“I will praise you, O Lord.
Although you had been angry with me,
you turned your anger away from me, and you comforted me.
Look! God is my Savior.
I am confident and unafraid,
because the Lord is my strength and my song.
He is my Savior.”
With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation.
At that time you will say,
“Praise the Lord.
Call on his name.
Make his deeds known among the nations.
Make them remember that his name is highly honored.
Make music to praise the Lord.
He has done wonderful things.
Let this be known throughout the earth.
Shout loudly, and sing with joy, people of Zion!
The Holy One of Israel is great. He is among you.”
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
~Romans 8:1~
I would like to share this vital truth with you today that through Jesus Christ you have become redeemed and no longer under any condemnation. God loves you so much that He made this remarkable act of love available to you and for you. All He asks is that you simply have faith in Him and in the Atoning Sacrifice.
As a believing sinner you have a PERSONAL relationship with God! But as a sinner we all fall short of the glory of God and need His grace to redeem us. (Romans 2:23) However, through His Atonement believers in Christ are made righteous.
We each become righteous via His grace through showing faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.
Romans 3: 23,24 we read "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Being we are born into this world already in a state of sin, no matter how hard we try or whatever we do or strive to do, we are all sinners in need of the grace of God. The Bible says at Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one” In fact Romans 3 is a good study on this and I recommend that you meditate on this chapter.
Now, since we are born into this world under the penalty of sin and condemned sinners, we are then in need of someone to atone for the penalty and do the work of righteousness for us. Romans 6:23 we read: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." None of us are deserving of this love or gift but through the grace and love of Christ it is freely available to all.
The true justification of our faith and the work of righteousness made for us is this ransom made by Jesus while on the cross. Attaining justification in our lives or the means of it, is gained simply by having faith in Christ and His sacrifice.
At Romans 3:25,26 we read: "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood —to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — He did it to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
Having faith in His ransom sacrifice for us is how we possess it personally in our lives. Faith is essential as it is not something that we can do for ourselves but is God’s gift to us. Only Christ can do this for us. It is also not by works we can attain for we read at Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Having faith in the work of Christ's atoning sacrifice and our justification via it is essential.
We further read at Romans 5: 1-11:
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
Faith is essential as even the Apostle Paul never spoke of justification without also speaking of faith as well. The result as this verse states is that we become "one with Christ".
Through having a daily one on one relationship with Christ can the justification be accomplished in our lives. Now there is no condemnation in Christ and we all are now considered righteous in God's eyes via "faith-righteousness". Each day strive to maintain that wonderful relationship with Christ, the Author of our Salvation and the means through which our justification lies. (Hebrews 5:1-9)
Recently I made a decision to take a break off doing a lot of the social sites for a bit so I can get some rest. I had been undergoing some minor exhaustion due to work and projects. For weeks my entire body was fatigued 24/7. But when I started having some dizziness I knew I needed to take a break.
Rest / siesta is also something that God advises us as we read in the Bible at: Mark 6:31 "And he said to them,'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Even Jesus Himself took time out for rest as we read at Matthew 8:24 “And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep.”
I made the decision to use some of the time I would spend on these social sites to do some study and meditation as well.
There are things that have been heavy on my soul for some time that I have needed direction on. I am trusting God to lead me through these so I can make the choices He would have me make. One area I have sought direction for, which has in the process taught me an ultimate lesson in patience, is still in a wait on God stage. Today I noted in my email box that I received a verse that has become like a mantra for 3 years or so now. It's no accident I am receiving this verse at all and especially now. The verse is from Proverbs 3:5,6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight before you”
The one thing I am so guilty of is not being very patient when I really want an answer to a dilemna. Plus I am bad about "leaning on my own understanding" on things. This verse has become a "life verse" for me and obviously God is using it to show me these aspects of myself and how they affect my day to day relationship with Him.
I am though, finding that God is showing me areas where He wants me to improve myself so that He can be further magnified in my life. I feel as if I am in a preparatory stage for where He is leading. For me it all comes down to patience and waiting on God's timing. God's time table and ours are not always in sync. But when you keep in mind that what are decades for us are like mere seconds for Him then it gives you a different perspective on timing. (2 Peter 3:8) Plus He knows what is best for us and we often times, don't. He will reward us as we continue to seek Him. ( Matthew 7:8-11)
In other areas I am learning to do research for genealogy on my mom's side of the tree. One blessing is that my mom's records seemed impossible to locate but I found them yesterday via the 1930 US Census. It listed her, her parents and her younger sister, Dorothy who passed when mom was in her early 20s. So for me I hope that is a sign that more of mom's family tree will now open up as I would love to learn more about her family.
