The Greatest Gift Is Joy

Spiritual Abuse

2010-06-20T19:03:00.000-04:00

Spiritual abuse occurs when a person in religious authority or a person with a unique spiritual practice misleads and maltreats another person in the name of God or church or in the mystery of any spiritual concept. Spiritual abuse often refers to an abuser using spiritual or religious rank in taking advantage of the victim's spirituality (mentality and passion on spiritual matters) by putting the victim in a state of unquestioning obedience to an abusive authority.

Spiritual abuse is the maltreatment of a person in the name of God, faith, religion, or church, whether habitual or not, and includes any of the following:

• Psychological and emotional abuse
• Any act by deeds or words that demean, humiliate or shame the natural worth and dignity of a person as a human being
• Submission to spiritual authority without any right to disagree; intimidation
• Unreasonable control of a person's basic right to make a choice on spiritual matters
• False accusation and repeated criticism by negatively labeling a person as disobedient, rebellious, lacking faith, demonized, apostate, enemy of the church or God
• Prevention from practicing faith
• Isolation or separation from family and friends due to religious affiliation
• Physical abuse that includes physical injury, deprivation of sustenance, and sexual abuse
• Exclusivity; dismissal of an outsider's criticism and labeling an outsider as of the devil
• Withholding information and giving of information only to a selected few
• Conformity to a dangerous or unnatural religious view and practice
• Hostility that includes shunning, (relational aggression, parental alienation) and persecution

Characteristics

Researchers conceptualize a set of discernible characteristics of spiritual abuse.
Ronald Enroth in Churches That Abuse identifies five categories:

1. Authority and Power - abusive groups misuse and distort the concept of spiritual authority. Abuse arises when leaders of a group arrogate to themselves power and authority that lacks the dynamics of open accountability and the capacity to question or challenge decisions made by leaders. The shift entails moving from general respect for an office bearer to one where members loyally submit without any right to dissent.

2. Manipulation and Control - abusive groups are characterized by social dynamics where fear, guilt, and threats are routinely used to produce unquestioning obedience, group conformity, and stringent tests of loyalty to the leaders are demonstrated before the group. Biblical concepts of the leader-disciple relationship tend to develop into a hierarchy where the leader's decisions control and usurp the disciple's right or capacity to make choices on spiritual matters or even in daily routines of what form of employment, form of diet and clothing are permitted.

3. Elitism and Persecution - abusive groups depict themselves as unique and have a strong organizational tendency to be separate from other bodies and institutions. The social dynamism of the group involves being independent or separate, with diminishing possibilities for internal correction and reflection. Outside criticism and evaluation is dismissed as the disruptive efforts of evil people seeking to hinder or thwart.

4. Life-style and Experience - abusive groups foster rigidity in behavior and in belief that requires unswerving conformity to the group's ideals and social mores.

5. Dissent and Discipline - abusive groups tend to suppress any kind of internal challenges and dissent concerning decisions made by leaders. Acts of discipline may involve emotional and physical humiliation, physical violence or deprivation, acute and intense acts of punishment for dissent and disobedience.
Agnes and John Lawless argue in The Drift into Deception that there are eight characteristics of spiritual abuse, and some of these clearly overlap with Enroth's criteria. They list the eight marks of spiritual abuse as comprising:

1. charisma and pride,
2. anger and intimidation,
3. greed and fraud,
4. immorality,
5. Enslaving authoritarian structure,
6. Exclusivity,
7. Demanding loyalty and honor,
8. New revelation.

Although some of these points form aspects of a strong and healthy society (e.g. respect for proper authority, loyalty and honor), the basis of spiritual abuse is when these characteristics are overstretched to achieve a desired goal that is neither supported by spiritual reality nor by the human conscience.

A Form Of Godliness

2010-06-20T18:59:00.002-04:00

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Read it in its full context 2Ti 3: 1-9

A form of godliness is very different from the power that resides in true believer; from such as are found to be hypocrites, Real Christians must withdraw or be deceived also. Such persons have been found within every church, in every place, and at all times. They are creative men, who, by pretending and flattery, sneak into the favor and confidence of those who are gullible, ignorant, and fanciful. We must be forever learning to know the Lord; but these follow every new fad or doctrine, yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus.These were men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and without faith. The spirit of error was loose for a time, God has said NO MORE. Satan no longer can deceive the nations and the churches. His soldiers of truth have arrived and are positioned to do battle and to execute judgment on the churches who have these heretics in there mist wandering too and fro seeking who they can devour.

To the Church Let God arise and your enemies will scatter let God arise and your enemies will fail. Raise your banner and say as for me an my church we will serve the Lord with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Thus saith the Lord No longer will I tolerate church as usual I will shut you down and cut you off from the face of the earth. Baal you are on notice that you will no longer corrupt my sheep with lack of money, position or power. You will no longer speak to their lack. If they follow my statues I will deliver them and pour out my blessings and this is how you will know my true churches they will be blessed. Thus saith the Lord.

