tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57441468996473746382024-01-01T18:29:13.847-05:00WORSHIP FLAGS - FLAG MINISTRYProviding Quality and Reasonably Priced Worship FlagsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-69727347608741211932014-02-25T09:00:00.000-05:002014-02-25T09:14:40.469-05:00Flag Ministry or Flag Worship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The use of flags can be quite an entertaining sight to see, but when used to lift up blessings, glory, honor, and power to the Lord in His presence, flags can be more than entertaining. Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a "standard" of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as "standard" or "banner." The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own "standard" to signify their tribe. (Numbers 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes. (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18,22, 25) Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God's Name's, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! God's salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners, Psalms 20:5, Psalms 60:4. He is a banner of love and protection described in Song of Solomon 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song of Solomon 6:4, 10. He is a standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to all the world. (Isaiah 5:26, 11:12, 13:2, Jeremiah 50:2).<br /><br />Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags, music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome presence of God. This worship art form brings a memorable experience of worshiping our Lord under His anointing. There are two reasons or purposes I believe for Flag Worship: (1) to exalt the name of the Lord and give Him all the praise and the glory, and (2) to destroy the works of the devil. The basic technique of flag waving is not really a new art form. We see this art displayed in the world in rhythmic gymnastics or in a school's marching band, but waving those same flags and streamers under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, minds, and spirits leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with the Lord. God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way He can deliver it.<br /><br />How does one begin to praise and worship with flags begins with a desire to praise and worship the Lord. There is no special talent needed to worship with flags, even though having some skills in dance and ballet enhances your worship, but a willingness to use your body for the glory of God definitely is required. What you don't have the anointing will make up for as you present your offering to the Lord. Flag Worship can be done as an individual or group worship. As an individual, you are called on to ministry with several flags and streamers of all sorts while worshipping to a song or sometimes no music, being one with Christ. As a group, you minister as one in Christ even though each person gives their offerings with flags to the Lord in a choreograph worship or spontaneous. Through each worship piece, flags are raised and a "standard" as we know is lifted up for all the world or your audience to see. You or the group become the "bannered one (s) or standard-bearer (s), one who carries an ensign into battle. The types of flag worship pieces are the same and similar to those of dance ministry. There is a flag praise piece, a flag worship piece, a warfare piece, a flag prophetic piece, a flag celebration and dedication pieces, and many more. Notice that I didn't say, "flag praise dance piece", because dance is not a necessary requirement to worship with flags. Therefore, one can stand still and worship with flags!<br /><br />The ministry comes from the heart! The colors of the flags are important as you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually. <br /><br />White<br /> - Glory & majesty (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:11)<br /> - Purity (Revelation 1:14)<br /> - Completion (John 4:35)<br /><br />Purple<br /> - Royalty (Judges 8:26)<br /> - Wealth (Luke 16:19<br /><br />Black<br /> - Sorrow, Calamity (Revelation 6-12)<br /> - Hell (Jude 13<br /><br />Blue<br /> - Heavenly Character (Exodus 28:31)<br /><br />Green<br /> - Spiritual Privileges (Jeremiah 11:16)<br /> - Spiritual Life (Psalms 52:8, Psalms 92:12-15)<br /><br />Red<br /> - Atonement (Isaiah 63:2) - Persecution (Revelation 12:3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Article courtesy of Beit Tehlia Congregation</i></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-17509558432290094002014-02-10T12:46:00.000-05:002014-02-10T19:27:45.448-05:00Symbolic instruments of Praise, Worship, Warfare and Intercession<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />When we talk about these instruments, we are talking about tools that are symbolic. The bible is a book full of symbolism. We see in Col 2:16 & 17 that the festivals are referred to as shadows of things to come. Heb 10:1 also refers to the law as a shadow of things to come, but not the same image of those things. The Israelites were given these things as symbols of the things to come. The definition of shadow is “an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object”. <br /><br />Romans 6:4 talks about us being buried with him in baptism and then raised again to newness of life. <br /><br />Colossians also makes reference to being buried and raised again. Every reference to the communion tells us that the bread represents Christ's body, the juice, His blood. The relationship between the church and Christ is said to be like a marriage. When Christ was on earth, he taught in parables. These very parables are stories created to portray things of the Spirit with natural means. <br /><br />These are only but a few symbols that the scripture uses to give us things in our natural realm, that connect with our natural senses and intellect to help us understand the things of the unseen spiritual realm. <br /><br />So we need to remember that these things in and of themselves have no power. They are objects used to express things in the natural realm that are being revealed in the Spirit. <br /><br />With this said, I will also state this. There are some of these instruments that are used propheticallythat as far as scriptural referencing, I feel is a little on the thin side. However, I have also experienced that power when these are used. I will make it clear that I would rather tread lightly in thisarea then to use scripture in what I feel is not an appropriate interpretation. <br /><br />Alright, let's start with color interpretation. There are so many color interpretations out there. I heard it once said that if you had a room full of people that moved in prophetic color interpretations that you would have as many color interpretations as there were people. This is true for the most part. <br /><br />I will present two interpretations: <br /><br />One I have found to be the most scriptural I have truly ever seen represented. It from a teachingdone by one of my dearest friends, who has moved in the area of prophetic worship for many, many years. She has traveled and taught extensively for a large part of that. Her name is Mevalene Anderson. She uses the colors of the stones of the priestly breast plate, and coincides this with the blessings that were bestowed upon each of the 12 tribes. <br /><br />Rueben is red - God's love <br /><br />Simeon is gold - refined <br /><br />Levi is yellow - anointing, like liquid gold <br /><br />Judah is green - healing, prosperity <br /><br />Dan is blue - God's glory <br /><br />Naphtali is silver - we were bought with a price <br /><br />Gad is orange - warrior, or used with red as fire <br /><br />Asher is pink - childlike faith, innocence <br /><br />Issachar is purple - royalty <br /><br />Zebulan is aqua - refreshing, haven <br /><br />Joseph is black - new beginnings <br /><br />Benjamin is iridescent - white, purity <br /><br />Many of these coincide with other interpretations. Most other interpretations rely on nature to help interpret the meanings. But God does give divine revelation when He is actually consulted. <br /><br />Red is the blood and sacrifice, power and passion <br /><br />Black is sin, but also of things hidden <br /><br />White is purity, without blemish, holiness <br /><br />Silver is redemption and righteousness <br /><br />Brown is the earth and flesh <br /><br />Green is prosperity and abundant life <br /><br />Pink is innocence and intimacy <br /><br />Orange is war and fire <br /><br />Purple is royalty and kingship <br /><br />Gold is divinity <br /><br />Bronze, brass or copper is strength, trials and testing <br /><br />Yellow is glory and sonship <br /><br />Blue is open heaven, revelation, Holy Spirit, priesthood <br /><br />Aqua is water, refreshing <br /><br />Burgundy is new wine <br /><br />The most important thing to remember is that the Spirit has a reason for moving us towards colors. <br /><br />If you are constantly drawn to the same color flag all the time, or your home is filled with certain colors repeating itself throughout your home, there is a message being relayed in that. Ask the Holy Spirit, He will bring the revelation. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Now moving on to flags. </span><br /><br />Scripture actually does not use the word flag. It refers to banners, ensigns and standard. Flag is a more modern term, and is used in some more recent translations. Each one of these words has slight differences in their meaning. <br /><br />Standard (Strong’s #1714) Banner, used more towards a military reference; also #5127 to put to flight, to drive hastily, to cause to disappear. <br /><br />Banner #5251 Something lifted up, signal, pole, sail, ensign. <br /><br />Ensign #226 sign, signal, a distinguishing mark, remembrance, miraculous sign. It is used in this context 77 times in scripture. Sign of something past, or future, or sign of something unseen such as covenant. Gen 17:11 <br /><br />Webster’s: Banner: a piece of cloth attached by one edge to a staff, an ensign displaying a distinctive or symbolic device. <br /><br />Flag: A piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, a signaling device, to attract attention. <br /><br />All of these are sometimes used interchangeably. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;">IDENTIFICATION: </span><br /><br />Uses in scripture: <br /><br />Standards were used as a mark of identification. Num. 1:52 “The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies.” (NKJV) Num 2:2 “Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by their own standard,” <br /><br />There are others along this same line. <br /><br />Each standard was unique and identified the individual tribes. We are familiar with the Lion of Judah, however, all of the tribes had a symbol on their standards. There is some controversy as to what those were. Much has been lost over time. <br /><br />I have taken what seems to be the consensus: <br /><br />Reuben: Palm tree-Mandrakes or water <br /><br />Benjamin: Wolf <br /><br />Joseph: Ox (Ephraim and Menassah) Two oxen, one domestic, one wild <br /><br />Gad: Troop <br /><br />Naphtali: Stag <br /><br />Dan: Scales, or serpent <br /><br />Zebulun: Ship <br /><br />Issachar: Donkey <br /><br />Levi: Breastplate <br /><br />Simeon: Tower <br /><br />Asher: Olive Tree <br /><br />Judah: Lion <br /><br />The flags are believed to have been the color of each of the stones in the breastplate. These interpretations come mostly from the Midrash. There are about a 100 of these books and they are written as a means of scripture interpretation and historical documentation. <br /><br />Nations today still use flags as a means of identifying themselves. These flags contain colors and symbols that represent something about the country itself. Take the american flag. The red stripes are symbolic of shed blood. Many lives have been lost that the people of this country might have the freedom that we have. The white stripes symbolize higher realms of light. The stars represent the states that are part of this country, and the blue is symbolic of Americas relationship to the Almighty, Creator of all. Other interpretations are red for valor, white for purity, blue for justice. Nothing is without some kind of meaning in the flag. Even the fact that all these things are woven together. <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #274e13;">MILITARY, RULERSHIP, POSSESSION: </span></span><br /><br />The majority of scriptural references to banners is used in a military context. The references in Numbers 2 states that they set these standards according to their armies. Song of Songs 6:2 makes reference to the awesomeness ,(some translations say terrible) as an army with banners. When the word terrible is used, it creates a picture of how an approaching army with it's banners looks to the enemy!! <br /><br />It strikes dread in their hearts. When we look at Is 31:8 & 9 we see the enemies perspective. <br /><br />“Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mankind shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become forced labor. He shall cross over to his stronghold of fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner.” <br /><br />Raising the standard is part of the preparation for war, together with strengthening the the guard and posting the watchmen. <br /><br />Jer 51:12 “Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon; make the guard strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes. For the Lord has both devised and done what he has spoken against the inhabitants of Babylon.” <br /><br />Banners and flags are used to make proclamations. To declare a thing that will happen. Jer 50:2 (NLV) This is what the Lord says: “Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back! Raise a signal flag so everyone will know that Babylon will fall!” (NKJV) “Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim and do not conceal it. Say Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. The idols and strongholds are coming down. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: white;">THE LORDS BANNER </span></span><br /><br />In Ex 17 we see that the Israelites were at war with the Amalekites. After the victory was won Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah Nissi. The Lord is my banner. <br /><br />The Lord himself has a banner/standard. Is 11:10 “and in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the gentiles shall seek Him and His resting place shall be glorious. “ This banner/standard is Jesus. <br /><br />This banner is used to call the lost to himself Is 11:12 He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” <br /><br />The Lord raises this standard in battle on our behalf. Is 59:19 “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” <br /><br />The Lord himself gives us this banner to display: Ps 60:4. “You have given a banner to those that fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.” <br /><br />We are also his banner Zec 9:16 “The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over his land. <br /><br />And of course this banner is waved over us in love Song of Solomon 2:4 <br /><br />As we use banners/standards we are making declarations and decrees. We put the enemy on notice, he is going down and celebrate the victory as he is defeated. As the Lord leads us to certain flags, certain colors/images, we are declaring our identity in Him and who He is to us. <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: purple;">TABRETS/TIMBRELS </span></span><br /><br />The word tabrets means a timbrel a drum. It was made with a wooden circle and covered with a membrane. It had a leather strap attached that was slung over the shoulder. We see this instrument used often in ancient worship and celebration. This is the closest definition we have, this instrument has virtually disappeared over the centuries. <br /><br />Ex 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. <br /><br />2 Sam 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even harps, and on psalteries and on timbrels, on cornets, and on cymbals. <br /><br />Ps 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. <br /><br />And the list of these references can go on and on. The amazing significance of this instrument is that Lucifer was made with a tabret. Ez 28:13 After listing the stones it says, the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day that you were created.” <br /><br />This instrument is so pleasing to the Lord that he created the first worship leader to have one as part of his very being. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">WARFARE/JUDGMENT </span></span><br /><br />These awesome instruments can be used in warfare as well. Is 30:32 “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him, It will be with tabrets and harps, and in battles of brandishing he will fight with it.” <br /><br />As the staff of judgment comes down, it comes with the beat of the tambret and the sound of the harp. <br /><br />Praise is a powerful weapon against the enemy. These instruments were used as celebration and praise unto God. Praise breaks the enemies power over us and places our mind, will and emotions in a place that lines up with the word. <br /><br />The word tells us that this instrument will once again be returned to us in its original form. Jer 31:4 “Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin os Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tabrets, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.” <br /><br />Interesting thing about this passage. It refers to us adorning ourselves with tabrets. These instruments were apparently beautiful to look at. This word adornment not only means to decorate, but it means to attack in a hostile manner. <br /><br />The design of current tabrets is of course symbolic. They resemble the ancient drum by stretching a piece of fabric across the middle of the ring, leaving enough room for a hand hold. The colors and streamers used on these tools are symbolic much the same way it is for flags or other instruments. They are also used as an adornment, to decorate, much like the above passage says they do for us. <br /><br />TESTIMONY PG 22 <br /><br /><span style="background-color: lime;">STREAMERS </span><br /><br />The definition of a streamer is a flag that streams in the wind, any long narrow wavy strip resembling or suggesting a banner floating in the wind. <br /><br />Since banners and flags have already been covered I do not see it necessary to go elaborate. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: cyan;">ROD OF GOD </span><br /><br />The Hebrew word for rod is Matteh. #4294 which means a staff, branch, tribe but also references a scepter and a sword. <br /><br />Some translations use the words stave, staff, and scepter. <br /><br />Ex 4:20b “and Moses took the rod of God in his hand” Ex 17:9 also refers to the rod of God. <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #20124d;">IDENTIFICATION </span></span><br /><br />These rods or staffs were used an a means of identification. Num 17:2 “Speak to the children of Israel and get from them a rod from each father's house, all their leaders according to their fathers's house, all their leaders according to their father's houses—twelve rods. Write each man's name on his rod. “ <br /><br />Gen 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child. And she said, Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.” <br /><br />In the new testament we see this reference to identification. Mark 6:8 “He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--” <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;">DISPLAY OF SUPERNATURAL POWER </span></span><br /><br />We are all familiar with the Exodus story. The Lord used the staff that was in Moses hand to symbolically represent the expression of His power. The water into blood, the parting of the red sea, the water coming from the rock. As an expression of his power, the Lord used the actions of Aaron to execute judgement upon Egypt. Aaron repeated what the Lord was doing in the Spirit, Ex. 7:17 By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, I WILL STRIKE THE WATERS which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood.” vs. 20 “And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod an d struck the waters that were in the river, in the sign of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the rifer turned to blood.”<br /> Ex 4:17 “And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.” <br /><span style="background-color: #b45f06;"><br />ROD OF TESTIMONY </span><br /><br />The staff itself was used as a way of remembering the acts of God in their lives. They would mark their staffs with symbols of significant events in their lives. The birth of their children, promises God had given them, the fulfillment of those promises. Whenever the Lord moved in some miraculous way, they would mark it on their staffs. Jud. 5:11 “Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, there they shall recount the righteous acts of the Lord,” <br /><span style="background-color: #134f5c;"><br /><span style="color: white;">JUDGEMENT </span></span><br /><br />Is 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smith the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. <br /><br />Rev 19:15 “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He himself will rule them with a rod of iron.” <br /><br />Rev 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron” <br /><br />Is 30:32a “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him” <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #783f04;">THE LORDS ROD </span></span><br /><br />What is the Lords rod” <br /><br />Is. 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod, out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Fathers rod is Jesus. <br /><br />This is why David could say Ps 23:4 “Your rod and staff, they comfort me.” <br /><br />I have found this to be an extremely powerful tool in warfare and in staking the territory. I have used to to walk my home, my church building and other places. Aaron was a priest before the Lord. When he used his rod to exhibit the Lords awesome power, he was doing it in the role of a priest before the Lord. When you use this instrument especially with the mindset that you are a king and priest before the Lord, there is tremendous power in the realm of the Spirit. <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">BILLOWS </span></span><br /><br />There are two scriptural references for this and two definitions. <br /><br />#1530 heap, spring, wave, billow, over a dead body, used in ratifying a covenant, spring <br /><br />#4867 breaker, breaking of (sea) <br /><br />Ps 42:7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows (1530) have gone over me. <br /><br />Jonah 2:3 For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the sea, and the floods surround me; all your billows (4867) and Your waves passed over me. <br /><br />I personally love using billows. When you pass them over someone it is like they are being washed over by the depth of the Lord. They are covered and encapsulated in His presence. As you wave them up and down in the air, it's like casting things to heaven and pulling things down from heaven. <br /><br /><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #674ea7;">VEILS </span></span><br /><br />Typically when the scripture refers to a veil, it is talking about something that is a covering around the head and face. <br /><br />Spiritually speaking it is referred to being blinded or unable to see spiritually clear. <br /><br />2 Cor 3:14 “But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ,” <br /><br />Clear sign only comes through Christ. <br /><br />2 Cor 3:16 Nevertheless when on turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. <br /><br />The veil in the tabernacle/temple, kept the Holy of Holies separated. The priest was only permitted to enter into the presence of God once a year to place blood upon the mercy seat. But Christ went into the Holy place for us once and for all. Through him, the veil of his flesh we can now go into the presence of God anytime we want to and come before him with boldness. <br /><br />Heb 10:20 “by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh. <br /><br />To come before the Lord and use this instrument is a powerful way to intercede for others. As we pray for the veil to be removed off their lives and for our lives as well. That we may see clearly all that he is showing us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Article borrowed from <a href="http://unveiledheartworshipflags.com/"> http://unveiledheartworshipflags.com</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-71026293598945287282013-11-05T14:15:00.000-05:002013-11-05T20:53:40.392-05:00The Significance of the Colors Used To Make Worship Flags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><img alt="" height="263" id="irc_mi" src="http://newcovenantworship.com/catalog/images/Foil%20Lame.JPG" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This post is to serve as a guide to
the biblical significance of various colors used in flag ministry as it relates
to Praise and Worship.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Different color combination can also
have different meanings.</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yellow</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Faith and glory of God, anointing</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Orange</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Fire of God, deliverance, warrior, passionate praise</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fuchsia</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Joy, right relationship, communion</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scarlet</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Fine linen for the tabernacle, Cleansing, Royalty</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Red</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Blood of Jesus, love of Christ, blood of the lamb, atonement, redemption,
salvation</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wine</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
New birth, multiply, overflow, mercy, filled with plenty, new wine</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Purple</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Royalty, kingship, majesty, mediator, wealth, authority</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blue/Sapphire</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Law, commandments, Heaven, God revealed, grace, Priesthood , water of the
Word and authority, prayer, river of God, over-comer, Living water, Holy
Spirit, divine revelation</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turquoise/Jasper/Aqua</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
River of God, sanctification, healing, life-giving flow of the Holy
Spirit, the New Jerusalem</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Green</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Praise, life, health, growth, prosperity, restoration, new
beginning, fruitfulness, flourishing</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gold</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Eternal Deity, the Godhead, foundation, sanctified, alter, beauty,
precious, holiness, glory, purified out of the refining fire, tested,
majesty, righteousness, divine light</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Silver</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
The Word of God, redemption, refined, purity, divinity, righteousness,
salvation</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">White</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
The Bride of Christ, <i>Revelation</i>, purity, Holy Spirit, blessedness,
holiness, righteousness, light, joy, angels, saints, peace, completion,
conquest, triumph, victory, surrender, harvest</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brown</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
End of a season, Pride/filthy rags, weary, faint, People</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Black/Onyx</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Darkness, evil, sin, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, famine,
mourning, reconciling Mediator, authority, obedience unto death</span></li>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joining
Different Colors</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Combing
various colors will add new meaning to your worship flags.</span></b></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tabernacle</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> -<b> Scarlet, Purple and Blue</b>: These are the
colors used in the tabernacle where God dwelled with the Israelites in the
desert (<i>Exodus 28:8; 36:8; 39:1</i>)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bride of Christ – Gold, Silver and White</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: We are purified when Jesus redeemed us to become holy
as He is holy (<i>Malachi 3:3; Deuteronomy 22:29; Ephesians 4:24</i>)</span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fire – Yellow, Orange and Red</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: As we stand in faith the glory of God is
revealed no enemy can penetrate His protection or overcome His deliverance
(<i>Romans 4:20; Psalm 97:3; Joshua 2:18-21</i>)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith – Yellow, Green and Blue</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Faith in God’s ways given to us by the
Holy Spirit brings life to us now and for eternity (Romans 4:20; Hebrews
10:15-16; 1 John 2:25)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Healing water – Blue and Aqua</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Life, cleansing, healing (Psalm 1:1-3;
Revelation 22:1)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo7; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Covenant/Promise – Rainbow colors</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Promises of God (Genesis 9:13)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo8; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grace – Purple and pink</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: We are adopted into royalty when we are
birthed into God’s Kingdom. This is only done by His grace He provides
everything we need. (2 Corinthians 8:9)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo9; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mercy – Purple and red</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Jesus is our mediator and redeemer, He
clothed us in salvation and gives us a robe of righteousness (Titus 3:4-7;
Isaiah 61:10)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo10; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Praise – Fuchsia, purple and aqua</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: We have joy in the wealth of the Holy
Spirit (Jeremiah 33:9; Hebrews 2:10-12; 13:15)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Worship – Purple, blue, and wine</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Longing, seeking to be in God’s presence
because of who He is. (Matthew 2:2; John 9:31)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo12; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Majesty – Purple and blue</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Dignity, priestly, power, authority,
ruler, King or high official (1 Chronicles 29:24-25; 2 Chronicles 2:14;
3:14; Jeremiah 10:9; Ester 8:15; Ezekiel 27:7)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo13; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Repentance – Black, Red and White</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: All can be redeemed by Jesus through
repentance, because all of us f</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">all
short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23 – 24</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Article courtesy of Creations Anew</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-49894927255156929822013-10-22T12:24:00.001-04:002013-10-22T12:25:54.353-04:00WORSHIP FLAGS - FLAG MINISTRY: SALE!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://worshiphisholinessflags.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_13.html?spref=bl">WORSHIP FLAGS - FLAG MINISTRY: SALE!!!</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-80522057385670788582013-10-17T11:34:00.000-04:002013-10-17T11:34:47.401-04:00Why Do We Use Flags In Worship? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSyqlXtAUj4IwFYpONnUiy9XCQJcz0ACgcPSDCGStju19AzEbjt_2wWg1tIFitgVKyrRn8Hw9n-yqazGQRhVOPsShZb7XzFlXgOnB6nrOKWEDi5KA4Flw9j5GJJ5rqh2zkGqLPjz2YAA/s1600/satin+doub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSyqlXtAUj4IwFYpONnUiy9XCQJcz0ACgcPSDCGStju19AzEbjt_2wWg1tIFitgVKyrRn8Hw9n-yqazGQRhVOPsShZb7XzFlXgOnB6nrOKWEDi5KA4Flw9j5GJJ5rqh2zkGqLPjz2YAA/s320/satin+doub.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why Do We Use Flags In Worship? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flags and banners have been used for centuries to identify tribes, as in the wilderness for the tribes of Israel , to mark territory or boundaries. Flags were used to signal battle field movements, and to signal messages between ships. Flags were also used in war to judge the direction and velocity of the wind. Even today sports announcers and players will look to the flags and banners flying over a stadium to see which way the wind is blowing. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> We use flags in worship : </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Give Honor – When we wave our instrument, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of Who He is. We declare a name and an aspect of God's character. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Declare Our Allegiance – When we wave our instruments in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord's army. We do this in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Communicate – As a flag is raised, the prayers over it, the colors used, and the words or symbols on it are used in speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the flag. We ask Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a flag exalts Him as Jehovah Roi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him who leads, protect, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, and then await His response. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Signal the Presence of God - Lifting flags in worship is symbolic of the action of Moses as he lifted his rod (a shepherd's staff, a symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God's presence, power and authority over the enemy. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Rally the Troops - We know our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph.6) . Raising a flag stirs unityand loyalty in the King's army, gathers warriors together for strategy and strengthens our commitment to victory. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Declare Territory – Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) tell us, “ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” By claiming territory in the name of Jesus and asking Holy Spirit to purify, to bind and cast out any and all demons and evil spirits, we establish our Spiritual boundaries. When we do not do this we are leaving our selves open to the realm of the enemy. With the flags, we claim our territory and ask Holy Spirit for protection. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To Direct Warfare and Praise - Early records show that in ancient Egyptians battles, soldiers looked to flags(ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown in the physical realm to reveal what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the "wind" of the Holy Spirit on a particular day. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> To Put the Enemy to Flight – Isaiah 59:19 tells us, "...When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Flags are God-given, God anointed, Word-based instruments that display His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee. "Nuwc" is a Hebrew word which means “lift up a standard." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> To Boast of Victory - Another Hebrew word for banner is "dagal" and the definition of it is "to flaunt, be conspicuous, and set up with banners." Ps. 20:7 says "we will boast in the name of the Lord." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> To Be a Touchpoint of Faith - God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents' bites in the wilderness. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as a visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rophe, the God Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> To Herald an Event - Flags declare a specific event or season. Through the use of flags in worship, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, “The King is coming! Prepare the way of the Lord!” </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Article taken from <a href="http://www.itsaboutworship.com/Why_Do_We_Use_Flags_In_Worship_s/26.htm">http://www.itsaboutworship.com/Why_Do_We_Use_Flags_In_Worship_s/26.htm</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-41789240148032043302013-10-16T17:00:00.001-04:002013-10-16T17:00:49.692-04:00eBay Double Layer Worship Flags Listing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Double Layer Worship Flags made with purple satin and red organza fabric. Colors signifies MERCY!!!<br /><br />Top layer is approximately 56" wide and 30 inches long. Bottom layer is approximately 54 inches wide and 34 inches long.<br /><br />Flags are sold as a pair (2) and includes the pole.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195764489?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195764489?