http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/devotional/story-of-jesus/01
This link from Biblegateway.com gives a wonderful free online presentation of the story of Jesus. It tells the story using Scripture passages and short interjections to help with transitions and/or explain concepts or background. Copy and paste the link to your browser and book mark it. Listen to the story gradually. It's not really something that can be listened to all at once unless one has the time. But do listen. And share the link with others. It helps sharpen our skill in sharing the story as well as serves as a tool for presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard His story.
Blessings in the New Year!
Web Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/devotional/story-of-jesus/01
About Me
- bangkokjoy
- Keller, TX, United States
- I grew up on a farm in Indiana, attended Purdue and Concordia Universities (undergraduate and graduate, respectively), served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and as a missionary with LCMS World Mission for 20 years in Thailand (15) and Guatemala (5). More recently, I've attained teacher certifications (Bilingual and Regular Ed Generalist EC-6, Bilingual and Regular Ed Generalist 4-8, and ESL). My heart is still in that of being a missionary and my first full-time post as an elementary/middle school teacher is that of English Language Specialist at Buena Vista International School (BCIS) in Shenzhen, China on the mainland just across the border from Hong Kong. I teach ESL to all grades at this new school under Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod. The school is not a part of the LCMS though the school has been granted LCMS World Mission educational consultants and an interim principal for its first year of operation.
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Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Lights Out at Christie's Apartment & More!
Nothing much but wanted you all to know that according to my neighbor who speaks a tiny bit of English, our electricity went out in the apartment complex where I live which consists of 7 - 31 story buildings with anywhere between 8 and 12 apartments on each floor. I live on the 23rd floor! On the 4th floor, there is a walk way that connects all 7 buildings together with a huge walk-way/garden/and play area for children. It's nice but VERY crowded with people 24/7!
The complex is connected to our local Wal-Mart! Yes, that's right! Wal-Mart! But it's not like the Wal-Mart's in the US so don't get too excited! It is expensive compared to local street shops but it is large and air-conditioned so many people walk around inside it to get cool... and they do make a fair amount of sales, too!
The electricity went out about 8 am (after I had already left for work... his wife's mother stays home all day to babysit their child) and it didn't come back on until 8 pm tonight, Tuesday, August 23! That makes a full 24 hours it was off. The tiny freezer I have in my dorm room sized refrigerator had 2 - 2 cup frozen bags of veggies... needless to say they were mush. The six eggs I had boiled no doubt are spoiled and not sure how the fresh veggies fared as I did not open the quart sized bags to find out.
One good thing is that I was needing to defrost the tiny little freezer as it had frost quite thick in it and was not freezing well to begin with. So, that's taken care of! Water was all over the floor when I got home at 6:15 pm. Mess cleaned up and dinner consumed in the dark to a single mini-flashlight I brought with me.
My neighbor, Family and Janny (pronounced "Jenny") came over to visit in the dark after their little meal was over as well. We had a great time talking small talk about where they are from, where they work, how they met, the size of their birth families, their education, etc. I learned a bit more about China tonight though in all reality, I do every day in some way.
Family and Jenny assisted me one night about 3 days after I had arrived as well.... a policeman came knocking at my door wanting my passport info, a picture, and my signature on a formal looking document. I didn't have a phone yet so between Family, Janny, and a bilingual operator I was able to get on my cell phone from America (the only communication I could have on that phone and before the expiry date), we took care of everything the policeman was wanting.
On another note, Family and Janny came to my rescue again (as did a Chinese speaking teacher at the school), when a week ago, some teenager (supposedly) played a prank and locked me out of my apartment by putting quick drying cement glue into my key hole of my apartment door! That was almost a 4 hour ordeal to take care of but patience and perseverance as well as my friends Family and Janny (and the Chinese speaking teacher) saved the day... I mean night! The good thing there is that with the new door handle and locks installed, I don't have to get a spare key made! There were 5 of them that came with the set! And, of course, it set me back by $45 American dollars!
But, I'm not complaining! I'm safe and sound and back to "normal" now with a functioning locking door, electricity, a refrigerator that works... and internet... well, most of the time... it's not working at the moment so you won't get this no doubt until tomorrow!
Night night! Sleep tight! And don't let the bed bugs bite!
God's blessings to all of you and thank you so much for praying for me!
Love you all!
