God Is In Control...A Mighty and Awesome GOD!

God Is In Control

"I am God. Today I will be handling
all of your problems. Please
remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a
situation to you that you cannot handle,
do not attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for
God to do) box. It will be
addressed in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box,
do not hold on to it or remove it.
Holding on or removal will delay the
resolution of your problem. If it is
a situation that you think you are
capable of handling, please consult
me in prayer to be sure that it is
the proper resolution.

Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber,
there is no need for you to
lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you
need to contact me, I am only
a prayer away."

Be happy with what you have: Should
you find it hard to get to sleep
tonight; Just remember the homeless
family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic;
Don't despair. There are people in
this world for whom driving is an
unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work;
Think of the man who has been
out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship
gone bad; Think of the person
who has never known what it's like
to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of
another weekend; Think of the woman
in dire straits, working twelve hours
a day, seven days a week
to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving
you miles away from assistance;
Think of the paraplegic who would love
the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair
in the mirror; Think of the cancer
patient in chemo who wishes she
had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss
and pondering what is life all
about, asking "what is my purpose?";
Be thankful. There are those who
didn't live long enough to
get that opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim
of other people's bitterness,
ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
Remember, things could be worse.
You could be them!!!!


Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5 NLT

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 32:8 NLT



"K-C"

Stop and Pray

A Divine Stop

A friend of mine was driving through an
intersection one day and his little four-year-old
son was in the car with him.

The car door flew open,
and the little boy rolled out of the vehicle right
into the middle of traffic coming from four ways.

The last thing my friend saw was
a set of car wheels just about on
top of his son moving at a vary fast rate of speed.
All he knew to do was cry,

"JESUS!"

As soon as he could bring his car to a halt,
he jumped out ran to his son,
who was perfectly all right.

But the man driving the car that had
almost hit the child was absolutely hysterical.
My friend went over to him and started trying to comfort him...

"Man, don't be upset!" he said.
"My son is all right, he's okay...
Don't be concerned about it.
Just thank God you were able to stop!"

"You don't understand!"
the man responded.
"I never touched my brakes!"

Author Unknown



Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 NIV

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who are fully committed to him….
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3 KJV


"K-C"

The Rebellion Against the Stomach

The Rebellion Against the Stomach
By: Author Unknown

Once a man had a dream in which his hands and feet and mouth and brain all began to rebel against his stomach.

"You good-for-nothing sluggard!" the hands said. "We work all day long, sawing and hammering and lifting and carrying. By evening we're covered with blisters and scratches, and our joints ache, and we're covered with dirt. And meanwhile you just sit there, hogging all the food."

"We agree!" cried the feet. "Think how sore we get, walking back and forth all day long. And you just stuff yourself full, you greedy pig, so that you're that much heavier to carry about."

"That's right!" whined the mouth. "Where do you think all that food you love comes form? I'm the one who has to chew it all up, and as soon as I'm finished you suck it all down for yourself. Do you call that fair?"

"And what about me?" called the brain. "Do you think it's easy being up here, having to think about where your next meal is going to come from? And yet I get nothing at all for my pains."

And one by one the parts of the body joined the complaint against the stomach, which didn't say anything at all.

"I have an idea," the brain finally announced. "Let's all rebel against the lazy belly, and stop working for it."

"Superb idea!" all the other members and organs agreed. "We'll teach you how important we are. Then maybe you'll do a little work of your own."

So they all stopped working. The hands refused to do lifting and carrying. The feet refused to walk. The mouth promised not to chew or swallow a single bite. And the brain swore it wouldn't come up with any more bright ideas. At first the stomach growled a bit, as it always did when it was hungry. But after a while it was quiet.

Then, to the dreaming man's surprise, he found he could not walk. He could not grasp anything in his hand. He could not even open his mouth. And he suddenly began to feel rather ill.

The dream seemed to go on for several days. As each day passed, the man felt worse and worse. "This rebellion had better not last much longer," he thought to himself, "or I'll starve."

