Millions of Christians Pray to Become One

[By Anne Thomas - Christian Today]

Millions of Christians worldwide will unite over the next eight days in praying for reconciliation within the broken body of Christ.

The resources and guides for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have been developed by representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea. The production of the material is being supported jointly by the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission and the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Reflecting the division of their own nation into north and south, the Korean team has based this year’s prayer material on the vision of the Prophet Ezekiel that depicts two pieces of wood, symbolizing the two kingdoms into which Israel had been divided.

The prayer for the week draws specifically from Ezekiel 37.15 – 28 when God spoke to Ezekiel and said "they shall be one in my hand...They will be my people and I shall be their God."

The annual week of prayer is a highlight of the ecumenical calendar and is traditionally celebrated between January 18 and 25 in the northern hemisphere or at Pentecost in the southern hemisphere.

Among the ecumenical events taking place during the week is a service marking the retirement of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor as one of the four presidents of the ecumenical body Churches Together in England.

The service on Thursday will be attended by co-presidents Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Commissioner Elizabeth Matear, Free Churches Moderator, and Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Great Britain. The sermon will be delivered by Williams.

The prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity states:

We pray to you for the unity of all Christians, According to your will. According to your means. May your Spirit enable us to experience the suffering caused by division. To see our sin and to hope beyond all hope.God, you alone are our hope.
You alone are our hope.

Day 18 of a 21-Day Fast

God Is Your Rock

God doesn’t want you to worry. He wants to be in control of your life and guide you through your daily challenges. As you are fasting, and giving God your body, give Him your spirit, too.

On your eighteenth day of fasting, remember:
- Lean on your group and your partner for support
- Keep water and juice with you
- Use your prayer time and prayer place
- Worship and find strength with music
- Journal your experience
- Meditate on what this experience means to you
- Keep sugar free mints or gum on hand

Physical Effects:
- Continued weight loss
- Bad breath is apparent
- Your awareness of God’s power is heightened
- Cravings are evident, but avoid temptation

Today’s Quote: “This frightening hour calls aloud for men with the gift of prophetic insight. I am talking about His coming and possessing the full body and mind and life and heart, taking the whole personality over, gently but directly and bluntly, making it His, so that we may become a habitation of God through the Spirit.” (A.W. Tozer -- Gems from Tozer)

Thoughts for your Journal:
- Examine any areas of un-forgiveness and bitterness that the Lord is asking you to surrender to Him.

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

I praise you and thank you for who you are.

Please guide me and help me when I face conflict and disagreement with others. Help me to follow biblical principles. Sometimes I'm just "hard-headed" and do not want to give in to compromise, even when either view, decision, desire is biblical. Help me to carefully consider the other person's perspective and situation.

And if someone has wronged me, give me courage to confront them in a spirit of love and reconciliation. If they will not hear me, show me who should go with me to talk with the person. When necessary, help me to continue on and take steps based on Your Word. I want to do what is right, and as much as possible, to live peaceably with all people.

Please forgive me where I have failed, and give me the grace and wisdom to do better; to do what is right.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

U.S. Military Bows to ACLU Demands

Americans entering the military often receive Bibles, courtesy of the Gideons International. But the Gideons have been told that while they can leave complimentary Bibles at most military induction stations, they cannot stay there to proselytize or preach to the recruits.

Daniel Trew, public information officer for the Military Entrance Processing Command, says the policy was recently established after concerns were raised by the American Civil Liberties Union.

"Our legal person went with a representative from the ACLU to one of our stations, and we actually found where the Gideons' individual at that station was getting up and talking to applicants who had just enlisted," he explains. "We could not allow that to go on because the applicants could perceive that this talk was given under the auspices of the Department of Defense." Trew says the Gideons have agreed to abide by the policy.

[Associated Press]

Pastor, I Am Praying For You

I bleed for pastors, and I pray for pastors all the time. I understand the frustrations, share your hurt, and rejoice in your victories.