The complex is connected to our local Wal-Mart! Yes, that's right! Wal-Mart! But it's not like the Wal-Mart's in the US so don't get too excited! It is expensive compared to local street shops but it is large and air-conditioned so many people walk around inside it to get cool... and they do make a fair amount of sales, too!
The electricity went out about 8 am (after I had already left for work... his wife's mother stays home all day to babysit their child) and it didn't come back on until 8 pm tonight, Tuesday, August 23! That makes a full 24 hours it was off. The tiny freezer I have in my dorm room sized refrigerator had 2 - 2 cup frozen bags of veggies... needless to say they were mush. The six eggs I had boiled no doubt are spoiled and not sure how the fresh veggies fared as I did not open the quart sized bags to find out.
One good thing is that I was needing to defrost the tiny little freezer as it had frost quite thick in it and was not freezing well to begin with. So, that's taken care of! Water was all over the floor when I got home at 6:15 pm. Mess cleaned up and dinner consumed in the dark to a single mini-flashlight I brought with me.
My neighbor, Family and Janny (pronounced "Jenny") came over to visit in the dark after their little meal was over as well. We had a great time talking small talk about where they are from, where they work, how they met, the size of their birth families, their education, etc. I learned a bit more about China tonight though in all reality, I do every day in some way.
Family and Jenny assisted me one night about 3 days after I had arrived as well.... a policeman came knocking at my door wanting my passport info, a picture, and my signature on a formal looking document. I didn't have a phone yet so between Family, Janny, and a bilingual operator I was able to get on my cell phone from America (the only communication I could have on that phone and before the expiry date), we took care of everything the policeman was wanting.
On another note, Family and Janny came to my rescue again (as did a Chinese speaking teacher at the school), when a week ago, some teenager (supposedly) played a prank and locked me out of my apartment by putting quick drying cement glue into my key hole of my apartment door! That was almost a 4 hour ordeal to take care of but patience and perseverance as well as my friends Family and Janny (and the Chinese speaking teacher) saved the day... I mean night! The good thing there is that with the new door handle and locks installed, I don't have to get a spare key made! There were 5 of them that came with the set! And, of course, it set me back by $45 American dollars!
But, I'm not complaining! I'm safe and sound and back to "normal" now with a functioning locking door, electricity, a refrigerator that works... and internet... well, most of the time... it's not working at the moment so you won't get this no doubt until tomorrow!
Night night! Sleep tight! And don't let the bed bugs bite!
God's blessings to all of you and thank you so much for praying for me!
Love you all!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Christie Goes to China, part 2
Deaconess Christie Nelson, former LCMS missionary to Thailand and Guatemala, has recently completed teacher certification EC-6 and 4-8 including bilingual (Spanish) and ESL. Christie has accepted a teaching position to serve as the English Language Specialist (ESL teacher) at Buena Vista Concordia International School (BCIS) in Shenzhen, China. BCIS will be in its first year (grades K-7) and is being established by the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) at the request of the Chinese government. The school is being modeled as much as possible after the 3 LCMS international schools in Asia. There are an expected 50 - 100 students this first year. LCHKS is a partner church body with LCMS.
Though the teaching position cannot be considered an official LCMS call, Christie believes with all her heart that she has the call of God to take this position and be used by Him in the lives of the children, their families, and the teachers at the new school. Christie will be serving directly under the LCHKS with salary in Chinese currency and Chinese medical coverage which will cover her while in China, Macao, and Hong Kong only. There are hopes of receiving an "add on" coverage for when Christie may travel outside of those 3 areas. She returns for summer in June 2012 and will go back out to China for a second year provided God wills it.
Christie departs on August 2nd in the wee hours of the morning. Sunday, July 31st, she will receive a blessing at her current church, Messiah Lutheran Church, in Keller, TX during the 8:00 AM service to serve at the new school. Please remember to keep her, this new opportunity to share Jesus in subtle ways, the children, and BCIS in first year of operation in your prayers.
Christie thanks everyone who has been upholding her in prayers since 2006 when she returned from Thailand and especially during the last couple of years that she has been seeking the Lord's will for her life for its next chapter and while obtaining teacher certification to broaden her opportunities for service to the Lord.