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-17016508108653111292013-10-14T04:00:00.000-04:002014-03-11T23:54:48.255-04:00Flags and Banners - Purpose and Use (Flag Ministry)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img src="http://www.wavesofworshipflagministry.com/Misc_December_church_pics_rhema_101.jpg" height="480" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 70px;" width="640" /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Throughout history, Flags and Banners have represented the beliefs and purposes of those who carry them. Flown as signals, rallying points and standards of identification, flags define battle lines, and give direction and encouragement. They declare the victory and identify the one in authority. They are an outward expression of the praise that is in our hearts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a worship service, Flags and Banners are used for God’s people as a visual tool on which to focus. They can declare a time of battle in spiritual warfare, God’s love, His grace, holiness and power. As the Spirit of God (the watchman) directs, the waving of Flags and Banners will open the “spiritual gates” of heaven allowing the Holy Spirit to flow freely among His people with healing, deliverance and encouragement. Flags and Banners are vital to the Body of Christ. They make a statement – a statement of our worship, our praise, our warfare, and a statement that reflects our work with the Lord. They are a form of visual worship and they make a powerful statement to the non-believer. They are a silent witness in ministry but they speak volumes to anyone who looks at them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flags and Banners: </span></span></span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> minister to the Lord, to give Him Glory, Honor and Praise. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> open personal communication with God. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> rally the troops to war. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">create an environment of Worship. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tell people who you represent. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> signal or attract attention to an event that is happening. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">herald an event. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> unify the company. In the Tabernacle in the desert, each of the 12 tribes had their own banner Numbers 2:34. Each clan and each family had their banners with the tribe logo and the family name on them. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> show victories won. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> are a demonstration of God’s presence lifted up in our midst. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> can be a rallying point of healing. In the desert when Moses lifted up the serpent on the stake, that was a form of a visual banner for healing. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> put the enemy to flight. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">expose and destroy the works of the enemy through worship. </span></li>
<li> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the lost. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">To Bestow Honor</span> - To declare a name and an aspect of God's character. As we wave it, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of who He is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: red;">To Communicate </span>- As a particular Flag/Banner is raised, the prayer behind it is somewhat like a phone call. We are speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the Flag/Banner, asking Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a Flag/Banner exalts Him as Jehovah Rohi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him as the One Who leads, protects, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, then await His response. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6b26b;">To Signal God's Presence </span>- Lifting flags in worship follows the action of Moses as he lifted his rod (a shepherd's staff, a spiritual type or symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God's presence, power and authority over the armies of Israel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;">To Declare Our Allegiance</span> - As we wave our Flags and Banners in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord's army in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: magenta;">To Rally the Troops</span> - We know our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12. Raising a flag stirs unity and loyalty in the King's army, gathers soldiers together for strategy and strengthens commitment to victory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">To Direct Warfare and Praise </span></span>- Early records show that in ancient Egyptian battles, soldiers looked to Flags and Banners (ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown to say in the physical realm what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the "wind" of the Holy Spirit on a particular day. To Put the Enemy to Flight - Isaiah 59:19 tells us, "...When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Flags and Banners are a God-given, God anointed, Word-based standard that displays His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;">To Boast of Victory</span> - The Hebrew word for lift up a banner is "degel" and the definition of it is "to flaunt, be conspicuous, set up with banners." Psalm 20:7 says "we will boast in the name of the Lord..." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">To Be a Touchpoint of Faith </span>- God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents' bites. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags and Banners are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #783f04;">To Herald an Event</span></span> - Flags and Banners declare a specific event or season. Through the use of Flags and Banners in worship, at such a time as this, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, "The King is coming! Prepare the way for Jesus! The King is in the land! </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Worship and Warfare </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All worship should be glorifying to God, and lead anyone watching to a greater depth of worship to Him. As with choreographed "presentation" pieces, we can also worship Jesus by just dancing freely as led by the Spirit. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and do exactly what He tells us, even if we don't understand why. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Praise and worship are powerful spiritual weapons against the powers of darkness. Christian ministries are prime targets for spiritual attack, which may come in many forms such as illness, discord, mechanical failures and opposition. Intercessory prayer is needed for all ministries! Many of us have such a, comforting picture of the cross. We see the forgiveness of our sins, our reconciliation to the Father, and provision for our healings. But do we see the rest of the picture? Jesus was in physical and emotional agony on the cross. Jesus was also in spiritual warfare on the cross. Numerous people view the cross as completely foolish. Many also consider worship to be foolish and weak, when in reality it too, is a form of warfare. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who would have thought that David could really slay Goliath with one small stone? Who would have believed that the walls of Jericho would fall down flat at the shout of the people? Or what about when Samson slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass? To the natural eye each of these things seems totally foolish. Yet God was at work in each one of them. So really how foolish is it to stand in front of the entire congregation waving a Flag or Banner around in the air? Just as there was no actual power in David's stone or Samson's jawbone; there is no actual power in the Flags and Banners. They are symbolic weapons. Praise and worship are weapons in themselves because they lift up God, and tear down the enemy's kingdom. Every time you give true praise unto the Lord a spiritual missile is hurled into the enemy's camp. A missile that causes confusion and destruction. That is why the enemy hates and fights our praise and worship. "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." Psalm 144:1. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flags and Banners are very effective weapons to use against satan and his armies. They are made mighty by the Spirit of the Lord to pull down strongholds and bind their works.You must remember this: This is Warfare.....not just waving a Flag/Banner. By using these instruments of praise and worship you are entering into spiritual warfare. We are an army! We are the militia of the Lord. A militia by definition is an assemblage of armed citizens brought together for the common defense. In Colonial America, when the militia was mustered, you would see men armed with whatever they had - some with rifles, some with shotguns, some with muskets, others with just pikes and spears. They were there, armed, ready to defend their liberty, their homes, and their families from the onslaught of the enemy.God has given strength, authority, and warfare to men. It is part of His plan, and is built into the nature of man. Women, no matter what their personality, or spiritual maturity is cannot bring the same strength into something that a man does. We encourage men to join the Flag/Banner ministry as God leads them.When you are giving praise to the Lord with your Flag/Banner or even just your bare hands, you, too, are standing up to the onslaught of your enemy. You are in battle for, and with, the Lord. You are a member of the army of the Lord.We have all heard of hand-to-hand combat. In man's army hand-to-hand combat is a physical one-on-one confrontation with the enemy. In God's army hand-to-hand combat is lifting your hands in praise. Although our enemy is unseen - the combat is real. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When Flags and Banners are lifted as a statement, it becomes a wave offering to the Lord. The diversity of colors represents the multi-faceted dimensions in how our adoration can glorify God for his unique and phenomenally awesome character. These weapons of aggressive worship become faith statements whereby we can agree with God for victory. They are for joyful celebration. They cause us to rejoice in jubilee. They inspire us, like a signal, to break forth into exuberant demonstrations of praise. Aggressive worship often combines with dance as spiritual eyes open and natural senses dull. The focus is for the Audience of One, and our eyes are not on the congregation. The flags in brilliant splendor are richly graced with symbolism. In our weakness, God becomes our strength. As we raise our Flag/Banner toward the heavenly realms, volumes are spoken as the devil's airspace is invaded with shouts of faith calling forth victory. Flags, as well as banners, are used in worship to exalt Jesus and His name before men and also before the powers of darkness. They may also declare our redemption through Jesus and His Blood. During worship or during ministry time, our flags proclaim the dominion of God's Kingdom and mark our spiritual territory. The flag makes a proclamation before heaven and earth, angels and demons through the one raising the flag, on behalf of all those present, whom the flag bearer represents. The flag bearer is truly "raising the standard" to rally the troops in spiritual unity. The flag minister must be following the Holy Spirit, who is also guiding the worship leader, the dance leader, and the covering of the house. If we all remain submitted to the Lord, He will ensure order, and be enabled to move in power through the unified body. In Worship, the flag may be speaking the heart of the people toward God, or God's heart toward His people. It declares His awesome power, reminds Him, and us of His eternal word and covenant promises. In Warfare, The flag proclaims the Kingdom of God, and declares our authority over the powers of darkness. We raise our flags in victory as we go into battle, giving honor to The One who has already won all our battles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our Worship is intercession. There is no choice to be made, no conflict of interests. As we magnify the Lord with our praises, His presence naturally enforces our covenant rights, fulfills His promises, and releases Kingdom reality into our circumstances. He is passionately seeking passionate worshipers to restore the tabernacle of David. In that temple, there was no separation between God and Man, and it was 24 hour worship that replaced the veil, creating a safe interface between His holiness and our need. He has promised to re-create it in our day. Flags and Banners are visual worship. You don't need words to understand this form of worship. They are symbols that transcend language and racial barriers. People of different languages and backgrounds understand that you are praising the Lord. The Holy Spirit can use these visual expressions to reach out and penetrate a hard heart. Just as more traditional forms of praise and worship prepare the atmosphere and soften the heart to receive the word of God, this too is anointed to do the same.This visual worship is a form of communication. We use these instruments of praise to proclaim who God is to us. They can represent a name, a character trait, or an attribute of God that we are lifting up. Be aware that it is not only communicated to God, but also to others who may be around us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The prince of the power of the air is satan. Ephesians 2:2 As we each raise the flag, we are pressing into his territory. We can use a flag as a tool of intercession both in worship and exaltation of the Lord God Almighty and in warfare to take back what God has already given to us. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 We need to realize what we hold in our hands. If we don’t know the authority the Lord has given us, we will not use that authority and in turn, will have minimal effect in our efforts against the forces of darkness. "The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell in it." Psalm 24:1 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lifting a Flag and/or Banner is a Kingdom tool of identification, proclamation and glorification. In worship and warfare, the function of a Flag and Banner is to attract the attention of the people of God, to proclaim a message of identification or focus for a biblical truth and purpose, to impact the heart of God, the heart of the people and the spiritual realm for a positive outcome. God uses the things of the natural world to affect the things in the spiritual world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Lord created all forms of worship to be used for His Glory and to usher in His presence. It is time to take back the arts from the enemy’s hands and to use them in the way the Lord always intended. We want to be obedient to what pleases Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Spirit of God is stirring the hearts of men and women to express their worship in ways that may seem uncommon to some and a more expressive visual means to others. The fullness of worship will increase in the arts as the spirit of David is reborn within the body of Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Father speaks to His people through the means of visual arts, music, and manifestations. Using visual arts in worship is one method of crossing over a language and physical impairment boundaries, as well as cultural and denominational lines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God created us for worship and within each one of us is a desire to worship Him that is just waiting to be released unto Him. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father is Spirit and truth for the Father is seeking each to worship Him. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.” John 4:23-24 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is nothing more heart-stirring than an altar full of believers waving Flags and Banners in Praise and Worship to the Lord. </span></div>
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Article taken from Waves of Worship<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-50992315382706233912013-10-08T08:30:00.000-04:002013-10-08T08:18:05.976-04:00Guidelines To Flag Ministry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-75628698200601915532013-09-30T12:30:00.000-04:002013-09-30T14:27:54.228-04:00The Reality Of Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="295" name="RmlZDpW5kqgZdM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTicwh1_B2JMOVLzyuztTxAFIb017Qcy94l9XwmqaW-BikhacZL" style="height: 190px; margin-left: -1px; margin-top: 0px; width: 257px;" width="400" /></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Many people
think faith is acting like something is so when it really isn't so, and
if we do that long enough, then it will become so. But that's not it at
all. Faith is real.
</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 11:1 says, </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."</i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Faith is substance. This is saying that faith is real. It is the
evidence of things not seen. Notice it didn't say "things that don't
exist." They do exist. They just aren't seen. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even in the natural world, we've come to realize that there are
things that do exist that we can't see. We can't see television signals,
but they do exist. In fact, wherever you are right now, there are
television signals right there with you. If you say "No there aren't"
just because you can't see or hear them, that doesn't mean they don't
exist. It just means you aren't very smart. They do exist, they are just
unseen. They are unseen realities.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A television set can make unseen signals visible. When we see the
images is not when they became real. They were already there. A
television set doesn't generate images. The set just receives the signal
and converts it into sights and sounds that we can perceive. But the
television signals were already there, before we tuned them in.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Probably every person reading this letter has watched television when
suddenly the picture went blank. What did you do? I bet you didn't call
the television station and complain about them stopping their
broadcast. The first thing you did was check and see if everything was
working on your television set. Was the electricity on? Was it plugged
in? Did a tube go out or did some circuit melt? You checked your
receiver to see what was wrong with it. You trust that the station
broadcasts 24/7. You don't question that until you eliminate all the
possible problems with your set.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Likewise, God is real and does exist. He just can't be seen. He is
broadcasting all His power and blessings 24/7. It's never God's
transmitter that is broken. It's always our receiver that is the
problem. If we ask God for something and we don't see it manifest
instantly, most people question why God hasn't answered that prayer yet.
