial walk, a parade or a protest walk. Numerous political and religious marches in New Zealand have been referred to as hikoi.
This man's hikoi consisted of an hour-long vigil every Monday and Thursday night for (me). He used the Bible reading for the day from the lectionary and he meditated on those scriptures and prayed for (me).
The best part for (me) was what happened on Tuesday and Fridays. I would get an email with his thoughts and prayer ... for me and my wife on our journey. So far, there have been 84 messages. HIs faithfulness is a thing of great beauty and promise.
1. Is speaking in tongues the only clear evidence that a person is baptised in the Holy Spirit and if you are not baptised in the Holy Spirit does it mean you are the weakest of all Christians?
2. I have been a Christian for quite some time now, I have had fellowship with other believers both in large and small groups. I have sat and listened to great men of God minister under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Bit there is one thing that is bothering me now. Whenever these men of God preach and are calling people to pray for them(I'm not talking about altar call), or see vision or revelations about people or prophesying about people none of them has ever said anything to me before. So it brings a lot of thoughts in my mine. Does it mean that I am walking on a path that is not good that's why God has kept silent concerning me or that there is nothing wrong with me or my family or any aspect of my life?
Anyone in prayer ministry is at the frontline of battle, and is constantly under attack. He or she has to survive. Anyone in prayer ministry is a diisciple of Jesus Christ, and wants to reach the end and win the glory, What do we do? We have win the battle; we have to race to the finishing line, hail and hearty.
The Lord gave me the word below, which I want to share with fellow warriors, just for edification and encouragement. Read on:
THE FINISHING LINE
(A Word for the Disciple—John 15:5)
The disciple has a life-long project defined by God. God does not only define the project, but also the path to accomplish it. God sends the Holy Spirit to work and operate within the disciple. Along with identifying the project, the disciple should be conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit within. With this awareness, the disciple carries out the project with grace and ease.
The Lord operated in our human form with all the concerns that we have and all the stresses that we go through. Did He give in to these? No. He was always in touch with the Father on the project. And every meeting keeps the vision clear, makes the road clear, and draws the end near.
What should the disciple do regularly?
- Ask for knowledge; never presume you have it.
- Ask for understanding; never presume you have it.
- Ask for wisdom; never presume you have it.
- Ask for the way; never presume it is anyway.
- Ask for the how; never presume it is anyhow.
- Ask for the timing; never presume it is anytime.
- Ask for the strength; never presume you are strong.
- Ask for perfection; never presume you have attained.
- Ask for help; never be self-reliant.
Regular in His presence morning and evening,
We meet His conditions, and
Get to the end with verve.
We run this race with God alone,
At no time do we plod along.
The way of the kingdom is a life with God;
We cannot walk without His guide.
Race to the end with an even pace;
Never drop for reason of strength,
Nor limp to the finishing line.
Celestine S. Ikwuamaesi
(Mon. 26 July 2010)
From the upcoming book Altar’d by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. Release date February 2012.
The cross of Christ stands as the point of separation between the old person powered by death-driven corrupted flesh, and the new creation, powered by the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. At the moment you embrace the cross, you receive its power into your life —a power that is eternally and continually working. Paul says that “death is at work in us.” At work in us now. Doing ongoing work. Doing present work. A.B. Simpsons says, “We may not preach a crucified Saviour without being also crucified men and women…The cross that Paul speaks about was burned into his very flesh, was branded into his being, and only the Holy Spirit can burn the true cross into our innermost life.”
The death that Jesus died on the cross cannot be—and need not be—repeated. Only He is able to die for our sins, having no sins of His own to die for. As we surrender our corrupted flesh to His crucifixion, and as His death works in us, we are not repeating the atoning work of the cross. That is done, completed, finished. Instead, we are letting the power of the cross work out the crucifixion of our flesh. It is not a cross of punishment that works in us. The cross did its work of punishment on the body of Jesus. It is the cross that is freeing us from the confines and the distortions and the limitations of our sin nature. It is not restriction, but freedom. It is, in fact, the only hope of being all that we were created to be.
God designed the eternal cadence and it is built into creation at its crux. Life emerges out of death. The seed that falls into the ground to die to produce a harvest. The branch that is pruned so that it can bear more fruit. The beautiful colors of fall, ushering in the very death that will culminate in the springtime resurrection.
