Fellowship Corner & Message of the Week

The Fellowship Corner

This is where we share emails that have come to us with you. Some are like journals or testimonials. At times they are smart, informative and sometimes, just plain funny! We hope that you will take the time, when it permits to share something that you found joy in, with those who come here. Enjoy!

Continued prayers for the family and friends of Little William...

JOEL & VICTORIA OSTEEN

Trust Him with Your Dreams

SCRIPTURE

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives"
(John 12:24, NLT)

A WORD from Joel and Victoria
It's good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that's all you think about and you're not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that's out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar.

Are you frustrated because you're trying to force things to happen on your timetable? Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but actually, when we let them go, that's when God can bring them to pass. If you'll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead use that same time and energy to thank God that He's directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart.

We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He's the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn't be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future!

A PRAYER

Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

"Dedicating this to "Friends of SweetSpiritz", and all FOSS members!"

A powerful key to prayer
by Rick Warren

And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them. Matthew 18:19-20 (TEV)

If you look at the Lord’s Prayer, you’ll see that it reflects praying together – “Our Father … give us … our daily bread … forgive us our debts … as we also have forgiven our debtors … lead us not into temptation … deliver us …. (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV, italics mine)

Many of us miss out of so much because they only pray by themselves. Yet, when Jesus gave us an outline for prayer, he spoke about praying together. There is power in group prayer.

If you’re not praying with other believers, then you're not getting the support you need. You’re missing out on one of the major benefits of being a Christian. Jesus says “whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them. (Matthew 18:19-20, TEV) That's the power of praying with other people.

Ask yourself, “Who am I consistently praying with on a regular basis?” You may be saying you've never prayed with anybody before and it scares you to death. Its okay to start slow: When you get together with five or six other friends, you don't have to pray if you don't want to; you can sit there and be quiet.

Then, after several weeks, as you become more comfortable, you can begin to participate more in the group’s prayers. You'll find a new level of stability in your life.

If you've never prayed with other people, start by praying aloud when you're alone. I do most of my praying on the freeway. I'm driving down the road and praying out loud: “Lord, here are some things I want to talk with you about today."

Another suggestion is to pray at meals. Our family holds hands together; sometimes we pray sentence prayers -- Thank you prayers to God for what he has done for us.

Praying together is one form of worshipping God.

Message for the week of

July 25, 2010

Blessings and Salutations to all my brothers and sisters out there in this heat!!! For in this type of torrid heat and hot weather, it is difficult for the most fit of persons to keep it moving! LOL. I want to thank you all for your prayers and get wells as I recover from the horrible infection that laid me up for almost 3 weeks. But it was the goodness, kindness and professionalism of Dr.Beauzile that helped me back on my feet and back into the swing of things. Thank You & I will remember you in my prayers of thanksgiving to GOD!

This week, a close friend of mines was talking to me and had a question about the creation of man and woman. And after I spoke to her about the perfect goodness of GOD, I began to speak with her about believing. For in believing, we shut down doubt and misconception. We take hold of the truth, which is in the WORD and we living accordingly.

But again, she was not the first person that has questions. And questions, by all means, are good things. For when we begin to want to know about the marvelous and magnificent works of GOD, then we begin to grow as HIS children in brotherhood and love. And being sure of what we believe, makes it more than just agreeing with options...lol.

So where do we begin when we seek to know about GOD and attempt to build our relationship? We begin at the beginning. And all through the Old Testament we are reminded of what GOD promises to us; how HE loves us; and what lies ahead for us. And then here comes Jesus. This is GOD's chance to prove to us HIS true love for us, even though HIS pain of losing us long before was still there. What a forgiving GOD we serve...

And TD Jakes makes a statement about proving GOD's power through the goodness and perfect SON HE gave us, Jesus. Remember how Martha sent word to Jesus days before Lazarus iminent death, and how Jesus didn't hurry there. Why? Because HE knew from HIS Father, that HIS coming to Marthas' aid was a simple task, but a most important one. HE had to prove to us that HIS grace and mercy would make the people truly KNOW that HE was the SON of GOD. So what better way than to raise Lazarus from the dead! Here's what Bishop Jakes said..."Wouldn't you believe, if you saw a dead man who had been stinking in the grave for four days come out and take a sip of coffee?" (LOL)

Well I think for me, I'd believe. What about you? It was the WILL of GOD that prevailed here, to show the people that GOD is in control of any situation that may arise. And only HE can bring about the changes that reflect redemption and joy.

