Lately there has been a lot of shifting in the internet marketing community. Google is slapping overly optimized affiliate websites out of existence. Facebook has taken over as the most visited website online. It seems like more and more that social media is the weapon of choice for online traffic. Has social media marketing become the next online king?

In the past the most popular marketing strategy was search engine optimization. The problem with SEO is that it is not interactive and it definitely is not viral. A website still needs to be optimized in order to rank online, but when a visitor arrives on the site, they are now influenced by social signals.

The power of social media marketing is exhibited by its viral nature. The “like”, “Google +” and the “follow” button is more than just a click of the mouse. Every time these buttons are clicked, the message is made visible for all friends and followers. The search engines have also join the social media bandwagon by tagging search engine results with social signals as well.

Web developers can no longer ignore the power of social interactions. That is the reason why any website online today is not complete until social media buttons are implemented. When a visitor arrives on a website to notice that a few of their friends have already “liked”, are following or “Google +” that site, it is the equivalent of a personal recommendation.

This trend has also spilled heavily into the business world. All the top businesses including CNN have social media pages with Twitter, Facebook and now Google. The businesses that are not taking advantage of these tools for whatever reasons are leaving money on the table for their competitors.

The reason why social media has taken over the business world is simple; People like to do business with people they know. Socializing online helps to bring a human side that a website alone can not bring. When a business owner post pictures of their family on their last vacation, or a joke of the day, it helps to give a potential customer a personal insight into the people they will be doing business with.

Furthermore, news networks have become reliant on social media for more than just branding or marketing. Social media websites in some instances have also become the first source of news that is happening right now. This was truly evident during some major news events like the Haiti earthquake. Many of the images were sent via Twitter and Facebook.

In my opinion, social media is the undisputed king of online marketing, branding and breaking news. For all the affiliate marketers that are being slapped by Google, have no fear. The clear answer is to create quality content that people would want to “like”, “Google +” or “follow”. Once you follow those guidelines, the search engines will not have a choice but to rank your site high in the rankings because the people have spoken.

Marc Marseille has been marketing online since 2006. He currently is the owner of Front Page VIP an internet marketing consultant company for local businesses in Atlanta. You can read more about Marc’s online marketing techniques by visiting http://optinemaillists.org.

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments;” Dr. James Dobson’s “Family Talk;” Focus on the Family’s “Plugged-In Movie Review” and “Family Minute;” Beth Moore’s “A Quick Word;” Luis Palau’s “Reaching Your World;” Dave Ramsey’s “Daily Money Makeover;” and Matt Fore’s “The Truth Shall Make You Laugh.”
	Beginning with our April 19, 2011 broadcast we will air “Everyday Moments” with Joyce Meyer. Everyday Moments is a quick, practical thought from Joyce surrounded with biblical insight and wisdom that’s intended to challenge and inspire you to live a godly and relevant life in the good and bad “everyday moments” of your life.
	From Focus on the Family we will feature 2 segments. The first is “Plugged-In Movie Review.” Hosted by Bob Waliszewski, a youth culture analyst for Focus on the Family, the Plugged-In Movie Review provides a 60-second family-friendly review of today’s hottest movies.
	Next up is the “Focus on the Family Minute.” In just 60 seconds, the Focus on the Family Minute provides a daily “nugget of truth” for building strong families. Hosted by Dr. Bill Maier, the Focus on the Family Minute features helpful advice on how to strengthen your marriage and raise your kids on the right path.
	Finally we are proud to include a short feature by Luis Palau. Luis is a world renowned evangelist, author and radio host whose outstanding and significant contribution to the field of Christian communications was recognized in 2008 with the National Religious Broadcasters William Ward Ayer Distinguished Service Award. “Reaching Your World with Luis Palau” is a daily, one-minute feature that equips individuals like you to effectively share their faith. The program answers questions like: How do you start conversations about Christ? How do you talk to an atheist? How do you witness to your children?
	We sincerely hope you will tune in to the Alive in Christ Radio program this Tuesday were you will enjoy these new features along with a new line up of very talented and anointed musical guests who will be sharing some of their exciting new music with us. And of course you can expect insightful and entertaining biblical teaching from our own Founder and CEO Tony Marino, who along with his delightful co-host Lynn Kennedy bring God’s word alive and relevant to your life today.
Tune in LIVE this Tuesday, and every Tuesday evening! 8:00 – 10:00 PM Pacific Time http://www.AliveInChristRadio.com/ Come be a part of the “Alive in Christ” family! Christian Times Online: http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?” ~ Robert Browning, ‘Andrea del Sarto’

One of the most common frustrations of ministry is our desire for things to happen faster than they usually do. We may think they should go faster (and perhaps according to some standards, they should), but they don’t.

How do we react? Do we redouble our efforts? Do we work to motivate staff to do more? Do we take projects away from volunteers and staff and drive them forward ourselves?

It is hard for us to recognize and cope with the fact that the delays may be of God. ―God’s timing‖ truly ―may not be our timing‖ as much as we hate to hear it.

Ted Engstrom has a good reminder in the old classic ―Renewing Your Church Through Vision and Planning‖ from the Christianity Today ―Library of Leadership Development‖ series.

Engstrom notes that when he became frustrated with ―the gap between what we think should be done first and what we can actually do, it usually arises from the pull between priorities and our ability to move the resources needed to attack the priorities.‖

He talks about his three foundational priorities in his life.

1. Bedrock for Engstrom is his relationship with Jesus Christ. (as I hope it is for all of us).

2. Second is his commitment to the Church.

3. Third is the work that God has given to him. That work ―rises directly from my commitment to Christ and his church.‖

Engstrom notes ―Usually, if I appear to have a conflict, a clash between what I think I should do first and what I’m actually able to do because of the people involved, I need to examine these levels to see if my priorities are in the right order. This forces me to put people before programs. If I find myself frustrated in driving toward a goal, I need to check and see if I have put level three before level two. Have I put the work of Christ ahead of the body of Christ? That’s very easy for any of us to do, especially in light of the fact that our families are part of the body.‖ (p. 160)

Here are four red flags Engstrom uses to keep us out of the ditch of misplaced priorities.