Living altar’d means surrendering to the death from which life comes. The cross is the only place where flesh can go to die.
Flesh’s Design
Flesh is designed to misdirect. Flesh will work hard to direct your gaze somewhere other than the cross. Failing that, flesh will attempt to distort your view of the cross. Make it seem ugly and harsh instead of life-giving and redemptive and tender.
I have something of a hobby, I guess you would call it, of reading books and articles and blogs by people who grew up in strong Christian homes, but as adults rejected their belief in Jesus. Their stories seem to have several common themes, but central to most is the theme of always trying to please a God who could not be pleased. They felt burdened and ashamed—always trying to measure up. They fell for a misdirection.
You know how a magician’s tricks work. He depends on the fact that our minds can only focus on one thing at a time. He uses his skills to draw the focus of his audience where he wants it, so that he can do something else where his audience is not looking. The end result is that a lie appears to be the truth. He appears to have accomplished something by magic that was really done by trickery. It is very convincing.
This is what our flesh will try to induce in us. A misdirected focus. If flesh can keep you focused on your sin instead of His grace, then the myth of a rigid, angry god seems absolutely true. If your flesh can misdirect your focus away from the reality of the cross, and keep your attention on your best effort, then the perception of a demanding, harsh god appears grounded in reality.
Flesh tries to pull our attention away from the beautiful cross, where our freedom is to be found. tries to keep us focused on our own failings, or our own fleeting successes, redefining the cross as vindictive and vengeful and fearsome.
The cross is a living power working in our lives to irradiate the flesh that holds us captive and stunts our growth. It has nothing to do with our ability to follow rules.
If the cross is working on the inside, then the evidence will show up on the outside. If, however, the flesh is working hard at conforming the outside, it will wear you out and discourage you. Flesh-produced outward changes that started out looking shiny and beautiful will fail the test of perseverance. It won’t be lasting change. What counts is a new creation, transformed from the inside out. Not a spiffed up old creation. The only way to live is to live altar’d.
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a team to join you at The Response? Some churches and networks outside of Houston are planning caravans. 
The Great Commission Coalition | P.O. Box 6787 | Kingwood | TX | 77325
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July 2011 Newsletter
Dear HPN Pray-ers,
It’s July already and summer is half over. We hope you’re having a wonderful time with your families and friends and 
that you are enjoying some of this year’s best summer films! Let’s keep praying for the people who created, produced and distributed all of the summer blockbusters, asking the Lord to touch their hearts and lives. Here are more ways to pray this month:
SUMMARY:
• We praise God for our 10 year anniversary!
• We praise God for a fabulous Hollywood Prayer Walk
• Keep praying for Justin Bieber, who is still on his world tour
• Keep praying for the people who are involved in all of the summer films
• Pray for HPN member Debby Ryan as she stars in a new Disney Channel series
• Pray for all of the storytellers in Hollywood
• Pray for the nominees of the upcoming 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards
• Pray for the people at the two major Entertainment Trade papers
• Let’s pray for some of the most influential power brokers in our industry
• Dallas HPN Local Chapter has asked us to pray for them
• Pray for HRock’s annual Arts Conference, PROJECT LIGHT '11
• Pray for HPN’s need for a volunteer to help us with database updates
• Our Miami, Florida Chapter is launching an entertainment event on October
• The HPN Omaha local chapter was formed last Fall
• There is a new 24/7 Prayer room right in Hollywood
• Don’t miss the upcoming events in our community
PRAISES:
• We praise God for our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of HPN! Can you believe it? On July of 2001 we were birthed out of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, and 10 years later we are still here, partnering together to minister in Hollywood. We have seen many incredible changes in Hollywood in the past 10 years and we thank all of you and Hollywood Pres. for allowing us to continue to mobilize prayer for the world’s most influential mission field. Celebrate with us by inviting other people to join our Network at www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org and come visit Hollywood Pres. For more info on this historic church, click HERE.