Meanwhile, the hands and feet and mouth and brain just lay there, getting weaker and weaker. At first they roused themselves just enough to taunt the stomach every once in a while, but before long they didn't even have the energy for that.

Finally the man heart a faint voice coming from the direction of his feet.

"It could be that we were wrong," they were saying. "We suppose the stomach might have been working in his own way all along."

"I was just thinking the same thing," murmured the brain. "It's true that he's been getting all the food. But it seems he's been sending most of it right back to us."

"We might as well admit our error," the mouth said. "The stomach has just as much work to do as the hands and feet and brain and teeth."

"Then let's get back to work," they cried together. And at that the man woke up.

To his relief, he discovered his feet could walk again. His hands could grasp, his mouth could chew, and his brain could now think clearly. He began to feel much better.

"Well, there's a lesson for me," he thought as he filled his stomach at breakfast. "Either we all work together, or nothing works at all"

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
I John 2:10 KJV


"K-C"

God paid the price...

Heaven's Grocery Store

As I was walking down life's highway
many years ago
I came up on a sign that read
Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer
the doors swung open wide
And when I came to myself
I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.
They were standing everywhere
One handed me a basket
and said "My Child shop with care."

Everything a human needed
was in that grocery store
And what you could not carry
you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience
Love was in that same row.
Further down was Understanding
You need that everywhere you go,

I got a box or two of Wisdom
and Faith a bag or two.
And Charity of course
I would need some of that too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost
It was all over the place.
And then some Strength
He smiled and said
"Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now,
How much do I owe?"
"My child" he said,
"God paid your bill a long long time ago."

"K-C"

The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Explaining the Other Side

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9-10 NIV



"K-C"

Attitude is Everything

Early days of the Church (GIA Cabanatuan City)

Take the time

Life After Idol
American Idol favorite Mandisa on faith, fame, and what she'd do differently.
Interview by Andrea Bianchi

Mandisa Hundley

On the biggest stage in America, making a stand isn't always easy. But with millions watching last season's American Idol, Mandisa Hundley did just that—speaking openly about her struggle with food, forgiving judge Simon Cowell for his insults about her weight, and singing an overtly Christian song that sparked intense opposition. She talked to Today's Christian about her experiences on and off the Idol stage, as well as her hope to reach an even wider audience with a new book and CD.

What do you think God's purpose was for your being on American Idol last year?

I think the Lord has strategically set up several people throughout the course of Idol to make a stand for His name. And as a result of my appearance on the show, I hope people will start to ask questions about the Lord or come into a relationship with Him. I was very vocal about my faith. Other contestants have expressed their faith more subtly, perhaps in the way they live their lives, or just in the joy that's apparent when they're on stage performing. My friend [and Idol semifinalist] Melinda Doolittle, who I sang background with, is also a believer. We're all here to bring glory to God.

Of course, we're not all called to a career in ministry, but I don't think it's any less full-time ministry for Christians to be out in the world sharing the love of Jesus, even if they're not saying His name in all their songs. Many people said that Chris Sligh, a contestant this year who's a worship leader at his church, shouldn't have sung non-Christian songs. But if we stay in our safe bubbles, we'll just be recycling one another. We won't be out in the places where Jesus went. My upcoming CD does happen to be contemporary Christian, but I've not closed myself off to doing other things. I believe people pay more attention to the way we live our lives than to the things we actually say.

Do you think being a Christian contributed to your early exit from American Idol?

I'll never really know until I see Jesus face to face. I do know it was the Lord's plan. The anti-Christian sentiment I experienced didn't surface until I did interviews after my elimination, and people expressed anger at me for my beliefs. It made me realize what Jesus must have gone through. On Palm Sunday, people cheered and blessed Him. A week later they cursed and said, "Crucify Him!" And with the Simon issue, people praised me for standing up to him. Then when I demonstrated my same faith singing [the Mary Mary song] "Shackles," people hated me.

Many people thought Simon crossed the line by criticizing your weight, but you've been very open about your battle with food. Why?

