WHAT TO DO WITH A PROPHETIC WORD: SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER AND GUIDELINES
From ‘The Vine’ church in St. Ives, UK (http://www.thevine-tives.org.uk/singjoy/Prophecy_Leaflet_UD.pdf)
• Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (1 Cor 14:1)
• Now, about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (1 Cor 12:1)
• …. To another, miraculous powers, to another prophecy (1 Cor 12:10)
• And to the Church, God has appointed, first of all, apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those who have gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (1 Cor 12:28)
• Are you all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (1 Cor 12:29)
• If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)
• And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13)
• Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:4)
• But everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort (1 Cor 14:3)
• He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the church (1 Cor 14:4)
• I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. (1 Cor 14:5)
• Do not put out the Spirit’s fire (1 Thess 5:19)
• Do not treat prophecies with contempt (1 Thee 5:20)
• Test everything. Hold onto the good. (1 Thess 5:21)
All prophecy should be tested by the Holy Spirit and by God’s prophet is infallible or equal in authority to the Bible. Here are some good guidelines for handling prophetic ministry:
* Don’t stifle or despise prophecy, but test it. (1 Thess 5:19-22) Though the prophecy may come in words or in a style of delivery which is not your choice, or through a person to whom you may not relate well, consider their words as instruction from God (1 Peter 4:11)
* Does the prophecy conform to Scripture? The Spirit of God will always agree with His previous revelation on the Bible.
* Does the prophecy “ring true “with you? (John 10:2-5) Usually, a prophetic word will confirm what God has already spoken to you in various ways. It will confirm in you a certain direction and build your faith.
* If prophecy contains prediction, is it becoming reality? If there are factual elements which can be verified, are they accurate?
* Will the prophecy bear good fruit in your life? It is the principle of Scripture that a tree is judged by its fruit (Luke 6:43-45). If the prophecy is from the Holy Spirit, it will serve to glorify Jesus by producing good fruit in your life.
* Wait on God for confirmation and clarity. Sometimes a prophetic word requires further guidance regarding interpretation and timing. Pray about it and seek guidance from the Bible and from those who are mature in the Lord. The latter are the two primary means of guidance from God. Revelation about a situation does not automatically supply the power to change it. Pray for further confirmation, especially where the prophecy involves major change or impact on your life. Remember that prophecy is a diving board from which you plunge into a pool of prayer. If you are not sure about a prophecy, put it on the shelf for the time being. God will confirm it to you.
* When the interpretation is clear, act in faith. If you agree that the word is from God, pray that He will fulfill the prophecy in your life. Have an attitude of expectancy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
National Day of Prayer State Capitol Prayer Walk
The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 5, 2011. You are challenged to Prayer Walk on the State Capitol Grounds in Pierre on that day at any time between 6:00 am and 8:15 pm, but especially on the hour. (No other event is planned for the Pierre area, as far as we know, so Pierre Aglow respectfully invites you to join in a Prayer Walk observance of the National Day of Prayer.)
Thankfully, the snow is nearly gone, and we are praying for a warm, sunny day. Can we cover the State Capitol and our country in prayer on the National Day of Prayer, at every hour on the hour? If you will be able to participate, please register yourself or your group by commenting on this blog site or on the Facebook event page. Indicate your name/the group name and the time you will pray. (Of course, all are welcome to walk and pray whether or not they are registered.)
A limited number of Prayer Guides will be available at the entrance of Lutheran Memorial Church, across from the Capitol on the west side.
Please be respectful of our state workers and pray quietly or silently. Also, please stay on the sidewalks. If you are drawn to go into the Capitol building, please pray silently there.
The National Day of Prayer 2011 Theme Video will challenge you to lift up our nation every day.
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
Merlyn Hilmoe photo
Thankfully, the snow is nearly gone, and we are praying for a warm, sunny day. Can we cover the State Capitol and our country in prayer on the National Day of Prayer, at every hour on the hour? If you will be able to participate, please register yourself or your group by commenting on this blog site or on the Facebook event page. Indicate your name/the group name and the time you will pray. (Of course, all are welcome to walk and pray whether or not they are registered.)
A limited number of Prayer Guides will be available at the entrance of Lutheran Memorial Church, across from the Capitol on the west side.