Though the teaching position cannot be considered an official LCMS call, Christie believes with all her heart that she has the call of God to take this position and be used by Him in the lives of the children, their families, and the teachers at the new school. Christie will be serving directly under the LCHKS with salary in Chinese currency and Chinese medical coverage which will cover her while in China, Macao, and Hong Kong only. There are hopes of receiving an "add on" coverage for when Christie may travel outside of those 3 areas. She returns for summer in June 2012 and will go back out to China for a second year provided God wills it.
Christie departs on August 2nd in the wee hours of the morning. Sunday, July 31st, she will receive a blessing at her current church, Messiah Lutheran Church, in Keller, TX during the 8:00 AM service to serve at the new school. Please remember to keep her, this new opportunity to share Jesus in subtle ways, the children, and BCIS in first year of operation in your prayers.
Christie thanks everyone who has been upholding her in prayers since 2006 when she returned from Thailand and especially during the last couple of years that she has been seeking the Lord's will for her life for its next chapter and while obtaining teacher certification to broaden her opportunities for service to the Lord.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Christie Goes To China!
How truly exciting!
I depart August 1! I'll be teaching ESL to the students at the new international school being established by Lutherna Church Hong Kong Synod in Shenzhen, China! I'll be the English Language Specialist there and serve together with 5-7 other teachers. There will be grades K-7 this first year of the school and most classroom teachers will be teaching two grades. There will be a music/art/dance teacher as well as a Chinese teacher. It is possible yet for teachers to be hired. Thus far there are 3 classroom teachers, the Chinese teacher, and myself, the ESL teacher.
Shenzhen is a city of about 10 million people so in terms of the number of people, it won't be much different than living in Bangkok which you know I did for 15 years, and loved it! The Chinese culture while distinct from Thai culture has a few similarities which will assist me in adjusting to the country. There will be, however, many things which will be different.
I've been told that it is not an expectation for me to learn Chinese because the Chinese parents who have their children in the school, fear that if the teachers know Chinese that Chinese will be spoken in the classroom instead of English... and they are paying to have their children learn English and get an education on the American system. They have a point. That said, I plan on learning some Chinese just the same to help me get around and feel more at home.
I'll be living in a one bedroom apartment (possibly two but no guarantee) most likely in an apartment building that is many floors high. I won't have a car like I did in Thailand and will be using local transportation... buses, subways, trains, and taxis. That will take some getting used to! I'm used to being able to just get in a car and go! :-)
The school is absolutely beautiful looking like a Spanish villa but going up 4 floors. There are two elevators, however, for which I am grateful! I'll be doing the stairs, too, but glad that I'll also be able to use the elevator! The school will also have wireless internet and all teachers will be given a laptop to be used for school work for which I am grateful, too. I understand it is also air-conditioned which is wonderful as well!
Weather in Shenzhen is hot and muggy much of the year with a high level of humidity all year round. The months of January - March can be quite cold, however, with temperatures getting down below 40 at times... it has never snowed in Shenzhen but when it is in the low 40's and raining outside (which it often does), it can be bone-snapping cold! One of the teachers who has lived in Shenzhen for a year already said that her son would go to school in shorts and a fleece jacket even on the coldest of days while all the Chinese students were bundled up in coats, mittens, and scarves as well as double layers of clothing! She and her son are from the state of Maine... I can imagine why they would not feel the cold!
As I write, it is 84 degrees there with a Feel Like temperature of 94 and a 76% humidity. Tomorrow's high is 92 with a Fell Like temperature of a 102! The average annual temperature (including highs and lows) in Shenzhen is 72.5 while in Bangkok it is 82. Daily highs in summer can reach as high as 102... which it will be doing tomorrow!
The average annual rainfall in Shenzhen is 79 inches but often rains as much as 98 inches where in Bangkok the annual rainfall is 59 inches. And I thought it rained a lot in Bangkok!
In comparison to Keller, TX, the average annual temperature is 63 (that's hard to believe with the high temperature into the 100's for so many days and the winters not going below 40 most days) and the rainfall is only 29 inches!
Something tells me I'm going to get wet a lot this year! Oh my!
It will all be a great experience and I'm looking forward to all of it but using the local transportation and the rainy humid weather but I'll get used to it, I'm sure! Not having a car and having to walk and climb stairs all over the city will definitely be good for me physically!
I'll be super busy this month of July sorting, throwing out, giving away, selling, and finally packing my bags... will most likely have a few excess bags.