I hope the Lord will use everything I am, including my struggle, to point people to Him. I'm very honest about it, and Christians and non-Christians can identify with that. Sin is sin; all of us do it. And overeating is the same as any other kind of addiction. I don't have a right to judge people dealing with drugs or alcohol, because the only difference is the substance. Sometimes I feel guilty. But then I remember the Lord came to set me free; and because of Him, I don't have to receive guilt. I confess my sins, and I ask the Lord to help me the next time I'm confronted with temptation. Any time I'm able to walk past Auntie Anne's Pretzels in a food court, that's a success! I applaud myself on it, and I thank the Lord.

What advice do you have for anyone struggling to succeed with eating issues?

Your value isn't dictated by your size. Don't give in to guilt or to the world's standards that say you have to look a particular way. I believe healthiness comes in all shapes and sizes. If you make health your goal, and not outside appearance, you'll find much more peace in that. I believe Scripture shows beauty isn't about braided hair or the wearing of fine jewelry; it comes from an inner and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in the Lord's sight. I know that with my mind, and now I'm on a journey to let that resonate in my heart. I've finally come to the point where at times I do believe I'm beautiful, but then at times I don't. The Lord is working on me in that area. I've had people recognize me and tell me, "You're so beautiful!" Little gifts like that from the Lord make me blush and kind of wink at God and say, "Okay, I hear You."

How have you stayed open to hearing God's voice despite the clamor and busyness of Idol and the music industry?

I actually felt a sense of peace and closeness to the Lord during my time on Idol. We often think peace is what we feel when things are great, but I think peace is what we feel when things are crazy. I made it a point to spend time with Him, because I believe in any relationship the way to know someone is to spend time with that person. So although it wasn't difficult for me during my Idol time, it was more difficult after my elimination.

I regret not bringing the depression I felt about that to the Lord. I wish I'd learned from the time in "Hollywood Week" after the third round when I thought I was going to be eliminated. I was so upset that I just sat in a corner in my funk. But then I put my worship music on my headphones, and my spirits rose. I took the hard stuff to the Lord, and He lifted my burden and gave me peace. So if I could redo anything, I'd go back to the period after my elimination and worship the Lord in spite of it. I'd not ignore Him and stuff away my feelings with food, but instead take everything I was feeling to Him. Because I've realized, even though I now have more materially than I've ever had in my life, that everything is empty except my relationship with Him. That's what gives me my joy.

How do you keep your joy and your identity grounded in Christ, especially in an industry of competition?

I think in everything we do, we compare ourselves to others. But I know where my gifts come from. And I know it's not about me. Satan fell into the pitfall of believing his own press, thinking he could be God. And in this profession, artists get built up higher than they really should be. But in the end, especially on Idol, I don't think people necessarily think one singer is better than the other. At the core, what matters is who people like, and who they identify with. I knew I had to be the best I could be and not worry about trying to be better than anybody else.

And right now, many people are comparing me to a contestant from this season, LaKisha Jones. I see certain similarities, but I'm so at peace with who I am that I don't have to be a better singer than she is. The plan the Lord has for me is the plan He has for me; and if LaKisha's better, it doesn't change His plan.

You have a book, a CD, and a burgeoning career as a model. What do you think God's plans are for your future?

I'm just taking it one day at a time. I can't explain how excited I am about the release of my single on May 22, my book on June 1, and my CD on July 31. I'm called to speak very honestly about my struggles and triumphs, because nobody's perfect. We all know that, but very few people want to talk about it. So I pray people are encouraged and strengthened and uplifted through the book and CD, and I pray they'll worship when they're listening to it as well. I don't care about the accolades or the number of albums sold. I want lives to be changed. It's a heavy order, but it's not on my shoulders. It's a burden the Lord has to bear.

He has me on an incredible journey. And while I do believe the Lord calls us to have goals, I also know the plans of a man are nothing compared with the plans of God. I never dreamt of writing a book or being a model, and He's the one that made those things happen. So I'm content just holding His hand and going wherever He leads.

