Deliver the invocation at the president-elect’s inauguration ceremony
“You don’t have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand. … Three years ago I took enormous heat for inviting Barack Obama to my church because some of his views don’t agree [with mine]. Now he’s invited me.” —Saddleback Church’s Rick Warren, on accepting an invitation to .
Not surprisingly, Warren has been derided by gay-rights activists for his opposition to same-sex marriages, and most major news outlets have been quick to point out his recent comments in a BeliefNet interview in which the pastor compared the “redefinition of marriage” to include gay marriage to legitimizing incest, child abuse and polygamy. Even those who agree with Warren’s stance on same-sex marriages have questioned his acceptance to speak at the ceremony. Troy Newman, president of the pro-life group Operation Rescue, says the move is “tantamount to placing [Warren’s] stamp of approval on Obama and his policies that stand in direct opposition to biblical truths.”
In response to his critics, Warren stated: “Hopefully, individuals passionately expressing opinions from the left and the right will recognize that both [President-elect Barack Obama and I] have shown a commitment to model civility in America. … I am honored by this opportunity to pray God’s blessing on the office of the president and its current and future inhabitant, asking the Lord to provide wisdom to America’s leaders during this critical time in our nation's history.” [latimes.com, 12/18/08; charismamag.com, 12/19/08; AP, 12/21/08]
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Commitment to holiness, biblical orthodoxy and Spirit-filled living
TIPPING POINT
How Pentecostalism must embrace ethnic diversity.
A tipping point is the moment when something unusual becomes common. That occurred on a hot Friday last August in Indianapolis. The General Council of the Assemblies of God (AG)—the world's largest Pentecostal fellowship—gathered to elect the denomination's executive officers. George O. Wood was elected as general superintendent to succeed Thomas Trask, who resigned after 14 years of service. The more telling election, however, was to come that afternoon.
One of the most successful Pentecostal leaders ever, Trask was an important agent of racial reconciliation. During his term the AG added millions of new members and expanded globally. Trask not only reaffirmed the Pentecostal commitment to holiness, biblical orthodoxy and Spirit-filled living, he also added an element vital to the AG's viability in the 21st-century world: diversity.
Hence the tipping point. That afternoon marked the first time the AG elected to its executive leadership an African-American. Zollie Smith was a police officer and detective, U.S. postal inspector and an airborne infantryman during the Vietnam War, when he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His background alone proved he was no stranger to perseverance. In his post-election address he recalled his times of angst while waiting for the fellowship to change.
"I wanted to quit and give up on the Assemblies because I felt there was no place for me," he said. He then exhorted: "To the young people under 40 and the women, your gift will make room for you. You must persevere, you must pray, you must be consistent. Let everyone know you have a mandate from almighty God."
The historic moment created a wave of hope that the Pentecostal community would finally understand that the original upper-room outpouring was a convocation of all races, languages and cultures for the purpose of building one kingdom—God's kingdom.
Jesse Miranda, executive presbyter and commissioner of ethnicity for the AG, applauds the election: "After 100 years of the Azusa Street revival, where the cry was heard that the blood of Jesus has washed the color line, the Assemblies of God is complying to fulfill this claim."
Miranda was the first executive presbyter of color elected to the AG and oversees the World Hispanic Evangelical Alliance for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "The issue now is for ethnics to move beyond mere representation to effective influence, and for Anglo leadership to seek and gain cultural competency toward achieving what we represent in God's kingdom: a cooperative fellowship."
Others see the election as the beginning of a new era for Pentecostalism in America. "The AG is no longer talking ... about embracing diversity but rather putting it to practice," says Felix Posos, superintendent emeritus of the AG's Northern Pacific Latin American district.
At the end of the day, diversity is not a political issue but a kingdom one. "You ... have redeemed us ... out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9-10). Prayerfully, the day will come when the next generation will not know what a black, brown or white church is. They will instead know with certainty that a kingdom church embodies all races, tongues and peoples worshiping one God.
Sam Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Hispanic NAE, serving 15 million Latino born-again Christians and 18,000 churches.
How Pentecostalism must embrace ethnic diversity.