1. Are my motives pure? Why do I want to accomplish a particular task or promote a program? Will it make me look good? Will it move me up a rung or give me a little more leverage?

We may frown at the idea that we could be less than sincere, but motivations are complex. We all struggle daily against the desire for recognition and power. The same program, for example, that will comfort the sick may also score points for the pastor. This is where our human reasoning often fails us, and we need to ask the Spirit of God to search our hearts. This is a time to pray as David did, ―Search me, O God, and know my heart … and see if there be any hurtful way in me‖ (Psalm 139:23–24, nasb).

2. Do the goals of the program fit my theology? Time magazine told about a church in Florida that runs a bar in its parish hall. The pastor believes it brings people together in a good setting and contributes to the life of the church. That’s an extreme example, and most of us would fault the practice. But the issues are often more subtle, and while we’ll always have well-meaning people who will think up off-the-wall programs, we must test all proposals through the grid of our theology. If we don’t—and find ourselves stymied along the way to implementation—perhaps we have skipped this important question.

3. Will the program enhance the lives of the participants? A ministry to the medical complex might change the lives of many patients, but it may also jeopardize the workers. We have to ask whether this or that program will put novice Christians in leadership roles,

tempt the weak with celebrity status, or pull mothers and fathers away from their children one more night of the week.

These are tough questions, but they provide the checks we need to avoid putting level three before level two.

4. Have we been seduced by our culture? Do we have a numbers orientation? Are we prone to think bigger is automatically better? Has society’s worship of size, success, speed, production, promotion, and glamour crept into our evaluation of church programs?

I don’t like to think along such lines. I LIKE to think that my priorities are always upfront and known to me. But, they’re not. Sometimes God has to slow me down IN ORDER to make me reevaluate. Or simply to have think time.

Or simply to be reminded that He is God…and I am not.

What do you think? Drop me a line & let me know.

Dr. Calvin Habig ministered in local congregations for thirty years and currently does professional coaching with ministers and other value-driven leaders. He lives in Portland, OR. For more information, visit Cal’s website at http://www.calhabigcoaching.com/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

When it comes to getting backlinks to your site there are a lot of methods to consider. Matter of fact you might  want to take into consideration all the methods that are available to you. I am not referring to blackhat  tactics, but legitimate methods of backlinking.

What some people do is rely on one “magic method”, but when it comes to getting backlinks to your site, there  really is not one “magic method.” There may be better methods, but there is no longer one method to backlinking.  Depending on how hard it is to rank for a specific keyword, you will need to step up your game and implement several backlinking strategies.

First and foremost, unless your article, web page, or whatever you’re trying to rank for is not optimized and  contains great content, you won’t make it very far, and it won’t stay on the top page of search engines for very  long. Matter of fact this is the best method for backlinking. Create content that others will talk about. When  others share your content, then you have a winning solution for any post, article, or webpage.  So if you want a 100% whitehat backlinking strategy, then make sure it involves great content, great onsite  optimization, and allowing others to link back to your site. One way to get your site out in front of people is  by utilizing basic RSS strategies and bookmarking. This is what I will cover in this article. I will show you how  I do this.

However Be Warned: Some backlinking strategies can be aggressive, and in some cases will not be considered playing nice by Google. Remember that Google doesn’t like it when you try to build links with the purpose of getting higher rankings.

Some backlinking strategies outlined by people would not be seen as whitehat by Google, and therefore do carry some degree of risk. While the widespread opinion is that backlinks cannot hurt you, and while that is probably true in 99% of cases, I do feel more comfortable disclosing that there is some risk. The risk is also strongly proportional with how aggressive you get with these backlinking strategies, the overall quality of your site, and promotional campaign.

Just know that whitehat backlinking strategies are generally considered more long term and sustainable, while greyhat or blackhat promotion aims to take advantage of current loopholes, and is much more likely to see traffic dry up or websites banned in the long term. You need to weigh the risks and rewards carefully.

So now that I have scared you, let me show you how to get backlinks to your site using a completely whitehat method. You can use this with any keywords and any site you may be trying to boost in readership.

This is a great whitehat method of getting instant backlinks to anything you place on the internet. This takes some upfront work but once you have it all put together, it runs on autopilot.

Automatic Backlink Formula.

* You sign up at Ping.fm
* You sign up at the high profile social platforms like Facebook & Twitter. This is where your backlinks will come from   automatically.
* You log into Ping.fm and connect those social platforms to your ping.fm account. Ping.fm is able to post to all those accounts in one go. So post   once, and have that posted to several social networks in one go. Unfortunately you normally have to log into ping.fm to do it each time.
* Ping.fm does not take an RSS feed for auto-posting, but there’s a way round this. Hootsuite, which auto-posts to ping.fm, will take an RSS Feed. So you set up a hootsuite account, add the RSS feed (such as the RSS Feed from your website), and connect hootsuite to Ping.fm. Now every time you post on your site, it goes to ping.fm (via hootsuite) which auto-posts to several high profile social networks.
* You get automatic backlinks and exposure from these social networks.
* There are more sites you can auto-post to other than those listed in ping.fm. So you go sign up to those sites individually and add your RSS Feed. Now every time you post you get backlinks and exposure from these sites too, all automatically.

Another thing I have done is created a FREE account with onlywire. This account is connected straight to my blog. So with every post, I get a crazy amount of backlinks right off the bat.

But you are not only getting instant backlinks with this strategy! If you are doing appropriate linking strategies within your posts or articles, what I mean is that you want to have a link about every 120 words. If you do this, then when all these places crawl and bookmark your site, or link to it, then all your links are getting crawled and indexed as well. That means they are now going to those other pages as well, your pages. This builds authority and strength in these backlinks. SO…what you want to do is find a way to bookmark all the places and articles you create, so that you are getting links to links.