Praying for other co-laborers in ministry is far more important than many of the things I do, because your ministry of pastoring - the calling to care for a local Body of Christ - is the greatest responsibility one can be given on earth. If you understand what life, the Cross, the Church, and the future are all about, you know that nothing else compares in significance. Period.

Today, our culture idolizes entertainment, sports, business success, political power, and prosperity. While these have their place, Jesus did not die for any of these things. He died for the people that you care for, feed, and lead.

Nothing matters more than the Church. We forget that the reason God created the entire universe is because he wanted a family, and that family is the only thing that will last forever with Him. Everything else on this planet is temporary, no matter how much attention it gets.

Never give up! Love God, and everyone else! Fear nothing on earth. Overcome evil with good!

Stand up. Stand with other pastors. Stand side by side. No one understands like pastors. Be strong. Stand for right. God is on your side.

[Rick Warren & Don Brock]

Fish Bowl Mentality?

Few people will deny the theory that a local church stops growing as the size of the church building reaches 80% capacity. The reason for this is purely human and not so spiritual. Most people simply will not tolerate feeling crowded in the pews. Using chairs instead of pews helps this problem somewhat, but eventually the congregants feel like their space is being invaded and soon become uncomfortable.

However, this is not the biggest reason for a churches lack of growth or the reaching of certain size and then growth stopping.
We use the analogy that a fish will only grow to a certain size in a small fish bowl but in a larger pond for instance, the fish can grow much larger. I'm not so sure however that God's church should so easily be compared to a fish. I suggest that the building is not necessarily the problem in most cases. In fact, we have all seen churches who were literally bursting out at the seams. In many parts of the world today, revival is happening at an unprecedented rate. Pews are packed and chairs are in the aisles. Some churches are utilizing 2-3 services per day to accommodate the crowds.

While it is true that most people don't like to be in a crowded atmosphere, it is also true that people will come when they are being fed. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me Peter?" Peter responded in the affirmative and when he did, our Lord told him to "Feed my sheep." He did not tell Peter to house them or get them plenty of exercise. He told him to "Feed Them".

People who are starving in the natural will walk for days to get even the smallest amount of food or water. Something within them drives them on as they struggle to find something to fill their belly. It is very sad that much of our world's population goes to bed hungry and starving every day.

We are also living in a day when people are starving spiritually. People are eating almost anything that comes along spiritually speaking. Truth is often ignored in the famished rush to simply fill the starving spiritual belly. People don't care what you are preaching, just so it answers some of the gnawing that is in their heart and soul. An alcoholic will receive the five (or is it six) step program and ignore the friend who is telling him about the delivering power of the Holy Ghost. Why is that? He's hungry. He wants what ever is going to fill his spiritual belly right now. Mentally he makes the decision to do what is simplest and easiest to fix his spiritual problem. That couple in the divorce court often doesn't care if you say God is 3 or God is 1. They are looking for the thing that is going to keep their family together.

What's the greatest church growth program you could have this year? Feed His sheep. People won't mind sitting closer to one another when your ministry is holding their family together. When the Holy Spirit is the element that is behind every song and every sermon, people will crowd in to see and hear what is going on.

Professionalism and perfection is not what feeds people. Choirs singing on key will impress some people but if you want to feed the hungry soul, get anointed. Now don't get so anointed that you have a Holy Ghost break down every time you get up to speak or sing, but allow the Holy Spirit to operate through your person and your emotions.

Preach not to impress. Preach to feed. Sing not to delight the audience. Sing to heal the wounded soul. When church leaders get together early this year to put the church calendar together, the question should be asked of every event planned, "Is this really feeding people?" or are we doing this out of tradition?

One of the reasons Small Group and Care Group ministries thrive in many churches is because they are all about feeding the individual. In the larger setting of the church the individual's needs often go unmet. Yet in the smaller setting, their needs are often paramount to the concern of the small group. In this setting the individual is often fed much more than in the congregational setting. This causes the congregation to grow as the congregation is made up of individuals.

