Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you
   will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is
   the LORD's purpose that prevails.

   Proverbs 19:20-21

These verses really spoke to me this morning...especially the 2nd part.  I've noticed lately I am really trying hard to control my own life and control the outcome of various situations and I haven't been trusting God.  The 2nd part of these verses clearly says that God's purpose will prevail over any plans man makes...I pray God helps my plans fall in line with His plans!

I'm Sorry I'm a Christian Video posted on the Carlos Whittaker's Blog

Check out this poem "I'm Sorry I'm a Christian" posted on Carlos Whittaker's blog today.  Powerful stuff!  Warning there are a few F-bombs so if that offends you, you might not want to listen.  Poet has some valid points and brings a bunch of crazy issues to light with the world today.  Check it out!

Swagger Jackers by Steven Furtick

Came across this post on Steven Furtick's site...you can read it below or click here to check it out on his site.

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I don’t know where I originally heard the term swagger jacker. I don’t think it’s technically a theological designation. But I want to sanctify it for a minute and bring it over into a ministry context.

Have you ever faced any swagger jackers in your attempt to do God’s will?

I’m identifying a swagger jacker as anyone who tries to back you down from doing what you know God has told you to do. There are plenty of swagger jackers exposed in the pages of the Bible. They make a lot of noise. They inflict a lot of pain. But they simply can’t stop the purposes of God-if God’s servants stay focused on God’s will.

The swagger jackers laughed at Noah for building a boat to prepare for a flood before anyone had ever seen rain. They weren’t laughing on day 40 of the storm.

Joseph’s swagger jacker brothers threw him in a pit. But they couldn’t keep him from rising to a position of prominence in the palace-and ultimately saving their lives despite themselves.
Nehemiah faced swagger jackers like Sanballat. They insisted he halt the work of the Lord and come down off the wall. He stayed on the wall and finished the work.

And so on. You see the point.

I’ve seen too many men and women of God stripped of their courage by swagger jacking critics, haters, and generally negative or mediocre people.

Keep building your boat.
Stay faithful in the prison.
Remain on the wall.

Don’t concede your confidence in Christ. No one can take away your swagger if your swagger is rooted in Jesus-powered by grace-activated by faith.

Original Post

Week #95 Why is Santa Second?

Got this off of the I AM SECOND website...here is the link if you want to read it straight off over there Why is Santa Second? Hope you all like it and Merry Christmas!

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The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

1821 brought some new elements with publication of the first lithographed book in America, the Children's Friend. This "Sante Claus" arrived from the North in a sleigh with a flying reindeer. The jolly elf image received another big boost in 1823, from a poem destined to become immensely popular, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," now better known as "The Night Before Christmas."

The poem generally has been attributed to Clement Clark Moore however, a case has been made that Henry Livingston actually penned it in 1807 or 1808. No matter who wrote it, the poem has had enormous influence on the Americanization of St. Nicholas.

It's been a long journey from the Fourth Century Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas, who showed his devotion to God in extraordinary kindness and generosity to those in need, to America's jolly Santa Claus, whose largesse often supplies luxuries to the affluent. However, he is still Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose caring surprises continue to model true giving and faithfulness.

For indeed, St. Nicholas, lover of the poor and patron saint of children, is a model of how Christians are meant to live. A bishop, Nicholas put Jesus Christ at the center of his life, his ministry, his entire existence.

(Excerpted from www.stnicholascenter.org)