Please be respectful of our state workers and pray quietly or silently. Also, please stay on the sidewalks. If you are drawn to go into the Capitol building, please pray silently there.
The National Day of Prayer 2011 Theme Video will challenge you to lift up our nation every day.
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
- Mobilize and encourage personal and corporate prayer, regardless of current issues and positions (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12, Matthew 18:19-20, Joel 2:13-16, II Chronicles 7:14)
- Preserve America’s Christian heritage and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Proverbs 14:34)
- Emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6)
- Foster unity within the Christian Church (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:11-13)
Monday, February 21, 2011
BURNING: PIERRE AGLOW NEWSLETTER NO. 1, JANUARY 2011
NEWSLETTER AND ITS FEATURES
Aglow’s theme verse is Romans 12:11 “Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.”
Welcome, as we share the warmth of the Holy Spirit and our friendship with the Lord and each other in this, our first ever newsletter issue!
A reliable source (my husband Merlyn) assures us that this has way too many words. Don’t give up – we’ll try to break it up into manageable chunks. Please take it in small amounts, a paragraph or a page at a time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“BURNING” will include a regular feature with an important prophetic word that will be encouraging to you. This month, Bill Yount’s word for “God’s treasures who are locked up” appears on pages 3-4.
Are you a ‘forerunner’? The first one in your family or your cellblock to turn your heart to Jesus? Mike Bickle outlines the first of seven commitments of a forerunner on page 2.
time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
I always do my exercises regularly in the morning. Immediately after waking I sternly say to myself, "Ready, now. Up. Down. Up. Down." And after two strenuous minutes I tell myself, "Okay, now try the other eyelid. "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forever, written by Chris Tomlin and performed by Michael W. Smith
Give thanks to the Lord,
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
CHORUS:
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever and ever, forever (2X)
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
CCLI No. 40894
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Commitment One: from ‘Seven Commitments of a Forerunner’
Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer
[You, too, can commit to the ‘forerunner’ ministry. In the next months, we’ll publish the remaining six ‘Commitments.’ - Pierre Aglow]
“God is beginning to prepare forerunners from many different streams in the Body of Christ worldwide. These forerunners will function in many different ways. They include those called as evangelists, pastors, teachers, media missionaries, artists, singers, musicians, actors, writers, and those in the marketplace. Many will focus on making disciples by leading small groups in their church, university, or workplace. Some homeschooling moms are effective forerunners, teaching their children about Jesus’ second coming and its implications. The forerunner ministry is not reserved for some elite group—it is a calling available to any who are willing to prepare for it. --Forerunners Proclaiming the Coming of Jesus
I. PRAY DAILY: CONNECTING WITH GOD WHILE CHANGING THE WORLD
A. Prayer has different expressions, such as devotional prayer (includes prayer-reading the Word and fellowshipping with the
Spirit to grow in intimacy with God), intercession for revival and justice, providing prayer covering for individuals, and praying for the sick. By praying in these different ways, we can encounter God, do the works of the kingdom, and change the world.
B. A consistent prayer life is essential to the forerunner ministry – only through a lifestyle of prayer can we receive the fullness of what God has provided for us. Prayer is essential, because it causes our spirits to be energized, releases God’s blessing on our circumstances, and results in real changes in the Church, the nations, and society.
C. Prayer connects us with God. It empowers us to love God (first commandment), causing us to overflow in love for others (second commandment). We love others better as we encounter God.
D. We can strengthen our prayer life in three ways: set a schedule for regular prayer times, make a prayer list, and have a right view of God. A schedule establishes “when” we will pray. A prayer list gives us focus on“what” to pray. A right view of God causes us to “want” to pray.