I'm trusting God that all the bags and excess boxes will make it through airport and border customs without any issues!
I am looking for people to help me with the expense of shipping books over via the ocean... if you are interested please do email me or make a comment to this post to that affect and I will be in touch with you.
Thanks for reading this and for your interest.
I'll keep you posted!
I depart August 1! I'll be teaching ESL to the students at the new international school being established by Lutherna Church Hong Kong Synod in Shenzhen, China! I'll be the English Language Specialist there and serve together with 5-7 other teachers. There will be grades K-7 this first year of the school and most classroom teachers will be teaching two grades. There will be a music/art/dance teacher as well as a Chinese teacher. It is possible yet for teachers to be hired. Thus far there are 3 classroom teachers, the Chinese teacher, and myself, the ESL teacher.
Shenzhen is a city of about 10 million people so in terms of the number of people, it won't be much different than living in Bangkok which you know I did for 15 years, and loved it! The Chinese culture while distinct from Thai culture has a few similarities which will assist me in adjusting to the country. There will be, however, many things which will be different.
I've been told that it is not an expectation for me to learn Chinese because the Chinese parents who have their children in the school, fear that if the teachers know Chinese that Chinese will be spoken in the classroom instead of English... and they are paying to have their children learn English and get an education on the American system. They have a point. That said, I plan on learning some Chinese just the same to help me get around and feel more at home.
I'll be living in a one bedroom apartment (possibly two but no guarantee) most likely in an apartment building that is many floors high. I won't have a car like I did in Thailand and will be using local transportation... buses, subways, trains, and taxis. That will take some getting used to! I'm used to being able to just get in a car and go! :-)
The school is absolutely beautiful looking like a Spanish villa but going up 4 floors. There are two elevators, however, for which I am grateful! I'll be doing the stairs, too, but glad that I'll also be able to use the elevator! The school will also have wireless internet and all teachers will be given a laptop to be used for school work for which I am grateful, too. I understand it is also air-conditioned which is wonderful as well!
Weather in Shenzhen is hot and muggy much of the year with a high level of humidity all year round. The months of January - March can be quite cold, however, with temperatures getting down below 40 at times... it has never snowed in Shenzhen but when it is in the low 40's and raining outside (which it often does), it can be bone-snapping cold! One of the teachers who has lived in Shenzhen for a year already said that her son would go to school in shorts and a fleece jacket even on the coldest of days while all the Chinese students were bundled up in coats, mittens, and scarves as well as double layers of clothing! She and her son are from the state of Maine... I can imagine why they would not feel the cold!
As I write, it is 84 degrees there with a Feel Like temperature of 94 and a 76% humidity. Tomorrow's high is 92 with a Fell Like temperature of a 102! The average annual temperature (including highs and lows) in Shenzhen is 72.5 while in Bangkok it is 82. Daily highs in summer can reach as high as 102... which it will be doing tomorrow!
The average annual rainfall in Shenzhen is 79 inches but often rains as much as 98 inches where in Bangkok the annual rainfall is 59 inches. And I thought it rained a lot in Bangkok!
In comparison to Keller, TX, the average annual temperature is 63 (that's hard to believe with the high temperature into the 100's for so many days and the winters not going below 40 most days) and the rainfall is only 29 inches!
Something tells me I'm going to get wet a lot this year! Oh my!
It will all be a great experience and I'm looking forward to all of it but using the local transportation and the rainy humid weather but I'll get used to it, I'm sure! Not having a car and having to walk and climb stairs all over the city will definitely be good for me physically!
I'll be super busy this month of July sorting, throwing out, giving away, selling, and finally packing my bags... will most likely have a few excess bags.
I'm trusting God that all the bags and excess boxes will make it through airport and border customs without any issues!
I am looking for people to help me with the expense of shipping books over via the ocean... if you are interested please do email me or make a comment to this post to that affect and I will be in touch with you.
Thanks for reading this and for your interest.
I'll keep you posted!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Push It!
It is not vain to serve God.
We did right. We told the truth. We suffer. We prayed for this and that yet our prayers are not answered.
The arrogant and wicked - those who curse God - are the ones who are blessed. It's the ruthless, the hypocrite, the tyrant, and the dishonest who prosper and increase in riches.
Our flesh says, "It's not fair. How vain. What's blessed in this world?" What's in it for me? God owes me for all my good deeds. This philosophy says then, all is in vain.