They assume that because they haven't seen or heard anything, nothing
has happened. That's all wrong. We need to have more faith in God than
we have in a television station.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There is a very good illustration of this truth in 2 Kings 6. Elisha,
the prophet of God, was revealing the Syrian's battle plans to the king
of Israel. Every time the king of Syria tried to ambush the king of
Israel, Elisha would warn the king of Israel, and he would ambush the
Syrian's ambush. This happened so often that the king of Syria finally
asked his servants to reveal who the traitor was. He knew that the king
of Israel could not be maneuvering like he was without inside
information.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When one of the king of Syria's servants said that Elisha, the
prophet of God, was revealing the words that the king of Syria said in
his bed chamber to the king of Israel, the king of Syria sent his armies
to capture Elisha. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Second Kings 6:15 says,</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone
forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.
And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?"</i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When Elisha's servant saw the Syrian troops, he panicked. He knew why
they were there. They had discovered Elisha was the one telling the
king of Syria's battle plans to the king of Israel. They were in big
trouble. Look at the response of Elisha to this situation in 2 Kings
6:16: "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than
they that be with them.".</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">People who don't believe anything exists beyond their five senses
would say Elisha was lying. He was confessing something was so when it
really wasn't so, hoping that it would become so. But that's not the way
it was at all. Elisha spoke the truth. There were more with him than
was with the Syrian army. It's just that Elisha's forces were in the
unseen reality.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The key to understanding this is to recognize there is another realm
of reality beyond this physical world. Those who are limited to only
their five senses will always struggle with this. They think Elisha was
lying, and indeed, he would have been lying if all that exists is this
physical world. You could count the Syrian troops by the thousands, and
there was only Elisha and his servant. But Elisha wasn't lying because
there was another world of reality. If you looked at the whole picture,
the physical and spiritual world, then Elisha was right on. In the
spiritual realm, there were many more horses and chariots of fire around
Elisha than there were Syrian troops. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">According to 2 Kings 6:17,</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that
he may see. And he LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw:
and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round
about Elisha."</i></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gehazi's physical eyes were already wide open. God was opening his
spiritual eyes. He was able to see with his heart into the spiritual
world. And when the spiritual world was taken into consideration, then
Elisha's statement was perfectly true. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Those who see faith as an attempt to make something real which isn't
real will always struggle with those who see faith as simply making what
is spiritually true a physical truth. Those who limit truth to only the
physical realm would have called Elisha one of those "name it, claim
it," "blab it, grab it" cultists. But in saying such things, they
condemn themselves. They show they only consider what they can see,
taste, hear, smell, and feel to be reality. They are what the Bible
calls "carnal."</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When Gehazi's eyes were opened, the Syrians didn't disappear. They
were still there. The physical truth was still true, but there was a
greater spiritual truth that emerged. True faith doesn't deny
physical truth; it just refuses to let physical truth dominate spiritual
truth. True faith subdues physical truth to the reality of spiritual
truth.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Because Elisha believed in the realities of the spiritual world, he
raised his hand and smote all the Syrians with blindness. Then he led
the whole Syrian army captive to the king of Israel. Praise the Lord!
That's not bad for an old prophet whom carnal people would say was all
by himself.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Elisha was not just speaking some wishful statement, hoping that it
would become a reality. He knew what was real in the spiritual world,
and he controlled his emotions and actions accordingly. <u>There is no indication that Elisha saw the horses and chariots of fire around him. He didn't need to. He believed it</u>. Those who operate in true faith don't need to see with their physical eyes. Their faith is evidence enough. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There was a woman at a campmeeting who had a huge goiter on her neck.
She went forward for prayer and knew that she knew she was healed. So,
she got up in front of the audience and gave a testimony of her goiter
being healed. However, the goiter was still visible. But the people
praised God, thinking that the healing would manifest itself shortly. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The next year at the same campmeeting, the woman got up again and
praised the Lord for her healing, but there still wasn't any visible
proof. This concerned a lot of people, but they didn't say anything.
Then the next year, the same thing happened. This was too much for most
of the people, and it caused the leaders of the meeting to approach this
woman and tell her she couldn't testify of this healing again until the
goiter was gone. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The woman told the Lord that she knew He had healed her, and she
didn't have to see visible results to believe it. But for the sake of
the unbelievers, she asked the Lord to physically remove the growth. It
disappeared and the woman showed them what she already knew was true.
You can get that strong in faith. Your faith is substance and all the
evidence you need. Faith is real.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I've experienced this in my own life. When my youngest son, Peter,
died on March 4, 2001, my wife and I spoke our faith and said, "The
first report is not the last report." We spoke resurrection life back
into Peter's body, and then we headed into town. It was one hour and
fifteen minutes from the time we got the call until we got to where
Peter was. During that time, I was operating in faith. I remembered
prophecies that had not yet come to pass in Peter's life, and therefore,
I knew it wasn't time for Peter to die. I rejoiced by faith, seeing
Peter alive and well. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My oldest son, Joshua, met me at the door and said, "Dad, five or ten
minutes after I called you, Peter just sat up." Thank You, Jesus! This
is the point: I didn't rejoice more once I saw Peter raised from the
dead than I did while I was still driving. During the drive, I knew
Peter was alive, and I was rejoicing with all my might. It was actually
anticlimactic when I saw in the physical what I had already seen in the
spiritual. Don't get me wrong; I was blessed and I rejoiced to see my
son raised up after being dead for five hours. But the physical reality
wasn't more real to me than the spiritual reality of faith. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the way I live. I know it's not "normal," but I'm not getting
"normal" results either. I've been believing big, and there have been
big results from that believing. When we moved into our new offices, and
when we see the warehouse finished, that was, and will be,
anticlimactic. I'm seeing all these things in the spirit now. When they
manifest physically, others will be impressed, but I'm impressed now.</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm not believing for something that isn't real to become real. I've
seen into the spiritual realm by faith, and I'm simply making what I've
seen in the spiritual world manifest in the physical world. All of the
things I'm seeing with my physical eyes now, I have already seen in my
heart. I saw it on the inside before I saw it on the outside. This is a
wonderful way to live. This is the normal Christian life. This is
walking by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">*******************************************************************</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Courtesy of <span style="font-size: small;">Andrew Wommack <span style="font-size: small;">: http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/reality_faith</span></span> </span></span></span></h3>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-45736263778587417352013-08-26T14:08:00.000-04:002013-08-26T14:08:55.664-04:00Why Flags?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2y1a_hQkoutANjd1lFTBhEJnTh_zoRDYBrw8drhuVjFfO1HX5eQFSVl9xThGe0ZbXD1ahNaTYvlk0iD7DrKoqUW6wbCeNsbm1kSTmF9f8eu9El-smW4W8nzVht21RDmeeOPnsv59UIk/s1600/flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2y1a_hQkoutANjd1lFTBhEJnTh_zoRDYBrw8drhuVjFfO1HX5eQFSVl9xThGe0ZbXD1ahNaTYvlk0iD7DrKoqUW6wbCeNsbm1kSTmF9f8eu9El-smW4W8nzVht21RDmeeOPnsv59UIk/s320/flag.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags, music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome presence of God. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This worship art form brings a memorable experience of worshiping our Lord under His anointing. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are many flags of praise, worship, warfare, prophetic, celebration and dedication and many more. Please note, one can stand still and worship with flags!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In scripture, we learn, flag, banners & etc. can become powerful weapons in the spiritual realm when we worship. "Expressions Of Worship" products are used in Praise and Worship to first minister to Our King and Lord and then to the body of Christ!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are two reasons or purposes for Flag Worship: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(1) to exalt the name of the Lord and give Him all the praise and the glory, and honor</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(2) to destroy the works of the enemy. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Waving flags and streamers under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, minds, and spirits, which leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with the Lord. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way He can deliver it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My passion for silk, the soft feel, the light weight, the movement of the silk during the use in worship, is so graceful and almost effortless, but can be prophetic and powerful to your movement in worship, dance and / or drama. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The colors of the flags are important as you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually. God loves color! Colors have great significance spiritually as they do in the natural realm. Additionally, combinations of colors may also have different meanings. When choosing a color of a flag or streamer, we feel it is important for the dancer to keep in mind the symbolic meaning behind each color and choose according to what his or her spirit is feeling. If you think about the individual color breakouts that it takes to make a color, the symbolization is awesome!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">************************************</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Article courtesy of Expressions Of Worship </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-76504198532170113042013-08-13T10:30:00.000-04:002013-08-13T10:30:15.530-04:00SALE!!! Double & Triple Layer Worship Flags – You Get 3 Pairs For Reasonable Price<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi-wiVm9iNW9b4uAwbwZFILHoHU1uOrQzYjwj7_aB9iuMkjh6K_W7Wxxhqg6A4Mv-ROKodJtG4tiNA_qnXRQZ6sL7W_0SzjjL-3OnedT7FuR4vUO4kvYDowffSZDpIhyiKfD27w7cj8I/s1600/Circle+flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi-wiVm9iNW9b4uAwbwZFILHoHU1uOrQzYjwj7_aB9iuMkjh6K_W7Wxxhqg6A4Mv-ROKodJtG4tiNA_qnXRQZ6sL7W_0SzjjL-3OnedT7FuR4vUO4kvYDowffSZDpIhyiKfD27w7cj8I/s320/Circle+flag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdCEsr6Xy7BFpuOjSh9oTaR48jYLDZVZnY2bxkGQNlgP4cIvZtxIi_xhIdoJu7Z8-Q2S2yISVc55qSP3GuRdt6jo_5SJUrwtIXsF4JbNVV2gtTa-fgOENtDIBgwH3lPpfrw0r8IYGZtg/s1600/flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdCEsr6Xy7BFpuOjSh9oTaR48jYLDZVZnY2bxkGQNlgP4cIvZtxIi_xhIdoJu7Z8-Q2S2yISVc55qSP3GuRdt6jo_5SJUrwtIXsF4JbNVV2gtTa-fgOENtDIBgwH3lPpfrw0r8IYGZtg/s320/flag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sale on Double and Triple Layer flags. You get a set of 3 pairs of Double or Triple Layer Flags for cheap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just click the link below or visit our SALE!!! tab:</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://worshiphisholinessflags.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_13.html">http://worshiphisholinessflags.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_13.html</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-60048562731275977572013-08-01T23:19:00.000-04:002013-08-01T23:19:16.673-04:00Flag Ministry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.restorationcommunitydanceministry.com/LOW2PIC_op_640x360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.restorationcommunitydanceministry.com/LOW2PIC_op_640x360.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
use of flags can be quite an entertaining sight to see, but when used
to lift up blessings, glory, honor, and power to the Lord in His
presence, flags can be more than entertaining. Used in accordance to the
Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a "standard" of God.
The Bible refers to the word flag as "standard" or "banner." The Hebrew
word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes
from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag;
to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a
banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military
or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct
the children of Israel to camp by their own "standard" to signify their
tribe. (Numbers 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12
tribes. (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18,22, 25) Banner is
defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define
one of God's Name's, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! God's
salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners, Psalms
20:5, Psalms 60:4. He is a banner of love and protection described in
Song of Solomon 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song of Solomon 6:4,
10. He is a standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare
and proclaim it to all the world. (Isaiah 5:26, 11:12, 13:2, Jeremiah
50:2).<br /><br />Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags,
music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome
presence of God. This worship art form brings a memorable experience of
worshiping our Lord under His anointing. There are two reasons or
purposes I believe for Flag Worship: (1) to exalt the name of the Lord
and give Him all the praise and the glory, and (2) to destroy the works
of the devil. The basic technique of flag waving is not really a new art
form. We see this art displayed in the world in rhythmic gymnastics or
in a school's marching band, but waving those same flags and streamers
under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts,
minds, and spirits leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with
the Lord. God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way
He can deliver it.<br /><br />How does one begin to praise and worship with
flags begins with a desire to praise and worship the Lord. There is no
special talent needed to worship with flags, even though having some
skills in dance and ballet enhances your worship, but a willingness to
use your body for the glory of God definitely is required. What you
don't have the anointing will make up for as you present your offering
to the Lord. Flag Worship can be done as an individual or group worship.
As an individual, you are called on to ministry with several flags and
streamers of all sorts while worshipping to a song or sometimes no
music, being one with Christ. As a group, you minister as one in Christ
even though each person gives their offerings with flags to the Lord in a
choreograph worship or spontaneous. Through each worship piece, flags
are raised and a "standard" as we know is lifted up for all the world or
your audience to see. You or the group become the "bannered one (s) or
standard-bearer (s), one who carries an ensign into battle. The types of
flag worship pieces are the same and similar to those of dance
ministry. There is a flag praise piece, a flag worship piece, a warfare
piece, a flag prophetic piece, a flag celebration and dedication pieces,
and many more. Notice that I didn't say, "flag praise dance piece",
because dance is not a necessary requirement to worship with flags.