E. I use several prayer lists: [Below, a list of prayer points from the word F-E-L-L-O-W-S-H-I-P.]:
F - Fear of God: Father, release the spirit of the fear of God into my heart (Ps. 86:11)
E - Endurance (perseverance): Strengthen my spirit with endurance to do Your will (Col. 1:11)
L - Love: Father, pour out Your love into my heart (Phil. 1:9)
L - Light of glory: Father, let me see the light of Your glory (Acts 22:6-11; Ex. 33:18; Ps. 4:6)
O - One thing life focus: I choose to be a person of one thing, who sits at Your feet (Ps. 27:4)
W - Count me worthy: Strengthen me to have a worthy response to God in my life (2 Thes. 1:11)
S - Speech: Father, set a guard over my lips and free me from sinful speech (Eph. 4:29; Ps. 141:3)
H - Humility: Jesus, I want to learn from You how to walk in lowliness (Mt. 11:29)
I - Insight unto intimacy (wisdom): Give me insight into Your Word, will, and ways (Col. 1:9)
P - Peace and Joy: Strengthen my heart with peace and joy that overpower fear (Phil. 4:7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 22, 2001
"AROUND THE WORLD, PRISONS HOLD GOD'S TREASURES"
-- A Word to the Church by Bill Yount, Hagerstown, MD Bill's email: blowtheshofar@juno.com
It was late and I was tired, wanting to go to sleep, but God wanted to talk; it was about midnight, but it dawned on me that God does not sleep. His question made me restless. "Bill, where on earth does man keep his most priceless treasures and valuables?" I said, "Lord, usually these treasures like gold, silver, diamonds and precious jewels are kept locked up somewhere out of sight with usually guards and security to keep them under lock and key."
God spoke. “Like man, My most valuable treasures on earth are also locked up."
=============================================
OUT FROM THESE WALLS WILL COME FORTH AN ARMY
=============================================
I then saw Jesus standing in front of seemingly thousands of prisons and jails. The Lord said, "These have almost been destroyed by the enemy, but these ones have the greatest potential to be used and to bring forth glory to my name. Tell MY people, I am going this hour to the prisons to activate the gifts and callings that lie dormant in these lives that were given before the foundation of the earth. Out from these walls will come forth an Army of spiritual giants who will have power to literally kick down the gates of Hell and overcome satanic powers that are holding many of My own people bound in My own house.
====================================
FORGOTTEN VESSELS--MUST BE RESTORED
====================================
Tell my people that great treasure is behind these walls in these forgotten vessels. My people must come forth and touch these ones, for a mighty anointing will be unleashed upon these for future victory in My kingdom. THEY MUST BE RESTORED." I then saw the Lord step up to the prison doors with a key. One key fit every lock and the gates began to open. I then heard and saw great explosions which sounded like dynamite going off behind the walls. It sounded like all-out spiritual warfare. Jesus turned and said, "Tell My people to go in now and pick up the spoil and rescue these." Jesus then began walking in and touching inmates who were thronging Him. Many being touched instantly began to have a golden glow come over them. God spoke to me, "THERE'S THE GOLD!" Others had a silver glow around them. God said, "THERE'S THE SILVER!"
======================================
"NOW GO AND PULL DOWN THE STRONGHOLDS"
======================================
Like slow motion they began to grow into what appeared to be giant knights in armor-like warriors. They had on the entire armor of God and every piece was solid and pure gold! Even golden shields! When I saw the golden shields, I heard God say to these warriors: "Now go and take what Satan has taught you and use it against him. Go and pull down the strongholds coming against MY church." The spiritual giants then started stepping over the prison walls with no one to resist them, and they went immediately to the very front line of the battle with the enemy. I saw them walk right past the church as big-name ministers known for their power with God were surpassed by the giant warriors like David going after Goliath! They crossed the enemy's line and started delivering many of God's people from the clutches of Satan while demons trembled and fled out of sight at their presence.
======================
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
======================
No one, not even the church, seemed to know who these spiritual giants were or where they came from. All you could see was the armor, the golden armor of God, from head to foot, and the shields of gold were there. The shields were restored to God's House and there was great victory and rejoicing. I also saw silver, precious treasures, and vessels being brought in. Beneath the gold and silver were the people that nobody knew: REJECTS OF SOCIETY, STREET PEOPLE, THE OUTCASTS, THE POOR and the DESPISED. These were the treasures that were missing from His House.
In closing the Lord said, "If my people want to know where they are needed, tell them they are needed in the STREETS, the HOSPITALS, the MISSIONS, and PRISONS. When they come there they will find Me and the next move of my Spirit and they will be judged by My Word in Matthew 25:42. "For I was hungry and you gave me no meat: I was thirsty and you gave me no drink: I was a stranger and you took me not in: naked and you clothes me not: Sick and in prison and you visited me not."
Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.
ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250
Donate to Pierre Aglow Prison Ministry via Paypal.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Pierre Aglow Reading List
I have been thinking that we need a 'Prison Ministry Reading List'. If I'm not the only one, please add your suggestions for a reading list for our Prison Ministry Team. I own each of the books below (if you want to borrow one), or they are available online or from other sources. I am suggesting the following:
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge - this is a wonderful devotional book, and there's a companion Bible study workbook to go with it. There's also a DVD series which I have, and which, again, I'd love to have at the prison. Bob Sorge's website is oasishouse.net, and there is an online discussion forum for the book. It's also available at amazon.com, etc.
Sunset to Sunset by Thomas Lawrence Riggs (as told to Margaret Kellogg Howard). I think this is an important book for the spiritual mapping of our area. It may be available at the Cultural Heritage Center (I'll check on that) - I see it's quite expensive as a used book on Amazon or half.com.
The Captivity Series: The Key To Your Expected End by Katie Souza (also available at amazon and some others). She is a former inmate and drug addict who ministers deliverance. This is written specifically for inmates, in a Bible study format, and I think it would also be useful for those who minister in prisons. That said, I haven't read through the entire thing. I'd love to have it as a Bible study for prison inmates.
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge - this is a wonderful devotional book, and there's a companion Bible study workbook to go with it. There's also a DVD series which I have, and which, again, I'd love to have at the prison. Bob Sorge's website is oasishouse.net, and there is an online discussion forum for the book. It's also available at amazon.com, etc.
In the name of Jesus, I thank you, prison ministry team and everyone who reaches out to inmates. Thank you. You are very much appreciated.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Rick Joyner: Prepared for the Times Part 21
[On 'Small Business Saturday', please make a special attempt to patronize small businesses today (and always consider 'could I buy this at a smaller business?' when making purchases.]
Prepared for the Times, Part 21
Week 21, 2010
Rick Joyner
Presidents from both parties, congressmen, government workers, and the media seem oblivious to the fact that small business is the economic engine of America and where true prosperity and economic growth is in the world. In Marc Nuttle’s remarkable book, Moment of Truth, he writes about one of the most important insights possibly ever stated by a leader of China. Former Time correspondent, David Aikman, interviewed the retiring head of state in Communist China in 2002, Jiang Zemin, and asked what he wished for in regard to China’s future. His response shocked Aikman and much of the world when he replied:
I would like for my country to become a Christian nation.
When asked “Why,” Zemin’s response was an amazing revelation. He explained how a panel of Chinese scholars had spent twenty years studying why China continually lagged behind the West in science, industry, and culture. After considering every possible explanation, they concluded that it was the religious heritage of the West that had allowed it to reach such heights. The statement of these Chinese scholars was:
One of the things we were asked to do was look into what accounted for the success; in fact, the pre-eminence of the West all over the world. We studied everything we could from the historical, political, economic, and cultural perspective. At first, we thought it was because of a more powerful military. Then we thought it was because you had the best political system. Next we focused on your economic systems. But in the past twenty years we have realized that the heart of your culture is your religion: Christianity. This is why the West is powerful. The Christian moral foundation of the social and cultural life was what made possible the emergence of capitalism and then the successful transition to democratic politics. We don’t have any doubt about this. (Quoted from, Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity is Changing the Global Balance of Power, by David Aikman.)
By allowing more and more economic freedom, China has begun to mightily use this powerful economic force that simple freedom is. However, as Jiang Zemin understood, it is not just economic freedom that enabled America and the West to rise to such heights—it was its biblical worldview. There was purpose behind the prosperity. However, in the greatest economy ever developed, this most basic connect is being lost now in the United States. To the expressed shock of the leaders of the two most powerful former communist states, Russia and China, America, the forerunner and premier founder of the most powerful economic force in history, is now abandoning its biblical worldview as the former communist countries are embracing it. I prophesied that this would happen in a book I wrote in 1988, The Harvest, but I confess that watching it happen is still shocking to me.
As we have covered, studies have shown that small businesses create more than 70 percent of all new jobs in America, and most of these are family run businesses. The most powerful drive of this incentive is family, and family is held together by faith. As all of this has eroded in America, so has the basic infrastructure that could sustain America’s continued prosperity and strength.
