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Motivational Thoughts http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts 2010-09-06T19:00:20Z Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management Overwhelmed 2010-05-31T18:32:23Z 2010-05-31T18:32:23Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/402-overwhelmed Kathy Washington gctalk@cox.net <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed…I am standing here looking at my vehicle with an inch of solid ice enveloping it like a thick layer of skin. I feel tears trying to swell up in the back of my eyes. What do I do... <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed is the word that comes to mind. Should I even try to chip away the ice, are the streets passable, can I afford to miss another days’ work?  Please, I need someone to tell me what to do. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Have you ever felt overwhelmed?<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed-to flow over the top of and submerge or cover somebody or something; to affect somebody’s emotions in a complete or irresistible way. It seems the stress of this situation has flowed over the top and that my emotions have been affected in an irresistible way. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Okay Lord, You know I need You. I need wisdom.<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Whatever the task, God says we are fully equipped. The enemy would rather we allow “overflowing” situations or out of control emotions. He has come to kill, steal and destroy, but remember the One greater is come that we may have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).   <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>I sense from the Holy Spirit that I CAN do this. So, overwhelmed is beat back by one ice scraper chipping one piece of ice. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed…I am standing here looking at my vehicle with an inch of solid ice enveloping it like a thick layer of skin. I feel tears trying to swell up in the back of my eyes. What do I do... <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed is the word that comes to mind. Should I even try to chip away the ice, are the streets passable, can I afford to miss another days’ work?  Please, I need someone to tell me what to do. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Have you ever felt overwhelmed?<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Overwhelmed-to flow over the top of and submerge or cover somebody or something; to affect somebody’s emotions in a complete or irresistible way. It seems the stress of this situation has flowed over the top and that my emotions have been affected in an irresistible way. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Okay Lord, You know I need You. I need wisdom.<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>Whatever the task, God says we are fully equipped. The enemy would rather we allow “overflowing” situations or out of control emotions. He has come to kill, steal and destroy, but remember the One greater is come that we may have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).   <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoQuote"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em>I sense from the Holy Spirit that I CAN do this. So, overwhelmed is beat back by one ice scraper chipping one piece of ice. <o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></p> The Lesson of the Homeless Man 2010-03-12T01:44:24Z 2010-03-12T01:44:24Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/386-the-lesson-of-the-homeless-man- www.epistle.us gctalk@cox.net <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked in the church. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked in the church. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; color: #c0c0c0;">I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. For The Rest Of My Life 2010-03-02T12:43:12Z 2010-03-02T12:43:12Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/379-for-the-rest-of-my-life Prophetess Sametta Brown gctalk@cox.net <p align="center">The Rest Of Tour Life.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In this day and time we are running to and fro sometimes accomplishing NOT A THING!  Is that how God would have us to live our life or be an example to the world?  I not only think not but know not.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Exodus 23:12) "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.  Everything is called to rest in this passage of scripture which falls into the purpose and plan that helps us dwell on this earth.  Isn't it amazing that the creater knows exactly what we need and orchestrated it that we would be sufficient in all things concerning our lives- needs and desires?  How are we following the "Master's Plan."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Exodus 33:14) And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now this might be one of the main reasons that our lives don't have any rest.  We don't have the one who gives rest with or in us.  You know when you don't have what you need for something specific aggitation arrises, frustration flows and mistakes manifest in what we do and say.  As we rest in God, meaning taking time to acknowledge him there is a peace upon you that makes you know all is well and no need to stress.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Psalms 94:12-14) Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law, {13} That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit is dug for the wicked. {14} For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another aspect of having rest in our lives comes from following the instructions.  When traveling and you have instructions, you know where you are going and when you will reach your destination without incident or having to stop ask questions, turn around and get back on the right road. No time or money was wasted.  That gives me peace just thinking about it.  So when we as Children of God trust and obey our God we are empowered and receive rest from what you know is in this world to distract you from where God is taking you. </p> <p align="center">The Rest Of Tour Life.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In this day and time we are running to and fro sometimes accomplishing NOT A THING!  Is that how God would have us to live our life or be an example to the world?  I not only think not but know not.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Exodus 23:12) "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.  Everything is called to rest in this passage of scripture which falls into the purpose and plan that helps us dwell on this earth.  Isn't it amazing that the creater knows exactly what we need and orchestrated it that we would be sufficient in all things concerning our lives- needs and desires?  How are we following the "Master's Plan."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Exodus 33:14) And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now this might be one of the main reasons that our lives don't have any rest.  