But the new man says, "It is not futile... not vain." Christians talk to God and He hears them. They fear/love/respect/trust/ and have confidence in God no matter what is happening... God hears. These people talk to each other about these things and encouraged one another in times of crop failure, loss, pain, death, mourning. And this is the kind of conversation that God wants us to have with each other all the time so we don't grow weary in doing good. It is paramount that we have talk that is edifying coming out of our mouths.
When God hears complaints being made by we Christians, He rebukes our complaints as sin and lack of trust as well as lack of thanksgiving.
May He work in our hearts and deliver us from self pity, pride, and materialism that would say life is not fair. God sees and hears and feels our pain, and He sees those things we do when no one else sees. He honors those things we do in His name. God has a home prepared for us. This is our reward and we forebear it all.
If whatever is happening to me at the time is the worst thing that could happen to me, then I am truly blessed. I push it. And I push it to the limit.
We did right. We told the truth. We suffer. We prayed for this and that yet our prayers are not answered.
The arrogant and wicked - those who curse God - are the ones who are blessed. It's the ruthless, the hypocrite, the tyrant, and the dishonest who prosper and increase in riches.
Our flesh says, "It's not fair. How vain. What's blessed in this world?" What's in it for me? God owes me for all my good deeds. This philosophy says then, all is in vain.
But the new man says, "It is not futile... not vain." Christians talk to God and He hears them. They fear/love/respect/trust/ and have confidence in God no matter what is happening... God hears. These people talk to each other about these things and encouraged one another in times of crop failure, loss, pain, death, mourning. And this is the kind of conversation that God wants us to have with each other all the time so we don't grow weary in doing good. It is paramount that we have talk that is edifying coming out of our mouths.
When God hears complaints being made by we Christians, He rebukes our complaints as sin and lack of trust as well as lack of thanksgiving.
May He work in our hearts and deliver us from self pity, pride, and materialism that would say life is not fair. God sees and hears and feels our pain, and He sees those things we do when no one else sees. He honors those things we do in His name. God has a home prepared for us. This is our reward and we forebear it all.
If whatever is happening to me at the time is the worst thing that could happen to me, then I am truly blessed. I push it. And I push it to the limit.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Christian Presence in the World
The following notes were taken from a sermon by Rev. Glenn Huebel of Messiah Lutheran Church in Keller, TX. The sermon was based on the Gospel for the day: Matthew 5:13 - 20.
We are in the world, not of the world. Some separate themselves out. Some are eager to be in the world but become like those of the world. However, Jesus describes Christians as those who are distinct and visible to the world. It's contradictory to God's purpose for Christians to be like those of the world. He has breathed His light into us through Christ so that we shine His light into the world.
We are Christ's bride and we are not embarrassed to say He is our Lord even when we may be ridiculed because of His name. Many have suffered persecutions for their faithfulness to the Lord. They are faithful loving witnesses to Christ... we see and /or hear of them and they serve as good examples for us.
We are not entrusted with the Gospel to keep it as our own private domain. It is designed to be shared and it is given to us to be shared with everyone... to the hurting, to sinners from all walks of life, to those in high places and to those in lowly places, and to those close to you, near to you, as well as those far from you and/or in distant lands. The Gospel is to be shared with all so that all might be saved.
Many have retreated into monasteries or choose to live their lives separate from the world around them. Even some of us, yes, us... could be living like this. But this is not God's intent for our lives. By our example, the world sees Christ and that is God's intent - not to isolate ourselves. And it is not to become like the world either as in the salt that has lost its saltiness.
If we are going to remain relevant, we must not give in to the thoughts and pressures of society which says it's OK to have sex before marriage and that it's OK for those of the same sex to be in relationship with each other. It's not OK to be friends with permissiveness. Jesus says those who do not confront the Church with the Truth have no place in the Kingdom of God just as salt that loses its saltiness is of no value.
We often say we desire to depart and be with Christ but it is more necessary for us to remain as the Apostle Paul declares. We are to remain in the world as a light for those who do not yet know Christ as it says in verse 16 of today's Gospel: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Love your enemy and all those who persecute you. This is when the world will see God's grace at work in our lives - they will see the difference... even in our secular vocations. Peter and Paul both say we are a royal priesthood. We are to declare His praises. We must be careful that we don't become so much like the world that people can't see the Light of Christ in us.