A tipping point is the moment when something unusual becomes common. That occurred on a hot Friday last August in Indianapolis. The General Council of the Assemblies of God (AG)—the world's largest Pentecostal fellowship—gathered to elect the denomination's executive officers. George O. Wood was elected as general superintendent to succeed Thomas Trask, who resigned after 14 years of service. The more telling election, however, was to come that afternoon.
One of the most successful Pentecostal leaders ever, Trask was an important agent of racial reconciliation. During his term the AG added millions of new members and expanded globally. Trask not only reaffirmed the Pentecostal commitment to holiness, biblical orthodoxy and Spirit-filled living, he also added an element vital to the AG's viability in the 21st-century world: diversity.
Hence the tipping point. That afternoon marked the first time the AG elected to its executive leadership an African-American. Zollie Smith was a police officer and detective, U.S. postal inspector and an airborne infantryman during the Vietnam War, when he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His background alone proved he was no stranger to perseverance. In his post-election address he recalled his times of angst while waiting for the fellowship to change.
"I wanted to quit and give up on the Assemblies because I felt there was no place for me," he said. He then exhorted: "To the young people under 40 and the women, your gift will make room for you. You must persevere, you must pray, you must be consistent. Let everyone know you have a mandate from almighty God."
The historic moment created a wave of hope that the Pentecostal community would finally understand that the original upper-room outpouring was a convocation of all races, languages and cultures for the purpose of building one kingdom—God's kingdom.
Jesse Miranda, executive presbyter and commissioner of ethnicity for the AG, applauds the election: "After 100 years of the Azusa Street revival, where the cry was heard that the blood of Jesus has washed the color line, the Assemblies of God is complying to fulfill this claim."
Miranda was the first executive presbyter of color elected to the AG and oversees the World Hispanic Evangelical Alliance for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "The issue now is for ethnics to move beyond mere representation to effective influence, and for Anglo leadership to seek and gain cultural competency toward achieving what we represent in God's kingdom: a cooperative fellowship."
Others see the election as the beginning of a new era for Pentecostalism in America. "The AG is no longer talking ... about embracing diversity but rather putting it to practice," says Felix Posos, superintendent emeritus of the AG's Northern Pacific Latin American district.
At the end of the day, diversity is not a political issue but a kingdom one. "You ... have redeemed us ... out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9-10). Prayerfully, the day will come when the next generation will not know what a black, brown or white church is. They will instead know with certainty that a kingdom church embodies all races, tongues and peoples worshiping one God.
Sam Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Hispanic NAE, serving 15 million Latino born-again Christians and 18,000 churches.
Love your heart?!
Just taught ana the verse
Matt 22:37
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
She improvised it to Love your heart, your God ...!!!!
That's true for many pp!
good thing no stomach in the verse,
if notit will be
Love your tummy, your god!!!
Matt 22:37
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
She improvised it to Love your heart, your God ...!!!!
That's true for many pp!
good thing no stomach in the verse,
if notit will be
Love your tummy, your god!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The men in your life aren't just women with big feet and beards.
Women: Discover What Men are Really Thinking
Whitney Hopler
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Paula Rinehart's book, What's He Really Thinking?: How to Be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009).
The men in your life -- fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, employees, friends -- aren't just women with big feet and beards. They're completely different from women, and understanding them can often be a challenge. But once you get to know the male psyche, you can start enjoying mutually fulfilling relationships with them.
Here's how you can better understand the men in your life:
Recognize your influence with men. As a woman, you have significant power to inspire men to become the best people they can be. Much of what they realize about themselves comes only as they work at relationships with women. If you focus on encouraging the men in your life, it'll be like holding up a mirror to them so they can see who they are and who they can become. If you recognize men's potential, your encouragement can motivate men to claim their potential for themselves.
Understand what men do. Pray for the perspective you need to see and appreciate what each man uniquely does in the world and in your life. Get to know men's missions and how they try to live out those missions every day in their work -- both paid work through their jobs, and volunteer work through their relationships and service.
Show them respect for working hard to overcome the challenges they face in their work. Keep in mind that men often communicate that they care about you by taking action on tasks (such as mowing the lawn) than by using lots of words (such as writing an eloquent love note). Thank them for the ways they try to communicate love to you -- even when they do so in ways that aren't as meaningful to you as they are to them. Let men know that you notice and appreciate their efforts.