The siesta has been so far a much needed break. I will continue to post as I feel inspired and led to do so, May God Bless you all!
Recently I watched a documentary on a bitter feud that happened during the latter part of the 19th century between the infamous Hatfield and McCoy families of Kentucky and West Virginia. It all started with bad feelings on the part of a group of Hatfields (who fought in the Civil War as Devil Anse's Wildcats) angered about Asa Harmon McCoy fighting on the Union side during the Civil War.
This feud would further ignite with rivalries over land plus a pig that both families claimed. The feud would eventually consume both families and would cause so much violence. In the end a dozen people died as a result of the feud and many more were injured. The fact that so many lost their lives over bitter feelings and possessions serves as a reminder on the toll having and possessing a grudge can bear on the ones bearing it.
In the Bible we read:
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."
~Romans 12:19~
Also at 1 Peter 2:23 we read:
"Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered,
he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly."
Bearing a grudge can take a toll and the toll affects us on not only a spiritual level as it can separate us from God's spirit and upsets God. It also affects our health and relationships.
Spiritually it affects us in these ways. (all verses are linked to read and ponder)
Holding a grudge is showing an unChrist-like nature (Ephesians 4:30-32) It goes against the law of God. (Hebrews 12:14Mark 12:30.31Matthew 18: 21-35) It can cause a person to stumble (2 Corinthians 2:7) and can lead to more sins than can be counted as the root starts from within. That's the toll it takes on the spirit. Which is pretty serious.
To stress this further, to hold a grudge and unforgiving spirit is to: to give the devil an advantage in your life (2 Cor. 2:10,11), to conform to the world rather than be Godly (2 Tim. 3:3), not to walk in love (1 Cor. 13:5), to stop God from forgiving you (Mt. 6:14,15) and to negate your own salvation (Mt. 18:32,34,35).
"A 2000 study conducted at the University of Tennessee asked volunteers to tell stories about betrayal and measured their heart rates and blood pressure levels. Researchers found that people who forgave more easily registered lower numbers. They also made less sickness-induced trips to the doctor than the grudge-prone.
Similarly, members of the Department of Psychology at Medical College of Georgia published a paper entitled, “Bearing Grudges and Physical Health: Relationship to Smoking, Cardiovascular Health, and Ulcers” in 2009 concluding, “In a population-based survey, bearing grudges is associated with a history of pain disorders, cardiovascular disease, and stomach ulcers.” Clearly, grudges damage not only our relationships, but our health as well. "
The best Exempler we have in forgiveness is Christ Himself. Though innocent, on the cross after enduring so much more than any of us could ever imagine enduring, He asked His Father to forgive the ones doing this to Him saying "Father forgive them, they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Plus as a postscript to the Hatfield- McCoy saga, taking advice from his preacher Dyke Garrett, 72-year-old Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior living out the rest of his life in peace with all and with God. The "feud" was officially buried in 2003 and since then these families have worked to be symbols of peace than of violence.
In the end by choosing to be a symbol of Godliness than one of hate, we find ourselves living peaceable, productive lives. We all are in daily need of God's grace so why put it at risk by holding onto something that can only destroy and damage. In short let go and let God. Let Him bear the pains we have along the way or even carry and not realize what we are doing. It's not worth holding on to so let God fix it.
* Beginning a production studio and label-Urgent Vision Productions
* Looking for Singers, Speakers and Existing Organization to Partner With
Mission Statement
God has given the ability to grow and learn through Him. We will strive for excellence and call all men unto God using every viable means possible. We will keep focused with the plan of redemption for all mankind. In all humility give God the glory and praise for who we each are.
There are monies available to all if they are willing to seek and find it. It is out there and one just has to know where to look and how to apply for the money that is there to help your group or organization grow.
Singing
David Shull has been singing inspirational music all of his life. Beginning at 4 years old, he joined his grandmother singing in the kitchen. Singing for the Lord has been David's lifelong expression of faith beginning at the 5 years old. Invite him to share his living ministry of music with you and your congregation, event or gathering.