Ok I hope this one tip will help you with getting the organic backlinks you need for your site.

Phillip Longmire has been doing internet marketing full time since 2008. He his a speaker, writer, and business owner. He works with companies and their marketing projects from all over the world. All his articles, advice, and know how comes from the front lines.

For more information, please click “http://www.philliplongmire.com/” if you are looking to learn how to make real money online. Phillip has been doing internet marketing full time since 2008 and has the Ultimate step by step program that shows you exactly how to make extra money online.

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Targeted website traffic is without doubt the holy grail of all online businesses, without it you might as well shut up shop and go home.  It doesn’t matter how good your sales copy, your offer, your marketing funnel or your products and services, without visitors of an interested variety you will struggle pure and simple.

So much has been written about the subject of targeted website traffic and increasing the visitor count to your site, an awful lot of it good quality information that if implemented could see you create a six figure online business relatively quickly. The unfortunate thing is that the vast quantities of information available can also hinder many an online business owner, especially those who are new to the whole online marketing game.

So much of the information regarding traffic revolves around the medium in which you should be using to send interested visitors to your website, debates rage far and wide across the internet as to which is more effective, video marketing, article writing, blogging,  podcasting, forum posting, pay per click and so on and so forth.

At the end of the day the medium is only as good as the marketing message contained within the content; if you are offering something of value to people they will naturally be inclined to see what it is you are offering as they will want more of the same, good quality information.

The key to targeted website traffic is however what you then do with that content, where do you distribute the content so it is easily accessible to your target market, so they can consume the content and follow the links back to your site.

An example of this using the medium of article marketing would be after creating the article, to submit to your own blog, then to the article directories, online forums within your niche that allow article posting, other sites and blogs within your niche that accept articles, just Google “your niche name” + “submit content” to find such sites along with online newsletters and e-zines.

With the rise of social media you can easily send your content out to your following by posting to Twitter and of course Facebook, another great strategy to get your content seen more widely through Facebook would be to post a link to your article within relevant groups on Facebook.

You could also go one step further and submit your content to offline publications within your niche such as trade journals and industry or niche specific magazines, these publications are always looking for content and will happily review what you have to offer for publication.

The above are just a few ideas to help you get started and think in terms of quality of content as well as quality of distribution. Start to think along the lines of your prospect and where they go online, what sites they visit, what blogs do they read, what social groups do they belong to and which forums do they belong to. This will make the job of driving targeted traffic to your website so much easier.

Targeted website traffic is the key to succeeding online and without doubt the cornerstone of a six figure online business. To receive more free training on how you can learn to build a six figure online business please visit www.robbrightmarketing.com

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

2011 Builders Blitz will provide homes for two Oceanside families in need

SAN DIEGO, California, July 18, 2011 – From August 1 through August 5, 2011, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Swinerton Builders, will construct two homes – from the ground up – in five days.  This an annual event is called the Home Builders Blitz – construction will take place 24 hours a day and will include nearly 500 volunteers building homes for two families in need in Oceanside.

The Home Builders Blitz represents a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the building industry to build homes across the nation. The first national Home Builders Blitz in 2006 brought together more than 1,000 professional home builders and 130 Habitat affiliates across the country to build 459 homes in one week, providing housing for nearly 2,000 people. 

Partner Families qualify according to Habitat for Humanity’s family selection criteria – a demonstrated need for improved housing, the ability to repay a 0% mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat by completing 250-500 sweat-equity hours before moving into the homes.  

San Diego Habitat for Humanity has participated in the Blitz nearly every year since 2006, and each year has included a Community Build home that is completed solely with in-kind donations of materials and volunteer labor.  Sixteen homes have been built in San Diego County using the Blitz model, through generous partnerships with KB Home, John Laing Homes, Smith Brothers Construction, Turner Construction, Viking Construction, Mission Valley Christian Fellowship, PCL Construction and Swinerton Builders.  The 2011 Builders Blitz marks the third home that Swinerton has partnered with Habitat to build.

The Blitz will take place at The Libby Lake Village Community, located north of the Libby Lake Community Center off North River Road in Oceanside. The entire community will include twenty (20) single-family detached homes, including a new private street and cul-de-sac, a pocket park and underground utilities. There are four (4) 2-story floor plans including twelve (12) 4 bedroom and eight (8) 3 bedroom homes ranging in size from 1,374 to 1,810 square feet with attached garages.  We are currently in the fourth and final phase of the community, which includes 5 homes.  Habitat Partner Families have already moved in to the 15 completed homes.  

About San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) San Diego Habitat for Humanity Inc. (SDHFH), the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes for ownership by local families in need.  Habitat partner families are selected on the basis of housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay a 0% interest mortgage loan. 

SDHFH is a faith-based organization that invites people of all backgrounds, faiths or no faith to join the effort in strengthening communities and changing lives. Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land and materials, including purchases and donations to ReStore, SDHFH’s building supply thrift store. For more information, visit www.sdhfh.org  or call 619-283-HOME (4663).

About Swinerton IncorporatedThe Swinerton Family of Companies provides commercial construction services throughout the Western United States, delivering innovative construction solutions and outstanding customer service to a diverse range of business clients that demand exacting performance. Established in 1888, Swinerton formally incorporated in the State of California in 1908 and holds California Contractor License No. 92. Today, Swinerton offices are located throughout California, in Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, New Mexico and Washington.

Swinerton is committed to continued leadership in the construction industry by actively engaging in furthering the diversity of our employees and subcontractors, developing innovative technological tools, protecting and preserving the environment, and supporting our communities.

As a 100 percent employee-owned company, everyone at Swinerton has a vested interest in the successful delivery of superb services. Please visit  http://www.swinerton.com/ to learn more.