Understand why men hurt. Men most often feel hurt when they don't think that others are respecting them. They've been wired with a deep sense of needing to affirm their adequacy. So let men know that you believe they have what it takes to face the world and do well. Be aware that men's confidence is tied to their sexuality; so if you're married, your positive responsiveness to your husband will powerfully increase his confidence level. Get to know the life stories of the men in your life to come to realize how their prior experiences (such as distant relationships with their fathers) may have contributed to the hurt they feel now.
Talk and pray with the men you're close to about their fears. Respect their particular challenges. Be patient with them without excusing bad behavior. When men are irritable or withdrawn, don't take it personally because it may not be about you. Support the men in your life, and discuss your own struggles and loses with them so they can better connect to you. Ask God to use your relationships with the hurting men in your life to help them along the healing process.
Understand how men change. It's often through their relationships with women that men connect their heads with their hearts so they can best make positive changes in their lives. When you're concerned about a particular issue, speak up about it -- without getting upset -- and discuss it rationally, holding your ground about what's important to you. Say "no" to a man in your life when: you believe that your relationship with him will suffer because you're putting up with something that's harmful to you both, or when you sense that your "no" could open a door in his growth that probably won't open if you just continue to go along.
Aim to motivate him to wrestle with an issue that could eventually bring some deep changes in his life. Help him discover that he truly has what it takes to overcome the challenges he faces and change for the better.
Live with the right expectations of men. Keep in mind that your expectations of any man must be grounded in the way God made him. Each man has his own particular mix of strengths and weaknesses. Ask God to help you accept each man in your life as he actually is rather than as you'd like him to be. Get rid of unrealistic expectations of the men in your life. Remember that all men are fallible human beings, and that only God can reliably meet all of your needs.
But just as you shouldn't expect too much from men, you shouldn't expect too little, either. Don't hesitate to ask men for the strength and perspective and support that they should give. Be aware of what you need but also open to what God brings into your life through men. Let yourself expect the best of what God has put in men, but be prepared to deal with disappointments along the way by turning to God, who will never fail you. Place all of your hopes ultimately in God.
Give men respect. Pray for the ability to see and appreciate what each man in your life has to offer in unique and valuable ways. When men know that they have a vote of confidence from a woman, that knowledge motivates them to do their very best at whatever tasks they're pursuing. Keep in mind that a man feels respect from a woman when she:
* solicits his opinion or perspective as though he might have something truly unique to offer;
* expresses her confidence in him by asking him to do the hard thing that is also the right thing;
* has sex with her husband;
* refuses to attack his character, even when he has failed her or others;
* realizes her vulnerabilities and values his protection;
* can name her own mistakes and her need of him;
* allows him to occasionally offer a solution to a problem she considers vexing, thereby exploring some possibilities she might not have otherwise; and
* believes he can come back from failure or defeat.
Let yourself need a man, even when he's failed you in the past. Let your husband or boyfriend know that what he brings to your life -- his perspective, presence, and support -- can't be replaced by anyone else. Don't try to rescue him from the pain in his life; let him experience it because God may want to use it to help him grow. Even when you don't agree with him on certain issues, keep verbalizing your respect for him as a person as he tries to grow. Invite him to look up in search of the God who made him as he reaches inside for what God has put in him.
Manage conflict with men wisely. View conflict as an extended dialogue through which you all can make gradual progress understanding each other better and solving problems while strengthening your relationships in the process. Pray for the strength to forgive the men who hurt or offend you, just as God has chosen to forgive you. Remember that forgiveness is an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. Every day, ask God to help you keep your heart open to following His command to forgive others.
When you argue, don't say harsh words or use stonewalling tactics. If you're not making progress in your discussion, call a time-out, pray and get some sleep, then revisit the issue within the next two to three days. Aim to talk about an important issue a bit longer and deeper each time you discuss it, without either one of you freaking out.
Remember that anger is always a secondary emotion; it's caused by another emotion that lies behind it. Figure out what's behind your anger and the anger expressed by the men in your life. Avoid contempt (which often shows up through critical remarks, smirks, and eye-rolling), because it will prevent any progress in your discussions and seriously damage your relationships.
