Sunday, September 11, 2011

When you're down

From a worsip team member:

Many of us go through ups and downs in our lives. As emotional beings, how would we react when faced with difficult situations/circumstances? Would we sulk and be bitter about things/people? Or do we choose to rejoice, knowing that He has control over all things? Here is a good question we can all ask ourselves.

I read the book 'Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free' written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss quite some time ago, but i remember copying down some important parts, including these below:-

The Scripture is filled with divine promises and commands that provide the means by which our emotions may be steadied in the midst of any storm:-


God's Word promises, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, we don't have to be overcome by loneliness.
God's Word promises, "My God will meet all your needs" (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, we don't have to stay awake at night worrying about how the mortgage will get paid.
God's Word promises, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken" (Isaiah 54:10). Therefore, we don't have to dread of an uncertain future.
God's Word says, "Do not be afraid" (John 14:27). That means we don't have to give in to fear, regardless of our circumstances.
God's Word says, "Don't worry about anything" (Philippians 4:6, NLT). That means that even in the midst of stressful circumstances, we don't have to be anxious.
God's Word says, "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That means we can choose to be thankful, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart.
God's Word says, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). That means, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to love anyone - no matter how greatly they have wronged us.
God's Word says, "If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him" (Mark 11:25). That means there is no one we cannot choose to forgive, no matter how deeply they may have hurt us or sinned against us.
Hope this blesses you.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

what happened in 9/11

9/11 True Story.
A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.

His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both
heard a loud pop and the car shook violently.. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My s on would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.

The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'

He expl ained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be s tanding beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves .

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.

We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever. Psalm 136:

May God bless you, and your family,