Which churches will grow and prosper in this new year? Is it the churches with the largest or most beautiful buildings? Is it the churches with the most talent and charisma? Not in this generation. This generation is longing for the thing that will fill their hungry soul. They are willing to buy into whatever will keep their kids from overdosing or committing suicide. They're looking for the church that can show them the God who truly loves them in spite of their shortcomings and mistakes. They're hungry. Feed them!

[By James Smith]

Day 17 of a 21-Day Fast

The Lord is so good. I am so proud of all of you who are participating in this fast. The Lord loves His people. The Lord loves you.

Let me share briefly about a way God manifests His love in our lives that we often overlook. In the book of Hebrews we read, "My son, do not despise the chastening (disciplining) of the Lord, nor be discourage when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:5-6)

"Now no chastening (discipline) seems to be joyful for the present, but rather feels painful. Nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11).

When God disciplines us, it is a manifestation of His love for us. In fact, if we are never disciplined by God then we are not His son. (See Hebrews 12:8) We must learn to see discipline in a positive light rather than a negative one. Discipline comes because God is training us to walk in our potential, in Christ. Discipline also comes for God to mature us so that we are able to handle His blessings correctly.

Some of you in the fasting community are asking and believing God for some awesome things. There are many of you who need to be trained and developed in order to be able to handle the blessing God wants to give you. If someone receives a brand new car but has never been trained how to drive it, then they are unable to actually enjoy the blessing. If they do drive it on the road before they are trained, great tragedy might take place in their life.

Some of you are standing in faith and believing God for such great things that He has to train and prepare you for before he can bless you with them. This discipline or training is a manifestation of the love of God in your life. He loves you so much that He is preparing you for the great things that He has for you.

During this time of fasting, when God deals with us like this, we must not be discouraged but rather understand that it is a necessary process in order for the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" to be reaped in your life.

- When it seems so painful "– HOLD ON!!
- When it hurts "– INVISION THE END RESULT!!!!!

Jesus endured the cross because of the "joy that was set before Him." (Hebrews 12:2) He can help you endure also!

Three principles that you need to have active in your life during this time of fasting are;
- confession,
- repentance, and
- faith.

These are elementary principles for Christians. (See Hebrews 6:12) All three of these principles were involved when we received Christ as our Lord and Savior and are to have a continual place in our walk with Him. Confession is simply acknowledging the truth before God. When we confess our sin before God, we are acknowledging that what we did was wrong. Confession is like the opposite of justifying what we have done. We are acknowledging it was wrong and that it was sin. Many people forget that repentance is a step further than just confessing and acknowledging what we did wrong. Repentance is the willingness, in our mind, to forsake sin and have godly sorrow for our sin. We don't want to live or act in a manner that displeases God, again. We are willing to give it up! We are willing to turn from it! Lastly, faith is placing trust and confidence in Christ that He will do what only He can do. Faith is looking toward Christ and His promises and that He will forgive us! He will cleanse us! He will deliver us! He will save us! He will set us free! He will live through us! He will be our victory over whatever we may face! He will change us! He will keep us from sin! He will protect us!

Let this process be in your life during the fast. Acknowledge that when God disciplines you that it is ultimately for your own good and that it is a manifestation of His love for you! Be encouraged! Be encouraged! Be encouraged! One day soon, you will be eating the peaceable fruit of righteousness that this discipline brings! Share some stories on the blog of what kind of blessings came into your life after you allowed God to discipline you! Encourage others during this time. Remember when you were in that same place. Comfort them with the comfort you now have!

Continue to run to Him!

[by Pastor Chad Craig]

Today's Prayer

God,

When I remember the story of Joseph's life, I realize how you want so much more for me than I could ever dream of. I also see how you can turn what man means for evil into what you mean for good.