The things that become parts of our knowledge bank, are the things that usually stick with us for life. So why is it so hard for us to look at testimony of the greatness of GOD, and know that HE is perfection and truth? Perhaps its' reflective on the world around us that is filled with everything from pain, suffering, disease and hate, that fills us with doubt. Perhaps we have been bombarded with so much of this that we are tired and forlorn about the goodness that is possible for us. And perhaps it may even stem from what we already know; that this is not the GARDEN that GOD had intended for us from the beginning. So it is again the beginning that we must understand before we can understand anything that happened after that!

So this week, I send you my love and I pray for your understanding, so that the questions that you ask will easily be answered. All you have to do is to seek the answers in the WORD. And for those who have not read the posted chapter summary/review, please do so this week before Friday, since I will be changing it then. My blessed birthday is August 1st, and I will taking the weekend off. I'm happy to see another year, since I can remember the first time I saw death coming for me when I had cancer in 1992. But GOD as always has a plan in store for each of us. All we have to do is embrace HIM and HE will show us the way....

This week, my close and much loved friend and neighbor, Mrs. Barbara Hancock is celebrating her 71st birthday and I'm so blessed to have her in my life and I want to wish her a wonderful birthday! Another long time friend, Mr. Thomas Davis is celebrating his 57th birthday, and I send my love and best wishes to him as he celebrates yet another fantastic year! To one of the most wonderful friends I've ever met, DarkLion (ElNegroLion), a very happy, healthy and hearty Happy Birthday James! Love ya my friend!

To my daughter... Happy 34th Birthday Damita. I forgive you and I pray that you find peace and happiness, where ever you are and in whatever you do. Trust GOD and HE will show you the way and the truth. HE has all the answers. All you have to do is come to HIM naked; without anything or anyone. For HE alone will bring you peace. I'll be praying for you, and your children are praying for you as well...

"He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living."(Job 33:27-30 KJV)

With gladness I'm happy to announce the next group of FOSS (Friends Of SweetSpiritz.com), will open, and be operational beginning August 1st, on Black Planet. Some folks have said that they don't like BP because of the young folk. However, it is the young folk that need the WORD more than most of us old folk! LOL. And BP has a great thing there...you can make your page private, so that only your friends can see and post to your page. You can locate us by going to our page there "sweetspiritz". FOSS is an active fellowship. So if you are not prepared to post and partcipate with the reading and any discussions once a week, then please don't waste my time or yours by joining. All of the work that I put into SweetSpiritz takes time, which I'm short on; to give what I give to my members, and I don't and won't take time to run behind anyone! If you're not serious about being in fellowship, then come back and join when you are ready! Amen? Ok? I've been on BP for about 10 years, so I'll be there when you get ready to join me. LOL.

Before I close, I want to again wish all my fellow LEOs a very Happy Birthday! And for those of us who are well and able, please look out for those who are in need; who are handicapped and elderly. In this impressive heat and stormy weather occurances, it is those who need help, who need you the most now! Your random act of love can make the difference in others' lives! And to my sister in Christ, Yvette (SweetAllOver1), my prayers are with you always. Get well soon & get some rest! (pot calling the kettle black huh Sis! LMBO! Love Ya!)

Well until Friday, me and my grandsons will be chillin' and visiting with my Dad. Its' truly a blessing to see my Dad's face when he looks upon his great-grandsons. Can't get much better. Remember its' the simple things that bring the most joy... and that is LOVE! Trust me they all work my nerves, but I wouln't have it any other way! (LOL) GOD bless you all!

RedSnapper149
"Rev. Red"

(Posted by Patty)

Doubt sees the obstacle,
faith sees the Way.
Doubt sees a long dark night,
faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step,
faith soars on high.
Doubt thunders, "Who believes?"
Faith whispers, "I."

*** If you would like to share your experience of hope, please feel free to use the comment box below. If you would like to remain anonymous, please indicate that also. I'm sure that your testimony will touch someone else's heart and spirit, so don't delay ... share your testimony with others! God Bless***

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