by Joel Osteen
No matter how old you are, where you live, or how much you have, there is always something you can do to be a blessing to someone else. It may be as simple as praying for a neighbor or sharing an encouraging word, maybe inviting someone over for dinner. It may be something that requires a little bit more of you, but if you ask God for opportunities to share His love, I guarantee you’ll find them!
The Bible says that when we reach out to those in need, it’s as if we are reaching out directly to God (Matthew 25:40). Here’s a story about what my two young nieces are doing to be a blessing in Kenya, South Africa…
My brother, Paul and his wife, Jennifer are regularly on the mission field providing medical care, food, supplies, and sharing the love of Jesus with the natives. Their four children travel with them and are actively involved in making a difference any way they can, too. Sophie and Olivia, who are just 11 and 12 years old, have recruited a few other missionary girls and formed “Operation Kenya” to help some of the impoverished locals pay for their medical bills.
Last year, they were able to pay off a large bill for a young orphan boy who was burned in a fire and was being raised by his grandmother. Their modest bill at the mission hospital was far more than they were able to pay on their own, and the girls were able to cover it in full. This year, they have a goal to help five patients with their bills.
The girls raise the money by simply baking cookies and bars, loading them into a small wagon, and carrying them around to other missionaries and visitors. They pass out the treats for a donation to their fund. The first time they did it, they were sold out in just a few short hours! Their plan is to do this once a week for the next few months until they reach their goal. They have also spread the word that they would like to help the other missionaries with chores or babysitting.
Many of the wives of the physicians working in the mission hospital aren’t able to help in the community as much as they’d like because they are caring for their younger children. Sophie and Olivia will be a huge blessing to them, and in turn, they will be able to be more of a blessing to the people in the community.
I encourage you today to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. You may not be in South Africa, and you may not be one to bake, but your “mission field” is all around you. Ask God to give you creative ways to reach out and make a difference to others.
Remember, when you do, you are being a blessing directly to God Himself!
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Praying for Your Family
by Victoria Osteen
It´s so important to take time to pray, especially for your family—your immediate family, your extended family, and even your church family. Every person in your family has been given to you by God. They may not always act right; they may not always treat you right; they may not say the right things all the time, but we still have the responsibility to lift them up in prayer. Even if the relationship is not where it needs to be, God can use your prayers to turn things around.
I know sometimes family relationships can be the most difficult. There can be pain, hurt, and offense; but when you pray, you are opening the door for God´s healing in your life and in your family relationships. God doesn´t want you to go through life carrying a load of heartache and offense. He doesn´t want us to be prisoners of pain.
I know sometimes family relationships can be the most difficult. There can be pain, hurt, and offense; but when you pray, you are opening the door for God´s healing in your life and in your family relationships. God doesn´t want you to go through life carrying a load of heartache and offense. He doesn´t want us to be prisoners of pain.
I talk to so many people who have been hurt by family members—someone walked out on them, a child´s not living the right way, but I want you to know that if you want to be free, you have to begin to pray past the pain. Even if you don´t feel like it, take a step of faith because God sees your obedience to Him. He´ll honor you because you´ve honored His Word.
Remember, God loves you so much today. He wants to restore you. He wants to restore your family. He has a great future for you and your family. There´s nothing too difficult for Him. Stand in faith, keep believing, and keep praying. Don´t give up even if it takes years because God is a faithful God.
I want to encourage you today, when you feel that unction in your heart to pray for a family member, don´t ignore it. Maybe they just came to mind out of the blue. That´s the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray. You never know what may be going on in their life, and your prayer may be the prayer that changes everything both in their life and in yours.
Remember, God loves you so much today. He wants to restore you. He wants to restore your family. He has a great future for you and your family. There´s nothing too difficult for Him. Stand in faith, keep believing, and keep praying. Don´t give up even if it takes years because God is a faithful God.
I want to encourage you today, when you feel that unction in your heart to pray for a family member, don´t ignore it. Maybe they just came to mind out of the blue. That´s the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray. You never know what may be going on in their life, and your prayer may be the prayer that changes everything both in their life and in yours.
JIA Bahrain's 10th Anniversary - My Perspective
Today is the day. At last, I'm going to wear my first ever purple blouse. i Fussed over my nails, my face, my hair, endless fuss-- just to look my best today as we celebrate JIA Bahrain's 10th anniversary.
I'm fully aware all these fuss will wipe out when sweat breaks in and pumping energy drives me full force on the stage to do my 'priestly' role as worship minister.
To be a minister in worship is not a one-woman spectacle where I get to perform live onstage and show people what I got. NO!!! Not at all! To be a minister IS TO BE A SERVANT OF GOD. And the greatest and most humbling honor is to glorify GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, regardless of who you are.
And so the celebration kicks off with a colorful parade from the children and youth escalating to a climactic praise and worship ensemble. The floor rocks as people sing their heart out to that all-time-fave heart-thumping, "Take, Take, take It All."
Our beloved Ptr. Ignar Reyes gave a warm welcome and acknowledgement of our guests, followed by an anointed worship by Sis. Jenny Pajimna. Truly God showed He reigns as everybody lifted their voice in worship to the One, true King. Wow!
Who could not fail but notice the talent behind Jimmel Galzote and Ryan Sy for their beautiful and creative video presentations? These videos broke the monotony and inspired a fresh wave of emotions and inspiration to the beholders.
The rest of the program were great and of course, one of the most serious, and vital part of the whole program is.......the photoshoot! wow! smile here, smile there, as papparazzis clamor to get our shots hehehe...jowk!
But the night did not end there. Some after-show unwinding had to be done so we proceeded at Starbuxxx. Late night chatter while sipping hot coffee is a great way to ease all the stress and exhaustion off.
Over-all, the whole event was succesful, thank God. Weeks of endless meetings, reherasals, unbalanced sleep, paid off as we all strived to make this day truly special not just for JIA Bahrain, but most importantly to the One in whom this Church was born...our Lord God.
All the glory belongs to Him!
Happy 10th Anniversary JIA Bahrain!!!
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