Get through to men. Create emotional safety in your relationship with men that allows you to talk about challenging or hot-button topics effectively. Give each other plenty of kind words and affection. Remember that you always have more to learn about any man, no matter how long you've been in a relationship with him. Be humble and willing to explore new angles to issues and new potential solutions to problems.
Instead of trying to read a man's mind, ask him to explain what he means. Validate a man's thoughts and feelings even when you don't agree with him; so he'll feel respected enough to continue to explore new possibilities in his relationship with you. When having a difficult conversation, structure it like this: First, share something you value or appreciate about the man, or express empathy with him. Second, make a specific request or deliver some news. Third, try to return to something more positive to wrap up your conversation.
Build intimacy with a man. Rather than focusing on what should be or could be in your relationship with a man, focus on what actually is right now and aim to enjoy it as fully as possible. Savor the simple moments you share, like a laugh over something amusing or a delicious meal together. Accept and figure out how to accommodate the differences between you and your man, so that you can complement each other well. Just as Jesus has accepted and welcomed you despite your flaws, aim to do the same with your man. When you do, God's glory can shine through your relationship.
Rather than expecting your man to somehow make you happy -- which he can't do -- realize that you can be as happy as you choose to be. Pray for the right attitudes and the ability to make the right choices that will lead to your own happiness. Keep in mind that the relationship between you and your man isn't just about your comfort or ease; God is using it to accomplish greater purposes. Ask God to help you see the big picture of what He's doing with your relationship so you can fully treasure the moments you have together.
Posted June 23, 2009
Adapted from What's He Really Thinking?: How to Be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life, copyright 2009 by Paula Rinehart. Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn., www.thomasnelson.com.
Paula Rinehart has touched women's lives through writing, speaking, and ministry for more than 20 years. Her private counseling practice includes clients who are men and couples with a focus on personal growth and intimacy with Christ. Paula and her husband Stacy have two grown children.
Whitney Hopler
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Paula Rinehart's book, What's He Really Thinking?: How to Be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009).
The men in your life -- fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, employees, friends -- aren't just women with big feet and beards. They're completely different from women, and understanding them can often be a challenge. But once you get to know the male psyche, you can start enjoying mutually fulfilling relationships with them.
Here's how you can better understand the men in your life:
Recognize your influence with men. As a woman, you have significant power to inspire men to become the best people they can be. Much of what they realize about themselves comes only as they work at relationships with women. If you focus on encouraging the men in your life, it'll be like holding up a mirror to them so they can see who they are and who they can become. If you recognize men's potential, your encouragement can motivate men to claim their potential for themselves.
Understand what men do. Pray for the perspective you need to see and appreciate what each man uniquely does in the world and in your life. Get to know men's missions and how they try to live out those missions every day in their work -- both paid work through their jobs, and volunteer work through their relationships and service.
Show them respect for working hard to overcome the challenges they face in their work. Keep in mind that men often communicate that they care about you by taking action on tasks (such as mowing the lawn) than by using lots of words (such as writing an eloquent love note). Thank them for the ways they try to communicate love to you -- even when they do so in ways that aren't as meaningful to you as they are to them. Let men know that you notice and appreciate their efforts.
Understand why men hurt. Men most often feel hurt when they don't think that others are respecting them. They've been wired with a deep sense of needing to affirm their adequacy. So let men know that you believe they have what it takes to face the world and do well. Be aware that men's confidence is tied to their sexuality; so if you're married, your positive responsiveness to your husband will powerfully increase his confidence level. Get to know the life stories of the men in your life to come to realize how their prior experiences (such as distant relationships with their fathers) may have contributed to the hurt they feel now.
Talk and pray with the men you're close to about their fears. Respect their particular challenges. Be patient with them without excusing bad behavior. When men are irritable or withdrawn, don't take it personally because it may not be about you. Support the men in your life, and discuss your own struggles and loses with them so they can better connect to you. Ask God to use your relationships with the hurting men in your life to help them along the healing process.