Please bring this to my mind whenever I'm feeling doubt and confusion; whenever I'm feeling oppressed and alone; whenever I'm feeling unjustly treated; whenever I think that I don't have something I need. I know that you are in control. I pray that I will always allow you to do your work and that I will not interfere in your plans for me. Please give me strength and fill me with your desires for me.

Thank you, loving Father.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Miracle on the Hudson

Pastor's Kid (PK) Syndrome

Ministry can be very hard on pastor’s children:
- Your kids will hear you criticized.
- Your kids will watch you hurt.
- Your kids may see you wrongly strike back.
- Your kids might see your hypocrisy up close.
- Your kids might reject the church because you’re always there.
- Your kids may enjoy the extra attention when they are young and despise it when they mature.

No matter how healthy your church is, a pastor’s kid will likely feel a different sort of pressure. Here are a few things we do to help our kids grow up in the fishbowl:
- Put the kids’ activities ahead of the church calendar.
- Rarely work evenings. The evenings should be family time. Try not to compromise your day off with church needs.
- Don’t talk about your kids in a sermon without their permission.
- Try not to talk negatively about the church.
- Give the kids a break from church. Every now and then, let them stay home or do something else so going to church doesn’t become a legalistic chore.
- Live your private life with personal devotion to Christ. Pray and talk about spiritual things with our children regularly.

What would you add? (Click "comments" below.)

[from LifeChurch.tv : swerve by Craig Groeschel]

ORU Proposes New President

The committee behind Oral Roberts University‘s search for a new president has selected a candidate to recommend to the institution’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Mark Rutland, the candidate being considered for the top post at the university, is currently the president of Southeastern University in Florida and will attend board meetings the last week of January, according to an announcement Wednesday by ORU.

Southeastern University, which has been under the guidance of Rutland for ten years, also made an announcement Wednesday of the new position “God is leading him (Rutland) to.”

"Southeastern University has experienced unprecedented growth over the past ten years with Dr. Rutland as the catalyst," said Southeastern University Chairman of the Board Charles Kelly in a statement. "We will be forever indebted to Dr. Rutland and appreciate all he has accomplished for the university far more than words can express. He will be greatly missed. However, the call of God is leading him to ORU, and we trust the same God to bring us the leader that will take Southeastern into the future."

For more than a year now, ORU has been looking for a new leader following the resignation of Richard Roberts, who served as president for over 14 years.

In October 2007, Roberts, the son of ORU founder Oral Roberts, and his wife were accused of using university money for shopping sprees, home improvements and a stable of horses for their daughters at a time when ORU was more than $50 million in debt. Both Roberts repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and Mr. Roberts said the lawsuit filed by three former ORU professors amounted to “intimidation, blackmail and extortion.”

The lawsuit, which claimed the professors were forced out after uncovering financial and ethical wrongdoing by the school's former president and family, was finally settled late last October after a court-ordered mediation session.

The school's interim president, Ralph Fagin, said the school was pleased to have the matter behind it.

As for the next leader, the ORU Presidential Search Committee said it was looking for a man or woman who has had a "significant leadership position in a fairly large, complex organization" and who is a good speaker, "devoted Christian," planner, visionary, team-builder and good fundraiser, among many more qualifications.

The job description also calls for a president who would serve as a role model, "living a Spirit-filled life, practicing the prayer language."

Though ORU has in recent years attempted to rebrand itself as an interdenominational Christian liberal arts university, the spiritual practice of speaking in tongues is common and encouraged at the self-described charismatic university that is alma mater to respected Christian leaders including Ron Luce and Don Moen as well as embattled ministers such as Kenneth Copeland and Ted Haggard.

In the past, ORU has been criticized for endorsing unorthodox doctrines of faith, including the “Word of Faith” doctrine, which critics say has been used for self promotion and justification of economic materialism.