• We praise God for a fabulous Hollywood Prayer Walk this past Saturday as 100 people spread out all over the city and prayed for 2+ hours. We know they made an eternal difference in our city and our industry. We partnered with Californians for Jesus and Ecclesia and it was wonderful. After praying throughout Hollywood we gathered for the evening at Ecclesia and had a great time of praise, testimonies about the day, and enjoyed terrific speakers. God is so faithful and He is doing amazing things in our city. We’re seeing so much more unity, hope, and changed lives! For more details about the whole day check out: www.CA4Jesus.blogspot.com. If you are looking for a great church in Hollywood that meets in a movie theatre, check out Ecclesia at: http://www.churchinhollywood.com/
UPDATES:
• Keep praying for Justin Bieber, who is still on his world tour. He has branched out into selling a line of clothes, perfume and other items. He and his mom continue to ask for our prayers as they make daily choices as to what’s next and best for his career and their personal lives. We want to walk beside them with our prayers for wisdom and discernment. His mom, Pattie, has another short video on her thoughts about Justin and how we can be praying. Click on our HPN site HERE.
• Keep praying for the people who are involved in all of the summer films. From the writers, directors, actors, producers, executives, crews, distributors, and marketing teams, to the agents, managers, publicists and attorneys. They all need to experience unconditional love, mercy, grace, joy and hope from our God. And our prayers can make that happen! For an update on this month’s opening films, click HERE.
REQUESTS:
• Pray for HPN member Debby Ryan as she stars in a new Disney Channel series called “Jessie.” This is Debby’s first starring role and we want to pray that she and her family will continue to seek Jesus and navigate Hollywood with wisdom, peace, strength and joy. Pray that Debby can be Christ-like with the executives, writers, cast, crew and her fans as her career grows. Please pray also that her mom, Sandy, will be a solid, loving, Christian support for her daughter. Debby’s prayer is: 1 Chronicles 4:9-11. “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request.“ Debby tells us about “Jessie” on YouTube HERE.
• Pray for all of the storytellers in Hollywood to have favor, professionalism, wisdom and confidence as they sell their stories in film and television. Ingmar Bergman once said, “Facts go straight to the head, but stories go straight to the heart.” As an example of personal storytelling, HERE's a story of an HPN member who has been sharing his life-changing story in the world of science, Dr. Hugh Ross.
• Yesterday, the nominees were announced for the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards. Let’s pray for all of the nominees as they wait in great anticipation for what they believe could be the biggest break of their lives. May the Lord show them that though the awards are exciting, they are not what define our worth or value. What most of us think will fill us up ultimately just leaves us empty, so let’s pray that the TV actors, directors, writers and executives will discern this spiritual truth. The winners will be announced on Sept. 18th on Fox. For more information on the Emmy’s and this year’s host, Jane Lynch, click HERE.
• We need to pray for the editors, researchers, reporters and writers of the two major Entertainment Trade papers, the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety. These people have tremendous power to launch, propel or stall careers by the news they publish about the decision-makers and cultural influencers in our society. They post new projects in development and production, give up-dates on people’s careers, and they cover the business and financial news about studios, production companies, film box office numbers, etc. Most entertainment professionals read these publications like Christians are supposed to read their Bibles. So, let’s pray for the integrity, honesty, wisdom, and hearts of the people behind the scenes at these publications.
• Let’s pray for some of the most influential power brokers in our industry – the attorneys. Everybody making deals needs one and many of them often manage, or executive produce projects as well. The entertainment law firms hold tremendous, yet quiet force over who makes deals, how much money people make and what projects get green-lighted. Please pray that the attorneys will take responsibility for their power and influence and treat their choices and the people in their lives with integrity, honesty, grace and compassion, and that they can gain the heart of Jesus. For an insightful article on the different types of attorneys in Hollywood and what they do, click on “Power Lawyers 2011” HERE.
HPN Members’ Requests:
• Dallas HPN Local Chapter wants us to pray for them and chat on their blog: “Thank you for your interest in praying for local artists, as well as those in Hollywood. We are praying for God's Spirit to guide us in who the Lord desires for us to target in prayer and when to do so. Prayer DOES make a difference and we greatly appreciate any time you take to go to the Lord on behalf of those in the entertainment industry. We invite you to share any insight, as well as those God is placing upon your heart to pray for, to please pass those names on to us so that we can add them to our prayer list. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness." Please click on the link to our blog for current prayer lists, and don't forget, to save to your "Favorites" and sign up to receive our blog updates.” http://hpn-dallas.blogspot.com/ Chris Knight & Victoria Stephens, Co-Directors, Dallas Chapter, HPN.