Understand how men change. It's often through their relationships with women that men connect their heads with their hearts so they can best make positive changes in their lives. When you're concerned about a particular issue, speak up about it -- without getting upset -- and discuss it rationally, holding your ground about what's important to you. Say "no" to a man in your life when: you believe that your relationship with him will suffer because you're putting up with something that's harmful to you both, or when you sense that your "no" could open a door in his growth that probably won't open if you just continue to go along.
Aim to motivate him to wrestle with an issue that could eventually bring some deep changes in his life. Help him discover that he truly has what it takes to overcome the challenges he faces and change for the better.
Live with the right expectations of men. Keep in mind that your expectations of any man must be grounded in the way God made him. Each man has his own particular mix of strengths and weaknesses. Ask God to help you accept each man in your life as he actually is rather than as you'd like him to be. Get rid of unrealistic expectations of the men in your life. Remember that all men are fallible human beings, and that only God can reliably meet all of your needs.
But just as you shouldn't expect too much from men, you shouldn't expect too little, either. Don't hesitate to ask men for the strength and perspective and support that they should give. Be aware of what you need but also open to what God brings into your life through men. Let yourself expect the best of what God has put in men, but be prepared to deal with disappointments along the way by turning to God, who will never fail you. Place all of your hopes ultimately in God.
Give men respect. Pray for the ability to see and appreciate what each man in your life has to offer in unique and valuable ways. When men know that they have a vote of confidence from a woman, that knowledge motivates them to do their very best at whatever tasks they're pursuing. Keep in mind that a man feels respect from a woman when she:
* solicits his opinion or perspective as though he might have something truly unique to offer;
* expresses her confidence in him by asking him to do the hard thing that is also the right thing;
* has sex with her husband;
* refuses to attack his character, even when he has failed her or others;
* realizes her vulnerabilities and values his protection;
* can name her own mistakes and her need of him;
* allows him to occasionally offer a solution to a problem she considers vexing, thereby exploring some possibilities she might not have otherwise; and
* believes he can come back from failure or defeat.
Let yourself need a man, even when he's failed you in the past. Let your husband or boyfriend know that what he brings to your life -- his perspective, presence, and support -- can't be replaced by anyone else. Don't try to rescue him from the pain in his life; let him experience it because God may want to use it to help him grow. Even when you don't agree with him on certain issues, keep verbalizing your respect for him as a person as he tries to grow. Invite him to look up in search of the God who made him as he reaches inside for what God has put in him.
Manage conflict with men wisely. View conflict as an extended dialogue through which you all can make gradual progress understanding each other better and solving problems while strengthening your relationships in the process. Pray for the strength to forgive the men who hurt or offend you, just as God has chosen to forgive you. Remember that forgiveness is an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. Every day, ask God to help you keep your heart open to following His command to forgive others.
When you argue, don't say harsh words or use stonewalling tactics. If you're not making progress in your discussion, call a time-out, pray and get some sleep, then revisit the issue within the next two to three days. Aim to talk about an important issue a bit longer and deeper each time you discuss it, without either one of you freaking out.
Remember that anger is always a secondary emotion; it's caused by another emotion that lies behind it. Figure out what's behind your anger and the anger expressed by the men in your life. Avoid contempt (which often shows up through critical remarks, smirks, and eye-rolling), because it will prevent any progress in your discussions and seriously damage your relationships.
Get through to men. Create emotional safety in your relationship with men that allows you to talk about challenging or hot-button topics effectively. Give each other plenty of kind words and affection. Remember that you always have more to learn about any man, no matter how long you've been in a relationship with him. Be humble and willing to explore new angles to issues and new potential solutions to problems.
Instead of trying to read a man's mind, ask him to explain what he means. Validate a man's thoughts and feelings even when you don't agree with him; so he'll feel respected enough to continue to explore new possibilities in his relationship with you. When having a difficult conversation, structure it like this: First, share something you value or appreciate about the man, or express empathy with him. Second, make a specific request or deliver some news. Third, try to return to something more positive to wrap up your conversation.
Build intimacy with a man. Rather than focusing on what should be or could be in your relationship with a man, focus on what actually is right now and aim to enjoy it as fully as possible. Savor the simple moments you share, like a laugh over something amusing or a delicious meal together. Accept and figure out how to accommodate the differences between you and your man, so that you can complement each other well. Just as Jesus has accepted and welcomed you despite your flaws, aim to do the same with your man. When you do, God's glory can shine through your relationship.