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity Competing for $25,000 from The Home Depot Foundation in July Facebook Contest

SDHFH One of Four Nonprofits Competing in Foundation’s Aprons in Action Program; Winner to Compete for $250,000 in 2012 SAN DIEGO, CA, July 1, 2011 – San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) has been selected as a finalist for Aprons in Action, The Home Depot Foundation’s unique Facebook voting program, and now has the opportunity to win a $25,000 gift card from The Home Depot. Voting begins July 1, 2011 and runs through July 31, 2011 at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation. The organization with the most votes will win the $25,000 prize, and be in the running for the grand prize of $250,000 at the end of the year-long program. The runner-up organizations from each month will receive $5,000 in The Home Depot gift cards.

During the Aprons in Action Contest, which began in April 2011, 11 monthly winners will be selected. In March 2012, Facebook fans will have the chance to help one of those 11 winners win the $250,000 grand prize. The organization that receives the second and third most votes will receive $150,000 and $100,000 from The Home Depot, respectively.

Working together, San Diego Habitat and 250 Team Depot volunteers have already come together to build two homes at Libby Lake Village in Oceanside. Passionate volunteers from Team Depot teamed up with SDHFH construction supervisors and did framing, worked on foundation trenches and forms, built a fence and a gazebo for a pocket park, planted trees, shrubs, sod, vines and flowers, laid pavers and mulch, assembled prefab countertops and installed and backfilled a retaining wall.

In this fourth round of the competition, San Diego Habitat for Humanity is competing against three other nonprofit organizations from across the country.

“Being selected for the Aprons in Action Program is an honor, and we are so thankful for the recognition,” said Chris Marek, Chief Officer of Development and Strategy of San Diego Habitat for Humanity. “A $25,000 gift card from The Home Depot will enable us to strengthen this community even further and to change the lives forever of families who will be provided the opportunity of homeownership. We encourage everyone to go to Facebook and vote for us!”

Across the country, The Home Depot Associates give back to their communities by volunteering their time and talents with local nonprofit organizations, like San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The Aprons in Action Program recognizes these successful partnerships and gives each of the featured nonprofits the opportunity to do additional work with Team Depot volunteers to better their communities.

“Aprons in Action is our $1 million effort to support the most active and engaged nonprofit organizations across the country,” said Kelly Caffarelli, President of The Home Depot Foundation.  “Over the course of this program, we’ll distribute $1 million to 48 deserving organizations from across the nationwide Team Depot network, allowing them to continue their great work serving our communities.”

How To Vote

Voting runs from July 1 at 9:00 a.m. ET through July 31 at 12 p.m. ET. Aprons in Action is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homedepot or www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

The final percentages of votes for each nonprofit will be posted on The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation’s Facebook pages on August 1 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

For more information and to view the program rules, visit The Home Depot on Facebook or go to http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/.

About San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) San Diego Habitat for Humanity Inc. (SDHFH), the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes for ownership by local families in need. Habitat partner families are selected on the basis of housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay a 0% interest mortgage loan.

SDHFH is a faith-based organization that invites people of all backgrounds, faiths or no faith to join the effort in strengthening communities and changing lives. Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land and materials, including purchases and donations to ReStore, SDHFH’s building supply thrift store. For more information, visit www.sdhfh.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).

About The Home Depot FoundationIn 2011, The Home Depot Foundation committed $30 million over three years to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the homes of economically disadvantaged veterans. Through Team Depot, the company’s associate-led volunteer program, thousands of Home Depot associates volunteer their time and talents to positively transform neighborhoods and perform basic repairs and modifications to homes and to the facilities serving veterans with critical housing needs. Since its formation in 2002, The Home Depot Foundation has granted more than $270 million to nonprofit organizations improving homes and lives in local communities. To learn more and see our associates in action, visit http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/, follow us on Twitter @homedepotfdn, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Barcelona, Spain 1992 Olympics

Derek Redmond was one of the best. His awards were many and included World Silver and Gold Medals in the 400m and 4 x 400m competitions. He had trained and prepared for the 1992 Olympics. He knew the risks. As an athlete in the 1988 Olympics an Achilles tendon injury forced him to withdraw only a few moments before the race.

Four years and five surgeries later, he was determined to medal in the 400. Barcelona would be his opportunity. No matter what, he would finish strong. During each qualifying race, Derek ran well, recording the fastest time of the first round and winning his quarter-final heat.

Jim Redmond, his father watched in anticipation as Derek settled into the starting blocks for the semi-final race. Derek got off to a clean start and quickly took the lead. His win looked imminent. Then the unthinkable happened. With a pop, his right hamstring muscle tore, and he fell to the ground in agony. Jim, seeing his son in trouble raced from the top row of the stands.

Determined to finish, Derek lifted himself to his feet, his leg quivering, and ever so slowly, hobbled down the track, waving away the oncoming medical personnel. He limped onward, his tear-stained face twisted in agony. The race now over, the crowd of 65,000 rose to their feet and began to cheer. The volume louder and louder as Redmond, in searing pain took one painful step at a time.

His father finally reached the bottom of the stands, leapt over the railing, and with two security officers chasing after him, ran to help. “I’m here, son,” Jim said softly, as he hugged his boy. “We’ll finish together.” Sobbing, Derek placed his arm around his father’s shoulders.

Arm in arm, they continued their painful journey. Just before the finish, Jim released Derek. He completed the course on his own. The crowd in total frenzy responded with a standing ovation. With tears in his eyes, Jim Redmond told the press afterwards. “I’m the proudest father alive. I’m prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal.”

Derek Redmond’s name will be remembered long after records are broken and medals tarnish. He persevered, and with his father’s help, finished strong.

We too are in a race—the race of life. Our Heavenly Father is our ever-present help. He will never leave or forsake us. He will hold us close, welcoming us home as we cross our final finish line.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV).