At times, Scripture makes a distinction between riches and wealth. Riches tend to come easily and quickly and leave just as easily and quickly. However, wealth is the result of sound planning, faithfulness, patience, and endurance. Wealth comes much more slowly and with more difficulty, but will last for generations and usually multiplies if the same principles that created it are continued. Wealth is more than a balance sheet or money in accounts—it is resources gathered for a purpose. These resources are usually pursued by a family or families together.
Likewise, America built wealth because it was driven by purpose. This was never true of all, but it was true of the core of America. This purpose stayed on course because of the morals and values that guided the majority. However, the most dangerous elements were released into the culture of America when this majority became “the silent majority.” As Karl Marx taught, the tiny minority of the passionate will control the majority who are passive. This is how America is being taken over today by forces which are contrary to everything that built America into such a great and powerful nation.
The tipping points of history have usually come through the small but passionate minorities. Now, for more than half a century, small but loud minorities have dictated more and more of the direction of America. The vast majority, who has by far the great numbers required to turn this around, have become more and more passive. Without a wake-up, soon the downward spiral into centralized control will be hard to reverse, but it is not there yet, and there does seem to be an amazing awakening to this threat. This is kind of like the Gulf Coast oil spill in which we keep discovering that the situation is actually much worse than we thought. There may have never been a time when more citizens are actually reading the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, studying our national history, and even reading bills being passed by Congress, when it seems few congressmen are doing this. This is a foundation for hope.
http://www.morningstarministries.org/Articles/1000068928/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Word_for_the/2010/Prepared_for_the.aspx
Prepared for the Times, Part 21
Week 21, 2010
Rick Joyner
Presidents from both parties, congressmen, government workers, and the media seem oblivious to the fact that small business is the economic engine of America and where true prosperity and economic growth is in the world. In Marc Nuttle’s remarkable book, Moment of Truth, he writes about one of the most important insights possibly ever stated by a leader of China. Former Time correspondent, David Aikman, interviewed the retiring head of state in Communist China in 2002, Jiang Zemin, and asked what he wished for in regard to China’s future. His response shocked Aikman and much of the world when he replied:
I would like for my country to become a Christian nation.
When asked “Why,” Zemin’s response was an amazing revelation. He explained how a panel of Chinese scholars had spent twenty years studying why China continually lagged behind the West in science, industry, and culture. After considering every possible explanation, they concluded that it was the religious heritage of the West that had allowed it to reach such heights. The statement of these Chinese scholars was:
One of the things we were asked to do was look into what accounted for the success; in fact, the pre-eminence of the West all over the world. We studied everything we could from the historical, political, economic, and cultural perspective. At first, we thought it was because of a more powerful military. Then we thought it was because you had the best political system. Next we focused on your economic systems. But in the past twenty years we have realized that the heart of your culture is your religion: Christianity. This is why the West is powerful. The Christian moral foundation of the social and cultural life was what made possible the emergence of capitalism and then the successful transition to democratic politics. We don’t have any doubt about this. (Quoted from, Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity is Changing the Global Balance of Power, by David Aikman.)
By allowing more and more economic freedom, China has begun to mightily use this powerful economic force that simple freedom is. However, as Jiang Zemin understood, it is not just economic freedom that enabled America and the West to rise to such heights—it was its biblical worldview. There was purpose behind the prosperity. However, in the greatest economy ever developed, this most basic connect is being lost now in the United States. To the expressed shock of the leaders of the two most powerful former communist states, Russia and China, America, the forerunner and premier founder of the most powerful economic force in history, is now abandoning its biblical worldview as the former communist countries are embracing it. I prophesied that this would happen in a book I wrote in 1988, The Harvest, but I confess that watching it happen is still shocking to me.
As we have covered, studies have shown that small businesses create more than 70 percent of all new jobs in America, and most of these are family run businesses. The most powerful drive of this incentive is family, and family is held together by faith. As all of this has eroded in America, so has the basic infrastructure that could sustain America’s continued prosperity and strength.
At times, Scripture makes a distinction between riches and wealth. Riches tend to come easily and quickly and leave just as easily and quickly. However, wealth is the result of sound planning, faithfulness, patience, and endurance. Wealth comes much more slowly and with more difficulty, but will last for generations and usually multiplies if the same principles that created it are continued. Wealth is more than a balance sheet or money in accounts—it is resources gathered for a purpose. These resources are usually pursued by a family or families together.