The Lord says in verse 19, "Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teachers others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Jesus fulfilled the moral law for us - Moses believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. So it is with us.
The Pharisees had the moral law but they did not believe in the promise... the promise of the Savior.
We don't bring the Light of Christ into the world by moralism.
We bless the world through the power of the Gospel and through lives that bask in God's love and forgiveness... lives that know He is the foundation for our very being. That is what draws people to the Light of Christ. And we say, "To God Be The Glory!" Amen.
We are in the world, not of the world. Some separate themselves out. Some are eager to be in the world but become like those of the world. However, Jesus describes Christians as those who are distinct and visible to the world. It's contradictory to God's purpose for Christians to be like those of the world. He has breathed His light into us through Christ so that we shine His light into the world.
We are Christ's bride and we are not embarrassed to say He is our Lord even when we may be ridiculed because of His name. Many have suffered persecutions for their faithfulness to the Lord. They are faithful loving witnesses to Christ... we see and /or hear of them and they serve as good examples for us.
We are not entrusted with the Gospel to keep it as our own private domain. It is designed to be shared and it is given to us to be shared with everyone... to the hurting, to sinners from all walks of life, to those in high places and to those in lowly places, and to those close to you, near to you, as well as those far from you and/or in distant lands. The Gospel is to be shared with all so that all might be saved.
Many have retreated into monasteries or choose to live their lives separate from the world around them. Even some of us, yes, us... could be living like this. But this is not God's intent for our lives. By our example, the world sees Christ and that is God's intent - not to isolate ourselves. And it is not to become like the world either as in the salt that has lost its saltiness.
If we are going to remain relevant, we must not give in to the thoughts and pressures of society which says it's OK to have sex before marriage and that it's OK for those of the same sex to be in relationship with each other. It's not OK to be friends with permissiveness. Jesus says those who do not confront the Church with the Truth have no place in the Kingdom of God just as salt that loses its saltiness is of no value.
We often say we desire to depart and be with Christ but it is more necessary for us to remain as the Apostle Paul declares. We are to remain in the world as a light for those who do not yet know Christ as it says in verse 16 of today's Gospel: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Love your enemy and all those who persecute you. This is when the world will see God's grace at work in our lives - they will see the difference... even in our secular vocations. Peter and Paul both say we are a royal priesthood. We are to declare His praises. We must be careful that we don't become so much like the world that people can't see the Light of Christ in us.
The Lord says in verse 19, "Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teachers others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Jesus fulfilled the moral law for us - Moses believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. So it is with us.
The Pharisees had the moral law but they did not believe in the promise... the promise of the Savior.
We don't bring the Light of Christ into the world by moralism.
We bless the world through the power of the Gospel and through lives that bask in God's love and forgiveness... lives that know He is the foundation for our very being. That is what draws people to the Light of Christ. And we say, "To God Be The Glory!" Amen.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!
Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!
Click on the link above to see the video clip!
This short video is for all my women friends who find themselves in the midst of overcoming something... no matter what it is.
God's peace and strength be yours!
Christie
Click on the link above to see the video clip!
This short video is for all my women friends who find themselves in the midst of overcoming something... no matter what it is.
God's peace and strength be yours!
Christie
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
That's My King! - New Year 2011!
Let's start the new year 2011 right! With Jesus Christ, our King! Read this and let's praise Jesus!
John 1:1,14
John 1:1,14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The following is from Dr. S.M. Lockridge’s sermon titled “That’s My King.” If you have never heard it go to youtube, and search for “That’s My King” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge.
That’s My King
by Dr. S.M. Lockridge
My King was born King.
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.
Now that’s my King.
Well I wonder if you know Him.
Do you know Him?
Don’t try to mislead me.
Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.
My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s Savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s august.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.
He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.
That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?
Well, my King is the key of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the master of the mighty.
He’s the captain of the conquerors.
He’s the head of the heroes.
He’s the leader of the legislatures.
He’s the overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the governor of governors.
He’s the prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s my King.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That’s my King.
My King, yeah.
His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well.
I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.
He’s indescribable.
Yes.
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.
You can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s my King.
Yeah.
He always has been and He always will be.
I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor.
There was nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.
That’s my King!
That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Well, all the power belongs to my King.