We don't have the one who gives rest with or in us.  You know when you don't have what you need for something specific aggitation arrises, frustration flows and mistakes manifest in what we do and say.  As we rest in God, meaning taking time to acknowledge him there is a peace upon you that makes you know all is well and no need to stress.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(Psalms 94:12-14) Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law, {13} That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit is dug for the wicked. {14} For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another aspect of having rest in our lives comes from following the instructions.  When traveling and you have instructions, you know where you are going and when you will reach your destination without incident or having to stop ask questions, turn around and get back on the right road. No time or money was wasted.  That gives me peace just thinking about it.  So when we as Children of God trust and obey our God we are empowered and receive rest from what you know is in this world to distract you from where God is taking you. </p> What is Lent? 2010-02-24T00:13:38Z 2010-02-24T00:13:38Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/376-what-is-lent- Unknown gctalk@cox.net <p align="center"><strong>What is Lent?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p> <p align="center">Lent is a season of soul-searching and it is a season for reflection and taking stock.<o:p></o:p></p> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal">Lent - 2010:   Feb. 17th - Apr. 3th<o:p></o:p></p> <p>It is the forty days prior to Easter.    Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on the <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER?">Great Vigil of Easter</a>. It lasts for 40 days.  The last week of Lent is known as <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm">Holy Week</a>.  During this holiest time of the liturgical year, the church relives the final week of our Lord's life. The high points of this week are <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY?">Palm Sunday</a>, <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS MAUNDY THURSDAY?">Maundy Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY?">Good Friday</a>, and the <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER?">Great Vigil – The Resurrection</a>.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the Purpose of Lent?<o:p></o:p></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer">prayer</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penitence">penitence</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almsgiving">almsgiving</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asceticism">self-denial</a>—for the annual commemoration during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week">Holy Week</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Resurrection_of_Jesus">Death and Resurrection of Jesus</a>.  Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.  In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need.  If during Lent Christians choose to give up something or rededicate themselves to helping those in need as a way to proclaim the salvation Christ has won for all by His suffering and death, then such activities are sacrifices that glorify God.  However, it is essential to remember that nothing we do through self-denial or good works can ever earn the Lord's forgiveness or repay Him for what He accomplished for us.  Lent is not about our giving up something to please God.  Lent is about what Jesus Christ gave up to pay the penalty for the sins of the world -- His holy and innocent life.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>When did Lent Originate?<o:p></o:p></strong></p> <p>Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the significance of 40 days in the bible?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The number forty has many Biblical references:<o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The forty days <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses">Moses</a> spent on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Mount_Sinai">Mount Sinai</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_in_Christianity">God</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Exodus&amp;verse=24:18&amp;src=HE">Exodus 24:18</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The forty days and nights <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah">Elijah</a> spent walking to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Horeb">Mount Horeb</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=1%20Kings&amp;verse=19:8&amp;src=HE">1 Kings 19:8</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God made it rain for forty days and forty nights in the days of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah">Noah</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Genesis&amp;verse=7:4&amp;src=HE">Genesis 7:4</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The Hebrew people wandered forty years traveling to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promised_Land">Promised Land</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Numbers&amp;verse=14:33&amp;src=HE">Numbers 14:33</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah">Jonah</a> in his prophecy of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment">judgment</a> gave the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineveh">Nineveh</a> forty days in which to repent (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Jonah&amp;verse=3:4&amp;src=HE">Jonah 3:4</a>).<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Jesus retreated into the desert, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_in_Christianity">devil</a>.  (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Matthew&amp;verse=4:1-2&amp;src=KJV">Matthew 4:1-2</a>, <a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Mark&amp;verse=1:12-13&amp;src=KJV">Mark 1:12-13</a>, <a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Luke&amp;verse=4:1-2&amp;src=KJV">Luke 4:1-2</a>).  Jesus overcame all three of Satan's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation">temptations</a> by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and he began his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_ministry">ministry</a>.<o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p align="center"><strong>What is Lent?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p> <p align="center">Lent is a season of soul-searching and it is a season for reflection and taking stock.<o:p></o:p></p> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal">Lent - 2010:   Feb. 17th - Apr. 3th<o:p></o:p></p> <p>It is the forty days prior to Easter.    Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on the <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER?">Great Vigil of Easter</a>. It lasts for 40 days.  The last week of Lent is known as <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm">Holy Week</a>.  