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

KJV, Excerpts from MHCC,
Prophecy from Apostle Diane Robinson

Church of The Ladoceans

2010-06-20T18:56:00.001-04:00

Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, “The Amen;” one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser moment! A severe punishment is threatened. They would give a false opinion of Christianity, as if it were an unholy religion; while others would conclude it could afford no real satisfaction, otherwise its professors would not have been heartless in it, or so ready to seek pleasure or happiness from the world.

One cause of this indifference and inconsistency in religion is, self-conceit and self-delusion; “Because thou sayest.” What a difference between their thoughts of themselves, and the thoughts Christ had of them! How careful should we be not to cheat our owns souls! There are many in hell, who once thought themselves far in the way to heaven. Let us beg of God that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves. Professors grow proud, as they become carnal and formal. Their state was wretched in itself. They were poor; really poor, when they said and thought they were rich. They could not see their state, nor their way, nor their danger, yet they thought they saw it. They had not the garment of justification, nor sanctification: they were exposed to sin and shame; their rags that would defile them. They were naked, without house or harbour, for they were without God, in whom alone the soul of man can find rest and safety.

Good counsel was given by Christ to this sinful people. Happy those who take his counsel, for all others must perish in their sins. Christ lets them know where they might have true riches, and how they might have them. Some things must be parted with, but nothing valuable; and it is only to make room for receiving true riches. Part with sin and self-confidence, that you may be filled with his hidden treasure. They must receive from Christ the white raiment he purchased and provided for them; his own imputed righteousness for justification, and the garments of holiness and sanctification.

Let them give themselves up to his word and Spirit, and their eyes shall be opened to see their way and their end. Let us examine ourselves by the rule of his word, and pray earnestly for the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to take away our pride, prejudices, and worldly lusts. Sinners ought to take the rebukes of God's word and rod, as tokens of his love to their souls. Christ stood without; knocking, by the dealings of his providence, the warnings and teaching of his word, and the influences of his Spirit. Christ still graciously, by his word and Spirit, comes to the door of the hearts of sinners. Those who open to him shall enjoy his presence. If what he finds would make but a poor feast, what he brings will supply a rich one. He will give fresh supplies of graces and comforts. In the conclusion is a promise to the overcoming believer. Christ himself had temptations and conflicts; he overcame them all, and was more than a conqueror. Those made like to Christ in his trials, shall be made like to him in glory. All is closed with the general demand of attention. And these counsels, while suited to the churches to which they were addressed, are deeply interesting to all men.

MHCC KJV
Apostle DIane Robinson

Endure As A Good Soldier In Christ

2010-06-20T18:51:00.002-04:00

2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
2Ti 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
2Ti 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
2Ti 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2Ti 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Soldier in the kingdom of God - In the army of god, the Lord Jesus is my commanding officer, the holy bible is my code of conduct, prayer and the whole armor of God are weapons of warfare, I have been taught by the holy spirit, Trained by experience, Tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

God wants you to know that he is not a liar. He has made promises to each and every one of you. They are exclusive to you. Words he has written on your heart. In order for me to give you the promises it is going to cost you. Some of you want things returned to you that I cannot do yet. Your heart is not right. I would not give you a heart transplant in a body riddled with cancer. The enemy wants you to believe I have for gotten you. Suffering is part of the Kingdom. It isn't only for certain people. All have had their share and must to take part in my Kingdom. Your eternal glory should be first and foremost on your mind. I desire each of you to have an abundant life. There are seasons for all things. There is a time to sow a time to reap a time to plant and etc. You are creating a hell in your mind. Read my words beloved so you can cleanse your mind. If your mind is a battlefield you must read what my promises are for you in my word.

Being a good soldier means enduring hardness. Life is difficult but it is imperative that you see it as gain for the kingdom. God says yield. You are distressed about what you lost but count it all for joy because I want to give you something new. Why do you want to carry the burdens from 10 years ago? My love and mercies are refreshed each morning like the dew of the grass. The dew on the grass is from the coolness of the evening and the sun warming the blades of grass. I am strengthening you in this season. You need to know my plans and purpose for your life. If you don't know who you are in Christ the enemy can tell you things that are not true. Constantly refresh, seek me in those hard places. God gives you understanding at all times but you have to seek me to find me. I need you to drink of me and be refreshed. I have come to give you life with purpose but you have to let go of all the things inside you so I can fill you anew.

->End

Grace and peace to you all and may God be lifted up in your life. I praise God for each and everyone who is fulfilling the purposes of the Kingdom. Glory be to God!

Apostle Diane Robinson

RECOGNIZING MANIPULATION AND INTIMIDATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOMINATION (CONTROL)

2010-06-20T18:43:00.001-04:00

RECOGNIZING MANIPULATION AND INTIMIDATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOMINATION (CONTROL)
Control by false authority, manipulation, intimidation

Manipulation–definition–Skillful and efficient deceit using artful, unfair or unobtrusive devices and contrivances in a secret manner in order to control others.

Intimidation–definition–The use of fear or coercion to force submission to another’s will.

Domination–definition–To influence the actions and conduct of another to be first in power, influence or rank.