Andrea Bianchi is an online assistant editor for ChristianityToday.com.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine

"K-C"

Board of Directors 2007 - 2008

Summer Camp 2006

Teachers & Preachers Training School

GIA Board through the years

The fruit of our Prayers

PRAYER

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men
on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors,
not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to
pray to God.

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide
the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man
saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat
its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife.
The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman
who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there
was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day,
like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still
had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could
leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of
the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave
the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to
receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven
booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them,"
the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not
deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which
I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my
blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I
should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone,
but those of another praying for us.



"K-C"

The Seven Ups

"The 7-Ups"

1. WAKE UP - Decide to have a good day. "Today
is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice
& be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. DRESS UP - The best way to dress up is to
put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way
to improve your looks. "The Lord does not
look at the things man looks at. Man looks at
outward appearance but the Lord looks at the
heart" I Sam 16:7

3. SHUT UP - Say nice things & learn to
listen. God gave us 2 ears and
1 mouth so He must have meant for us to do
twice as much listening as talking. "He who
guards his lips guards his soul" Proverbs
13:3 "Gossip betrays confidence avoid men who
talk too much" Proverbs 20:19 "Listen to
advice, accept instruction and in the end,
you will be wise" Proverbs 19:20

4. STAND UP - For what you believe in. Stand
for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at
the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we
do not give up. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. LOOK UP - To the Lord. "I can do everything
through Him who gives me strength"
Philippians 4:13

6. REACH UP - For something higher. As Jiminy
Cricket sings "High Hopes" Always try to
better yourself. Have FAITH. "Now faith is
being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

7. LIFT UP - Your Prayers. "Do not worry about
anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING"
Philippians 4:6

-- Author Unknown-

"K-C"

Temple & Lot Present Facts

THE DREAM TEMPLE

Para sa mga kapatid sa Panginoon,

Kami po ay gumawa ng mga promotional materials, updates, solicitation letters at iba pa para mai-work out na ng lubos ang pagtatayo ng “Temple of God’s Glory”. Marami ng tumulong sa mga nakaraang mga taon, hindi nasayang ang mga iyon, naibayad sa mga hinuhulugang lupa at nasa bangko ang ilang bahagi ng salaping nalikom. Ito’y mula sa mga nagmamalasakit na mga kapatid at mga umiibig sa Diyos buhat sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bansa. Gayunman ay sadyang napakalaki pa rin ng pangangailangan na dapat nating pagsikapan. Dahil dito ang liham na ito.

Ang aming layunin ay hilingin sa iyo na tumulong sa pangangailangan na ito. Pagsikhayan nating maitindig ang Bahay ng Panginoon, dahil ito na ang tamang panahon. Dalawang uri ng pagtulong sana ang aming hinihiling sa iyo ngayon, una’y ang iyong personal na pagtulong (kung hindi ka pa nakikibahagi dito o kaya’y ninanais mo pa ring patuloy na makibahagi); ang ikalawa’y ang iyong tulong na mag-solicit din sa mga iba pang mga kakilala mo at mga kaibigan. Kung mangyayari na magtulong-tulong ang lahat. tiyak na tatayo ang “Templo ng Kaluwalhatian Ng Diyos”.

Mahalaga ka para sa katuparan ng mga bagay na makaluluwalhati sa ating Panginoon. Narito ang ilang mga “facts & data” (latest & more accurate update) para sa iyong kaalaman at pagsusuri. Maraming salamat.
Bisitahin rin ninyo ang ating website: www.god-is-alive.org para sa mga mahahalaga pang updates. Makipag ugnayan po kayo.