Lisa Buffaloe is a madly in love with God, Christ-follower, happily-married, mom, writer/blogger/speaker. God has helped her through molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape, divorce, cancer, death, seven surgeries, and years of chronic illness due to Lyme Disease. For more information, please visit http://www.lisabuffaloe.com/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Alive in Christ LIVE Radio :: Radio Liner Notes :: Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Main Show Topic: Christian Essentials: Justified Anger
Listen Now (Archive/Podcast):

Download Now (Right click and “Save As”)

Is anger acceptable? If so: When is anger acceptable? How is anger acceptable? Why would anger be acceptable? Can anger be used to do good; to glorify God?

What does God specifically and intimately teach us about anger? What might anger lead us to do? What causes us to become angry? How do wise people best deal with anger? What about God’s anger?

What are the dangers of anger-ridden words? In one way or another, we all face situations and circumstances that can make us boiling mad. We have all heard of anger management, in fact, there are scores of books, television shows, and even motion pictures that depict how anger can get the best of us; or certainly bring out the worst. When anger is used inappropriately, much irreparable damage can occur. When anger is applied appropriately, great things can be achieved.

You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will discover on this unique edition of Alive in Christ Radio.

In the next 2 hours, we will learn how God’s truth in dealing with anger is the only way, the only truth, and the ultimate life.

Special Guest: Lisa Buffaloe, Christian Author. Lisa shares how God brought her and her family up out of a past of deliberating circumstances. Her God-inspired testimony adds new meaning to God’s precept, “Don’t be afraid, just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today” Exodus 14:13.

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments”, Focus on the Family’s Plugged-In Movie Review and Focus on the Family Minute, Beth Moore’s “A Quick Word”, Luis Palau’s “Reaching Your World”, and Dave Ramsey’s “Daily Money Makeover.”

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments”, Focus on the family’s Plugged-In Movie Review and Focus on the Family Minute, Beth Moore’s “A Quick Word”, Luis Palau’s “Reaching Your World”, and Dave Ramsey’s “Daily Money Makeover.”

On this edition of Alive in Christ, Christian Discipleship Ministries’ Founder, Tony Marino and Lynn Kennedy explore life’s guidelines verses His “God-lines”, and will it be “your way”, or “Yahweh?” We invite you to join us.

On this episode we will learn to, “let go and let God.”

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || In-Studio Guest: Lisa Buffaloe

Lisa Buffaloe is an avid blogger, writer, and speaker. She’s an active member of several writing organizations and critique groups, leads Bible studies, and has spoken to writer and women’s groups.

Her past experiences—molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape by a doctor, divorce, being stalked, cancer, death of loved ones, seven surgeries, and chronic illness from Lyme Disease—bless her with a backdrop to share with others God’s amazing promises. God’s love is unending, and through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal.

Eight of her devotions will be featured in The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter, by Tyndale House Publishing (Fall 2011). Her articles have appeared in Guideposts Online magazine, Angels on Earth magazine, Rest Ministries, The Christian Pulse, Christian Fiction Online magazine and various other sites.

Her manuscript, Nadia’s Hope, placed as a finalist in the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest, placed as runner-up in the 2010 American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) Genesis Contest, and won Best of Conference Award for Adult Novel at the 2007 North Texas Christian Writer’s Conference. Her manuscript, Prodigal Nights placed second in the 2010 Great Expectations Contest, and the 2008 North Texas Christian Writer’s Conference.

Lisa is represented by literary agent, Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

Lisa and her husband are Board Members for Gospel Harvesters International

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Features:
Joyce Meyer || Everyday Moments
Focus on the Family || Focus on the Family Minute
Luis Palau || Reaching Your World with Luis Palau
Focus on the Family || Plugged-In Movie Review
Beth Moore || A Quick Word
Dave Ramsey || The Daily Money Makeover

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Music Artists:
Jessica Wright Smith
George Vinson
Whitney Lynn Smith
James Casto

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Book of the Week:
Author: Gary Chapman
Title: Anger, Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy way

Description: A relative makes a tactless comment about your child’s weight. The guy behind you on the expressway follows too closely. Your wife lets the gas tank go down to empty…again. We live in an angry society. From road rage to workplace incidents to marital bickering, out-of-control anger is all around us. How can we handle our anger–and help those we love with theirs? How can we teach our children to deal with their anger? And what about those long-simmering feelings of anger toward people in our past? What’s the difference between “bad” and “good” anger? Bestselling author and relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman offers helpful–and sometimes surprising–insights on why we get angry, what we can do about it, and how we can use anger for good. Includes a 13-session discussion guide perfect for small groups, workplace studies, and book clubs. Each chapter ends with reflection questions.

About the Author:
GARY CHAPMAN is the author of the bestselling Five Love Languages series and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio program airs on more than 400 stations. For more information, visit www.garychapman.org

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Links:
Christian Times Online Toolbar
Christian Disciple Fellowship
Bible Gateway
Brian Jones Uncut

Today’s Holy Bible Passages:
Ephesians 4:30-31, Mark 10:14, Matthew 23:13-36, Galatians 5:19, 5:21, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Romans 1:18-31, Colossians 3:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:8, Proverbs 29:22, Hebrews 12:15, Proverbs 22:8, Proverbs 27:4, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 22:24, Proverbs 24:25, Proverbs 29:2, Amos 1:11, Ephesians 4:2, Psalm 4, 2 Samuel 18:5, Numbers 25:4, Numbers 32:14, Deuteronomy 29:20, Judges 3:8, Judges 10:7, Judges 2:14, Judges 2:20, 2 Kings 24:20, Lamenations 4:16, Eremiah 4:8, Jeremiah 4:25, Jeremiah 4:37, Jeremiah 30:24, Zephaniah 2:2-3, Psalm 2:5, 2 Chronicles 28:11, Ezra 10:14, Psalm 78:31, John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 3:6, Revelation 14:10, 14:19, 15:1, 15:7, 16:1, 19:15, 1 John 1:9.