Therefore, one can stand still and worship with flags!<br /><br />The
ministry comes from the heart! The colors of the flags are important as
you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the
Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually. <br /><br />White<br /> - Glory & majesty (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:11)<br /> - Purity (Revelation 1:14)<br /> - Completion (John 4:35)<br /><br />Purple<br /> - Royalty (Judges 8:26)<br /> - Wealth (Luke 16:19<br /><br />Black<br /> - Sorrow, Calamity (Revelation 6-12)<br /> - Hell (Jude 13<br /><br />Blue<br /> - Heavenly Character (Exodus 28:31)<br /><br />Green<br /> - Spiritual Privileges (Jeremiah 11:16)<br /> - Spiritual Life (Psalms 52:8, Psalms 92:12-15)<br /><br />Red<br /> - Atonement (Isaiah 63:2) - Persecution (Revelation 12:3)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**************************************</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Article courtesy of Beit Tehlia Congregation</i></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-37003606407922722132013-07-24T23:50:00.001-04:002013-07-24T23:50:32.293-04:00Power of prayer: Niagara’s waters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Power of prayer</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How to pray? </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/"><img src="http://mustardseedbudget.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/img_3506.jpg?w=500&h=373" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My son Robert, on the precipice of power on the Canadian Falls. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Emerald water look like thick glass, inviting tourists to dip a toe — or even take a swim. The alluring beauty of Niagara Falls belies its power — 6 million cubic feet flows in an irresistible current every minute over the crest. One-hundred-and-sixty-five feet below, as it pounds into the whirling pool, it raises a relentless thunder and mists that bathes people for 100 yards away. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/"><img src="http://mustardseedbudget.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/img_3581.jpg?w=500&h=373" /></a><br /><br />Water leaping from the heights pounds the poor below, raising mists over 200 feet into the air, drenching tourists. Note the boat at the bottom that fits 200 passengers. <br /><br />Behind the beauty lies true power. <br /><br />Many look at prayer as a beautiful thing. They fail to perceive its weight of crushing power. Nations have been overturned. Darkness has ceded to radiant light. The onward rush of worldliness has been diverted, the press of sin blunted. Why? Because of prayer. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/"><img src="http://mustardseedbudget.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/img_3511.jpg?w=300&h=224" /></a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh look! How beautiful! She prays! <br /><br />To the contrary, look, how powerful: she prays. <br /><br />In a material world where we are taught to measure scientifically with our five senses, we can forget entirely the unmeasurable life-changing power of prayer. Just because a prayer experiment would be impossible (with one group that receives prayer and the other that does not), we tend to dismiss it. <br /><br />Where science leaves off, faith picks up and continue to describe the reality of our multi-faceted existence. Pray today! Effect change. Don’t miss the power behind the beauty of prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**********************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Article borrowed from Mustard Seed Budget at <a href="http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/power-of-prayer-niagaras-waters/">http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/power-of-prayer-niagaras-waters/</a></i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-5565347068597330152013-07-23T08:13:00.000-04:002013-07-23T08:13:35.979-04:00eBay Listing For Worship Flags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Visit eBay and see the available flags being sold. You can bid for an item or buy now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121146091680?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121146091680?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147250571?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147250571?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121146092231?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121146092231?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147246073?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147246073?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147253603?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121147253603?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-29709512555840894182013-07-19T23:50:00.000-04:002013-07-19T23:50:26.060-04:00Worship Flags eBay Listing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISrAmyZG-yTBurgFfbiIJn13E1ctUqJhKISZoTdcqqi9twS8ydSe_4Pij4UVU2VhJZQ7GLveD_J0DyUGBcWMWhPV9ymyCT6zgBW5VCyoO4UGJTR2KTYXXU_30OhFMZuSzn7_mosd6KMQ/s1600/Circle+flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISrAmyZG-yTBurgFfbiIJn13E1ctUqJhKISZoTdcqqi9twS8ydSe_4Pij4UVU2VhJZQ7GLveD_J0DyUGBcWMWhPV9ymyCT6zgBW5VCyoO4UGJTR2KTYXXU_30OhFMZuSzn7_mosd6KMQ/s320/Circle+flag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Layer Flag</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For your desired color worship flags click on the eBay links below to view my listing and place a bid or buy now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121144265541?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121144265541?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121144267681?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">http://www.ebay.com/itm/121144267681?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</a><br />
<br />
Flags are made at the time of purchase and are shipped within 3 days of purchase. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-37772293869339869532013-07-11T10:16:00.001-04:002013-07-11T10:16:03.843-04:00From Dr. Spock to Tiger Mom: What to expect from your parenting library<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130705112908-cnnparents-books-story-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130705112908-cnnparents-books-story-top.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="cnn_stryimg640caption">
<div class="cnn_strycaptiontxt">
"What if I choose the wrong child guru and ruin my offspring?" new mom Katie Walmsley wrote in the late days of her pregnancy.</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: Katie Walmsley is a CNN producer and reporter. </i><br /><br />(CNN) -- "Congratulations!" people said when I told them I was pregnant with my first child. <br /><br />Also, usually, "What's your due date? Do you know what it is?" <br /><br />And then, frequently -- and much to my surprise -- "What book are you reading?" <br /><br />It turns out you can't just up and have a baby. Many parents are now also subscribing to a particular parenting philosophy, often well in advance their little one's emergence into the world. For a soon-to-be new mom, it was overwhelming. What was the right book? Should I stick with the philosophies that make obvious sense to me, or consider some that seem like more dramatic departures? Did I even need a book at all? <br /><br />Heidi Murkoff, author of famed pregnancy guide <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/home/about-the-author.aspx">"What to Expect When You're Expecting,"</a> argued recently that this quest for guidance in books and online is at an all-time high. In a Daily Mail op-ed headlined "<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2291261/Heidi-Murkoff-Why-I-fear-modern-mothers-The-author-best-selling-baby-book-What-To-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting-shares-worries.html">Why I fear for modern mothers</a>," she wrote that it stems from pressure on parents to be the best. <br /><br />"Society's race for the perfect parenting prize has become all-consuming," she wrote. "Whatever the group, everyone is locked in conflict and judging each other." <br /><br />Studying books on parenting is really no new phenomenon. Ever since Dr. Benjamin Spock published "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" in 1946, parents have been reading up on the best way to raise their little ones.<br /><br />Spock's book was a parenting bible for many years, but also entertained its share of critics, from those who accused him of being anti-feminist, to those who claimed he fostered generations of spoiled brats, to those who blame him for an <a href="http://www.wnd.com/2009/01/87179/">increase in violent crime</a>. (Kids who grew up thinking it's OK to eschew broccoli probably also think it's OK to steal someone's car ... right?) <br /><br />But where once there was just Spock to follow (or not, as the case may be), there are now hundreds of parenting books to choose from, most of which seem to ride the same popularity roller coaster as Spock. A book might be celebrated one minute, but a few months down the line, a parent is a pariah for even having it on the shelf. <br /><br />Parents run the risk of reading a book, only to find it widely discredited mere weeks later. It seemed I had to accept that while books differ on how to parent, they all seem to suggest there's a right way to parent -- and they, the authors, know the secret. <br /><br />Several friends lent me <a href="http://www.contentedbaby.com/index.htm">"The Contented Little Baby Book" by Gina Ford</a>, swearing by the schedule Ford delineates for parents. It includes, in some situations, <a href="http://www.contentedbaby.com/FAQ-Routines.htm#CryingToSleep">letting your little one cry for a few minutes</a>. But the idea of "crying it out" now has some detractors wringing their hands as it has become a subject of <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/24/health/child-sleep-debate-enayati">conflicting research findings</a>. <br /><br />Another book, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/opinion/hewett-siegel-mommy-wars">Pamela Druckerman's "Bringing up Bebe,"</a> touts the French system to raising an independent-minded child who allows you to sleep, have dinner or maybe even a conversation. No-brainer, right? But the author also generated indignation, with <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeswomanfiles/2012/03/07/bringing-up-bebe-no-thanks-id-rather-raise-a-billionaire/">one Forbes writer</a> even accusing her of pushing a socialist agenda and ruining all our hopes for future generations of tyke-oons. <br /><br />Whether it's <a href="http://amychua.com/">Amy Chua</a>'s push-your-kid method in "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother," Dr. Bill Sears' let-your-kid-sleep-with-you plan, <a href="http://mindinthemaking.org/meet_ellen_galinsky/">Ellen Galinsky</a>'s connection-before-correction or <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/26/uk.idler.hodgkinson.vacation/index.html">Tom Hodgkinson</a>'s advice to just chill and have a martini, the messages are different -- but strangely the same: You can screw your kids up, or you can make them great. It's all up to you, and whether you follow these wildly divergent instructions. <br /><br />Argh-gulp panic-middle-of-the-night-cold-sweat-anxiety. What if I choose the wrong child guru and ruin my offspring? Can you mix and match philosophies? What if by mixing and matching you just create some kind of a babymonster? What if I (gasp) don't read anything at all? <br /><br />"In terms of controversies and the bombardment of information, [the prevalence of so many conflicting parenting books] is making things too complicated and very un-relaxing for parents", says Dr. Richard Weissbourd, who teaches at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education and author of "<a href="http://www.richardweissbourd.com/">The Parents We Mean To Be</a>." <br /><br />In his book, Weissbourd looks at the pathologies parents themselves bring to the table, rather than just examining ways to parent. <br /><br />The book also examines the idea of "over-parenting." He believes many parents are too affected by "the Joneses." Not only are they feeling competitive in terms of what they've read, but they worry that by not not taking the same approaches as other parents, they're cheating their child out of opportunities. <br /><br />Trying to the absolute best parent can actually be damaging to children, the books suggests, and possibly pointless: There are no blanket ways to parent and there is often no right or wrong approach, Weissbourd argues. <br /><br />"Books often tend to be too generic and get into all these debates," he said. " It's more like, 'Who is my child and how can I be most constructive given what's going on with them?'" <br /><br />Will Ferrell, in <a href="http://www.nerdist.com/2012/08/nerdist-podcast-will-ferrell/">a "Nerdist" podcast</a>, talks about how as a child he refused to take part in a gifted academic program at school, because it would interfere with his square-dancing classes. Ferrell's mom did not dissuade him, as some parents might have, and of course now he's, well, Will Ferrell. <br /><br />I wondered how Ferrell would have turned out if Amy Chua was his mom? Or what a <a href="http://tigersophia.blogspot.com/">Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld</a> raised in the Ferrell household would look like? Possibly not at Harvard, like Chua, or on on "Saturday Night Live," like Ferrell.<br /><br />"There are certain things that are fundamental and if you do them reasonably well, the chances are your kid will be fine," Weissbourd says. "Spending time, being warm, listening, creating reasonable expectations, caring for people, caring for yourself. Safeguarding your child's health and knowing basic health information." <br /><br />It sounds a lot like ... Dr. Spock. <br /><br />Spock tells parents in the first chapter: ''Don't be afraid to trust your own common sense. What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best." <br /><br />So, I don't need a book? No need to read chapter two? Just do whatever I think is best? <br /><br />Perhaps. <br /><br />Weissbourd points out that this hyper-concern with reading parenting guides is largely divided among cultural and economic lines, and tends to be more of a middle- and upper-class issue. It's not that parents don't need guidance, he said, it's about where that guidance comes from. <br /><br />He believes parenting in the United States has become too private. Parents will gladly read books, but balk at feedback from people they know. We've all heard the line: "Don't tell me how to raise my child!" <br /><br />The takeaway, according to Weissbourd, is not to ignore parenting books altogether, which can sometimes offer practical tips, but that the best advice comes from those around you who know you and your little one. Not only is your child unique, but parents might be bringing their own issues to the table, and those might need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. <br /><br />Consult a trusted pediatrician, consult people whose opinions you respect, consult your partner, Weissbourd advises. Find time to pause and reflect -- he advises, adding, "I think everybody has got to relax." <br /><br />For me and my new life with a newborn, the most appealing books turned out to be those where I could find an answer quickly. In <a href="http://www.drweissbluth.com/">Marc Weissbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child,"</a> I skipped the chapters that explained why sleep matters -- that seems startlingly obvious -- and went straight to the week-by-week instructions. The standard <a href="https://www.nfaap.org/netFORUM/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=aapbks_productdetail&key=09f386b1-b0e0-4e08-bed2-a3f58a822021">"Your Baby's First Year" by the American Academy of Pediatrics</a> and Murkoff's "What to Expect..." books have been very helpful. I relied quite heavily on the Internet to give a variety of answers, making sure to check any advice with my pediatrician. <br /><br />With a baby, I think it's less about personality, more about practical help. I think the real market for parenting books is parents with older children. Parents of babies reading about what kind of parent to be are probably, like me, likely to gravitate toward books that espouse theories they probably already believe. I read "Bringing up Bebe," because it resonated with ideas I already have about parenting, like teaching kids to enjoy "grown-up" foods from an early age (I might eat my words if my little one refuses everything but chicken fingers.) I like the idea of having a well-behaved child, as I imagine do most people. <br /><br />This is all very well and good in theory, but I think it's important to read a book that's realistic to the specific situation. Even though I liked "Bringing up Bebe," it just might not be appropriate if my child is exceptionally shy. If a child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for example, then reaching for Chua's "Battle Hymn" may not be the best shot. <br /><br />When faced with parenting hurdles further down the line, there won't be one easy answer, one book with all the fixes. I like to think I'll take the same approach I do as a journalist -- read several source, know what advice and opinions are out there, whether books, articles or conversations with other parents and my doctor. <br /><br />Most important, I think, as Dr. Spock advised years ago, I'll go with my gut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copied from CNN at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/11/living/parents-baby-book-choices/index.html?hpt=li_c1">http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/11/living/parents-baby-book-choices/index.html?hpt=li_c1</a></span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/11/living/parents-baby-book-choices/index.html?hpt=li_c1"><br /></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-28089135236824265602013-07-07T11:46:00.003-04:002013-07-07T11:46:51.740-04:00Above the law: America's worst charities <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: CNN has partnered with the <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/">Tampa Bay Times</a> and the <a href="http://cironline.org/">Center for Investigative Reporting</a> to showcase the results of their year-long investigation to identify America's worst charities. </i><br />(CNN) -- The worst charity in America operates from a metal warehouse behind a gas station in Holiday, Florida. <br /><br />Every year, <a href="http://kidswishnetwork.org/">Kids Wish Network</a> raises millions of dollars in donations in the name of dying children and their families. <br /><br />Every year, it spends less than 3 cents on the dollar helping kids. <br /><br />Most of the rest gets diverted to enrich the charity's operators and the for-profit companies Kids Wish hires to drum up donations. <br /><br />In the past decade alone, Kids Wish has channeled nearly $110 million donated for sick children to its corporate solicitors. An additional $4.8 million has gone to pay the charity's founder and his own consulting firms. <br /><br />No charity in the nation has siphoned more money away from the needy over a longer period of time. <br /><br />But Kids Wish is not an isolated case, a yearlong investigation by the Tampa Bay Times and The Center for Investigative Reporting has found. <br /><br />Using state and federal records, the Times and CIR identified nearly 6,000 charities that have chosen to pay for-profit companies to raise their donations. <br /><br />Then reporters took an unprecedented look back to zero in on the 50 worst - based on the money they diverted to boiler room operators and other solicitors over a decade. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/americas-worst-charities/">America's 50 worst charities</a> <br /><br />These nonprofits adopt popular causes or mimic well-known charity names that fool donors. Then they rake in cash, year after year.<br /><br />The nation's 50 worst charities have paid their solicitors nearly $1 billion over the past 10 years that could have gone to charitable works. <br /><br /><a href="http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/13/tonight-on-ac360-the-50-worst-charities/">AC360: CNN's Drew Griffin investigates</a> <br /><br />Until today, no one had tallied the cost of this parasitic segment of the nonprofit industry or traced the long history of its worst offenders. <br /><br />Among the findings: <br /><br />-- The 50 worst charities in America devote less than 4% of donations raised to direct cash aid. Some charities gave even less. Over a decade, one diabetes charity raised nearly $14 million and gave about $10,000 to patients. Six spent no cash at all on their cause. <br /><br />-- Even as they plead for financial support, operators at many of the 50 worst charities have lied to donors about where their money goes, taken multiple salaries, secretly paid themselves consulting fees or arranged fund-raising contracts with friends. One cancer charity paid a company owned by the president's son nearly $18 million over eight years to solicit funds. A medical charity paid its biggest research grant to its president's own for-profit company. <br /><br />-- Some nonprofits are little more than fronts for fund-raising companies, which bankroll their startup costs, lock them into exclusive contracts at exorbitant rates and even drive the charities into debt. Florida-based Project Cure has raised more than $65 million since 1998, but every year has wound up owing its fundraiser more than what was raised. According to its latest financial filing, the nonprofit is $3 million in debt. <br /><br />-- To disguise the meager amount of money that reaches those in need, charities use accounting tricks and inflate the value of donated dollar-store cast-offs - snack cakes and air fresheners - that they give to dying cancer patients and homeless veterans. <br /><br />Over the past six months, the Times and CIR called or mailed certified letters to the leaders of Kids Wish Network and the 49 other charities that have paid the most to solicitors. <br /><br />Most declined to answer questions about their programs or would speak only through an attorney. <br /><br />Approached in person, one charity manager threatened to call the police; another refused to open the door. A third charity's president took off in his truck at the sight of a reporter with a camera. <br /><br />Kids Wish has hired Melissa Schwartz, a crisis management specialist in New York City who previously worked for the federal government after the 2010 BP oil spill. <br /><br />Schwartz said Kids Wish hires solicitors so its staff can focus on working with children, not on raising donations. According to its 2011 IRS filing, the charity has 51 employees. Schwartz also said donors who give directly to the charity instead of in response to solicitations ensure that 100% of their pledge will be spent granting wishes. <br /><br />She declined to answer additional questions about Kids Wish's fund-raising operations, saying the charity "is focused on the future." <br /><br />Charity operators who would talk defended their work, saying raising money is expensive especially in tough economic times. <br /><br />"No parent has ever turned me down for assistance because we got our money from a telemarketer," said David Thelen, who runs <a href="http://www.findthekids.com/">the Committee for Missing Children</a> in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The charity is No. 13 on the Times/CIR list. <br /><br />Identifying the 50 worst <br /><br />To identify America's 50 worst charities, the Times and CIR pieced together tens of thousands of pages of public records collected by the federal government and 36 states. Reporters started in California, Florida and New York, where regulators require charities to report results of individual fund-raising campaigns.<br /><br />The Times and CIR used those records to flag a specific kind of charity: those that pay for-profit corporations to raise the vast majority of their donations year in and year out. <br /><br /><a href="http://charitysearch.apps.cironline.org/">Search for charities that have been disciplined</a> <br /><br />The effort identified hundreds of charities that run donation drives across the country and regularly give their solicitors at least two-thirds of the take. Experts say good charities should spend about half that much - no more than 35 cents to raise a dollar. <br /><br />For the worst charities, writing big checks to telemarketers isn't an anomaly. It's a way of life. <br /><br />The Times and CIR charted each charity's performance over the past decade and ranked them based on the total donations diverted to fundraisers, arriving at the 50 worst charities. By this measure, Kids Wish tops the list. <br /><br />Tracking donations diverted to fund-raising is just one way to rate a charity's performance. But experts called the rating fair and said it would provide a unique resource to help donors avoid bad charities. <br /><br /><a href="http://ce.columbia.edu/fundraising-management/faculty-advisors/doug-white">Doug White, one of the nation's foremost experts on the ethics of charity fund-raising</a>, dismisses the argument made by charities that without telemarketers they would have no money. <br /><br />"When you weigh that in terms of values, of what the charity is supposed to be doing and what the donor is being told in the process, the house comes tumbling down," said White, who teaches in Columbia University's fund-raising management master's degree program. <br /><br /><a href="http://cironline.org/charityinvestigator">Share your tips on suspicious charities</a> <br /><br />Collectively the 50 worst charities raised more than $1.3 billion over the past decade and paid nearly $1 billion of that directly to the companies that raise their donations. <br /><br />If that money had gone to charity, it would have been enough to build 20,000 Habitat for Humanity homes, buy 7 million wheelchairs or pay for mammograms for nearly 10 million uninsured women.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Instead it funded charities like <a href="http://www.youthdevelopmentfund.org/">Youth Development Fund</a>. <br /><br />The Tennessee charity, which came in at No. 12, has been around for 30 years. Over the past decade it has raised nearly $30 million from donors by promising to educate children about drug abuse, health and fitness. <br /><br />About 80% of what's donated each year goes directly to solicitation companies. <br /><br />Most of what's left pays for one thing: scuba-diving videos starring the charity's founder and president, Rick Bowen. <br /><br />Bowen's charity pays his own for-profit production company about $200,000 a year to make the videos. Then the charity pays to air Rick Bowen Deep-Sea Diving on a local Knoxville station. The program makes no mention of Youth Development Fund. <br /><br />In its IRS tax filings, the charity reports that its programming reaches "an estimated audience of 1.3 million." <br /><br />But, according to the station manager, the show attracts about 3,600 viewers a week. <br /><br />Bowen, who runs the charity out of his Knoxville condo, declined to be interviewed. He defended the practice of hiring his own company with the public's donations. <br /><br />"We just happened to be the low bidder," he said. <br /><br />Good vs. bad charities <br /><br />America's worst charities look nothing like Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs or thousands of other charities, large and small, that are dedicated to helping the sick and needy.<br /><br />Well-run charities rely on their own staff to raise money from a variety of sources. They spend most of their donations on easy-to-verify activities, whether it's running soup kitchens, supporting cancer research, raising awareness about drunken driving or building homes for veterans. <br /><br />The Times/CIR list of worst charities, meanwhile, is littered with organizations that exhibit red flags for fraud, waste and mismanagement. <br /><br />Thirty-nine have been disciplined by state regulators, some as many as seven times. <br /><br />Eight of the charities have been banned in at least one state. <br /><br />One was shut down by regulators but reopened under a new name. <br /><br />A third of the charities' founders and executives have put relatives on the payroll or the board of directors. <br /><br /><a href="http://cironline.org/reports/failure-regulation-4604">How states failed to regulate charity scams</a> <br /><br />For eight years, <a href="http://www.abcf.org/">American Breast Cancer Foundation</a> paid Joseph Wolf's telemarketing company to generate donations. <br /><br />His mother, Phyllis Wolf, had founded the Baltimore-based charity and was its president until she was forced to resign in 2010. <br /><br />While she ran the charity, her son's company, Non Profit Promotions, collected $18 million in telemarketing fees. <br /><br />Phyllis Wolf left the charity after the payments to her son attracted media attention in 2010. The charity has since stopped using telemarketers, including Joseph Wolf's. <br /><br />Phyllis and Joseph Wolf did not respond to several calls seeking comment. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/impact.your.world/">How to help: CNN's Impact Your World</a> <br /><br />The nation's worst charities are large and small. Some are one-person outfits operating from run-down apartments. Others claim hundreds of employees and a half-dozen locations around the country. One lists a UPS mail box as its headquarters address. <br /><br />Several play off the names of well-known organizations, confusing donors. <br /><br />Among those on the Times/CIR list are Kids Wish Network, Children's Wish Foundation International and Wishing Well Foundation. All of the names sound like the original, <a href="http://wish.org/">Make-A-Wish</a>, which does not hire professional telemarketers. <br /><br />Make-A-Wish officials say they've spent years fielding complaints from people who were solicited by sound-a-like charities. <br /><br />"While some of the donations go elsewhere, all the bad public relations that comes with telemarketing seems to come to us," said Make-A-Wish spokesman Paul Allvin. <br /><br />Donors who answer calls from the 50 worst charities hear professionally honed messages, designed to leverage popular causes and hide one crucial fact: Almost nothing goes to charity. <br /><br />When telemarketers for Kids Wish call potential donors, they open with a name you think you've heard before.<br /><br />Then they ask potential donors to "imagine the heartbreak of losing a child to a terminal illness," according to scripts filed with North Carolina regulators in 2010. <br /><br />Kids Wish, the callers say, wants to fulfill their wishes "while they are still healthy enough to enjoy them." <br /><br />They leave out the fact that most of the charity's good deeds involve handing out gift cards to hospitalized children and donated coloring books and board games to healthy kids around the country. And they don't mention the millions of dollars spent on salaries and fund-raising every year. <br /><br />The biggest difference between good charities and the nation's worst is the bottom line. <br /><br />Every charity has salary, overhead and fund-raising costs. <br /><br />But several watchdog organizations say charities should spend no more than 35% of the money they raise on fund-raising expenses. <br /><br />The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and North Florida is one of dozens of Make-A-Wish chapters across the country. <br /><br />Last year, it reported raising $3.1 million cash and spent about 60% of that -- $1.8 million -- granting wishes. <br /><br />The same year, Kids Wish raised $18.6 million, its tax filing shows. It spent just $240,000 granting wishes -- 1% of the cash raised. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/topics/specials/worst-charities1.page">Read a full version of this report</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://cironline.org/reports/failure-regulation-4604">Center for Investigative Reporting: A failure of regulation</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/topics/specials/worst-charities3.page">Family of connections bind several of America's worst charities</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Story taken from <a href="http://cnn.com/">cnn.com</a> </span></i><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-54745487242783135032013-07-07T09:08:00.002-04:002013-07-07T09:08:31.913-04:00Flag Ministry - Banner Worship - Praise Flags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://vcocinnercourt.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/flagging96.jpg?w=450&h=327" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://vcocinnercourt.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/flagging96.jpg?w=450&h=327" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flags & Banners </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a “standard” of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as “standard” or “banner.” The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own “standard” to signify their tribe. (Num. 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18, 22, 25). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God’s names, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! Exodus 17:15 God’s salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners (Psalm 20:5, Psalm 60:4). He is a banner of love and protection described in Song. 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song. 6:4, 10. He is standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to the entire world. (Isa. 5:26, 11:12, 13:2; Jer. 50:2). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why Are Flags Used In Worship?</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Excerpt from “Bringing Back The Glory” by Joe Brown </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: lime;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;">To Bestow Honor</span> – To declare a name and an aspect of God’s character. As we wave it, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of Who He is. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;">To Communicate</span> – As a particular flag is raised, the prayer behind it is somewhat like a phone call. We are speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the flag, asking Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a flag exalts Him as Jehovah Roi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him as the One Who leads, protects, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, and then await His response. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;">To Signal God’s Presence</span> – Lifting flags in worship follows the action of Moses as he lifted his rod(a shepherd’s staff, a spiritual type or symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God’s presence, power and authority over the armies of Israel. Jeremiah 51:12 Lift up a signal (flag) against the walls of Babylon; post a strong guard, station sentries, place men in ambush! For the Lord has both purposed and performed what He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: orange;">To Declare Our Allegiance</span> – As we wave our flags in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord’s army in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;">To Rally The Troops</span> – We know our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6). Raising a flag stirs unity and loyalty in the King’s army, gathers soldiers together for strategy and strengthens commitment to victory. Isaiah 11:12 – “And He will lift up a standard (flag) for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">To Direct Warfare & Praise</span> </span>– Early records show that in ancient Egyptians battles, soldiers looked to flags (ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown to say in the physical realm what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the “wind” of the Holy Spirit on a particular day. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #e69138;">To Put The Enemy To Flight</span> – Isaiah 59:19 tells us, “… When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Flags are God-given, God anointed, Word-based standard that display His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee. “Nuwc” is a Hebrew word for “standard” which means “to cause to flee away, to lift up standard.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d;">To Boast of Victory</span> – Another Hebrew word for banner is “dagal” and the definition of it is “to flaunt, be conspicuous, set up with banners.” Psalm 20:7 says “we will boast in the name of the Lord…” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">To Be A Touchpoint of Faith</span></span> – God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents’ bites. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as a visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rophe. The Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;">To Herald An Event</span> – Flags declare a specific event or season. Through the use of flags in worship, as such a time as this, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, “The King is coming! Prepare the way for Jesus! The King is in the land!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Article taken from <a href="http://epworship.com/flagministry">http://epworship.com/flagministry</a> </i></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-82498838437868513082013-07-03T17:14:00.000-04:002013-07-03T17:14:10.282-04:00Mail to Ryan…Our Beautiful Boy - Just Because He Breathes - Learning to Truly Love our Gay Son…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My husband, Rob, wrote this letter to Ryan as part of our expanded “Just Because He Breathes” presentation for Exodus International. The video below was shown in our presentation, after Rob read this: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dear Ryan, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I miss you so much. I don’t really know how heaven works because you might already know everything I’m about to say but just in case you don’t there’s some things I want you to know. I love you so much and it hurts so bad that you were not here last weekend to celebrate Riley’s wedding with us. We all missed you so much. Riley and Abby left an empty place for you, and Lindsey was the only bridesmaid who walked unescorted down the aisle, because you should have been with her. Even though the day would have been difficult for you in some aspects, you would have been so proud of your brother. And I know that you would just ADORE Abby. Your handsome face and easy laugh would have made the day complete for me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That said, I am not angry that you relapsed on that day In late June 2009. I know you did not intend to let things get out of hand like they did. In fact I would not be bitter or angry even if you had taken your life. I have nothing but compassion and respect for how well and how long you battled your difficulties. Only now by reading your journals, do I more fully realize how much pain and difficulty you were facing. Whenever I feel like I need a good cry, all I have to do is to pull them out and it puts me in touch with the deep pain you were in…and how, as your earthly father, I let you down in many ways. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am so very, very sorry for the things that I did to contribute to your despair. I so desperately wish that I had known back then what I do know now. I thought I was so right when you first came out to us. Little did I know how much I had to learn. Please forgive me for letting fear control my decisions and the way I responded to you, instead of faith. I should have trusted God, who loves you so much more – and better – than I do, and who never stopped chasing after you. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I so regret how slow I was to truly understand and love you without any conditions. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But you always had such grace for me. You were so patient with us while we learned what really mattered. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you for trusting us with your deepest thoughts and fears and sharing so much of your experience as a gay teen, and a gay young adult, attempting to reconcile his faith with his sexuality. Thank you for all your letters and emails; the ones that made us laugh and the ones that made us cry. Your handwritten letters are priceless to me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I so wish that I could introduce you to some of my dearest friends now, men and women who love Jesus with their whole hearts. They have helped me to understand that gay is not a deal breaker for God…that gay and Christian can co-exist, and that God isn’t wringing His hands over this issue. He is way bigger than this. I know that God did not reject or abandon you, or anyone else. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish I could take you to dinner tonight and tell you all the ways that your life…and even your death…blesses ours every day. We have learned so very much from you. God, through you, has opened up a whole new world for mom and I. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish we could make that snowboarding trip to Mount Baker that we had planned. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you could see how we’re still using the zip line you designed. I will never forget the joy on your face as you concocted yet another way to creatively fly across our back yard. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish I could take you backpacking again, and that we could talk and talk and talk as we hiked. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you were here to have backyard bonfires, and to come up with ever increasingly crazy ways to alarm our neighbors. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you could call and tell me all about it when you met a guy you were interested in…and that I could meet him, too. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish that we could have a barbeque on your roof, with the view of the Space Needle that we loved so much. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish we could ride down the driveway together…one of us on my rip stick and one on my long board…and that we could teach each other new tricks as we laughed and crashed. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you were here to help me hunt the raccoons that threaten to eat our Janie cat…I will NEVER forget the time you pegged that one 30 ft up in the tree in our front yard, and then 20 seconds later, got the second one on your first try. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you could cook your specialty eggs in our kitchen, adding that fire sauce, while you sang funny songs and worship songs and whatever else came to mind. I miss your voice. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you were here in the audience, sitting with Larissa and Cam and Lindsey and Grandma Pat and Uncle Ronny and Uncle Don and all our new friends from Biola Queers, who I know you would love so much. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish I could hold you again. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love you, Ryan. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I miss you. Oh, how I miss you. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am so very, very proud of you. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am sorry for EVER wanting you to be anyone other than who God made you to be. I am so very sorry for all the things I said that caused you to feel that I would love you more if you were straight. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know now that you were EXACTLY who God intended…and that you were BEAUTIFUL. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You were, and will always be, my beautiful, beautiful boy… </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We showed this video to accompany the letter during our presentation:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/thecollaborate/ryan">http://vimeo.com/thecollaborate/ryan</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Copied from <a href="http://justbecausehebreathes.com/2013/06/23/mail-to-ryan/">http://justbecausehebreathes.com/2013/06/23/mail-to-ryan/</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-36453894691266861802013-07-03T16:27:00.000-04:002013-07-03T16:27:33.663-04:00Just Because He Breathes: Learning to Truly Love Our Gay Son<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the night of Nov. 20, 2001, a conversation held over Instant Messenger changed our lives forever. Our 12-year-old son messaged me in my office from the computer in his bedroom. <br />
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Ryan says: can i tell u something <br />
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Mom says: Yes I am listening <br />
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Ryan says: well i don't know how to say this really but, well......, i can't keep lying to you about myself. I have been hiding this for too long and i sorta have to tell u now. By now u probably have an idea of what i am about to say.<br />
Ryan says: I am gay<br />
Ryan says: i can't believe i just told you <br />
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Mom says: Are you joking? <br />
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Ryan says: no<br />
Ryan says: i thought you would understand because of uncle don <br />
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Mom says: of course I would<br />
Mom says: but what makes you think you are? <br />
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Ryan says: i know i am<br />
Ryan says: i don't like hannah<br />
Ryan says: it's just a cover-up <br />
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Mom says: but that doesn't make you gay... <br />
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Ryan says: i know<br />
Ryan says: but u don't understand<br />
Ryan says: i am gay <br />
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Mom says: tell me more <br />
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Ryan says: it's just the way i am and it's something i know<br />
Ryan says: u r not a lesbian and u know that. it is the same thing <br />
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Mom says: what do you mean? <br />
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Ryan says: i am just gay<br />
Ryan says: i am that <br />
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Mom says: I love you no matter what <br />
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Ryan says: i am white not black<br />
Ryan says: i know<br />
Ryan says: i am a boy not a girl<br />
Ryan says: i am attracted to boys not girls<br />
Ryan says: u know that about yourself and i know this <br />
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Mom says: what about what God thinks about acting on these desires? <br />
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Ryan says: i know <br />
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Mom says: thank you for telling me <br />
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Ryan says: and i am very confused about that right now <br />
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Mom says: I love you more for being honest <br />
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Ryan says: i know<br />
Ryan says: thanx <br />
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We were completely shocked. Not that we didn't know and love gay people; my only brother had come out to us several years before, and we adored him. But Ryan? He was unafraid of anything, tough as nails and all boy. We had not seen this coming, and the emotion that overwhelmed us, kept us awake at night and, sadly, influenced all our reactions over the next six years was fear. <br />
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We said all the things that we thought loving Christian parents who believed the Bible, the Word of God, should say: <br />
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We love you. We will always love you. And this is hard. Really hard. But we know what God says about this, so you are going to have to make some really difficult choices. <br />
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We love you. We couldn't love you more. But there are other men who have faced this same struggle, and God has worked in them to change their desires. We'll get you their books; you can listen to their testimonies. And we will trust God with this. <br />
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We love you. We are so glad you are our son. But you are young, and your sexual orientation is still developing. The feelings you've had for other guys don't make you gay. So please don't tell anyone that you are gay. You don't know who you are yet. Your identity is not that you are gay; it is that you are a child of God. <br />
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We love you. Nothing will change that. But if you are going to follow Jesus, holiness is your only option. You are going to have to choose to follow Jesus, no matter what. And since you know what the Bible says, and since you want to follow God, embracing your sexuality is not an option. <br />
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We thought we understood the magnitude of the sacrifice that we -- and God -- were asking for. And this sacrifice, we knew, would lead to an abundant life, perfect peace and eternal rewards. Ryan had always felt intensely drawn to spiritual things; He desired to please God above all else. So, for the first six years, he tried to choose Jesus. Like so many others before him, he pleaded with God to help him be attracted to girls. He memorized Scripture, met with his youth pastor weekly, enthusiastically participated in all the church youth group events and Bible Studies and got baptized. He read all the books that claimed to know where his gay feelings came from, dove into counseling to further discover the whys of his unwanted attraction to other guys, worked through painful conflict resolution with my husband and me and built strong friendships with other guys -- straight guys -- just like the reparative therapy experts advised. He even came out to his entire youth group, giving his testimony of how God had rescued him from the traps of the enemy, and sharing, by memory, verse after verse that God had used to draw Ryan to Him. <br />
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But nothing changed. God didn't answer his prayer, or ours, though we were all believing with faith that the God of the Universe, the God for whom nothing is impossible, could easily make Ryan straight. But He did not. <br />
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Though our hearts may have been good (we truly thought what we were doing was loving), we did not even give Ryan a chance to wrestle with God, to figure out what he believed God was telling him through scripture about his sexuality. We had believed firmly in giving each of our four children the space to question Christianity, to decide for themselves if they wanted to follow Jesus, to truly own their own faith. But we were too afraid to give Ryan that room when it came to his sexuality, for fear that he'd make the wrong choice. <br />
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Basically, we told our son that he had to choose between Jesus and his sexuality. We forced him to make a choice between God and being a sexual person. Choosing God, practically, meant living a lifetime condemned to being alone. He would never have the chance to fall in love, have his first kiss, hold hands, share intimacy and companionship or experience romance. <br />
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And so, just before his 18th birthday, Ryan, depressed, suicidal, disillusioned and convinced that he would never be able to be loved by God, made a new choice. He decided to throw out his Bible and his faith at the same time and try searching for what he desperately wanted -- peace -- another way. And the way he chose to try first was drugs. <br />
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We had unintentionally taught Ryan to hate his sexuality. And since sexuality cannot be separated from the self, we had taught Ryan to hate himself. So as he began to use drugs, he did so with a recklessness and a lack of caution for his own safety that was alarming to everyone who knew him. <br />
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Suddenly our fear of Ryan someday having a boyfriend (a possibility that honestly terrified me) seemed trivial in contrast to our fear of Ryan's death, especially in light of his recent rejection of Christianity and his mounting anger at God. <br />
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Ryan started with weed and beer, but in six short months was using cocaine, crack and heroin. He was hooked from the beginning, and his self-loathing and rage at God only fueled his addiction. Shortly thereafter, we lost contact with him. For the next year and a half, we didn't know where he was or even if he was dead or alive. And during that horrific time, God had our full attention. We stopped praying for Ryan to become straight. We started praying for him to know that God loved him. We stopped praying for him to never have a boyfriend. We started praying that someday we might actually get to know his boyfriend. We even stopped praying for him to come home to us; we only wanted him to come home to God. <br />
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By the time our son called us, after 18 long months of silence, God had completely changed our perspective. Because Ryan had done some pretty terrible things while using drugs, the first thing he asked me was this: <br />
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Do you think you can ever forgive me? (I told him of course, he was already forgiven. He had always been forgiven.) <br />
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Do you think you could ever love me again? (I told him that we had never stopped loving him, not for one second. We loved him then more than we had ever loved him.) <br />
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Do you think you could ever love me with a boyfriend? (Crying, I told him that we could love him with 15 boyfriends. We just wanted him back in our lives. We just wanted to have a relationship with him again... and with his boyfriend.) <br />
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And a new journey was begun, one of healing, restoration, open communication and grace. Lots of grace. And God was present every step of the way, leading and guiding us, gently reminding us simply to love our son and leave the rest up to Him. <br />
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Over the next 10 months, we learned to truly love our son. Period. No buts. No conditions. Just because he breathes. We learned to love whomever our son loved. And it was easy. What I had been so afraid of became a blessing. The journey wasn't without mistakes, but we had grace for each other, and the language of apology and forgiveness became a natural part of our relationship. As our son pursued recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, we pursued him. God taught us how to love him, to rejoice over him, to be proud of the man he was becoming. We were all healing, and most importantly, Ryan began to think that if we could forgive him and love him, then maybe God could, too. <br />
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And then Ryan made the classic mistake of a recovering addict: He got back together with his old friends, his using friends. And one evening that was supposed to simply be a night at the movies turned out to be the first time he had shot up in 10 months -- and the last time. Ryan died on July 16, 2009. And we lost the ability to love our gay son, because we no longer had a gay son. What we had wished for, prayed for, hoped for -- that we would not have a gay son -- came true. But not at all in the way we had envisioned. <br />
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Now, when I think back on the fear that governed all my reactions during those first six years after Ryan told us he was gay, I cringe as I realize how foolish I was. I was afraid of all the wrong things. And I grieve, not only for my oldest son, whom I will miss every day for the rest of my life, but for the mistakes I made. I grieve for what could have been, had we been walking by faith instead of by fear. Now, whenever Rob and I join our gay friends for an evening, I think about how much I would love to be visiting with Ryan and his partner over dinner. But instead, we visit Ryan's gravestone. We celebrate anniversaries: the would-have-been birthdays and the unforgettable day of his death. We wear orange, his color. We hoard memories: pictures, clothing he wore, handwritten notes, lists of things he loved, tokens of his passions, recollections of the funny songs he invented, his Curious George and baseball blankey, anything, really, that reminds us of our beautiful boy, for that is all we have left, and there will be no new memories. We rejoice in our adult children, and in our growing family as they marry, but we ache for the one of our "gang of four" who is missing. We mark life by the days B.C. (before coma) and A.D. (after death), because we are different people now; our life was irrevocably changed in a million ways by his death. We treasure friendships with others who "get it" because they, too, have lost a child. <br />
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We weep. We seek Heaven for grace and mercy and redemption as we try not to get better but to be better. And we pray that God can somehow use our story to help other parents learn to truly love their children. Just because they breathe.</span></div>
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Story copied from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-robertson/just-because-he-breathes-learning-to-truly-love-our-gay-son_b_3478971.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-robertson/just-because-he-breathes-learning-to-truly-love-our-gay-son_b_3478971.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-20356110235864215992013-06-28T10:54:00.000-04:002013-06-28T10:58:33.510-04:00Talking to the Lord - Talk and Listen, Not Dominate the Conversation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When communicating with the Lord you don't have to be on your knees,
just walk around your house or wherever you are and have a conversation
with God. Eyes wide open, it doesn't matter. The IMPORTANT thing is that
you communicating with Him, you are being close to Him.