If you are looking to deepen your inspirational program, you will want David to come to sing for your event. David can travel across the world to bring his song program to your gathering.
Speaking
We offer targeted talks that benefit organizations in raising support and establishing credibility for their efforts.
We also offer talks of various natures; i.e. motivational, speaking on issues, ethics, morals, spiritual, biblical, political, religious, and thought provoking. You provide the subject, we can do it!
*all services require a fee and/or meet requirements
Consulting
Serve as a consultant to denominations, organizations, groups, para-church organizations, independent churches and independent church organizations on behalf of their staff, clergy and members.
Counseling
We believe that care that tends to all facets of a person - body, soul, and spirit - brings out the full brilliance of that person's healing. Ministries often focus so exclusively on the spiritual needs (i.e., soul and spirit) of individuals that the more natural needs (i.e., body) such as biochemical, sleep, exercise, and diet often go overlooked. Secular counseling often focuses on the soul (i.e., issues impacting one's desires, will, and emotions), belief systems, family dynamics, pathology, and developmental history to such a degree that a person's spiritual needs (in other words, the sentient aspects of the person) are not addressed. As a result, one's spiritual needs for a healthy image of God, Intimacy with God, Solitude, Community, Grace, Repentance are often overlooked—and purposefully avoided—in a secular counselor's office.
So our goal is to provide hope, healing, restoration, renewal and to address the clinical and spiritual needs of people who struggle with a sense of brokenness.
Ordination of Ministers
Becoming ordained is a giant step in the life of a servant of God. As God's ordained ministers, we take on the awesome responsibility of leading others to Jesus Christ. The need for leaders in the body of Christ has never been greater. The last days will be the most exciting time to be an ordained minister in the history of the world. Winning souls is the absolute heart of God Himself. He is looking for men and women through whom he can work to complete the work of the Great Commission given to us by our Lord. If you are called to be a Pastor, Shepherd, Evangelist, Teacher, Prophet, or Apostle needing ordination papers; as long as you meet the requirements for ministry, then there is no reason why you should not become an ordained minister. If you take seriously the call that God has placed on your life, then becoming ordained should be rewarding to you.
Association of Churches Worldwide
Bringing churches together for unity and fellowship outside the local body. Providing a safety net for churches to function under.
Working with Other Organizations
Through this ministry there are others that can help us all become better and why should a group or organization re-invent the wheel. There is so many who are willing to share their knowledge and grow with each of us. If there is a group or organization that is doing something that you want to do it is better for us to see what they do and it will guide our wisdom and knowledge as we work together.
I came across this wonderful Book in personal study today and would like to reflect a little upon it. It is a truly remarkable book. I will for this post share just verses 1-8 and reflect on what these specific verses are sharing as the promises are indeed marvelous and these verses state beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord is truly whom He says He is. God.
Starting with verse 1 let's take a look at these eight verses:
"But for now, dear servant Jacob, listen— yes, you, Israel, my personal choice. God who made you has something to say to you; the God who formed you in the womb wants to help you. Don't be afraid, dear servant Jacob, Jeshurun, the one I chose. For I will pour water on the thirsty ground and send streams coursing through the parched earth.
I will pour my Spirit into your descendants and my blessing on your children. They shall sprout like grass on the prairie, like willows alongside creeks. This one will say, 'I am God's, and another will go by the name Jacob; That one will write on his hand 'God's property'—and be proud to be called Israel." God, King of Israel, your Redeemer, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, says:
"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: Haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: Have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of."
~Isaiah 44:1-8~
God does not take back His promise of hope and restoration even though we fall short. We can still know the goodness of the Lord, if we will just have faith and trust on Him.
In the words God has something to say to you there is a reminder that God is still active in and responsible for all creation. He didn’t just create and walk away. God created each one of us, so we each have a personal obligation to Him as our Creator and to Him as our Lord who paid the debt for us. (vs 22 please click to read verse)
Interesting enough, the name Jeshurun means “the upright one.” and appears only twice more in the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, and is used to imply Israel. The name Jeshurun means "a wonder of grace, for He calls His deeply sinful people His beloved, His upright one.”