Likewise, America built wealth because it was driven by purpose. This was never true of all, but it was true of the core of America. This purpose stayed on course because of the morals and values that guided the majority. However, the most dangerous elements were released into the culture of America when this majority became “the silent majority.” As Karl Marx taught, the tiny minority of the passionate will control the majority who are passive. This is how America is being taken over today by forces which are contrary to everything that built America into such a great and powerful nation.
The tipping points of history have usually come through the small but passionate minorities. Now, for more than half a century, small but loud minorities have dictated more and more of the direction of America. The vast majority, who has by far the great numbers required to turn this around, have become more and more passive. Without a wake-up, soon the downward spiral into centralized control will be hard to reverse, but it is not there yet, and there does seem to be an amazing awakening to this threat. This is kind of like the Gulf Coast oil spill in which we keep discovering that the situation is actually much worse than we thought. There may have never been a time when more citizens are actually reading the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, studying our national history, and even reading bills being passed by Congress, when it seems few congressmen are doing this. This is a foundation for hope.
http://www.morningstarministries.org/Articles/1000068928/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Word_for_the/2010/Prepared_for_the.aspx
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Broken Bowl
The Broken Bowl by M. J. Macmillan
It was only an ordinary bowl
On a shelf in a potter’s shop
On a shelf in a potter’s shop
So common that, when she first saw it
She passed by and didn’t bother to stop
But something caught her eye as she passed again
And she took the bowl into her hand
The weight was good, the size was right
But the feel of it was grand
As she stood there, holding this common bowl
Old memories began to stir
It felt like the bowls she’d known as a child
When she left, the bowl was still with her
She passed by and didn’t bother to stop
But something caught her eye as she passed again
And she took the bowl into her hand
The weight was good, the size was right
But the feel of it was grand
As she stood there, holding this common bowl
Old memories began to stir
It felt like the bowls she’d known as a child
When she left, the bowl was still with her
She took the bowl home and used it for years
To serve up her sumptuous fare
Whether dinner for two or a Thanksgiving feast
That bowl would always be there
The bowl was her favorite, as everyone knew
For she used it and washed it with care
A generous soul, she loaned many things
But this bowl she never would share
Life is uncertain and fragile at times
They say it’s all in the cards
One day came a slip, a scream and a crash
And her treasured bowl became pottery shards
As she stood there, holding the broken bits
Tears of sorrow slid down her face
For in the cupboard where had stood her precious bowl
There would now be an empty place
Sometimes, in ourselves, things get broken
And they leave us in an empty place
And when we’re not whole, there’s a weakness
That makes it hard to keep up with life’s pace
Broken pottery cannot be mended
When you break it, you throw it away
But pottery, like people, can be born again
And why not? We’re both made of clay
Just as a bowl can be shaped and formed
And rise again from the potter’s hand
So also can people, when they’ve fallen apart
Be lifted and shown again how to stand
He’ll provide for us that lift and help
For we’re all a son or a daughter
Formed with hope and care and love
By the hand of the MASTER potter
To serve up her sumptuous fare
Whether dinner for two or a Thanksgiving feast
That bowl would always be there
The bowl was her favorite, as everyone knew
For she used it and washed it with care
A generous soul, she loaned many things
But this bowl she never would share
Life is uncertain and fragile at times
They say it’s all in the cards
One day came a slip, a scream and a crash
And her treasured bowl became pottery shards
As she stood there, holding the broken bits
Tears of sorrow slid down her face
For in the cupboard where had stood her precious bowl
There would now be an empty place
Sometimes, in ourselves, things get broken
And they leave us in an empty place
And when we’re not whole, there’s a weakness
That makes it hard to keep up with life’s pace
Broken pottery cannot be mended
When you break it, you throw it away
But pottery, like people, can be born again
And why not? We’re both made of clay
Just as a bowl can be shaped and formed
And rise again from the potter’s hand
So also can people, when they’ve fallen apart
Be lifted and shown again how to stand
He’ll provide for us that lift and help
For we’re all a son or a daughter
Formed with hope and care and love
By the hand of the MASTER potter
from 'Poems for the Common Man' by M. J. McMillan
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