And while you are having that conversation, make sure to LISTEN. There are a lot of people who like to talk and not listen (I know a few). They dominate the conversation.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-73530565359550146632013-06-27T23:31:00.000-04:002013-06-27T23:31:43.264-04:00The Earth Is The Lord's!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. (Psalm 24:1, NASB) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. (Psalm 19:1, NLT) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As believers in Jesus Christ, we can sometimes forget how big God is. When life gets hard - and it does in a myriad of ways, we wonder if things will ever get better. And if we hurt bad enough we even wonder where God is in all of this, or even question our faith; "Why do I trust God?" "What is it all for?" The Psalmist in Psalm 73 had a very similar concern. I've been there - have you? Somebody might be reading this with a heavy heart, but I've brought you some good news! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today's passage says the very earth belongs to God. Everything, and everybody in the earth belong to Him. There is nothing He does not see, there is nothing He cannot do. We don't have to look far to see wickedness in the world, but God's glory is still in the earth. All you have to do is look up. Psalm 19 presents a breathtaking picture of God's artwork in the earth; don't miss that. If you allow yourself to see it God is showing Himself every day in a perfectly blue sky, the wind moving through the trees, how the lightening lights up the sky, in how birds fly through the air, such a number of stars in the night that we can't even count them. Psalm 147 says He calls all the stars by name. Who wouldn't believe a God like that? God puts Himself on display on a daily basis all around us; we just have to open our eyes and our hearts to see it. That new job belongs to Him. Every bank, every mortgage company, every dollar running through Wall Street belongs to Him! Be encouraged to understand the very earth and everything in it belongs to Him, and His glory fills the earth. Whatever it is your heart so longs for, ask God to show you His glory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/studies/2013-6-The-Earth-Is-The-Lord-s.html">http://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/studies/2013-6-The-Earth-Is-The-Lord-s.html</a> </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-24698912439052431322013-06-23T10:20:00.000-04:002013-06-23T10:20:01.405-04:00 We Must Only Worship God - Lesson 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jesus said in Matthew 4:10, "You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." If we worship God in spirit and in truth, we cannot worship anyone or anything else. Anything we worship, other than God, is an idol. According to Webster, an idol is "an image used as an object or instrument of worship." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God forbids us to make and worship idols. God says in Exodus 20:4-5, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." We see we are not to make any image whether it is a statue or any likeness of anything in heaven or earth to worship them. But this is done today when people worship icons. People bow down and pray to these statues and painted pictures whether they be the supposed likeness of Mary the mother of Jesus or one of the many other dead people who are called saints. This is in direct disobedience to the command of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I see people bowing down, burning candles, praying, and worshipping an icon image of a saint, my heart bleeds for them because they are putting their souls in jeopardy of being lost. We are warned in Colossians 2:18, "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worshipping angels." We can loose our reward in heaven if we worship someone other than God. He is the only one we are to worship because He is a jealous God. God will not allow us to worship anyone else other than Himself. Revelations 21:8 tells us that "idolaters shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." We must only worship God and our worship must be in spirit and in truth if we expect to be with Him in heaven when this life is over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Article taken from <a href="http://www.bible.ca/interactive/worship-8-god-alone.htm">http://www.bible.ca/interactive/worship-8-god-alone.htm</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-9410244964397201632013-06-20T00:27:00.001-04:002013-06-20T00:27:53.670-04:00Videos - Flag Ministry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744146899647374638.post-10758571205234461972013-06-18T10:42:00.001-04:002013-06-18T10:42:10.604-04:00 Losing Control and Learning to Trust: My Unexpected Diagnosis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1069129584"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069129585"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1069129581"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069129582"></span>This is a very personal column. In December of last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. There were no symptoms or problems, just some results from a routine blood test that needed to be checked out. I remember being on a conference call when I saw the doctor was phoning with the results of a biopsy, but continued on with the other call assuming I could return it later to hear that there were no problems. There were problems, he told me, and I would need to see a surgeon. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Surprise was not the right word -- not even shock. The news felt incredulous to me. I was about to launch a new book tour early in 2013 and everything seemed to be in control. And Sojourners was involved in intense advocacy work around immigration reform, gun violence, and the budget/sequester battles. There had to be a mistake, or surely some convenient treatment that would suffice. Certainly, I would work this all out privately, and stay on schedule for everything else. But then the conversations started, as did meetings, further testing, time-consuming activities, discussions of medical options -- and a deepening anxiety began to grow over the next several weeks. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book tour for <a href="http://ongodsside.com/">On God's Side</a>, both U.S. and U.K., had to be postponed and reset without saying why. I kept the health news and discussions in a small and close circle of family, friends, and senior staff. And I did my best to go on as if this wasn't happening. But it was. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A quick surgery at the end of the year didn't work out for a number of frustrating reasons, discussions about medical options continued, and my care shifted to the research center at NIH, the National Institutes of Health. There, I took part in a new program using resolution MRI to guide surgical decisions -- still a research effort, and not currently in use elsewhere. Such opportunities are available to anyone in the general public, and people can find out about the work going on at NIH and across the nation at its <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/">website</a>. The NIH strives to innovate constantly in all areas of medicine, and their constant hope is that participation in such programs can provide both direct benefits to the individual, and an opportunity for their physician researchers to learn more about how to improve diagnosis and treatment for others in the future. (And, of course, this critical work is being severely cut in the sequester.) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The NIH staff's extraordinary knowledge of this cancer and all cancers, which is prolonging and saving lives, was immediately evident, as was the wonderful care they were showing to me. After more and much deeper testing with their extraordinary methodologies and new technologies, a plan was reached and a date for surgery was set for last Wednesday, June 5. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">About one week ago, I had major surgery for prostate cancer. It all went very well; the cancer was contained and removed with no signs of further spreading, pending more pathology reports. This significant surgical procedure, the recovery in a hospital room, and then coming home from such a major impact on my body were all new experiences for me. I went back to the hospital this week for follow-up procedures and check-ups. Everything seems to be fine. The surgery "couldn't have gone better," the doctors say, and I seem to be recovering well, too. They keep telling me to go slow and take my time, which is a very good reminder for me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's not only good physical advice for healthy recovery but also spiritual counsel for those of us who sometimes tell time by how much we hope we are changing the world. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was certainly more "major" surgery than I was acknowledging and admitting to myself. I was stunned by the news in December, and wanted to keep it private -- partly to avoid answering too many public questions on it, but also likely because of some self-denial about it all. I really didn't want to let it affect my book tour, but of course it did in significant ways. During this whole process, I'm learning more and more lessons about losing control and learning to trust instead. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was in very good hands with my surgeon, and I feel our work is in good hands with all of my colleagues at Sojourners, as I take a few weeks now to rest and recover. It's never just about a leader here at Sojourners because we have such a remarkable team; and it's never just about the team because we have such an extraordinary mission; but it's never even just about our mission because we have a God who will always find ways to bring love and justice into the world with and without us, and sometimes despite our best efforts and human attempts to keep "control." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I spoke with a few close friends before going in for my cancer surgery, a day full of anxiety for someone who had never faced a major health issue before. My old and dear friend, Wes Granberg-Michaelson, contrasted our need for control with the "Prayer of Abandonment" by Charles De Foucauld. So I went back to that classic prayer, and found it the right one to take into surgery for someone who had been totally preoccupied with the absolute craziness of an 18-city book and media tour and was now facing a very personal health crisis. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"I abandon myself into your hands; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> do with me what you will. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whatever you may do, I thank you: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am ready for all, I accept all. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let only your will be done in me, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And in all your creatures -- </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish no more than this, O Lord. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Into your hands I commend my soul: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I offer it to you with all the love of </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">my heart, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and with boundless confidence, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">for you are my Father." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a perfect prayer for surgery and recovery, and I hope one I remember before my next book tour! A week after surgery, my wonderful colleague at the publisher <a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/brazospress">Brazos/Baker</a>, BJ Heyboer, wrote me what a member of her discernment committee for the Episcopal priesthood had said to her: "Control is an illusion, an illusion that we all pursue. But the sooner you see it as the illusion it is, the better off you -- and your ministry -- will be." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My friend Richard Rohr, who also had a bout with cancer, told me that "these things change our relationship to God." He writes these days about how the "fallings" and "failings" in the second half of life, which are completely beyond our control, can lead us to deeper places than the first half of life can ever go. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And after agonizing repeatedly about how the changes in timing, preparations, focus, and unexpected events significantly altered what I expected this book tour to be, I encountered these words from Soren Kierkegaard, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am trying to live into that with this book now too, trusting God to use it and take it to the places and people it needs to go. The "tour" was certainly affected by this cancer, more than I wanted to acknowledge or admit. But I believe in the message of the book even more than when I wrote it on sabbatical last year, and the signs of the times suggest that a renewed understanding of "the common good" is absolutely central to a better future for us all. These more relaxed summer weeks for me now will give me time for physical recovery, spiritual reflection, and perhaps some creative space to think about how I might be useful to what God wants to do with this common good message in the days ahead. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sitting in that hospital room, even in times of pain or anxiety, I was thinking about the billions of people around the world who don't have all these health care resources available to them as we do, and don't even have the chance or option to fight for their lives. That must become a fundamental issue of love and justice for us; and I hope this experience will make it all more personal for me. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My pastor, Jeff Haggray, suggested I not be so private about all this, and that it might be time to offer some personal reflections on this whole process which might be helpful to other people. So I decided to write this. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But life goes on, and I am still coaching my son's Little League baseball team through the play-offs (but in a chair and behind the dug-out fence, at doctor's orders not to risk dodging line drives while coaching at third base!) Our Tigers won their semi-final game last night and we are now in the Championship Game on Saturday! My time with these 10 year olds is my best therapy for recovery. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would appreciate your prayers for all of us who are wrestling this summer with issues of physical health and spiritual transformation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Article written by Jim Wallis for the HuffingtonPost</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/losing-control-and-learni_b_3436506.html?utm_hp_ref=religion">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/losing-control-and-learni_b_3436506.html?utm_hp_ref=religion</a> </span> </span><span class="trc_rbox_header_span"><span class="trc_inner_header trc_header_left_column"></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16477620662825599447noreply@blogger.com0