[By Eric Young - Christian Post Reporter]

Sexual Misconduct Church Policy

Protect your church or ministry from sexual misconduct by implementing a solid policy protecting both the children who attend your church as well as the staff.

While some may consider a formal policy overkill or puritanical, we know that even the hint or accusation of sexual misconduct can ruin a church’s reputation and ability to minister in a community.

A free website called "Protect My Ministry" offers some great free resources including a sample sexual misconduct policy.

They also provide background checks for staff and volunteers.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

For a free sample Sexual Misconduct Policy in PDF, request one by writing us at DGBrock@aol.com.

[from Planting Space by Patrick]

Pathway Bookstore Closes

Cleveland, TN - For the last several years Pathway Bookstore has served the Cleveland and Bradley County community at its current location. Pathway Press has struggled with the economic issues that affect everyone at this time. Due to the uncertainty of the economy, and after much deliberation, the leadership of Pathway Press, its Board of Directors and leadership of Church of God have made the difficult decision to close Pathway Bookstore, effective immediately.

Current plans are to sell the existing bookstore property on 25th Street. Decisions regarding possible reopening of the bookstore at another location are under consideration, but as of this date no firm plans are in place. We will continue to be available to serve the community via the internet at www.pathwaybookstore.com. If you hold a gift card or have layaways, they will be honored through the internet or at Pathway Press, located at 1080 Montgomery Avenue, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9601. Pathway Press has enjoyed the opportunity of serving the city of Cleveland and Bradley County, and appreciates the support of everyone in our area.

[COG Press Release]

Day 16 of a 21-Day Fast

Day by day we are getting closer to the end of our fasting journey. Be encouraged that you serve the God "Who Sees."

Worshiping and fellowshipping with believers in your local congregation is so important during this time of fasting. As we gather to lift up the name of Jesus and listen to the preaching of the word of God, our inner man is strengthened.

For many of you this has been your first experience seeking God through fasting. It is time to grow in your walk with God by making fasting, prayer, and giving apart of your lifestyle this year. As Matthew chapter six states, these disciplines of fasting, prayer, and giving are to be in the life of followers of Christ. Allow what you have learned, and put in practice during the first 3 weeks of 2009, become a part of your walk with Christ throughout this year. This entire year, continue to put God first and then stand back and see His provisions flood your life.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 states, "And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." God promised to lead the nation of Israel into the promise land; to a land of abundance, blessed by God Himself. However, on the way to the place of abundance God led them into the wilderness to humble them and to see what was in their heart.

I'm sure each of you who have made a choice to humble yourself through fasting during this season, has seen that your heart has become much more sensitive to the ways and will of God for your life. Also, you've become aware of any areas of disobedience that have been in our life. We have each been brought to a place where, through our hunger, we have learned and acknowledged daily that we truly cannot live by bread alone; we deeply need "every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord" Many of you may wonder, "When will my breakthrough come?" I tell you that just as God prepared the nation of Israel, He has been preparing you. Fear not, God has a place of abundant living in your future. God desires for you to experience His kingdom in your life! "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Rejoice during this time of preparation! God has great things in store for you this year as you walk with Him!

Continue to press on! Humility is the necessary position in order to receive great blessings. Continue to share with each other how you are believing God to be "Lord" in every area of your life!

[by Pastor Chad Craig]

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

Your Word me to cast my cares upon you. Oh how I want to do that, to bring all my cares to you and leave them at your feet. I do not want to be a worrier, but one whose faith is strong to trust you. I want to bring those burdens and concerns to you, and not keep picking them up and worrying about them.

Through this 21 days of prayer and fasting, may this year be one of spiritual breakthrough in my life and in the lives of those I love. May our lives be filled with joy and peace through your Spirit. May you be the center and the heart of our homes. May we be more Christlike and less like the world in our everyday lives.

Help us and have mercy upon us, dear God. Please guide our steps.

In Jesus' name, amen.