Practitioners attempt to project an attractive and irresistible image of superior natural and/or supernatural skills, abilities and accomplishments. The attempted techniques, methods and procedures employed are easily recognized:
(1) Projection of guilt upon others by:
(a) Correction
(b) Criticism
(c) Fault finding
(d) Disapproval
(e) Condemnation
(f) Confrontation
(g) Ignoring an individuals existence
(h) Circulating malicious opinions
(i) Non-acceptance into their clique
(j) Blame

(2) Statements in the form of questions or analogies designed to put others on the defensive.

(3) Not initiating closure when problems surface in a personal relationship, regardless of who is responsible for the problem. They will always depend on the unresolved tension to cause the other party to contact them first to resolve the issue.

(4) Establishing uncertainty of the past, present or future to build insecurity in a person and dependence upon the practitioner’s abilities and information by:

(a) Altering true information
(b) Withholding true information
(c) Issuing false information
(d) Using big names as information sources

(5) Illegally assuming authority without responsibility, by:

(a) Outright claims that they have the official sanction of those in charge
(b) Implied claims they have the official sanction of those in charge
(c) Manipulating, maneuvering and motivating others to think, feel and choose the way the practitioner wants them to
(d) “Spiritual” revelations
(e) Physical authority—violence, temper tantrums, force, sex, drugs, etc.
(f) Rebelling against established authority

(6) Illegally attempting to assume responsibility without authority.

(7) Declarations of dependency: “You don’t understand how much I need you (depend, trust, etc).” This may be followed by “and how little you care what happens to me.”

(8) Declarations of reverse dependency: “You don’t understand how much you need me (depend, trust, etc).” This may be followed by “and how much I care what happens to you.”

(9) The “Let me show you how to do it” ploy. This makes others realize they do not have the time, talent or temperament to accomplish something, thereby shaming them into letting the practitioner volunteer to do the job.

(10) The “Show me how to do it” ploy. This makes others realize the practitioner does not have the time, talent or temperament to accomplish something, thereby shaming them into volunteering to do the job.

(11) The “I tried to cover for your mistake” routine, “and it:”

(a) Worked, so you’ve got to repay the favor by doing something for me.
(b) Didn’t work, so you’ve got to do something to fix the problem.

(12) The “I tried to teach you, but you won’t listen to me, so don’t ask me any more questions” ploy. This ploy is to punish others by instilling a deep sense of loss created by withdrawal of the practitioners (opinionated) “wise counsel.”

(13) Insults directed at others to further distance the practitioner, who by now knows they have failed in their efforts to dominate.

(14) Polarizing groups of people into adverse parties. This is further punishment for failure to recognize the superiority of the practitioner and an attempt to establish control by comparing persons to create competition.

(15) Withdrawal, when suggestions, comments or questions come up about their pronouncements, with simulated:

(a) Hurt
(b) Rejection
(c) Depression
(d) Physical sickness
(e) Protests of innocence
(f) Accusations of others

(16) False remorse, with hypocritical statements of now perceiving how their past activities have hurt others and a seeking of forgiveness for past behavior.

(17) Self-proclaimed martyrdom, usually follows withdrawal or false remorse when the practitioner realizes others are not fooled by their insincerity.
Withdrawal or self-proclaimed martyrdom is tacit admission of failure to successfully dominate others.

(18) Instigation of difficult, uncomfortable or costly activities for others, which may or may not benefit the practitioner.
This is their last desperate effort to control others after having been exposed as two-faced hypocrites, gossips and liars. They will eventually resort to their old, more satisfying, tactics in an attempt to force others to depend upon them. This dominating technique, however, may be used at any time by them to control situations, circumstances and social environments.

(19) You may also notice one or more of the following communication techniques.

They will:
(1) State the obvious
(2) Make a mountain out of a molehill
(3) Play “can you top this”
(4) Promise beyond their delivery capability
(5) Stampede into action before all the facts are in
(6) Edit the facts to dramatize their point
(7) Keep in constant motion, unconcerned about direction
(8) State the opposite of the facts, because all else failed.

Under no circumstances respond directly to their overtures. Do not address the issues they raise. You must respond by stating that they have no responsibility or authority to make such a statement to you, and that they are out of order.
If your relationship with them has not been that close in the past, you may add that because of their present improper social behavior and breach of etiquette, your mutual relationship certainly won’t be close in the future.

Written by Steve Morris Circa 1999
http://www.angelfire.com/in/HisName/page5.html

The five Fold Ministry Must Operate in Today's Church

2010-06-20T18:40:00.002-04:00

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

I went to church in a well known church today on the east end of Long Island NY. Holding out hope church. We were greeted with love and treated great. They broadcast on WLIX radio. The praise and worship reminded me of the days with The Vineyard. Talented musicians and the two pastors husband and wife led worship Pastor Richard and Diane Anderson. He preached so beautifully. They both loved God and it was clear. We were asked to fill out a contact card and we hesitated because we are members of another church. My husband filled it out Pastor Eric Robinson and Apostle Diane Robinson. So as praise and worship finished he said we have clergy visiting us Pastor Eric Robinson and his wife Diane Robinson.

My heart sank. The church did not recognize the five fold ministry. They did have a layman team, intercessors. There were some speaking in tongues. There was no prophet or apostle. I felt sad because there is so much we could do together and because they do not recognize my office I cannot go back. It was funny too because he was talking about the prodigal and getting kissed by the father when you come back. He said sometimes you get kissed by a Judas. I thought it was ironic. I was blessed because I said if nothing else I attended their church to worship God and that is what I did.