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©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Giving Ourselves To God

We may think to not be self-seeking means that we have to please everyone. The Bible tells us to deny ourselves and lay down our lives for others, but if we learn from Jesus’ example, He didn’t live to please everyone. He lived to please God by doing His will, which was for the benefit of everyone.

In order to lay down our lives for the benefit of others we have to first lay down our will and submit it over to God. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

After trying everything I possibly could, I hit a point in my life where I gave up and basically said to God, “Here I am Lord. If You can do anything with my life and have anything planned for me, I’m all Yours.” I stopped trying to plan my life and stopped seeking my own will, and that is when I opened the door for God to live His will through me.

As we give ourselves to God, He works His love in us and enables us to love others. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Being married and having four young children who constantly need my attention, sometimes I feel like all I do is give of myself and at the end of the day there’s nothing left in me. I’ve learned that I need to spend time daily with God and allow Him to continually fill me with His love in order to keep giving myself to others.

We can’t give something that we don’t have. We can’t give ourselves to others when we’re spiritually empty. Jesus often went without food to keep preaching and meeting the needs of others, but He never neglected His relationship with God as we see in Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

We will just be left spiritually and emotionally drained if we keep trying to do things for others without allowing God to work His love in us. We need to take the time to spend with God and allow Him to fill us with His love in order to share it with others.

Giving Ourselves To Others

As we commit ourselves over to God we can focus on loving others. God wants to fulfill our needs and desires while using us to bless others. I’m amazed at seeing how God meets my needs when He prompts me to commit whatever I’m facing over to Him and moves me to meet someone else’s need.

About a year ago, my husband and I were both hit with car trouble four consecutive times in a row. We would drop off one car to be fixed and then something would happen to the other and then we’d have to keep switching them out. By the fourth time my car needed to be fixed, my husband suggested that we wait since it was still drivable, and we had spent all we had on the other repairs.

A short time later, as the problem continued, I started to fall into self-pity. God quickly humbled me by informing me of a couple I knew who had gone through an extremely rough year, financially, emotionally, and physically. My problems didn’t even compare to what they had been through. I was moved by their situation and eagerly wanted to reach out and help them. I asked my husband even though I wasn’t sure we could even afford it. My husband was for it so I knew God was moving us to help them and He’d take care of us.

After reaching out to them, I got into my car to go home. When I turned on the ignition I instantly noticed the problem was gone. I was just amazed at how God took care of us while using us to take care of someone else.

God wants to meet our needs and bless us, but when our minds are on ourselves we miss out on what God has for us and miss out on meeting the needs of others.

There are many different ways God wants to use us to meet people’s needs. When we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit He will show us what people need. Like Jesus, sometimes what God prompts us to do won’t necessarily make us feel good or please others, but it will be what is needed.

I had to do something for someone one time that was very difficult. I actually prayed for God not to have me do it because I knew this person wouldn’t respond well. Nevertheless, I ended up laying down my will and obeying God. And even though this person wasn’t happy with me, I eventually saw the changes God brought about in their life. This showed me that it was truly for their benefit.

People will not always approve of us, but when we lay down our needs for others, and seek God’s will, lives will truly be changed, ours included!

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16

Amanda Beth is a wife and mother of four children, and author of an upcoming book titled: YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children. She has been married for 14 years and has experienced transformation in her life and marriage since she surrendered her heart to Christ ten years ago. http://www.amandabeth.net/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Alive in Christ LIVE Radio :: Radio Liner Notes :: Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Main Show Topic: Breaking the Bondage of Despair
Listen Now (Archive/Podcast):

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Despair is defined as suffering without meaning. Our past instances of grief, turmoil, poor choices, and pain do not have to dictate how we live today or for tomorrow.

Jesus did not promise that this life would be a rose garden. He has made it perfectly clear that we would suffer through trials and temptations, but by His strength, encouragement, and hope, we can endure. By His stripes, we are healed. “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed (Isaiah 53:5). The devil wants you bound to a life of despair. Let us accept and receive God’s grace, mercy, and blessing by knowing that we deserve to be set free in the glorious name of Christ Jesus.

You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will discover on this unique edition of Alive in Christ Radio.

In just 2 short hours, you will learn that the answers and remedies to living a life free of despair is only as far as God. In the next 2 hours, will learn how God’s truth is the only way, the only truth, and the ultimate life.

Special Guest: Deborah Lovett, Founder of Women of the Well Ministries. Deborah shares how God brought her and her family up out of devastating circumstances. Her God-inspired testimony adds new meaning to the precept, “What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good!”

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments”, Focus on the family’s Plugged-In Movie Review and Focus on the Family Minute, Beth Moore’s “A Quick Word”, Luis Palau’s “Reaching Your World”, and Dave Ramsey’s “Daily Money Makeover.”

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments”, Focus on the family’s Plugged-In Movie Review and Focus on the Family Minute, Beth Moore’s “A Quick Word”, Luis Palau’s “Reaching Your World”, and Dave Ramsey’s “Daily Money Makeover.”

On this edition of Alive in Christ, Christian Discipleship Ministries’ Founder, Tony Marino and Lynn Kennedy explore life’s guidelines verses His “God-lines”, and will it be “your way”, or “Yahweh?” We invite you to join us.

On this episode we will learn to, “let go and let God.”

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || In-Studio Guest: Deborah Lovett

Deborah Lovett is a speaker for Women’s Events, Retreats, and Conferences. She is also a wife, mother of one daughter, one son, and an author. Her speaking has been noted as “genuine, open, contagious, and like fresh water to the soul.” Her inviting spirit draws women in~ allowing them to experience God’s love in a non-judgmental way. God has called her~ beyond a shadow of a doubt ~to equip women– person-by-person, city-by-city. She desires to educate women on how to ADVANCE to overflowing with an authentic joyful faith that attracts others to Jesus.

