Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday Strength

With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel — nobody trifles with you! The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits.

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do - they can't keep it quiet!





















Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us — you've been so good to us! We're walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!

(Psalms 89:13-18, The Message)

43 comments:

Erik said...

The Lord’s vibrant beauty is indeed inside every one that exists, has exited, or will exist now.

She/ He has indeed been soooo good to each one of us, every one of us ever. We owe all to The Original Architect, The Creator.

Each one existing knows the password of Praise, from Muslim to Buddhist , Christian to Jew, Wiccan to New (old) Age. We all dance and celebrate the glory of God. We declare what we see !!

We trust the well muscled arm of The Lord, no thing or one compares. We exist without trifling from the world system. We declare what we see and believe – ‘It is all very good’ as we experience God’s creation. We, each one ever, enjoy the fruits of Love and Truth in every interaction.

God is wonderful !!!!

Unknown said...

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!

THAT'S THE ONE LIVING IN US!

A-A-A-MEN!

Anonymous said...

" SUNDAY STREGHT"

- Walking On Sunshine lyrics
Katrina And The Waves

I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I am sure
And I just can´t wait ‘until the day when you knock on my door
Now everytime I go for the mailbox, have got to hold myself down
‘Cause I just can´t wait ‘until you write me you are coming around

I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
And don´t it feel good

Hey, alright now
And don´t it feel good
Hey yea

I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it is true
And I do not wanna spend my whole life, just waiting for you
Now I do not want u back for the weekend
Not back for a day, no no no
I said baby I just want you back & I want you to stay

I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
And don´t it feel good

Hey, alright now
And don´t it feel good
Hey yea
And don´t it feel good

Walking on sunshine
Walking on sunshine

I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that is really real
I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that is really real

I am on sunshine baby
I am on sunshine baby

I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
I am walking on sunshine
And don´t it feel good
I will say it again now
And don´t it feel good

LOVE& PEACE

Anonymous said...

Get Jennifer Lopez - Walking On Sunshine

I can't wait, wanna see
How this night is gonna be
Just touch away
From feelin' forever, baby
Our love will stand the test of time
And in the middle of our world
I'll be waiting for you to be all mine

We're walkin' on sunshine
In the middle of the night
And it feels like I'm somewhere
Above the sky, I, I, I

Take my hand and close your eyes
Say the sweet little things
That make me cry
Catch my tears with a kiss
These special moments do exist
We can make it last forever, baby
Our love will stand the test of time
And in the middle of our world
I'll be waiting for you to be all mine

We're walkin' on sunshine
In the middle of the night
And it feels like I'm somewhere
Above the sky, I, I, I

It'll take much more than a lifetime
Baby, for this love to end
And it feels so good to know
That we are here in love again

Walking On Sunshine
This song no matter what happen in my life or how I am feeling, this is the kind of song that i can just get up and dance to, in front of a mirror it always brightens up my day!Because when i played it the words of it reminds me the love of God for me. It is the same as if I am singing any spiritual song to praise my God, for knowing of how much He loves me.To me the meaning of this song is: LOVE & HAPPINESS ALWAYS!

NTL said...

It's Him living in us,

And, it's us living out, Him.

NTL said...

It's, I'm ok, 'cause He is the OK.

He's the OK in OK.

NTL said...

With Him, all things are.

Without Him, nothing is.


He holds all things together,

'Cause He is Together.

Son of Zadok said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Son of Zadok said...

The Gospel Contains The Power to Save !!!

I'm so thankful to God for allowing us to be here. Truly the Porter and the Door is designing the way.

If an open heart were to be led here, coming to read the thought spoken here by each heart; they would face the loving shock of the revelation of God Jesus Christ!

Love is shining Its light through the body. Love is shining Its light through this body. Love is shining Its light through your body and everybody you love

Iris,

Thought to remind you of some things you already know

You are resting assured that God is completely in control. Our God is intimately and lovingly involved in each and every precious detail of your life. There is a mighty power and a perfect grace with you and yours. I am a son raised by the prayers and tears of a God loving mother; I am a testament to its enduring strength. Surely, the gentle caring arms of the Holy One has collected and stored each and every offering you have presented; and returns blessings of unending and exorbantly abundant grace and mercy upon you and your family always: prayers always offered up for you by our Jesus.

2 Tim 1:2-5 (The Message)
I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much. All the best from our God and Christ be yours! To Be Bold with God's Gifts Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

The Cloud of Unknowing said...