They are having a huge revival coming up. They are spending $15,000 and have collected $10,000 so far. It is a blessed thriving church. A sadness came over me as I remembered the scripture when Jesus said many will come in my name and say Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
See the lesson in this is we cannot be ignorant and follow some of the scriptures and not all. God is the word and all of it is GOD. Not just the New Testament. The five fold ministry is how the church is to operate. If your church is not it is because it is not accepting it as valid and is from false doctrine or there are none in the church because it is small.

We have to take the blinders off. Your pastor could be leading you straight to hell because of doctrine. My husband and I could have been a tremendous blessing to them and aided them in their revival week. We would have thoroughly enjoyed it. Our passion is the lost and every ministry that operates in the church. I am grateful to God that my husband and I read the word and do not get tickled on Sunday by good preaching. It is not the will of God for us to be deceived. We must know the word of God and operate in our gifts. Any church out there who does not operate in the five fold and recognize the offices in Ephesians 4:11 or picks and chooses scriptures to follow is making a grievous error.

The good news is the churches can repent and allow Gods anointed to operate and help the church. People do not go sick to a hospital and not expect to get healed. It is the same for a church. My job is not to down pastors or tear down churches who really do love the Lord but because they are blinded are missing God and the gifts he wants to bestow on people. Please pray for our churches so that God can build his churches the way he intended and have all the gifts operating together. In Jesus name I pray…AMEN

The Herod Spirit

2010-06-20T18:37:00.002-04:00

The Herod spirit is violent. Herod tolerated the people worshipping the God of Israel when he did not…But he would have no other king other than him. Herod loved only one person in the whole world…himself. Jesus threatened everything that was Herod: his legacy, pride, comfort, and pleasures. Herod also didnt want to be... told he was wrong and cut off John the baptist's head.

History teaches three things about Herod. First, Herod was one of the richest men who ever lived. Second, he was violently paranoid. Third, he possessed a monumental ego.

The enemies of God withhold no tactic to assault his people and profane his word. In response, we need to be spiritually violent ourselves by making a bold stand for God, which ... See Morewill mean the world will forsake us. We may lose friends, promotions, or even recognition and respect. How striking that this pervasive spirit, we see today, was epitomized by King Herod.

Many set up their little kingdoms where everything is about I. God is the ruler of one kingdom. The kingdom of God! Herod was prideful and didn’t want to be told he was spiritually immoral for marrying his brother’s wife. The wife asked for John the Baptist head. Some of you are being assailed like John the Baptist. Some of you leaders are acting like Herod. God will cut you off and you won’t even know it. Herod was a manipulator and was a master at it. He was chosen by himself and manipulated his way into authority.

Imagine Herod’s response were someone to confront him about all the wrong he’s done, that he needed to give it all up and repent. This is the very enemy we fight today! People have their pleasures and their comforts. They’re terrified of what others will think and what they stand to lose to follow Jesus

Walking In Circles

2010-04-22T11:38:00.003-04:00

No lofty words to say only that "The proof is in the pudding. Neh 10:28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

Conversion is separating from the course and custom of this world, devoting ourselves to the conduct directed by the word of God. When we bind ourselves to do the commandments of God, it is to do all his commandments, and to look to him as the Lord, and our Lord.

I just have such an urgency for the saints of God to stop stumbling and walking around in circles. A circle has no end once caught up in it regardless if you went around it 100 times or more the familiarity keeps you there. A circle could be friends, Sin it is whatever keeps us in confusion. The devil is a liar.

You are going in circles chasing something that was sent on an assignment to kill you. Psa 107:4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Psa 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Psa 107:6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered the...m out of their distresses. STOP YOUR INSANITY. RAISE UP A STANDARD. SPEAK TO THAT THING AND SAY :

Psa 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
Psa 107:13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Psa 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Today's Rhema Word "Mirror"

2010-04-20T08:01:00.002-04:00

Mirror

A pattern; an exemplar; that on which men ought to fix their eyes; that which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen.

What do you Mirror? What is your Mirror? Who is your Mirror? It is important to use the word because we are not God we are not capable of seeing ourselves the way he does (A true representation). Sometimes we magnify even the smallest flaws. Love is what we should all see when we look in the mirror. Look in your mirro...r. Take an assessment. What flaws are you focusing on? Give them to Jesus.

Scriptures For Flagging

2009-11-17T11:34:00.003-05:00

Flag Scriptures

(Galatians 6:7, 8, 9)(Jeremiah 17:10)
(I Corinthians 13:11) (Joshua 1:8)

Scripture Meditation for Dance/Flag Ministry

Psalms 149
Jeremiah 29:11
John 10:4
Proverbs 19:2
Luke 14:28
Psalms 24:4,5
Psalms 25

Expectations:

Loyalty/Faithfullness/Trustworthy
Quality time in the Bible and in Prayer
Regular attendance in church
Participation in regular Praise time
Good attitude and good relations/respect for others
Be on time for meetings/practices/Ministry time
Let me know if you can't make a meeting/practice
Spend time at home with Lord/Practice/Meditate
Be willing to make sacrifices for others

Luke 12:35 Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning.