• Pray for Gabe and his church, HRock, as they produce their annual Arts Conference in August: PROJECT LIGHT '11. “Please put us in your prayer newsletter, so that people can be in prayer for us. This is extremely important, as we are facing some spiritual attacks, leading up to August 5th & 6th.“ Click HERE for more details.
• HPN needs a volunteer: We have so many people who want to be on our mailing list that we’re behind on entering them into our database. If there is any LA person who would like to volunteer some time to HPN and come into our offices (we’re really fun) to help update our database, you would be a gift from God! Just email Caren at Caren@hpnemail.org or call her at (323)462-8486 ext. 106. Thanks!
• Our Miami, Florida Chapter is launching an entertainment event on October 15th, 2011. Let’s pray for them to have a successful event in every way. Click HERE for more details. Thanks Gladys!
• The HPN Omaha local chapter was formed last Fall by Samantha, who expected a slow start as with anything new. They began meeting in the early part of the year, and still only have two attendees. She didn’t expect it to be so tough but as in many Midwest cities, most Christians don’t understand the powerful influence of the media and therefore see no reason to pray. Let’s pray for Samantha and the other Christians across the country who feel isolated in their passion to pray for the people in Hollywood.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• There is a new 24/7 Prayer room right in Hollywood, on the corner of Gower and Sunset Blvd. Check out: Radiance International, "24/7 Prayer from Hollywood to the Nations" at: http://www.radianceinternational.org/?page_id=23
• Don’t miss the upcoming events in the Christian Hollywood community. And if you’re having an event, let them 
know and they’ll add it to the site. Click HERE for more information!
Happy July and thanks for praying,
Karen and Caren
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TIP OF THE MONTH:
How can the church help Christian artists to succeed? Click HERE to find out!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“So much is distilled in our tears, not the least of which is wisdom in living life. I have learned that if you follow your tears, you will find your heart. And if you find your heart, you will find what is dear to God. And if you find what is dear to God, you will find the answer to how you should live your life." - Ken Gire
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5
It has been some time since the Apostle Paul wrote his two letters to the Corinthians.
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In the week of July 21 -28 some 750 villages and towns in the area surrounding Corinth, Greece will again be receiving the letters from Paul, as well as the rest of the New Testament writers.
Around 250 volunteers from around the world will take part in a mass distribution of scriptures to 120,000 homes in the area. The copies of the New Testament will be in modern Greek published by the Bible Society. They will also receive a audio recording of the New Testament in modern Greek on a DVD plus some gospel literature.
Very few Greeks own a copy of the Bible as it is regarded as a study book for theologians and clergymen. And not intended to be read by the masses. Those that do possess a copy of the Bible treat it more as a good luck charm or an ornament.
During this project 120,000 households will be receiving a beautifully bound copy of the New Testament in a language they would expect to find in their daily newspaper. It is the sort of Greek the venerable apostle would have used if he had been sending out his epistles today.
The campaign is being organized by Hellenic Ministries, a Greek-based evangelistic mission operating out of Athens, Greece. The mission was started by Costas and Alky Macris who had returned from their own work as pioneer missionaries in Irian Jaya for health reasons and immediately began a new ministry in their native Greece.
This project is the biggest evangelistic effort in the long history of Greece. When Paul wrote his two epistles to the Corinthians it was probably delivered to a small handful of believers, who were facing real problems. This time 120,000 homes will have access to the Word of God as found in the New Testament. Remembering that ". the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." (Hebrews 4:12, NLT)
Johnathan Macris, President of Hellenic Ministries, and his small staff are confident that the area will be greatly impacted for "the entrance of Your word brings light, it brings understanding to the simple." (Ps 119.130). Their vision is to distribute a million copies of the New Testament throughout rural Greece. Over the past few years 224,000 New Testaments have already been distributed to homes across Greece.
The ages of the volunteers ranges from pre- adolescent teens to senior citizens. They come as individuals, church groups, and families - all with the sole aim of getting the writings of Paul and his fellow New Testament writers to the masses.