The Place of Christ continued

Now the Christian, following St.Paul, does not pray just to a historical figure but to the now existing risen Christ who contains in himself all the experience of his historical existence in a transformed way, as he indicated by showing his woulnds to his disiples. As for the way of talking about the Christ who lives in our midst today, Teilhard de Chardin, influenced by the later Pauline epistles, speaks of "the cosmic Christ" who is co-extensive with the universe. By death the body is universalized, entering into a new dimension and into a new relationship with matter. It is in this dimension that we to enter by death; but in life also we can somehow touch it by love in the cloud of unknowing.

Anonymous said...

The power is in the knowing what to copy and paste.

Son of Zadok said...

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
And all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works. But The Cloud is typed from a 700 year old book re-written into modern English in the 1970's by a William Johnston, and found on a mysterious thing they refer to as the Amazon dot com. The original Old English version can be read online however here

ccel.org/ccel/anonymous2/cloud.vii.html

but is seemingly harder to read in that form, but no less compelling.

Anonymous said...

To anon @ 6:00 AM - Wisdom is in applying it to the tablets of our hearts. And understanding is knowing not to eat the paste.

Anonymous said...

Love the pic. of the dove covering the earth. Both Heaven & Earth will rejoice. Singing praises to His name. Our God is an Awesome God. He reigns from Heaven and Earth. With wisdom, power, & love. Our God is an Awesome God.

Anonymous said...

I love the eye nebula picture.

NTL, I Am OK, You are OK, I'm OK

Good morning Avatar
BTW, happy birthday to John Conyers

May we all have the understanding not to eat the paste.

Pamela said...

I just want to celebrate by Rare Earth playing as I arrived on site, how appropriate. Thru praise and worship I receive my strength on Sunday to caryy out my week and what God has planned for me. I love you guys and will see you ITB in a little bit.

Love, Pamela

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:41 - Unless God directs otherwise. (And if there's cake.)

I love the Psalms. (the password into God's Presence is praise - awwwwwwww.....how excellent!)

Son of Zadok said...

Victory is in the air....

Ebony said...

After today's sermon this song was in my head so I wanted to post the lyrics. I'm in the Public library since my computer went to whereever good computers go after fighting the spyware/virus battle. Bishop the word today really struck a chord with me. Every one of us wants to think that in our walk with the Lord we have the patience of Job, the Faith of the centurion and the confidence of David in God's love for us. But, we're human beings, we doubt, we question, we stray, we get really angry at God, and sometimes we take matters into or own hands because we think he's dragging his feet (or that may be just me) and then are terrified to admit it because we think it makes us bad members of the body. HOW REFRESHING TO KNOW WE'RE NOT ALONE! Those struggles are all a part of it. There's no mountain without a valley, and with sweet there's always bitter. But just as all the saints before us survived their trials, we will too. This song was in my head after church, so I thought I'd post the lyrics to it

"Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield"
I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten

Larry Usher said...

Word for Now today Bishop!!

As I arose today I heard, "Don't expect "perfect", just run the race". Today's message about "blood & guts...WITH glory" REALLY hit the mark.
"When I am weak, He is strong", so there's no loss on the "down" days...it all works toward a greater glory.

Loved the nebula pic...

Blessings,

Larry

linda said...

Loved the pictures, especially the one on the cross. Today's sermon was wonderful. OT God above us, NT God among us, NT(now testament) God in us,
just realizing that it's okay to have those emotional moments(days) and that even if you are in the middle of one of those moments it doesn't disqualify you from God's blessings. gore, guts GLORY
wow

let there be light
Linda

Larry Usher said...

"Just one more thing" as Columbo would have said(he was from Utica, NY where I was born)...

Another word from last night from the Old Testament where Ahab was facing Benhadad and they assumed that Ahab's God(who had given him victory) was a God of the mountains, or hills, so they decided to make war with Ahab in the plain lands...only to find out God was a God of the valley as well!! Reminded me of today's word with the good and the bad both being places where our God reigns...IN US!

1Kings20:28

And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Amen,

Larry

ps-like the new page look...

tracy said...

Will carry the word here and ITB with me the rest of the week. Iris- no matter how it looks (or feels) right now. Something good will come out of it. Just hang on and wait for it, and try to enjoy the waiting. God will grace you. Izumi good to see you today. And last but not least...HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN CONYERS, may this be best year ever!!