*Note*
Anyone in the Dance/Flag Ministry (Or part of the Dance/Flag Ministry Leadership) displaying Obvious Sin/Purposely Displaying Cruelty/Disrespect for the Pastor(s) or/and to/for Others, Or Dance/Flag Ministry Leadership that is Misusing Authority that was given to them- can be asked to step down from Dance/Flag Ministry and/or Their Dance/Flag Ministry Leadership Position, by the Pastor(s)(or person/people that the Pastor(s) have placed in Authority over a Ministry). The Pastor(s) are the "Head" of the Local Body Church.

Pray Against the Spirits of:

*We all need to Pray AGAINST Spirits & Feelings of

Fear
Competition
Jealousy
Envy
Covetousness (Wanting what someone else has)
Control
Offense
Criticism
Control
Pride
Strife
(Backbiting, Gossip, ANY Division amongst the Dance/Flag Ministry OR within the Body of Christ as a "Whole").

Pray For the Spirits of:

Humilty
Love
Joy
Unity
Peace
Faith
Cooperation
Holy Boldness (Confidence in God)

I John 1
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Ephesians 6:11-12

Scripture Meditation (Dance/Flag Ministry Leadership)

PROVERBS 2:2-11
PSALMS 133
Jeremiah 17:10
I John 1:9
Isaiah 50:4
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
Proverbs 11:14
Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 24:6
Psalms 55:14
John 7:24
Malachi 3:18
Matthew 7:16-20
Deuteronomy 1:16,17,18
I Kings 3:9,10,11
Galatians 6:7,8,9
James 4:10

The Colors of The Flag and What They Mean

2009-11-17T11:15:00.003-05:00

Yellow: Faith and glory of God (Romans 4:20), anointing (Exodus 25:6)

Orange: Fire of God (Ezekiel 1:4; 27; 8:2), deliverance (Daniel 3:19-29), warrior (Psalm 97:3), passionate praise (Ephesians 3:19)

Fuchsia: Joy (Isaiah 55:1; Nehemiah 8:10), right relationship (Psalm 16:11; 32:11), communion (Song of Solomon 5:1)

Scarlet: Fine linen for the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1; 31; 36; Numbers 4:8), Cleansing (Leviticus 14:52), Royalty (Daniel 5:7; 16; 29)

Red: Blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7), love of Christ (Romans 8:35-36), blood of the lamb, atonement (Leviticus 14:52-53), redemption (Galatians 3:13), salvation (Joshua 2:18-21)

Wine: new birth (Matthew 9:17), multiply (John 2:9; 10), overflow (Joel 2:24), mercy (Amos 9:13, 14), filled with plenty (Proverbs 3:10), new wine (Ephesians 5:18)

Purple: Royalty (Ester 8:15; Revelation 1:6), kingship (Mark 15:17; John 19:2), majesty, mediator, wealth (Judges 8:26; Revelations 18:16), authority (Ezekiel 27:7)

Blue/Sapphire: Law/commandments (Numbers 15:38-41), heaven (Ezekiel 1:26), revealed God (Exodus 24:10), grace (Romans 6:14; Hebrew 4:16), the Priesthood (Exodus 28:31), water of the Word and authority (Ephesians 5:26), prayer, river of God (Revelation 22:1-2; 17), over-comer
(1 John 4:4; Revelation 3:21), Living water (John 7:38-39), Holy Spirit, divine revelation (Hebrews 10:15-16)

Turquoise/Jasper/Aqua: River of God (Revelation 22:1), sanctification, healing (Revelation 22:2), life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), the New Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12; 21:2)

Green: Praise (1 Chronicles 16:32-34; Psalm 63:3), life, (1 John 2:25), health (Genesis 1:30), growth (Genesis 9:3), prosperity (Genesis 30:37-41), restoration (Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 23:2,3) new beginning (Isaiah 27:6; Romans 6:4), fruitfulness (Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:8), flourishing (Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 17:24; Psalm 92:12-15)

Gold: Eternal Deity, the Godhead, foundation, sanctified (2 Timothy 2:20:21), alter (Genesis 44:8; Exodus 37:2;6; 25:11;12), beauty (Ester 1:6;7), precious, holiness (Genesis 39:30), glory, purified out of the refining fire (Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 13:9), tested (1 Corinthians 3:11-14), majesty (Ester 8:15), righteousness (Psalm 119:127), divine light (1 John 1:7)

Silver: The Word of God, redemption (Deuteronomy 22:29; Matthew 27:5; 6; Ephesians 4:30) refined, purity (Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 13:9), divinity, righteousness, salvation (Zechariah 11:12; 13)

White: The Bride of Christ (Psalm 29:2; Romans 6:22; Ephesians 5:8-16; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 3:4-5; 7:9;14; 19:8;11;14; 22:17), purity (2 Chronicles 5:12; Daniel 12:10), Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22; John 1:32), blessedness, holiness (Ecclesiastes 9:8; Isaiah 35:8; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 47:8; 96:9; Ephesians 4:24, 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7), righteousness (Isaiah Revelati1:18; 61:10), light (Ecclesiastes 2:13), joy (Ester 8:15-17), angels (John 20:12), saints (Psalm 30:4), peace (Hebrews 12:14), completion (Matthew 17:2; Colossians 2:10; 4:12), conquest (Daniel 7:90), triumph, victory (Matthew 28:3; on 1:14; 20:11), surrender, harvest (John 4:35)