She has written several articles for the Alliance Life Magazine, and is the author of Gushing Springs, a Bible Study on the “Woman at the Well”. She has aired on local radio and shared the Gospel in: Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Missouri, Maryland, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Alabama, with further hopes of sharing it around the world!

Born on a sunny, Easter Sunday, Deborah knows that there is indeed no Easter Sunday without a Good Friday. She has endured trials, hardships and sufferings that have allowed her to see the Glory of the Lord, and have imparted an unshakeable faith to her. After her sister took her own life, God gave Deb a heart to see women live out their God-given destiny without fear. After her home burned to the ground, God showed her the importance of spiritual warfare through prayer—or as she puts it, “how to be On Guard!”

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Features:
Joyce Meyer || Everyday Moments
Focus on the Family || Focus on the Family Minute
Luis Palau || Reaching Your World with Luis Palau
Focus on the Family || Plugged-In Movie Review
Beth Moore || A Quick Word
Dave Ramsey || The Daily Money Makeover

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Music Artists:
Jme Medina
Justin Honaman
Rachel Kaegy
Benjamin

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Book of the Week:
Author: Jasmin O. Brown
Title: Bruised But Not Broken In Despair

Description: We have all been bruised or attacked by the enemy at some point in our lives. Bruised in our homes, in our marriages, finances, ministries, and in many other areas of our lives. Well, God wants you to know that the enemy bruises you because you are special. He is after the treasure that God has placed within your vessel of clay. He knows that as clay you are susceptible to bruises, and he knows that the only way to destroy the contents is to break the container. Therefore, if he applies enough pressure to your life, eventually you will break and lose your treasure. But we have news for him. We may be Bruised and sometimes broken but not to the point of Despair. We are not beyond repair. Our God is a specialist who specializes in bruised vessels. And He will make us over into better vessels.

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Links:
Christian Times Online Toolbar
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Bible Gateway
Brian Jones Uncut

Today’s Holy Bible Passages:
Joshua 10:1-14, Psalm 42:5-11, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 7:7, John 15:4-8, Romans 8:31-39, 1 Peter 1:3-6.

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©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

There are three ways we can convey rudeness. We do it either by our words, our attitude, or our actions.

Rude Remarks
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.
Proverbs 11:12 NLT

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and then suddenly you’re hit by a rude remark that was meant to purposely bring you down? Then shocked and hurt, it takes everything you have to keep from striking back?

I have been on both the giving and receiving end of rude remarks. There have been people I’ve dreaded being around because their harsh, critical spirit leaves me feeling completely belittled. Yet I can’t judge them because I’ve done the same thing to others.

In the past, if I saw something wrong with someone, I’d let them know by criticizing them with a rude comment, hoping it would open their eyes. Every time I did that the big plank in my eye continued to grow, blinding me even more from my own faults (Matthew 7:4-5).

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” We are walking around each day speaking death or life into the lives of those around us and reaping the fruit of it in our own lives.
 
James 3:6 says, The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. We reap what we sow. If we speak words of life that encourage and bless others, we will be encouraged and blessed in return.

Rude Attitude
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

Our attitude causes us to be rude to others. If we don’t change our attitude we will continue to spew out fiery remarks. Just last week, as I was preparing this message, I had to get up three times to open the front door for my husband because he either forgot something or had something to tell me. I started to get annoyed and by the third time I was rolling my eyes and shaking my head.

God quickly convicted me that I was getting an attitude. If I hadn’t yielded to that conviction I would’ve been rude to my husband. If God hadn’t helped me stop it that morning, I would’ve held on to it through my day and it would’ve continued to affect my attitude.

Even if we don’t physically say anything rude, our attitude and our tone of voice can convey rudeness. Rolling our eyes, huffing under our breath, being sarcastic, complaining, and being impatient, all convey a rude attitude.

We need to pray for our attitude to be like Christ’s and live by His example.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15

Rude Actions
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…
Matthew 7:12

We don’t always have to have a bad attitude or say anything wrong to come off as rude. Our actions play just as important of a role. There are many things people do today that is just plain rude. Here’s just to name a few:

Do you borrow things from people but never return them? My mother literally returns everything that is not hers. She will even drive thirty minutes to my house just to drop off something I accidentally left at her house.

Do you park in a handicap spot when you have two perfectly well able legs to walk on? I remember as a teenager thinking it was so cool to take my friend’s dad’s car to the mall because he had a handicap sticker and we could get front row parking. I never thought about those who actually needed to be in the front row because of a handicap.

Do you interrupt people when they’re talking? Do you blurt out replies before listening to what they have to say? Proverbs 18:13 says, answering before listening is both stupid and rude (MSG). I am so guilty of this verse that I even find myself replying to an email before I’m done reading it.

Do you ever make promises and not follow through with them? People highly respect those who are reliable and trustworthy. It’s nice to have people you can truly count on to do what they say they are going to do, and to be there when they say they are going to be there.

Do you ignore the “Please RSVP” when you receive an invitation? I have had parties where I ran out of food because people showed up that never told me they were coming. I have also had parties where I had a lot of food leftover because those who said they were coming never showed up.

Do you ignore someone because you don’t want to tell them no? When I was researching the publishing industry I was amazed at how many people I had inquired for information that completely ignored me. I found such respect for those who took the time to answer me even when it was just to say, “Sorry, I cannot help you.”

We should think about others in every situation and do to them as we would want them to do to us. This is how we truly love others, by showing consideration and thinking of them.