During this holiest time of the liturgical year, the church relives the final week of our Lord's life. The high points of this week are <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY?">Palm Sunday</a>, <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS MAUNDY THURSDAY?">Maundy Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY?">Good Friday</a>, and the <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/holyweek.htm#WHAT IS THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER?">Great Vigil – The Resurrection</a>.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the Purpose of Lent?<o:p></o:p></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer">prayer</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penitence">penitence</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almsgiving">almsgiving</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asceticism">self-denial</a>—for the annual commemoration during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week">Holy Week</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Resurrection_of_Jesus">Death and Resurrection of Jesus</a>.  Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.  In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need.  If during Lent Christians choose to give up something or rededicate themselves to helping those in need as a way to proclaim the salvation Christ has won for all by His suffering and death, then such activities are sacrifices that glorify God.  However, it is essential to remember that nothing we do through self-denial or good works can ever earn the Lord's forgiveness or repay Him for what He accomplished for us.  Lent is not about our giving up something to please God.  Lent is about what Jesus Christ gave up to pay the penalty for the sins of the world -- His holy and innocent life.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>When did Lent Originate?<o:p></o:p></strong></p> <p>Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the significance of 40 days in the bible?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The number forty has many Biblical references:<o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The forty days <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses">Moses</a> spent on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Mount_Sinai">Mount Sinai</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_in_Christianity">God</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Exodus&amp;verse=24:18&amp;src=HE">Exodus 24:18</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The forty days and nights <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah">Elijah</a> spent walking to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Horeb">Mount Horeb</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=1%20Kings&amp;verse=19:8&amp;src=HE">1 Kings 19:8</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God made it rain for forty days and forty nights in the days of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah">Noah</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Genesis&amp;verse=7:4&amp;src=HE">Genesis 7:4</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The Hebrew people wandered forty years traveling to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promised_Land">Promised Land</a> (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Numbers&amp;verse=14:33&amp;src=HE">Numbers 14:33</a>);<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah">Jonah</a> in his prophecy of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment">judgment</a> gave the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineveh">Nineveh</a> forty days in which to repent (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Jonah&amp;verse=3:4&amp;src=HE">Jonah 3:4</a>).<o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Jesus retreated into the desert, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_in_Christianity">devil</a>.  (<a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Matthew&amp;verse=4:1-2&amp;src=KJV">Matthew 4:1-2</a>, <a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Mark&amp;verse=1:12-13&amp;src=KJV">Mark 1:12-13</a>, <a href="http://php.ug.cs.usyd.edu.au/~jnot4610/bibref.php?book=%20Luke&amp;verse=4:1-2&amp;src=KJV">Luke 4:1-2</a>).  Jesus overcame all three of Satan's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation">temptations</a> by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and he began his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_ministry">ministry</a>.<o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> What's in your mouth? 2010-01-15T03:01:44Z 2010-01-15T03:01:44Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/366-whats-in-your-mouth Sametta Brown gctalk@cox.net <p><a target="_blank" href="http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/" title="blocked::http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/"><span style="color: #999999;"><strong>http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/</strong></span></a><span style="color: #00ccff;"><span style="color: #c0c0c0;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #666699;">The question sparks a statement that peaks the appetite of Christainity.</span><br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The power of the tongue to orchestrate life or death upon a situation<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />Teeth to grasp and bite into what God has given you and never let go of it, never regurgitate but eat the whole and digest the matter presented to mature your life<br /><br />What's in your mouth (as the words of My Apostle James Newton (Another Chance Outreach Intl Ministries)? A YES, AFTER the YES of surrendering. A yes that agrees exactly with what God has said concerning your destiny and the purpose to be fulfilled by only you<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The watering of your harvest through cultivation of what has been planted through.<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The ability to change any atmosphere based upon what is inside of me and the sound the comes from me which represents the Lion that from the Tribe of Judah of which resonantes within.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/" title="blocked::http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/"><span style="color: #999999;"><strong>http://womenofdestinyandpurposeintl.ning.com/</strong></span></a><span style="color: #00ccff;"><span style="color: #c0c0c0;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #666699;">The question sparks a statement that peaks the appetite of Christainity.</span><br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The power of the tongue to orchestrate life or death upon a situation<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />Teeth to grasp and bite into what God has given you and never let go of it, never regurgitate but eat the whole and digest the matter presented to mature your life<br /><br />What's in your mouth (as the words of My Apostle James Newton (Another Chance Outreach Intl Ministries)? A YES, AFTER the YES of surrendering. A yes that agrees exactly with what God has said concerning your destiny and the purpose to be fulfilled by only you<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The watering of your harvest through cultivation of what has been planted through.