God Bless You

Greeting to you and your belove ones.How is the work of the ministry.I am Pastor Donatus Okozi,i am married to one wife Mrs Helen Okozi,with two kids.My mission is to win souls for christ through street evagelism and open air crusade by the special grace of God many souls as be won for christ.God as gave ne the burden heart to do his work in my church they are three old women and one old man they have eyes probmle.besaids,these four new converted souls throught my house to house evagelims.they are 67,64,58 and 53 respetively.I wish to solicit for your generous supprt to kinly help me with 4 Bible for these four people to make them strone in the lord and i will aslo like to reques for your pary to kinly put these 4 people into God's hands to give them wisdom and understanding to be committtedI would br thankfull if you could be of help to this four people,
Remain bless in Jesus Name.
Hope here from you soon.
Your's in Christ
Pastor Donatus Okozi


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Today....

entle Reader,

Today, someone needs this...

Ecclesiastes 4:10,12,

If one falls down, his friends can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Is there someone in your family that is seemingly left to "make it through the night" alone?

Is there a friend who is in real need?

Has someone cried out for help?

Lord,...

Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way

Today is a new begining

Ø Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Ø Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism?

Ø Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than in what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.


Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

Thank you Father,
For loving me so...
I love you too....

Casting a shadow

Dear Father,
Let me so live my life, that after I am gone people will want to follow my shadow as I am following You!

Prayer Against Oppression

Almighty God,

who hast created us in thine own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Grant Us Grace

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee; and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us; for the sake of Jesus Christ.


- St. Anselm

Pray for the military

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they

protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they

perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our

Lord and Savior. Amen."

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a

prayer for our troops around the world.

There is nothing attached.... .. Just send this to all the

people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you, please....

Of all the gifts you could give a Marine , US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, &others

deployed in harm's way,

Prayer is the very best one

Pray for today

If we are to encounter God truthfully in prayer, we must be real to ourselves. We need to be aware of what we are feeling. A mother will see her son come in from school, and know from his face and body-language that he is depressed, or resentful, or anxious, or whatever. If she asks him how he is, he is likely to say Fine. Most mothers will have the intuition and wit to lead him gently to put words on what he is feeling, and then to trace the happenings that led him to this state, such as a failure in school, a quarrel with a friend or worry about an exam. I remember a girl in school startling me – when I was a teacher – by asking Why are you angry today? She was right, but up to that point I had not realized that I was angry.

It is only when we are in touch with what is going on inside us that we can come before the Lord. Then I can experience the real me connecting with the real God. I t is not a case of apologizing for my emotions. They are as pre-moral and innocent as feeling cold or shivery. When I bring those feelings to consciousness, as the Psalmist does with his anger and despair, then prayer become authentic


The Presence of God

God is with me, but more, God is within me.
Let me dwell for a moment on God's life-giving presence
in my body, in my mind, in my heart,
as I sit here, right now.


Freedom

I try to let go of concerns and worries
that may be dragging me down at this present moment.
I place any concerns I have in Gods hands
- at least for these few minutes of prayer.

Consciousness

I remind myself that I am in the presence of the Lord.
I will take refuge in His loving heart.
He is my strength in times of weakness.
He is my comforter in times of sorrow.



The Word

Lord you became human to communicate with me.
You walked and worked on this earth.
You endured the heat and struggled with the cold.
All your time on this earth was spent in caring for humanity.
You healed the sick, you raised the dead.
Most important of all, you saved me from death.




John 15:1-2,5


Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."


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What are you saying to me, Lord?



Some thoughts on today's scripture:


Here is a new image of God. The vine-grower has a sharp knife, and a keen eye to the vine's health. If he cuts out, it is to make the plant more vigorous and fruitful.


Lord, when I feel your sharp touch, I may resent it; but I trust your love for me.




Conversation

Begin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture you have just read.
What part of it strikes a chord in you?
Perhaps the words of a friend - or some story you have heard recently
- will slowly rise to the surface of your consciousness.
If so, does the story throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to you?


Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Great minds...

Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray we have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or......


Bestow on me My Father,

A gentle spirit and a unwearied forbearance; a mild, loving patient heart; kindly looks, pleasant cordial speech and manners in the everyday life; that I may give offence to none, but as much as lies live in love with all men.

Prayers for forgivness

Dear Father, forgive us/me for thinking we/I can fake our/my walk with You and that You would bless and protect our/my falsehood. Lord Jesus we/I want to be real! We/I want our/my relationship with You Lord Jesus to be substantial, to totally consume us with Your purifying fire until all the world sees is You Lord. We pray for the Baptism of fire to burn away the scaffolding of empty religious rituals, activities, and impurities. Let Your power and love be the credibility of our lives, home, and churches. In Jesus Name, Amen."