How the Apostle Paul would have loved to have had such an enthusiastic, energized group at his disposal. Before the campaign has even started there is evidence of mounting opposition. The national Greek Orthodox Church has posted a message on its website warning parishioners to avoid any contact with “this group of heretics spreading false teachings amongst our people.” Sounds like history is repeating itself. "They (the Jewish elders) accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”" (Acts 18:13, NLT)
For further information about this great project contact Dr. Nico Bougas, International Coordinator of Hellenic Ministries: nico@bougas.info
Great quote came in an email:
" Why are so many Christian believers ineffective, anemic, disappointed, discouraged? I think the answer is that we need confirmation within ourselves, and we are not getting it.
I have no doubt that God, in love and grace and mercy, awaits to confirm His presence among those who will truly hunger and thirst after righteousness. For a long while I have been on record insisting that true spiritual experience is conscious awareness, illustrated early in the Old Testament by Abram's personal realization and knowledge of the presence of God.
In the Christian Church, genuine spiritual experience goes back to the apostles---actually back to our Lord Himself. I do not refer to a dream while a person sleeps. I do not refer to something a person has buried in his or her subconsciousness. I refer to a conscious intelligence, an awareness.
The human personality has a right to be consciously aware of a meeting with God. There will be a spiritual confirmation, an inward knowledge or witness.
I repeat: Experience is conscious awareness. This kind of confirmation and witness was taught and treasured by the great souls throughout the ages.
Conscious awareness of the presence of God! I defy any theologian or teacher to take that away from the believing church of Jesus Christ .But be assured they will try. And I refer not just to the liberal teachers. God has given us the Bible for a reason. That reason is so it can lead us to meet God in Jesus Christ in a clear, sharp encounter that will burn on in our hearts forever and ever!
Genuine Christian experience must always include an encounter with God Himself. The spiritual giants of old were those who at so some time became acutely conscious of the presence of God. They maintained that consciousness for the rest of their lives.
(Adapted from Chapter 1 of the book Men Who Met God, published b
by Christian Publications, Inc.)
In her newest book, Abundant Simplicity, Jan Johnson, one of our Pray! authors, shares a story that illustrates a similar point:
Once while eating at a restaurant, my friend Sandra prayed aloud a prayer that influenced how I see dining. From a liturgical background, she found “winging” it in prayer a different experience. But looking at our appetizing Cobb salads, she dived in: “Thank you, God, for the people who planted this lettuce. [Pause. I pictured farm workers in the beautiful Salinas Valley John Steinbeck made famous.] Thank you for the soil and rain that helped it grow. [Pause. I could picture that.] Thank you for the people who picked it. [Pause. I began thinking about how farm workers in California used to have to use a short handled scythe and hands got cut off. So I’m thanking God for tools and farm labor laws.] Thank you for the people who packaged it. [Pause. I picture women in packing houses wearing hairnets.] Thank you for the grocer who set it out for someone to buy. [I thought about our Hispanic produce manager who chooses such good quality produce.] Thank you for the server. [Pause. I reminded myself to find out that young man’s name so I could call him by name.] Amen.When I opened my eyes, the salad looked very different. I saw that a lot of people had served me well. I was thankful. I’ve since prayed in the manner she did many times because it reminds me of the simple yet intricate way that food comes to us on our table."
I don't know about you, but I suspect sometimes that God might become bored by the repetition of my table grace prayers. But these thoughts from my pastor and from Jan have inspired me to both more creative and less self-centered praying.
Thanks for you prayers, God is blessing his ministry. on sunday 17th July 2011 will be my graduation form Legacy Media and Marketing Group. My reason is to spread the gospel through radio/TV. I shall be grateful if you will support me with prayers.
For the harvest is too much, my reason of living is for this.
Samuel Gbadyu
Jesus, In God we trust, these are the writtenon vehicles in our city Monrovia. Everyone is a christian but not a disciple of 'christ.
Even those so call christian are still carrying boyfriends, some all them godpa. The young people are living in sin.
God by his mercy deliver me and has sent me to deliver the message of salvation to the youth. United youth s Africa, is here to preach the gospel. We are holding a three days conference with the aim to win the young people to Christ.
God is looking for people to do this work.
JESUS, JESUS, gOD WITH US, IN GOD WE TRUST, these are the writing posted on vehicles in Liberia, people all over say they are christians, but one can not tell from a christian and a nonchristian. The Nation looks like a Nation that love Christ but yet far from the truth.
I am working in this country, our election is this year, please pray for us.
Goah Samuel Gbadyu samuelgbadju@yahoo.fr