<br /><br />What's in your mouth?<br />The ability to change any atmosphere based upon what is inside of me and the sound the comes from me which represents the Lion that from the Tribe of Judah of which resonantes within.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p> Well GLORY!! Thanks for your website link!! 2010-01-15T02:46:06Z 2010-01-15T02:46:06Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/365-well-glory-thanks-for-your-website-link Anonymous Author gctalk@cox.net <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t have simple faith… I KNOW in whom I believe. </p> <p>I was an addict for many years in the mid 60’s – mid 70’s… had the DT’s when trying to come off the drug; violent hallucinogenic withdrawals.  Did the whole thing – sold my body for drugs, broke into homes, churches, schools, stealing money to support my habit.  I was a very bad bad person; some things I won’t document here, but if you can think it, I did it!!</p> <p>I was chasing my girl friend one day, as usual, and she took me to her church (unbeknownst to her at the time…I was an addict) on December the 23rd 1973.  A gentleman on-fire-for-God kept witnessing to me and I was touched by the Holy Spirit – I was convicted and knew at the moment I needed God bad.  I prayed and received our Blessed Lord &amp; Savior in that little back room.  Walked out the door that night and went home.  Got up the next day and was a CHANGED man!</p> <p>I did not need my fix, no withdrawal symptoms – I was HEALED by the grace of God.  I had become the new man that His word promises!  I now had a new lease on life – no longer an addict AND I had a conscience!!  (which I never had before).  Naturally, I now had a conscience with the Holy Spirit of God imparted to me AND I now saw every church on every corner!!  I now look forward to doing things right and living for Him.</p> <p>I’m looking forward to the promises of God and praise Him daily for being awesome enough to love me enough to die just for me…. And POWERFUL enough to reach down and convict me and give me a thorough shaking!</p> <p>At times I thank God I did not grow up in church ~ because of my past, I’ve experienced the awesome power or our LIVING God!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Always a breath away from Jesus,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t have simple faith… I KNOW in whom I believe. </p> <p>I was an addict for many years in the mid 60’s – mid 70’s… had the DT’s when trying to come off the drug; violent hallucinogenic withdrawals.  Did the whole thing – sold my body for drugs, broke into homes, churches, schools, stealing money to support my habit.  I was a very bad bad person; some things I won’t document here, but if you can think it, I did it!!</p> <p>I was chasing my girl friend one day, as usual, and she took me to her church (unbeknownst to her at the time…I was an addict) on December the 23rd 1973.  A gentleman on-fire-for-God kept witnessing to me and I was touched by the Holy Spirit – I was convicted and knew at the moment I needed God bad.  I prayed and received our Blessed Lord &amp; Savior in that little back room.  Walked out the door that night and went home.  Got up the next day and was a CHANGED man!</p> <p>I did not need my fix, no withdrawal symptoms – I was HEALED by the grace of God.  I had become the new man that His word promises!  I now had a new lease on life – no longer an addict AND I had a conscience!!  (which I never had before).  Naturally, I now had a conscience with the Holy Spirit of God imparted to me AND I now saw every church on every corner!!  I now look forward to doing things right and living for Him.</p> <p>I’m looking forward to the promises of God and praise Him daily for being awesome enough to love me enough to die just for me…. And POWERFUL enough to reach down and convict me and give me a thorough shaking!</p> <p>At times I thank God I did not grow up in church ~ because of my past, I’ve experienced the awesome power or our LIVING God!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Always a breath away from Jesus,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> The Gospel Music Industry 101 - by: Christopher M. Surratt 2009-12-07T00:04:26Z 2009-12-07T00:04:26Z http://gctalk.com/inspiration/motivational-thoughts/338-the-gospel-music-industry-101 Christopher M. Surratt gctalk@cox.net <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>The Gospel Music Industry 101</strong> </span></div> </span></span></span></span></span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span></span></span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">Since I was a young boy growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, I’ve had only one dream — break into the music industry. In January 2007, my dream was finally realized when my group CHRISTOPHER — consisting of Christopher McNeal, Christopher Reid and <img width="114" src="images/stories/christopherthejourney.jpg" height="135" style="float: right;" />me — signed our first national recording deal with The Jordan Entertainment Group. To many on the outside, our journey to a recording contract seemed overnight and effortless. However, the truth is our fifteen-year journey to a recording deal — the first stage of success — has been filled with triumph and tragedy.<o:p></o:p></div> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">In this column, The Gospel Music Industry 101, I will give you insight into the music industry. An honest straightforward approach to breaking into what some call the most underhanded industry in the world. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>The Gospel Music Industry 101</strong> </span></div> </span></span></span></span></span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span></span></span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"></div> </span> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoHeader"> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">Since I was a young boy growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, I’ve had only one dream — break into the music industry. In January 2007, my dream was finally realized when my group CHRISTOPHER — consisting of Christopher McNeal, Christopher Reid and <img width="114" src="images/stories/christopherthejourney.jpg" height="135" style="float: right;" />me — signed our first national recording deal with The Jordan Entertainment Group. To many on the outside, our journey to a recording contract seemed overnight and effortless. However, the truth is our fifteen-year journey to a recording deal — the first stage of success — has been filled with triumph and tragedy.<o:p></o:p></div> <div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">In this column, The Gospel Music Industry 101, I will give you insight into the music industry. An honest straightforward approach to breaking into what some call the most underhanded industry in the world.