Glory to God alone,
Pastor Ferdy Y. Gonzalez (Senior Overseer-Central Church Philippines)


PRESENT FACTS ABOUT THE PROJECT TEMPLE
(as of August 15, 2007)

· GATHERED & COLLECTED FUNDS THROUGH THE PAST YEARS:
- already given for the first two (2) lots of 996 sq.mtrs. = P 691,156.78
- Fund kept in the bank = P 230,000.00
- hulog sa RCBC for the additional two (2) lots of 1,000 sq.mtrs.
as of August 2007 = P 50,000.00
Total Collection: P 971,156.78

· NEEDED FUNDS ENUMERATED / NECESSARY TO BE RAISED:
(latest & more accurate computation):
-Amount needed to construct a simple church building= P 1,700,000.00
-Amount needed for the important equipment= P 250,000.00
-Amount needed for the full payment of the
1st set of lots approx. 996 sq. mtsr.= P 102,443.22
-Amount needed to pay the 2nd set of additional lots approx. 1,000 sq.mtrs.
Being paid monthly to RCBC at P15,000/month for 5 years
(started on May 2007), interests and taxes included (approx.)= P 1,250,000.00
Total Need: P 3,302,443.22
-(Note: Fence & Paint not yet included.)

· AVAILABLE MONEY ON HAND AT PRESENT & OTHER RECEIVABLES:
- Cash on bank (Metro Bank Maharlika Hi-way) as of August 15, 2007= P 230,000.00
- Cash on treasurer’s hand as of August 15, 2007 approx.= 4,500.00
- Amount to be borrowed from a sister payable within 10 years without
interest= P 200,000.00
- Expected total money to come in from brethren pledgers &
supporters in staggered basis as of August 15, 2007= P 559,000.00
- Lot donated by Bro. Ruel Capule around 256 sq. mts.
price if sold for P800/ sq. mtr.= P 204,800.00
Total: P 1,198,300.00

SMILE,God keeps taking your picture!

Smile When God Takes Your Picture

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school.

As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky.

Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school.

As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.

When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?"

The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty. God keeps taking my picture."

May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way.

"K-C"

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Life that matters

Modern Parables- The Parable of the Tools

The Parable of the Tools
by Davin Dahlgren, May 1996
A carpenter began to build a house. He had many tools which he used to accomplish various tasks. He had a saw for cutting. He had a hammer for driving nails. He had a measuring tape for making everything fit together according to his plan.
One day, as the saw surveyed the progress, it remarked to the hammer, "What a marvelous thing it is to build a house! It is a fine thing I have done!"
At this, the hammer was surprised. "What have you done? You just cut things, but I put them together!"
The saw was offended. "I am an important tool! For without me, the boards would not fit!"
This made the measuring tape speak out. "Without me, you would not know where to cut!"
The hammer laughed. "But surely you cannot suggest that my power is not more necessary than both of yours! Without me, the boards might fit, but they could not stay in place."
"Come," said the saw, "let us see who is the greater. I will cut, the tape will measure, and you will pound. Then we shall see whose job is the most necessary."
The measuring tape spun itself out to show its great length while the saw scratched away furiously at a nearby board. The hammer pounded on some nails which lay nearby; all the tools worked furiously at their great works until they became tired. As they lay panting from their effort, the hammer noticed the box of nails next to it. The nails were quietly observing all the commotion. "You have seen all that we have done. Tell us, which of us performs the greater works?"
The box of nails replied, "We have watched you all carefully and this is our judgement. We have seen the measuring tape reeling itself out to measure all the surfaces around us, but look now -- it has tied itself in knots and the kinks will not allow it retract itself. We have seen the saw scraping and scratching at every surface around us, and see -- the edges it has cut are not straight and every place it has been is marred and cannot be used in a prominent place in the house. We have seen you O hammer, pounding away at our fellows there before you, and while your power is great, you have only bent them. Behold, even the wood is bruised where you struck it. Therefore, our judgement is that no one of you is great. For without the carpenter, you can do nothing. As nails, we do nothing. But the carpenter places us where he wants us and then drives us home. Though it is painful to receive the blows you give us, mighty hammer, we obediently accept them as necessary for the carpenter to build his house."
The hammer scoffed at this. "So then, the nails think that they are the greatest, for they are the most abused! Do not forget that I strike my head against you, and certainly the saw is grieved when it is sharpened."
The nails continued, "You have missed our point. It is not we who are great, but the carpenter who places us. We are only useful when he uses us. We have seen you try to work for your own glory -- you only succeed in hitting the carpenter's thumb. Be thankful that he is patient, or you would be thrown away in anger. It is only when you place yourself in the carpenter's hand and allow him to guide you that you strike straight and true at the nail he has placed."