Rather than expecting your man to somehow make you happy -- which he can't do -- realize that you can be as happy as you choose to be. Pray for the right attitudes and the ability to make the right choices that will lead to your own happiness. Keep in mind that the relationship between you and your man isn't just about your comfort or ease; God is using it to accomplish greater purposes. Ask God to help you see the big picture of what He's doing with your relationship so you can fully treasure the moments you have together.
Posted June 23, 2009
Adapted from What's He Really Thinking?: How to Be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life, copyright 2009 by Paula Rinehart. Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn., www.thomasnelson.com.
Paula Rinehart has touched women's lives through writing, speaking, and ministry for more than 20 years. Her private counseling practice includes clients who are men and couples with a focus on personal growth and intimacy with Christ. Paula and her husband Stacy have two grown children.
Michael Jackson a Christian?
BULLY! PULPIT NEWS WORLD EXCLUSIVE: MICHAEL JACKSON
FACING A MASSIVE TOUR HE WAS ILL-PREPARED FOR, A DESPERATE MICHAEL JACKSON REACHED OUT TO GOSPEL SUPERSTAR ANDRAE CROUCH AND HIS MINISTER SISTER SANDRA FOR SOLACE IN HIS LAST DAYS
Los Angeles, California, (Bully! Pulpit News)---Facing a grueling concert schedule, Michael Jackson, the self-proclaimed King of Pop reached out to two old friends-legendary Gospel singer Andrae Crouch and his twin sister, singer and minister, Sandra, desperately seeking inspiration for a tour he was ill-prepared for, a few weeks before his tragic death.
But news of the meeting spiraled out of control as a series of blogs and emails raced around the world proclaiming that Jackson had converted to Christianity at the end of one of their meetings, raising hopes, especially among Jackson’s African-American fans that Jackson, a onetime member of the Jehovah’s Witness sect, who had reportedly converted to Islam in 2008, had become a Christian.
The news was first widely circulated on her website by Erica Campbell, a member of the Grammy-award winning duo Mary-Mary who, under the banner headline “Good News-RIP Michael Jackson,” wrote: “Last night we received some good news from Terri McFaddin-Solomon who is good friends with Sandra Crouch. Three weeks ago Sandra and Andrae spent some time with their close friend, Michael Jackson. Michael asked Andrae to play, "It Won't Be Long And We'll Be Leaving Here." Michael then prayed with Sandra and Andre and accepted Christ into his heart. Now he's singing in the heavenly choir! Our hearts rejoice!”
But according to Sandra Crouch, that may not quite be the full story. On a posting on her Facebook page Crouch wrote: “Not sure where that came from. We loved and respected Michael and will continue to pray for his family. All the extra is not from us.”
For his part, through a spokesman, Andrae Crouch attempted to further clarify the story:
“Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more ‘spiritual,’" noted Crouch’s Facebook administrator. “So Andrae and Sandra explained to him about the anointing and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you ‘come out of yourself,’ and what gives a ‘spirituality’ to the music? He then requested to hear his favorite song that he loves and wanted then to sing to him, so they...joined hands and sang together, and he said, ‘it was beautiful.’ He first heard it in New York, and loved it and wanted it on tape. He had the engineer tape the song sang to him by Andrae and Sandra. He definitely had an encounter with them.”
As to whether or not the legendary singer had prayed to receive Christ, through his spokesman Crouch responded: “He did NOT reject Jesus or the prayer when (we) prayed, and gladly joined in prayer.”
“He usually doesn’t touch anybody, but he touched them, and held their hands in a circle as they sang and prayed,” continued Andrae Crouch’s spokesman. “There was NO actual ‘sinners prayer’ however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also told him, ‘Michael, we consider you as our son,’ and he said, “yes, yes, yes” and gave him his latest music on a CD, and he told him, ‘Andrae I trust you with this,’ and gave him CD’s of 2 songs......unpublished, beautiful music.”
The Crouch’s reported one peculiarity about Jackson’s rented home: forbidden as a child from celebrating Christmas because of his Jehovah’s Witness faith which precludes such celebration, Jackson was still celebrating Christmas in June: “
“He still had his Christmas decorations up at home,” noted Crouch’s spokesman.
