NEW Pledge of Allegiance

(TOTALLY AWESOME) !

Since the Pledge of Allegiance
and The Lord's Prayer
are not allowed in most
public schools anymore
Because the word "God" is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached



NEW School prayer: -
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights .
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this,
please pass this on.
Jesus said,
"If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father."

The Nursing Home

The 92-year-old petite, well-poised and proud lady,
who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock,
with her hair fashionably fixed and makeup perfectly applied
even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move
necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the
nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator,
I provided a visual description of her tiny room,
including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.
"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old
having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room... just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied.
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the
furniture is arranged... it's how I arrange my mind."

"I've already decided to love it.
It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up.
I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed
recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that
no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones
that do.

Each day is a gift and as long as my eyes open,
I'll focus on the new day
and all the happy memories I've stored away
just for this time in my life."

"Old age is like a bank account.
You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness
in the bank account of memories."

"Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank.
I am still depositing."

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

~Author Unknown~

Day 40 It's IMPOSSIBLE.

As we come to the close of our 40 Day Revolution From The Inside Out, we need to take the limits off of our thinking. In order to do so, we have to fast from the thought that says:

"It's IMPOSSIBLE."

Jesus said "All things are possible to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23)

What is in your life today that you have given up on or considered impossible? Whatever it is (provided it's legal!), don't ever give up. NEVER NEVER NEVER give up!

The New York Times interviewed me yesterday and asked me, since racial issues were such a big story recently in the elections, was I going to talk about 'race' on Sunday. I answered, "Race is a big story, but SOMEONE RISING FROM THE DEAD IS EVEN BIGGER!" There is no greater story than the resurrection of Jesus! She asked me what I would specifically say about it. I said, "If a man can rise from the dead, anything is possible!"

1. Think about the resurrection every day! This reveals the miraculous power of God to do anything!

2. Eliminate thinking that says, "I can't believe that." Cynicism and skepticism have filled our culture. We need to get out of the habit of questioning and doubting the possibility of things. When you think there's no way, JESUS IS THE WAY!

3. Deal with the real problem. It's not whether God will help. It's whether we believe. The man with the demon-possessed son came to Jesus and said, "If you can do anything, help us..." Jesus responded and said, "If you can believe..." See it's not whether God can do it. It's whether we can believe it. And remember that faith comes from hearing God's Word. (Romans 10:17)

4. Believe that your words move mountains. Matthew 17:20 says, "You shall say to this mountain 'Remove from here to there', and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."

5. Meditate on people who had an impossible situation turn around. Abraham was 99 years old when he had a son. Sarah was 90! Moses parted the Red Sea. The list goes on and on. Find those people in the Bible and fill your mind with their testimonies. Hebrews 12:1 says, "We have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us..." If it could happen for them, it can happen for you and IT WILL, if you don't throw away your confidence in God's promise...because THE ONLY THING IN THIS WORLD THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE is that: it is impossible for God to lie. (Hebrews 6:18)

THINK IT & SAY IT:

Since Jesus rose from the dead, anything is possible. I expect impossible situations to become possible today. I CAN BELIEVE THAT!

Jesus is my way when there seems to be no way. I BELIEVE GOD CAN AND WILL DO ANYTHING IN HIS WORD THAT I BELIEVE.

Since my words can move mountains, nothing will be impossible to me. I will not throw away my confidence in God's promises, because there is only one thing in this world that is impossible - for God to lie. Therefore, His promises WILL happen in my life, beginning today!

Day 39 I wonder if I'm doing enough for God?

Have you ever asked the question, "I wonder if I'm doing enough for God?"

This kind of thinking produces in us a "works-mentality" and hinders the freedom and joy that God wants us to experience. Let's fast from it!

Christianity is not a life of attainment and achievement. It's a life of acknowledgment. This means to recognize, appreciate and accept.

The problem with so many believers is that they are striving to get God to do something or try to make God's promises come to pass in their lives. Gang, listen to 3 of the most important words you'll ever hear: IT'S ALREADY DONE!

Today as we approach the end of our fast from wrong thinking, I want you to acknowledge (to recognize) some things. And as you do, I hope you'll join me in taking communion at some point during this Resurrection weekend.

1. Everything God has is yours! You have a covenant with Him through the blood of Jesus. Luke 15:31 is a picture of God and us, the father said to his son: "All that is mine is yours!"

2. THINK "BLESSED" not "cursed." You are blessed not cursed. Stop thinking that since you're mother or father had a disease or anger, or some other problem, that you will have it too. You are of a new blood line - the blood of Jesus. You have a new DNA - .the DNA of Jesus. Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us on the cross, that the blessing of Abraham might come to us."