Brown: End of a season (Ecclesiastes 3:2; Jeremiah 8:13; Matthew 21:19; 2 Corinthians 4:11; James 1:11), Pride/filthy rags (Isaiah 24:4; 28:1; 64:6), Weary, faint (Galatians 6:9), People (Isaiah 40:7 - 8)

Black/Onyx: Darkness, evil, sin, (Zechariah 6:2; Jude 13; Revelation 6:5; 12), affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, famine, mourning, (Jeremiah 8:21) reconciling Mediator, authority (Exodus 28:9; 20; Ester 1:6; 9:29) obedience unto death (Revelation 12:11)

Color Combinations

Tabernacle - Scarlet, Purple and Blue: These are the colors used in the tabernacle where God dwelled with the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 28:8; 36:8; 39:1)

Bride of Christ - Gold, Silver and White: We are purified when Jesus redeemed us to become holy as He is holy (Malachi 3:3; Deuteronomy 22:29; Ephesians 4:24)

Fire - Yellow, Orange and Red: As we stand in faith the glory of God is revealed no enemy can penetrate His protection or overcome His deliverance (Romans 4:20; Psalm 97:3; Joshua 2:18-21)

Faith - Yellow, Green and Blue: Faith in God's ways given to us by the Holy Spirit brings life to us now and for eternity (Romans 4:20; Hebrews 10:15-16; 1 John 2:25)

Healing water - Blue and Aqua: Life, cleansing, healing (Psalm 1:1-3; Revelation 22:1)

Covenant/Promise - Rainbow colors: Promises of God (Genesis 9:13)

Grace - Purple and pink: We are adopted into royalty when we are birthed into God's Kingdom. This is only done by His grace He provides everything we need. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Mercy - Purple and red: Jesus is our mediator and redeemer, He clothed us in salvation and gives us a robe of righteousness (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 61:10)

Praise - Fuchsia, purple and aqua: We have joy in the wealth of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 33:9; Hebrews 2:10-12; 13:15)

Worship - Purple, blue, and wine: Longing, seeking to be in His presence (Matthew 2:2; John 9:31)

Majesty - Purple and blue: Dignity, priestly, power, authority, ruler, King or high official (1 Chronicles 29:24-25; 2 Chronicles 2:14; 3:14; Jeremiah 10:9; Ester 8:15; Ezekiel 27:7)

Repentance - Black, Red and White: All can be redeemed by Jesus through repentance, because all of us fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23 - 24)

Purpose Of The Flags

2009-11-17T11:08:00.003-05:00

Outreaches to the lost – call everyone in to worship God through flags. Flags are often seen in parades, football games and on poles outside homes and businesses. Flags are to be seen from far off. They are a rallying point for people to gather together. Just as billboards are used to advertise their place of business or products, flags can be used to lift up the name of Jesus and many of His wonderful promises. A message may be spoken through the flags by adding movements with the flags to Godly music. This becomes an experience that not only penetrates through sound, but also through the eyes that are a window to the soul. This form of ministry can open the way for people to freely come to see what you are doing, and provide an opportunty for you to share the gospel with them.

Prayer walks – can be used to take back our land as spoken of in Joshua 1:3 – 9. God does not want us to be afraid or dismayed by what is going on in our land. He wants us to be strong and courageous, knowing He is with us. Where we place our foot in prayer He will give to us as we ask in His name. Prayer walks can also be reminders for other people as they see the flags to pray for our nation, servicemen, leadership or government. Our cities and communities need our prayers because of all the mixed messages that have created confusion in our land. We can also bring peace where we go and deposit it into our communities. As we are filled up with God’s presence we can pour out His peace wherever we may go.

Praise and worship – this is where the union of flags and music come together in an experience that can leave a lasting impression in the mind and your heart.

· In service where the Word is spoken this adds a 3^rd strand in the strength and depth of your worship experience. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

· In your own personal time at home is where you can develop your own form of movement and expression of praise and worship. As you develop in your spiritual growth and begin to discern how you need to minister in your own home you may find flags helpful for spiritual warfare and cleansing in your home. The music can clear the air in your home (setting the atmosphere) where the flags can be used to stake your claim, kick the enemy out, cover by the blood, or pray for healing. I have personally found that when I am praying through my home I often times get easily distracted by things I see that need to be done. When I have a flag in my hand it actually helps to keep me focused to pray through until I am finished.

Prayer and ministry – in a group, service, retreat, conference, or wherever there is a need. In an organized gathering please make sure you have permission to use flags by the leadership. Flags can be overpowering in many ways so if they are used out of order it is only magnified. Everything should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:39 – 40 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

· Prophetically means you are hearing from God and are prepared to minister under His leadership. Many times you may not even understand the message you are speaking with the flags - this is very similar to speaking in tongues. Just know that when you are truly being lead by the Holy Spirit you can trust Him. The Holy Spirit may later reveal the meaning of what you were doing or someone may come to you and tell you how they were ministered to.