Anonymous said...

Love the new format for the church website. Very Cool.
Hey All
Waking from a nap to the chorus My Savior Lives
As I heard those 3 words this came to mind

My Savior Lives
In time of trial
My Savior Lives
In time of doubt
My Savior Lives
In time of sorrow
My Savior Lives
In time of hope
My Savior Lives
In time of joy
My Savior Lives
In time of rejoicing

My Savior Lives
My Savior Lives
My Savior Gives


I know my healing from migraine is coming soon because MY SAVIOR LIVES & MY SAVIOR GIVES

Erik said...

Hello,

Today’s service from in the door, Praise & Worship, Piano, Pastor Debye, Pastor Enrique, Bishop -- Superexcellent !!!!!!

Larry, Columbo , is one of my all time favorites, I think I have seen every show at least three times, some many more. Drop in Mannix, and I am good. Did you see the German film about angels in current time ‘ Wings of Desire’ in which Peter Falk, appeared in as himself, playing Columbo. Classic scene in the film, an angel that wants to be human seeks advice form Falk, on the set of Columbo. Sounds corny, but really deep ( a little dark) film.

I think you would like it.

Erik said...

PS - This great film was remade in 1998 w Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan, City of Angels - not the same level

Anonymous said...

Love the new CITN web layout!

Iris said...

SOZ - Thanks... I feel everyone's prayers.

Being ITB was amazing today… from Praise and Worship... all the way through to the final prayer His presence was evident…I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of Jesus on holy ground...

Bishop, awesome word this morning... Thank you... It was taken very personally… again… thanks…

I don't know what I would do with out CITN... I am so in love with every one of my family... Each one bringing another aspect of Christ... which allows us to see Him completely through each individual... Each of us writing our own Gospel... Each one telling their story of how their lives have been changed... Each one helping another’s disbelief… Because their testimony of Christ builds faith….

We are all connected… everyone helping each one press through… Each one bringing strength to another… Each one cheering the next one on… Praise God for Family… Praise God for CITN… Together we will see the glory of God manifested through us…

Love
Iris

NTL said...

Bishop,
A lot of loose ends got put into their proper perspectives today.
For me, today was like you were speaking in tongues and I was interpreting in my native language,
which is that language I heard from the beginning.
I realized today that the walls of tradition aren't walls at all,
they're just thoughts from a time in my life that had all kinds of forces that were molding what I was to think and believe, without me really knowing if it was the truth or not.
Those forces being parents, family, preachers, proffesors,
etc...
I'm not saying that I will "get it" all, but today I did "get" what I got.
Awesome service...

Anonymous said...

While it's still today, I add my agreement to all the sentiments about blog topics & service.

(huggin' ya, Tracy)

Thank you to the pianist - WOW! (for me, like Psalms, notes are words)

Pastor Jimmie, I pray you never step away from your piano & praising God.

Bish, it seems like so much from the Word of God is rhema for me. I probably wouldn't have mentioned this, except your point ("Where 2 or 3 are gathered...") confirmed recent Bible studies.

Yesterday, I received a letter specifically pertinent for me, regarding Noah's ark. Love the symbolism in its construction. (only one window - above the occupants) Only one door to enter & exit.

Also love the perspective of the third testimony. I was considering if the 3 stories of the ark (Gen. 6:16) alluded to 2 Cr. 12:2!

Your point about Acts 29 still being written led me to wonder about Jezebel. (daughter of a king & how her name meant "chaste")

You mentioned Jesus' lineage too - specifically, Joseph. I'm both glad & embarrassed. (that you brought it up, but how little I know)

I've been wanting to ask: Was Joseph, (Jesus' earthly "step dad") Jacob's son? The Joseph of the "coat of many colors"?

While studying the book of Genesis, I kept seeing that dove and the recurring phrase, "And he stayed yet another seven days." I remembered the number fourteen, regarding generations leading to Jesus. I read Matthew 1:16 but, I just don't get it.

I've always wondered what happened to Mary's Joseph.

Please forgive me if you've taught on this before & I missed it. The whole thing fascinates me. I just can't seem to squish it into a chronological box.

G8TRGRL said...

OM goodness, puhleeeaaassse don't think of me as blasphemous (and don't throw stones-- Monty Python fans will get that).

Feeling a little punchy this evening... been doing silly photos with the children in Photo Booth... I digress...