3. IT IS FINISHED - ahh, the magnificent final words of Jesus on the cross! (John 19:30) There's nothing more that has to be done for you to be saved. Nothing more that has to be done for you to be accepted by God. Nothing more that has to be done for you to be approved and loved! Nothing more that has to be done for you to be free.

4. Realize that your job is to acknowledge and to recognize. God has done it. You must accept it. This is the true meaning of "confess." It means to acknowledge. We're not trying to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN by confessing God's Word. We're acknowledging what is already done, what is already ours, and that's what brings it out of the invisible world into the visible world. Think about "confession of sin." When you confessed your sin, that's not when you sinned. You were simply acknowledging what was ALREADY done. When we "confess God's promises," it's the same thing. We're acknowledging what is already done. Philemon 1:6 says your faith becomes effective by acknowledging every good thing that is already in you.

5. See communion as a RECOGNITION that He is already with you, in you, and for you. Remember in Luke when the 2 men on the road to Emmaus thought Jesus was a stranger. When they took bread, it says "they recognized Him." You see, He was already with them, but when they took communion they were able to recognize and EXPERIENCE His presence.

THINK IT & SAY IT:

I have a covenant with God, already! I'm not trying to get God to do something for me. I'm going to focus on believing what He has already done. This is what the Christian life is about - acknowledging what is already in us, and recognizing what He has already done.

I'm already blessed. I'm already healed. I'm already everything that God says I am. I will live a life of acknowledgment - recognizing and praising God for what is already mine through the blood of Jesus.

I'm "blessing" conscious rather than "cursed" conscious. I'm connected to the blood of Jesus; therefore, I have the DNA of blessing. Goodness and mercy WILL follow me all the days of my life.

I accept that I already have in me everything pertaining to life and godliness. I lack no good thing. It's already done! IT IS FINISHED.

Day 38 Why don't I have More?

As we continue our Fast from Wrong Thinking, I really want to help you get the most out of your relationship with God. He is in you. He is with you! Yet, so many people have asked me how to deepen their walk with God.

I believe one of the keys is: fasting from the thought that says, "Why don't I have more?" (Whether it's more time, money, success, friends, etc.)

I remember complaining to God a while back, as I watched other people in my field getting blessed, getting buildings given to them, having quicker success, receiving large financial gifts to their ministries, etc., while I just steadily plodded along, little by little. When I was done whining, I had a sort of "Solomon" moment and heard the Lord ask me this: "Would you rather have those things, or substance and deep meaning in your relationship with me?"

Knowing that I couldn't say "both," I responded-of course-with the obvious answer. Then I heard this: "Son, the things you've gone through and learned slowly are the precious secrets that you have built your life upon. Now you have something of substance to give that no one else can offer in the same way." That set me free. Then He said, "Now more will come."

I wouldn't trade the depth of relationship with God for anything in this world!

How do we fast from the thought that says: "Why don't I have more?"

1. Choose His face, rather than His hand. (You'll end up with both.) Spend time with God-start with a verse, or these thoughts, etc.

2. Think positively about your adversity, rather than striving to avoid it. Let me be clear. I am not saying that adversity comes from God, BUT IT DOES COME. Psalm 34:19 says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Know that adversity comes. Expect Him to deliver you. Expect to become better as result.)

3. See your life is a gift from God and for others. Realize that your relationship with God and your life experiences have uniquely qualified you to make a difference in this world. Everyone has a motivational gift according to Romans 12:6-8. Perhaps to show mercy, or lead others through servanthood, or the gift of making money to give.

4. Don't ever want what other people have. Solomon said, "Give me what you have prescribed." This doesn't mean to settle for less than all that God has for you; but don't determine what He has for you based on what other people have. God knows what He's doing in your life. Philippians 1:6 says, "Faithful is He who began a good work in you. He will complete it until the day of His return."

5. THINK SECURELY. God has reserved a place at the table for you. God told Saul not to worry about where he stood compared to others. "There is a place at the table and a portion that has been set aside for you." (1 Samuel 9:23, 24)

THINK IT & SAY IT:

I choose the face of God. I look positively at adversity, rather than fighting to avoid it. I expect God to deliver me from all afflictions and trials.

I choose to see my life as a gift from God and for others. I have a unique and special gift that will make a difference in this world. I won't settle for less than what God has for me, but I will not desire or covet what others have.

I know that God has a portion reserved for me. He has a place for me at His table, and I think securely, therefore I live securely. In Jesus' name.

Day 37 My life is out of control

Diana,


Today we are fasting from the thought that says: "My life is out of control!"

No it's not!