· There may be an opportunity for intercessory prayer for healing. As we allow ourselves to be a vessel to be used by God, we can allow Him to minister healing and restoration to the people. The flags can encourage people to look up to God for their source of help. The flag can be a visual point of contact very similar to the snake placed on a pole just as God directed Moses to do. As they would look upon the pole with the snake by faith they would be healed. Numbers 21:8 – 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live." So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

· Warfare can be demonstrated in several ways. First let me say our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities, rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. We can make a proclamation by posting our flag high and holding it still. This can be done in strategic places around the room or even just by the entrance way. Warfare can take place as a prayer is being spoken by gently waving the flag asking the Holy Spirit to move on their behalf. Warfare can also take place in our praises. Smaller flags can be used and cracking sounds can be made to chase off the enemy.

Celebration can be shown in many ways. As we humble ourselves and acknowledge God as our source of everything we need, we can bring all glory unto Him. Celebration can be a very joyous event with flags and dancing, or it may be a bowing in reverence and even tears as we realize we just cannot contain all of His richness and goodness. We do have a mighty God to celebrate and our lives lived out in worship for Him is a continual celebration. This is how we can draw in the lost as they begin to desire to have what we have.

You Had Better Sit Down For This One

2009-11-16T12:25:00.005-05:00

3 to 4.3 Billion Barrels of Technically Recoverable Oil Assessed in North Dakota and Montana's Bakken Formation-25 Times More Than 1995 Estimate-

This came from Canada - pretty interesting!

Here's an interesting read, important and verifiable information :

About 6 months ago, the writer was watching a news program on oil and one of the Forbes Bros. was the guest. The host said to Forbes, "I am going to ask you a direct question and I would like a direct answer; how much oil does the U.S. have in the ground?" Forbes did not miss a beat, he said, "more than all the Middle East put together." Please read below.

The U. S. Geological Service issued a report in April 2008 that only scientists and oil men knew was coming, but man was it big. It was a revised report (hadn't been updated since 1995) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota, western South Dakota, and extreme eastern Montana ..... check THIS out:

The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay, and has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable... at $107 a barrel, we're looking at a resource base worth more than $5..3 trillion.

"When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws hit the floor. They had no idea.." says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature's financial analyst.

"This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the past 56 years," reports The Pittsburgh Post Gazette. It's a formation known as the Williston Basin, but is more commonly referred to as the 'Bakken.' It stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada. For years, U. S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end. Even the 'Big Oil' companies gave up searching for major oil wells decades ago. However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken's massive reserves.... and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels. And because this is light, sweet oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 PER BARREL!

That's enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 2041 yearsstraight. And if THAT didn't throw you on the floor, then this next one should - because it's from 2006!

U. S. Oil Discovery- Largest Reserve in the World

Stansberry Report Online - 4/20/2006

Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world. It is more than 2 TRILLION barrels. On August 8, 2005 President Bush mandated its extraction. In three and a half years of high oil prices none has been extracted. With this motherload of oil why are we still fighting over off-shore drilling?

They reported this stunning news: We have more oil inside our borders, than all the other proven reserves on earth. Here are the official estimates:

- 8-times as much oil as Saudi Arabia

- 18-times as much oil as Iraq

- 21-times as much oil as Kuwait

- 22-times as much oil as Iran

- 500-times as much oil as Yemen

- and it's all right here in the Western United States .

HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this? Because the environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become independent of foreign oil! Again, we are letting a small group of people dictate our lives and our economy.....WHY?

James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East -more than 2 TRILLION barrels untapped. That's more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post.

Don't think 'OPEC' will drop its price - even with this find? Think again! It's all about the competitive marketplace, - it has to. Think OPEC just might be funding the environmentalists?

Got your attention yet? Now, while you're thinking about it, do this:

Pass this along. If you don't take a little time to do this, then you should stifle yourself the next time you complain about gas prices - by doing NOTHING, you forfeit your right to complain.

Now I just wonder what would happen in this country if every one of you sent this to every one in your address book.

By the way...this is all true. Check it out at the link below!!!

GOOGLE it, or follow this link. It will blow your mind.

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

Links for 2009-11-08 [Digg]

2009-11-09T00:00:00-08:00

America - We Can Do More
After spending countless hours with the Lord this video came about. My prayer is that it is a blessing to all who watch it. It is meant to say God always has the last word and America will rise up if God's people pray. This is my holiday video for this year. May it richly bless you!!!

Come See My New Christmas Video and Leave a Comment

2008-11-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

How to Make a Video – Simplified

2008-10-30T22:50:00.002-04:00

In this blog I am going to talk about how to advertise using video. You may not even know how to begin. Here I will try to simplify it. It is real simple if you have Windows Movie Maker, you can either be subtle in your advertising by doing a them like funny clown videos, funny animals or something like that. You can compile pictures that are not copyrighted. I do this by searching images on Google, Flickr or Photobucket. I save them in a folder and name it the project I am working on so you can find it later.