FACING A MASSIVE TOUR HE WAS ILL-PREPARED FOR, A DESPERATE MICHAEL JACKSON REACHED OUT TO GOSPEL SUPERSTAR ANDRAE CROUCH AND HIS MINISTER SISTER SANDRA FOR SOLACE IN HIS LAST DAYS
Los Angeles, California, (Bully! Pulpit News)---Facing a grueling concert schedule, Michael Jackson, the self-proclaimed King of Pop reached out to two old friends-legendary Gospel singer Andrae Crouch and his twin sister, singer and minister, Sandra, desperately seeking inspiration for a tour he was ill-prepared for, a few weeks before his tragic death.
But news of the meeting spiraled out of control as a series of blogs and emails raced around the world proclaiming that Jackson had converted to Christianity at the end of one of their meetings, raising hopes, especially among Jackson’s African-American fans that Jackson, a onetime member of the Jehovah’s Witness sect, who had reportedly converted to Islam in 2008, had become a Christian.
The news was first widely circulated on her website by Erica Campbell, a member of the Grammy-award winning duo Mary-Mary who, under the banner headline “Good News-RIP Michael Jackson,” wrote: “Last night we received some good news from Terri McFaddin-Solomon who is good friends with Sandra Crouch. Three weeks ago Sandra and Andrae spent some time with their close friend, Michael Jackson. Michael asked Andrae to play, "It Won't Be Long And We'll Be Leaving Here." Michael then prayed with Sandra and Andre and accepted Christ into his heart. Now he's singing in the heavenly choir! Our hearts rejoice!”
But according to Sandra Crouch, that may not quite be the full story. On a posting on her Facebook page Crouch wrote: “Not sure where that came from. We loved and respected Michael and will continue to pray for his family. All the extra is not from us.”
For his part, through a spokesman, Andrae Crouch attempted to further clarify the story:
“Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more ‘spiritual,’" noted Crouch’s Facebook administrator. “So Andrae and Sandra explained to him about the anointing and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you ‘come out of yourself,’ and what gives a ‘spirituality’ to the music? He then requested to hear his favorite song that he loves and wanted then to sing to him, so they...joined hands and sang together, and he said, ‘it was beautiful.’ He first heard it in New York, and loved it and wanted it on tape. He had the engineer tape the song sang to him by Andrae and Sandra. He definitely had an encounter with them.”
As to whether or not the legendary singer had prayed to receive Christ, through his spokesman Crouch responded: “He did NOT reject Jesus or the prayer when (we) prayed, and gladly joined in prayer.”
“He usually doesn’t touch anybody, but he touched them, and held their hands in a circle as they sang and prayed,” continued Andrae Crouch’s spokesman. “There was NO actual ‘sinners prayer’ however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They also told him, ‘Michael, we consider you as our son,’ and he said, “yes, yes, yes” and gave him his latest music on a CD, and he told him, ‘Andrae I trust you with this,’ and gave him CD’s of 2 songs......unpublished, beautiful music.”
The Crouch’s reported one peculiarity about Jackson’s rented home: forbidden as a child from celebrating Christmas because of his Jehovah’s Witness faith which precludes such celebration, Jackson was still celebrating Christmas in June: “
“He still had his Christmas decorations up at home,” noted Crouch’s spokesman.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Princess Anastasia Version (PAV)
Princess Anastasia Version (PAV) as opposed to King James Version!
Phil 4:13 I can do all things ....
Daddy, Mummy and Ana can do all things thru Christ who strengthen us!!!!
(Amazingly, she actually understands English grammar!!!!)
Phil 4:13 I can do all things ....
Daddy, Mummy and Ana can do all things thru Christ who strengthen us!!!!
(Amazingly, she actually understands English grammar!!!!)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Man shall not live by chicken skin alone!
Ana is improvising on her scripture memory verses.
Man shall not live by bread alone ... has become
Man shall not live by chicken skin alone! and
Man shall not live by Oreo cookies alone!
Man shall not live by bread alone ... has become
Man shall not live by chicken skin alone! and
Man shall not live by Oreo cookies alone!
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