Looking at the "pumped up" picture of Jesus, made me think of Hans and Frans from the SNL skit... yah!!

Jesus is here to (clap) PUMP YOU UP!

ttfn ;o)

Anonymous said...

Just got home a while ago….Janet and I were at my mothers house last night and this morning we were going to watch streaming CITN but we had some really strong straight line winds starting about 3am for about 3-4 hours, took out many trees and limbs and took down power lines all over and so we didn’t get to see the service this morning. First one I have had to miss in a long time, guess I will just have to listen to it later. But I really miss seeing and hearing you all on Sunday. We got most of the debris piled up but still no power at her house when we left this evening. Thank God no one was hurt.

Love the word on the blog today, very encouraging, and the pumped up version of Jesus. Actually it is probably closer to what he would have physically looked like than the soft almost feminine look most paintings give him. From what I have studied a carpenter in his day had some very tuff work like a construction worker of today. I don’t think he would have been able to do that kind of work for most of his life and look like most of the artist have portrayed Him.

Peace, Love & Happiness

Larry Usher said...

Erik,

Will have to see that movie as it was one of Amity's favorites(the girl that God used as an "angel"(messenger) to jump start my dying soul. I love stories of angels and the intervention of God in people's lives, now more than ever since God intervened in mine and continues to amaze me in doing so!
Redemption is a vein of powerful joy that courses through every man's heart, a longing that only God can fill.

Izumi/Joy- shout out at ya! Good seeing you ITB today! Blessings, peace & joy to you!

Enrique ROCKED today!!! MAN!!! Wish that would have made it to the CD!!! DO IT!!! DO IT!!! DO IT!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!

Reaching out through space & time,
I found my love & my love is mine!
Never to leave and never forsake.
"Come follow me", was all He spake.

Good night to all and may the Beauty of God's love for you flourish in the sweet, cool night season...

Larry

PattiL007 said...

Happy Birthday, Mr. Conyers! :-)

I agree with Ebony...and Larry, NTL, Erik, Joy...et al...today's message was very comforting for me as well as educational. I know that I'm not alone--I hear it a lot, but as we all know hearing and knowing are quite different.--and it really strengthens me.

(Still working on the whole 'physics for dummies' thing and hope to post more later--er--tomorrow.) Until then...

Blessings Blog Fam!

Anonymous said...

Hey Larry! Good to see ya & blessings, peace & joy to you, too!

Anonymous said...

I forgot what TV program this song was from but it goes;

Believe it or not
I'm walking on air
I never thought I could feel so free...
Flying away on a wing and a prayer
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it's just me.

Anonymous said...

: )

Anonymous said...

hey bish, guess what !!!

Anonymous said...

where are the blogmasters when you need one....uganda I guess...I do not have a key.....or I would lock up for you....

Friend4Life said...

Very funny, Pastor Dennis.

Anyway, Bishop and the gang are in my thoughts and prayers. I think all of them are bloggers too. I touch the screen every night for their protection and FAVOR!!

: )

Anonymous said...

AMEN, F4L !

PCol Ernie said...

One of the things that I learned during my years of leadership in the military is that almost nothing brings a unit, a group of people, closer together than accomplishing something difficult, enduring an ordeal, TOGETHER. What the CITN team did in Uganda was physically, emotionally and spiritually HARD. We did it together. We uplifted one another and the strengths of one reinforced the weakness of another. We were one body and were incredibly rewarded.

A special part of our hugely successful trip in the SUPERB leadership we had. I thank God for my Bishop and thank Bishop for not only this opportunity but for all of the blessings you have brought into my life.

I must mention P Avery and the bag that she carried. As a compliment to Bishop’s leadership she mothered us all and I don’t know everything that was in the bag but I did see an endless supply of sanitary wipes, water and snacks (including melted chocolate bars) come out of it. It is a blessing to be married to such a woman of God.

The comments about the country, the people and the presence of God blogged by other team members are “spot on”. I am excited about the increase in depth and breadth of my relationships with the powerful men and women of God who were my fellow travelers.

I will close this entry by asserting that CITN has a powerful new presence on the other side of the world. We will be blessed by them seven times seventy times. With Good Shepherd Ministries as a part of our family, together our effect on Uganda will be positive and powerful and uplifting.

Friend4Life said...

I see you still have this one up. (smile) And no...I am not your blog secretary..LOL

~Peace, Love, & Dream BIG~

Goodnight

(It's 2009)