"I will pour my Spirit into your descendants and my blessing on your children. They shall sprout like grass on the prairie, like willows alongside creeks.":
This is a marvelous promise to all who return to God humbled and contrite. God will not just impart His Spirit; but will pour out His Spirit as if it were water. Quenching the thirsty and providing strength, favor and spiritual healing. He has also promised to continue this same favor and promise to our descendants and children as well and it's a promise He will surely fulfill.
Paul says at Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
There is freedom in receiving the Holy Spirit. In fact God wants to pour His Spirit upon His people! Not just a few drops, God wants to pour like rain upon all. For those who are empty, God wants to pour it to fill and then beyond. If you have received this, God wants to keep pouring! It will flow and flow abundantly.
"You are My eyewitnesses. Is there a God besides Me? God says to His people, “You are all witnesses of these truths. Tell Me yourself - is there any God besides Me?”
Jesus takes this title of the First and the Last in Revelation 1:17 and 22:13. If the Lord is the First and the Last according to Isaiah 44:6, and if Jesus is the First and the Last according to Revelation 1:17 and 22:13, since there cannot be two firsts or two lasts, Jesus must be the Lord God! Knowing these truths about God is vital. When we really know who God is, and His truths and authority over all creation, it then erases all fear from our lives.
Because there is none other God besides The Lord. Yahweh - the name translated is the Triune God. There are no “grades” or “degrees" as in other gods that were worshipped previously. In truth there is only one God and He alone is Lord!
"There is no other Rock, no not one!" Since God is the only God, He is the only solid foundation to build our life upon.
When we accept the Lord as our Savior and Lord then we truly belong to God as Apostle Paul says at Galatians 6:17:
"From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus."
Throughout God's word, we see God prove His deity through predicted and fulfilled prophecy. We have seen His prophetic word confirmed time and time again. Showing undeniable proof that He is Lord and He is the Master of all creation as well as our Savior and Redeemer! Further proof for us to keep in faith through which we will all find peace. Closing, as Isaiah 26:3 says:
"With perfect peace You will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust You."
I recently had the honor to sit down by phone and conduct a brief interview with Survivor Gabon's own Gillian Larson about her wonderful event Reality Rally. Gillian's event Reality Rally has done so many wonderful things for the community of Temecula Valley California, where Gillian resides, as well as Michelle's Place a wonderful resource for many women with breast cancer, that I felt it should be highlighted on my page here. Below are some questions concerning Reality Rally and it's history and it's impact on so many.
Brenda: Thank u Gillian for agreeing to do this interview with me. It is a pleasure doing this and sharing the wonderful event. I would like to get things started by asking this question. You are a former cast member on Season 17, Survivor Gabon; how did u get cast to the show? Were u a fan of the show previously?
Gillian: Yes I was a huge fan of Survivor from the first season and I applied from the second season on. I applied to every season. For 8 years I sent in 15 applications. I went to two open casting calls. I was brought into 2 interviews a year apart and I had a very extensive phone interview at one point. I sent in 20 applications before I finally was able to get on. I truly love the game and still love the game. My advice is to NEVER GIVE UP if you are trying to get on Survivor. If you are the right person for the right season then u will get picked. So just never give up!!!
Brenda: I love the story of how the idea for Reality Rally came about when you were walking down the beach one day in Gabon. Had you wanted to do Reality Rally previously or did Reality Rally come as a result of this walk?
Gillian: No, when my torch was snuffed out the idea for Reality Rally came about. I wanted my experience of 6 days to make a difference. I realized I was able to use my Survivor platform to do so much more with it. During the 5 weeks that I was at Ponderosa waiting for the game to end, I was training for a 60 mile walk and while training for this walk the idea for Reality Rally came about.
The vision behind Reality Rally was to enhance the community of Temecula to offer an event that anyone can be a part of and for reality stars to attend and have fun in the process. which is why we call it Fun For Funds, while raising money for a charity. It is a wonderful resource and can help so many people. Reality Rally has truly become what I envisioned in that it benefits so many more people in the community and others across the country and has done so much more than me playing Survivor could ever have done for me.
Brenda: Why Michelle's Place? What stood out about this resource?
Gillian: I had read Michelle's story about 8 years ago, she was a young woman who had been misdiagnosed with a breast lump when she was 19 and told not to worry about it. She was diagnosed at 23 with breast cancer and then died when she was 26. Michelle's Place was started about 10 years ago and they provide over 6,000 services a year for women and their families who are affected by breast cancer.