Once you compile the pictures you then want to import them in movie maker. Arrange the slides the way you want them in the time line. You may or may not want to use music. Beware of copyright infringement. Do a google search on royalty free music. After you get the music you can import that into movie maker and drag and drop under the slides you arranged. You can then choose different options like fade in or fade out & Etc.

If you want to do an instructional video you can use free software that enables you to do a video from your desktop and it is called Cam Studio and it can be found here http://camstudio.org

Once you have completed your video save it to a place you will find it. I make a folder in documents called videos. Name the file according to the theme you selected or whatever you want. Once you have completed the video, you will want to choose to publish it so it saves it in wma format. Once this is complete you are ready to upload to the following sites:

· Revver (Revver.com)

· YouTube (YouTube.com)

· GoogleVideo (Video.Google.com)

· YahooVideo (Video.Search.Yahoo.com)

· StupidVideos (StupidVideos.com)

· Metacafe (Metacafe.com)

· Vimeo (Vimeo.com)

· iFilm (iFilm.com)

· Break (Break.com)

· ClipShack (ClipShack.com)

· Sharkle (Sharkle.com)

· Clip a Day (ClipaDay.com)

There are many others as well. Do a google search on video sites. There may be others that are listed other than above. The more the merrier. If you have problems with this I am available for consult so email me at gatrocks@gmail.com and I will be happy to set up a time to go over this with you.

Want to see a sample of videos I have done visit my youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/gatrocks

Level: Intermediate **Basic knowledge of computers required**

Diane Robinson

*Please do not repost this without the expressed permission from the author Diane Robinson gatrocks@gmail.com*

Making Excuses

2008-05-20T11:18:00.001-04:00

He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else (Benjamin Franklin)

Most of us are guilty of having done something we shouldn't have or of not doing something we should have. When we are questioned about our misconduct, do we accept responsibility and admit we are at fault? Usually not. Instead we make excuses. Making excuses for mistakes is not new. In fact, we can trace this undesirable habit all the way back to the Garden of Eden. For when God asked Adam if he had eaten of the tree he was commanded not to, Adam created the world's first excuse, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:12) And when God asked Eve what she had done, she gave the world's second excuse, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:13)

Excuses negate responsibility, and it is responsibility that separates man from the rest of the animal kingdom. Unlike other animals, we are responsible not for what we have, but for what we could have; not for what we are, but for what we could become. If we are to take credit for our successes, we must assume responsibility for our failures. Trying to hide our failures with excuses is like concealing a small hole in our garment with a large patch; it only makes the matter worse. This analogy is taken from Shakespeare who wrote:

"And oftentimes, excusing of a fault,
Doth make a fault the worse by the excuse;
As patches set upon a little breach,
Discredit more in hiding of the fault,
Than did the fault before it was so patch'd."

Excuses are harmful because they prevent one from succeeding. When we make excuses and repeat them often enough, they become a belief. The belief then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, a sales rep discouraged by his poor sales starts to blame the price of his product. "No one wants to buy it because it's too expensive." he says. After repeatedly making this excuse, he begins to believe it is true. The result? Dismal sales. Compare this with a responsible sales rep. After hearing many prospects complain about the high price, he accepts responsibility. "It is my fault they are complaining," the rep says, "for I haven't justified the cost of my product by adequately pointing out its value." Once we accept responsibility, we can evaluate our actions and take corrective measures to find solutions to our problems. Excuses, on the other hand, are like stop signs; they halt our progress.

By refusing to make excuses and embracing responsibility, we reap many rewards. The successes brought by this attitude act as a foundation for self-respect, pride, and confidence. Responsibility breeds competence and power. By living up to our promises and obligations, we win the trust of others. Once we are seen as trustworthy, people will willingly work with us, for our mutual gain. So, you see, making excuses can put the brakes on our progress, while accepting responsibility can lead us to the top.

How to stop making excuses and start building a life
1. Realize that your success or failure depends on you. It depends on the choices you make. It depends on your attitude. Resolve to start accepting responsibility today. Don't find an excuse, find a way. Don't make excuses, make good. Remember what Winston Churchill said, "Responsibility is the price of greatness."

2. Beware of rationalization. We make excuses to hide behavior we are ashamed of. Rationalization is the process of trying to hide shameful conduct from ourselves. This is dangerous because we become unaware of what we are doing. However, you can fight rationalization by looking for cues. For instance, if someone challenges your conduct and you become angry, it probably suggests you are guilty as charged. Why would you get angry, if you're innocent?

3. From time to time, stop and examine your progress. Compare where you are now with where you would like to be. Ask yourself why is there a gap between these two points. Don't make excuses. Make plans and take corrective action.

4. When you make a mistake, accept responsibility; learn from it; and don't repeat it. Use your time for discovering solutions instead of inventing excuses.

5. Plant your garden of success today:

First, plant 3 rows of peas;

Patience
Positive thinking
Persistence

Next, plant 3 rows of squash;

Squash excuses
Squash blame
Squash criticism

Then, plant 3 rows of lettuce;

Let us be responsible
Let us be trustworthy
Let us be ambitious

Finish, with 3 rows of turnip;

Turn up when needed
Turn up with a smile
Turn up with confidence