"Lord, forgive us for our lack of prayer and the weakness of our love for You. Jesus, Lord, we want to be like You, that when we see need, instead of criticizing it, we lay down our lives for it. In Jesus Name, Amen"

"Lord Jesus, You deserve our hearts. Forgive us for allowing ourselves to be distracted by the world and our ambitions and opinions. Lord, by Your grace we commit ourselves to Your purposes, that our lives will be qualitatively capable of You house, and our words will be Your words, which are worthy of endorsement of Your power. In Jesus Name, Amen"

Christ all in all

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that see me,
Christ in every ear that hears me. _St Patrick of Ireland

Todays thoughts and prayers

Something to think and pray about this week:


The death and resurrection of Jesus push us back to our own experiences of death and resurrection. Perhaps it was the serious illness of a child, and her subsequent recovery. Perhaps it was a failure in some enterprise, a failure that left us disheartened and hopeless – until with a friend’s help we gradually worked back confidence and enthusiasm. Perhaps it was the breakdown of a friendship, with some sense of betrayal. We felt it was all over, until a moment of mutual forgiveness, and the friendship lived again as though it had never died. When we tasted healthy living again, there was a particular joy, of having loved and lost and found again. There are countless such dips and surges in my life. Ignatius Loyola urges us to remember during the dips that this will pass, and that it is a bad time to make decisions.
Monday 8th May


The Presence of God

I pause for a moment
and reflect on God's life-giving presence
in every part of my body, in everything around me,
in the whole of my life.


Freedom

I ask for the grace
to let go of my own concerns
and be open to what God is asking of me,
to let myself be guided and formed by my loving Creator.


Consciousness

How do I find myself today?
Where am I with God? With others?
Do I have something to be grateful for? Then I give thanks.
Is there something I am sorry for? Then I ask forgiveness.


The Word

Lord you became human to communicate with me.
You walked and worked on this earth.
You endured the heat and struggled with the cold.
All your time on this earth was spent in caring for humanity.
You healed the sick, you raised the dead.
Most important of all, you saved me from death.


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John 10:9-10


Jesus said to the Pharisees, "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."


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What are you saying to me, Lord?



Some thoughts on today's scripture:


This is a seminal saying: Jesus has come that we may have abundant life. The signs of his presence are love, joy, growth, change and activity, which varies at different ages. Not necessarily health -- we cannot control that -- but love and growth as the years pass. I wonder, have I more abundant life today than yesterday?




Conversation

Begin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture you have just read.
What part of it strikes a chord in you?
Perhaps the words of a friend - or some story you have heard recently
- will slowly rise to the surface of your consciousness.
If so, does the story throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to you?


Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

My prayer for us today

Like Brother Lawrence in the monastery kitchen with his pots and pans, we must learn The Practice of the Presence of God (the entire text of that book, which records some of his thoughts on prayer, is posted on our site). Brother Lawrence speaks of being aware of God every waking moment, as one way of "praying without ceasing." We can think our every thought to God in prayer. Yet it also is good to set aside a certain time every day to pray without distraction. An hour of the day like a Sabbath island of time, in which we are temporarily free of the time pressures and constraints of this life.

My Father,

Give us strength to live another day. Let us not turn coward before difficulties or prove recreant to its duties. Let me not lose faith in my fellowmen. Keep me sweet and sound of heart in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness; preserve me from from minding little stings or giving them; help me to keep my heart clean and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take the joy of conscious integrity; open wide the eyes of my spirit that I may see good in all things. Grant me this day some new vision of your truth; inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness, and make me a cup of strength to suffering souls; in the name of the strong Deliver, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen

Join with us

Leave me alone with God as much as may be.
As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,
Make me an island, set apart,
alone with you, God, holy to you.


Then with the turning of the tide
prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,
the world that rushes in on me
till the waters come again and fold me back to you.

"Cleachtadh a dhéanann maistreacht."("Practice makes mastery. -Old Gaelic Saying)

Prayer for Those in the Armed Services

Father of Mercy,

We beg You now to protect in a special way those who are fighting for us and for the country we love. Bless them and take care of them. If they are tired, give them strength. If they are wounded and suffering, give them comfort. If they are lonely, touch them with Your gentle hand and let them know that You are near them. Grant them strength, wisdom and help through Your power and Your limitless love. Amen.

Send me your prayer requests and I will pray for you each day!

God Loves you

1. God Loves You!

The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."The problem is that



2. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.

The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”
The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,



3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.



4. If you want to accept Christ, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

Did you pray this prayer?

Today's prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6




Keep me every step of the way
Lord Jesus, I reach my hand out to yours. Hold it firmly and lead me safely through dangers and temptations. If I stumble, lift me up. When I am lonely and afraid, remind me of your presence. Keep me as your own every step of the way through life and death.



Please pray for . . .
. . . safety for Jeremy, a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and a recent Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduate, as he leaves shortly for Iraq.
. . . healing for Lucinda.