Brenda: What all goes into planning Reality Rally each year? Is it a 365 day a year thing? What goes into the staging of your event?
Gillian:
Yes it has become pretty much a full time job 365 days a year. Reality Rally takes a village to make it happen and the village is approximately 600 people. I remain in the driver's seat but all 600 of these people are a part of what makes it happen. These 600 people are volunteers, sponsors, challenge checkpoint participants. People who make the games happen. Plus our reality stars who come and take part in the event as well.
Brenda: I hear that your work covers a larger distant reach now with other countries and charities. How much of an impact does it have as that is remarkable!
Gillian: This has definitely become an event that has reached all across the world and allowed many people to be involved in helping with the fundraising. Reaching out to the reality star fan base and the reality star base the fundraising came in from nine countries, all 50 states and 455 cities. Plus the public (teams) that were part of the games their fundraising came in from 5 countries, 23 states 106 cities. So it has definitely expanded all across the world. Reality Rally is a trademark planning business that can be taken to other communities to expand their communities and their charities. We re looking into doing that this year and expanding out across the country for the same event focus.
Brenda: Looking back on this past event, is there anything that stood out to you?
Gillian: The thing that stands out to me all the time and blows my mind is just hoiw many people have taken my vision and have made it their event and their vision too. It never ceases to amaze me in fact I am completely in awe of this. The sponsors, the people who compete in the teams and the reality stars, the community and all who back us, it just never ceases to amaze me and blows my mind.
To think all of these people are making my "jungle vision" theirs as well and I remain in eternal gratitude to every one who has ever been involved at any point. it never ceases to blow my mind how much they have embraced it and made it their own. When I look back at the highlight videos that are available at the Reality Rally Home Page. I sit in awe thinking "wow!! we did that!"
Brenda: Any advice for anyone who would like to organize a yearly event?
Gillian: It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and passion and a lot of work. If you have a charity that you really want to support then you have the commitment and the passion, anyone can do it! Be prepared for a lot of work! It's the commitment, the passion and the help. Those are the 3 things that you will need to make it successful.
Brenda: Gillian u have been so wonderful! Thank u for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me. In closing, do u have any shout outs?
Gillian:
Basically, I would like to say a special thank you to all the people who have made this possible and the public and all who have supported Reality Rally throughput the past 2 years. We have a Fan Page please go LIKE the Fan Page and keep an eye out on what we are doing!
As many of u know who have been previous viewers or are current viewers checking my blogs out, Holly Hoffman is a personal friend of mine and someone I admire greatly. I supported Holly her entire season of Survivor Nicaragua and watched her grow into the phenomenon she has become. Since Holly has left the show, she has been steadily speaking as a motivational speaker and has written a book "The Winner Within".
I would like to extend an invite for u all to order this book which is currently available for ordering online. Holly has an amazing story of comeback from trials to now living a happy and successful life. In fact her life mirrors her Survivor experience as it started tough but she made it and is flourishing!
On a personal note, I will add that Holly has been an encouraging and wonderful presence in my life. She befriended me early, prior to her season's start. She sent me a private message on Facebook and said I'd like to get to know you, tell me more about you. Not many cast have approached me that way so it was cool. I responded and we hit it off like gangbusters. Holly and her husband Charlie, were gracious enough to share the entire journey with me.
During the season I had some problems in my own life here and there, but though she was so busy in her own life, Holly would drop everything and be there for me. She was the person I would turn to in tears who would speak encouragement to me. She got me through some really rough periods and has been a motivating impact in my own life. That is what makes Holly a genuinely beautiful person and I have never forgotten that kindness she showed. Plus her life is so motivating as well in watching the beauty of her ride and how it has come full circle.
I had the pleasure of meeting Holly last summer and having breakfast with her. Not many cast take time out of a busy event to take a fan-friend out but Holly did and we had a wonderful time!
So in short I have had the blessing to know Holly Hoffman personally and hope many of you will take the time to get to know her as well. You won't regret it! She's one in a million!
To order a copy please click on this link to purchase directly from her website
Plus please take a moment to follow Holly Hoffman on Twitter as well by going to @HollyHoffmanS21 link will take you directly to her Twitter to follow her!