That's what the devil wants you to think. He wants you to feel helpless and "under" the circumstances. When you think this way, you get discouraged. You lose hope. You give into things. Like a jellyfish, you are carried by the prevailing current.

1. Think above. Stop for a moment and understand what I'm saying here. Think "above" - think from a higher point of view. Look down at life rather than "up" at it. When Elisha's servant saw from "above", he realized there were more for him than those against him.

(2 Kings 6:14-17) Notice, God didn't add any chariots. They were always there. Elisha's servant just couldn't see them, because he wasn't thinking "above." THINK ABOVE.

2. Don't see the bigger picture today. That's not a typo! Think of your situation and your world as small. Think of yourself bigger. Don't forget - how YOU see yourself, is how life will see you. That's how the devil will see you. That's how your mountain will see you. If you see yourself bigger than the mountain (Greater is He that is in you - that makes you big!), then the mountain will respect what you say when you tell it to move!

3. The best day of your life is the day you decide your choices are your own; therefore, your life is your own. No excuses. No one to blame. Remember the lame man at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. He stayed in his condition because he told Jesus what he had believed for all those years: "I have no one to help me." (John 5:7) DECIDE TO OWN YOUR CHOICES and you will own the life God wants you to have.

4. Focus on the inside, not the outside. If you're like me, there are several things on the outside that are not fully under control, but that's not my job. My job is to get control of the inside. That's what this fast from wrong thinking is about. It's taking care of the INSIDE. Deal with your thoughts by continually going over these emails, these verses, these mindsets. YOU ARE IN CONTROL IF YOU CONTROL YOUR THOUGHT LIFE.

5. Take control of your day, one thought at a time. Don't be overwhelmed. Isaiah 28:13 says that we build God's Word and God's thoughts in our lives: "line upon line, precept upon precept."

THINK IT & SAY IT:

I am in control of my life, because I am in control of my thoughts. I rule my life by ruling my thoughts. My thoughts liberate my emotions, my health, my relationships and my whole life.

I think ABOVE beginning today. I choose to look down at life, rather than look up at it. I see it from God's point of view. I'm bigger than my problem, bigger than the mountain, bigger than any enemy I face today.

Greater, larger and more dominant is HE that is in me, than he that is in the world. TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE, because I have control of the choices I make.

I will not stay in a defeated, lonely, sick, depressed condition another day of my life. I focus on the inside. I know the thoughts of victory that I am developing will take care of my outside. This fast from wrong thinking is working IN ME, in Jesus' name.

Day 36

Today we're fasting from the thought that says:

"That person has really gone too far. They've really devastated me."

Too often we give people more power over our lives than what they actually have. By thinking they can have that big of an effect on you, you become enslaved to their whims and their attitude flavor of the month.

1. Fix your mind on Jesus - look at His life.

He was denied by His close disciple, Peter, betrayed by Judas, and forsaken by the rest of His disciples. He was lied about, accused and maligned. None of it stopped Him. In fact, He used each betrayal or personal blow against Him as a path to God's greater purpose for His life.

2. CELEBRATE when someone hurts you, betrays you or accuses you.

It says in 1 Corinthians 11:23, "in the night He was betrayed (while His betrayal was in progress!), He took bread with His disciples..." In the gospel of Mark, he writes afterwards, "They went to the Mount of Olives and sang a hymn."

3. See people's stumbling stones as stepping stones.

Jesus knew that Judas' actions would only serve God's purpose, one way or another. Don't give people's actions PERMISSION to defeat you or hinder you. Rather, use them to step into more of God's will.

4. Stay ATTACHED (one meaning for love = attached) to the promises of God's Word.

Psalm 119:165 says, "Those who LOVE (stay attached to) God's Word have great peace, and nothing offends them." We insulate ourselves from being offended when we love God's Word more than our feelings.

5. Get rid of retaliation thinking.

Entrust yourself to the One who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:24 says Jesus kept handing Himself over to God, when reviled and falsely accused. When they did their worst to Him, He kept entrusting Himself to the hands of God. Do that today - ENTRUST YOURSELF TO THE HANDS OF GOD.

THINK IT & SAY IT:

No matter what anyone says or does to me, I will not be devastated by it. I will not give them that kind of power over me. I fix my mind on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith.

I choose to celebrate, rejoice and live happily when someone accuses me or betrays me. I will not live in denial, as if it didn't happen, but I will celebrate what Jesus did for me, anyway. I will see other's actions as an opportunity for me to step further into God's will.

I trust that God will cause all things to work together for my good (Romans 8:29). I stay attached to what God says about it and I REFUSE to get offended.

God will avenge me. I will not take vengeance or become bitter. I will continue to entrust myself to Him, as I know that He will judge righteously, and defend my cause!