We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power.
Thine is the power.
Yeah.
And the glory.
We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.
Yes.
Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.
How long is that?
And ever and ever and ever and ever.
And when you get through with all of the forevers, then, Amen.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Bryce - struggling against cancer - Pray 4 him
Do you know someone who is struggling with cancer? Perhaps you are in a fight against it yourself?
Cancer takes more and more lives each year and knows no age boundaries.
Today in one of the classes for which I subbed, the students called out, "Absent." when I called young Bryce's name. He's only a freshman in high school. There was no strength in the call of their voices, however. They had said "Absent" with such a quiet demeanor and so many of them at the same time. With each student's name I call, I always look up to acknowledge the person behind the voice. At this moment when I looked up, the faces of each student was solemn as I've ever seen. Their eyes told me something was very very wrong.
Upon asking, I was told that Bryce had been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks and that just yesterday he had been sent home to be cared for in his last days of life. Bryce has had a type of brain cancer for several years already and been through all the chemo and various treatments possible. When he has been well enough, he has joined his classmates at school. He has had good seasons and bad. The students said they adored him, especially the few who had actually gone to school with him in Middle School and Elementary School.
Bryce, they explained, was a fighter and always maintained a positive outlook. Though he was terminally ill, he had been and continues to be for them a role model on how to live and look at life. One student shared, "You know, Bryce is a Christian. Even when he's not well, he's always praying and always reading from his Bible." Another student shared, "Yes, and he is the only person I know who has never lost his cool or given anybody any trouble." Then someone told me that they had just sent him a class card and that he was always present in their minds, and that for him personally, Bryce's life, words, and attitude had given him the inspiration to seek more of God since he had found so much love and peace in his friend. Now isn't that a testimony!
The way I understand it, Bryce won't live many more days on this earth. However, what a witness of faith this young man has been in the lives of his peers, and no doubt, everyone who knows him. It was such a blessing for me to be in the public classroom and hear the testimonies of these students about their friend and openly use the names "God" and "Jesus" as if it were a private school.
Let's keep Bryce in our prayers for healing and continued peace in his struggle against cancer, and let's each say a short prayer of thanksgiving to God for Bryce's life and for how God has used him during his short life on earth!
And may Bryce serve as an example to anyone struggling with cancer and/or who is caring for someone who has it. God is faithful now and forever.
Cancer takes more and more lives each year and knows no age boundaries.
Today in one of the classes for which I subbed, the students called out, "Absent." when I called young Bryce's name. He's only a freshman in high school. There was no strength in the call of their voices, however. They had said "Absent" with such a quiet demeanor and so many of them at the same time. With each student's name I call, I always look up to acknowledge the person behind the voice. At this moment when I looked up, the faces of each student was solemn as I've ever seen. Their eyes told me something was very very wrong.
Upon asking, I was told that Bryce had been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks and that just yesterday he had been sent home to be cared for in his last days of life. Bryce has had a type of brain cancer for several years already and been through all the chemo and various treatments possible. When he has been well enough, he has joined his classmates at school. He has had good seasons and bad. The students said they adored him, especially the few who had actually gone to school with him in Middle School and Elementary School.
Bryce, they explained, was a fighter and always maintained a positive outlook. Though he was terminally ill, he had been and continues to be for them a role model on how to live and look at life. One student shared, "You know, Bryce is a Christian. Even when he's not well, he's always praying and always reading from his Bible." Another student shared, "Yes, and he is the only person I know who has never lost his cool or given anybody any trouble." Then someone told me that they had just sent him a class card and that he was always present in their minds, and that for him personally, Bryce's life, words, and attitude had given him the inspiration to seek more of God since he had found so much love and peace in his friend. Now isn't that a testimony!
The way I understand it, Bryce won't live many more days on this earth. However, what a witness of faith this young man has been in the lives of his peers, and no doubt, everyone who knows him. It was such a blessing for me to be in the public classroom and hear the testimonies of these students about their friend and openly use the names "God" and "Jesus" as if it were a private school.
Let's keep Bryce in our prayers for healing and continued peace in his struggle against cancer, and let's each say a short prayer of thanksgiving to God for Bryce's life and for how God has used him during his short life on earth!
And may Bryce serve as an example to anyone struggling with cancer and/or who is caring for someone who has it. God is faithful now and forever.
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