"K-C"

The Old Man & the Durian Tree

The Old Man And The Durian Tree

An old man aged over 80 years old. He was planting a durian tree when he was observed by a neighbor. (A durian is a thorny fruit with a very pungent smell. It is known as the King of Fruits and is very popular in South East Asia)

The neighbor asked the old man “Do you expect to eat durian from that tree?” The durian tree will take about 8 to 10 years to bear fruit.

The old man rested smilingly on his spade. He said “No, at my age I know I won’t. All my life I have been enjoying durians but never from a tree I have planted before. I wouldn’t have had durians if other men have not done have not done what I am doing now. I am just trying to pay the other men who planted durians for me.” No wonder he is so happy.

We should be GIVERS first and GETTERS second in everything we do. We will not only get what we want but will actually be really happy in the end. Because we need to sow first before we can reap.

For whatever a man sows that and that only is what he will reap.

Galatians 6:7

It takes faith to give, because at first all you see is what you are sacrificing. It looks like it is going to hurt and that you are losing, but when you do give, acting in simple faith, appreciation and thankfulness for all the Lord has already given you, then He will bless you even more.

-David Brandt Berg-



"K-C"

Let us sing & dance for the LORD...

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 KJV

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe…
Hebrews 12:28 NASB

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. I trust in you, my God.
Psalm 25:1 NLT

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:1 KJV

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.
James 1:17 KJV

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.
Psalm 66:1-2 KJV

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:15 NASB

"K-C"

The "Amazing Grace" Story

Story Behind the Song "Amazing Grace"
......"John Newton was a wild, young man lost in darkness. Then he found grace."
By Linda Owen

How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

John Newton described himself as a "wretch" in need of grace. Though his mother taught him to pray, she died when he was 7 and his heart hardened against God. He became a wild, young man who mocked Christianity and drowned himself in drink.

At 23, while a crewman on a slave ship, Newton was jolted awake by a violent storm—so terrifying that he cried out to the Lord. The John Newton who arrived safely in England was a repentant man. For the rest of his life he would refer to March 10, 1748, as the day of his conversion.

Unfortunately, Newton's conversion did not change his views of slavery for many years. He became the captain of his own slave ship. In time, under the influence of famed abolitionist William Wilberforce and Anglican priests John Wesley and George Whitefield, he had another spiritual awakening. In 1760 he became an ordained minister and a powerful foe of slavery.

He eventually settled in the Olney parish where he and his friend William Cowper spent four days a week collaborating on hymns for their prayer meetings. On Jan. 1, 1773, the hymn was "Amazing Grace," which accompanied a text on David's response to God's blessings (1 Chron. 17:16-17). The original title for the song was "Faith's Review and Expectation."

Two earlier forms of the tune were published in the 19th century, but recent scholarship credits William Walker's Southern Harmony (1835) with the marriage of Newton's text to an old plantation melody. Much of the hymn's early popularity was the result of the songbook, which sold 800,000 copies.

In 1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe added a verse to Newton's text in Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852)—the now familiar "10,000 years" verse. The revised hymn was published in Dwight L. Moody's songbook and later in hymnals of many denominations. Today, parts of Newton's story are retold in Amazing Grace, a feature film about the life of William Wilberforce. It arrives in theaters in February.

The redeemed sinner who wrote, "I was lost but now I'm found … was blind but now I see" was literally blind when he died—but he had seen clearly the wonder of God's grace.

Linda Owen is a freelance writer and the editor of www.saWorship.com in San Antonio, Texas.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine.

"K-C"