For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:21

Amanda Beth is a wife and mother of four children, and author of an upcoming book titled: YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children. She has been married for 14 years and has experienced transformation in her life and marriage since she surrendered her heart to Christ ten years ago. http://www.amandabeth.net/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

I have heard complaints that “some Christians” can get “too-spiritual.”  Why, they even say, if you’re not careful you could take the Bible “too serious” or “literally.”  There are reportedly even those, like Peter, who have gone “overboard” in their efforts to serve Jesus Christ.  Surely God understands that we only have one life to live.  That said; we should keep our commitment to His cause in moderation – while also enjoying life to the fullest. After all, that’s what this “amazing-grace” is all about; right? Wrong!

I guess I am one of those who “crossed-over.” Maybe, I read into this thing too deep.  Perhaps, I am even in error for taking the words of Christ at face value. In my confusion; I thought that “All Christians” were to be spiritual. Perhaps, in my blindness, I perceived that all who bore His name were to live their lives as a living sacrifice and seek His pleasure before their own. I thought I was supposed to abstain from questionable things as an expression of commitment and love – as opposed to seeing what I can “dabble-in” and still get into heaven.

Jesus himself said; “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”  Matthew 16:24

I have seen too many who have become consumed with the pursuit of life; the pursuit of the latest fad; pursuit of the latest technology and toys; even the pursuit of position, recognition, and the prideful praise of men.  It seems that many people who complain about the sacrificial life of a “sold-out-believer,” are not really opposed to the pursuit of a cause; just the cause of the pursuit.  I have concluded; some people are so “Earthly-minded,” they are no “Heavenly-good.”

Maybe I will “catch-on” someday.  Perhaps even “lighten up a bit,” as they say.  I hope not though – I like making Christ the unquenchable obsession of my life.

Dwayne Harris is the founder of Fresh Outpouring Ministries, Inc. and is an Evangelist and Missionary. He is an Ordained Minister within the Church of God of Cleveland Tenn. and the speaker of the “Message in a Minute” web based devotional video series. For more information visit: http://www.freshoutpouring.com

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Alive in Christ LIVE Radio :: Radio Liner Notes :: Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Main Show Topic: Christians of Convenience
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Has the world’s culture given rise to Christians of convenience?

Why is there so much distrust, hatred, blame, and pointing the finger swirling around the world?

Why have we as Christ-followers, become Christ-posers?

What is the reason why Christians attend church?

Why has the Holy Bible taken a back seat to everybody’s everything else? How does God feel about all this? How might we truly draw nearer to God before all else?

You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will discover on this unique edition of Alive in Christ Radio.

In just 2 short hours, you will learn that the answers and remedies to Christian confusion is only as far as God. In the next 2 hours, will learn how to make right choices as God’s truth is revealed.

Special Guest: Matthew Botsford, Founder of Seeds of Love Ministry. We talk spiritual warfare as Matthew recalls a gun shot wound to the head, the pronouncement of his death, his personal visit to hell, and his redemption and restoration by grace and mercy of almighty God.

We round out our program with features including Joyce Meyer’s “Everyday Moments”, Focus on the family’s Plugged-In Movie Review and Focus on the Family Minute as well as a the Short feature from Luis Palau entitled, “Reaching Your World with Luis Palau.”

On this episode we will learn to, “let go and let God.”

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37

Join us as we present answers to these tough questions. Your evolving relationship with God depends upon it. On this edition of Alive in Christ we address these and other all-important kingdom issues.

On this edition of Alive in Christ, Christian Discipleship Ministries’ founder, Tony Marino and Lynn Kennedy explore life’s guidelines verses His “God-lines”, and will it be “your way”, or “Yahweh?” We invite you to join us.

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || In-Studio Guest: Matthew Botsford
Matthew and Nancy Botsford are ordained ministers of the Lord through Morningstar Fellowship Churches. Seeds of Love is also affiliated with Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship by means of Friends In Harvest. After frequently visiting TACF post the 1994 outpouring the Botsford’s were led to form Seeds of Love Ministry in 2004 with the express intent of expanding the Kingdom of God to the ends of the Earth through preaching and teaching the undiluted Word of God holding fast to their Rev 12:11 mandate; “..and they overcame the enemy by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death”. Signs and Wonders often follow and is evidence of their alignment with the Heavenly Commissions(FIRE Values) of PIH/FIH Network and most importantly the Word of God. They are called to an evangelistic style of ministry both domestically and abroad.

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Features:
Joyce Meyer || Everyday Moments
Focus on the Family || Focus on the Family Minute || Plugged-In Movie Review
Luis Palau || Reaching Your World with Luis Palau
Beth Moore || A Quick Word

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Music Artists:
Whitney Lynn Smith
Andrew Thomas
Iona Leigh
Desmond Pringle

Alive in Christ Radio LIVE || Christian Book of the Week:
Author: Nancy Botsford
A Day in Hell
Nine-millimeter shots rang out from every direction. The shooter stood on the corner of the cracked concrete sidewalk. He squeezed the trigger of an Uzi machine gun, anger pumping through his veins, spraying bullets into the crowd outside of the building. Matthew was hit from behind, the 9 mm bullet piercing the back of his head, instantly knocking him to the ground… dead. A Day in Hell is the riveting, true-life account of one man’s descent to the bowels of hell after dying from a gunshot wound to the head in March of 1992, and the true, wholehearted prayer of love by his newly wedded wife. Matthew survived, waking up twenty-seven days later. Unbeknownst to all those surrounding him, God had pulled him from his cell in hell and said, ‘It’s not your time.’ A Day in Hell is a story flooded with hope and inspiration as this young couple figures out how to plot their new life.

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Today’s Holy Bible Passages:
Joshua 2:6, Judges 4-5, 1st Kings 16:31; 19; 21, 2nd Kings 9:30-37, Psalm 86, Esther 4:16, Luke 1-2, Luke 10:38-42, John 19.

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©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Pride is something that we all struggle with because it basically comes down to not submitting to God’s authority in some area of our life.

The Bible gives us many warnings against pride and the repercussions it brings. I will only focus on a few but I encourage you to study it on your own asking God to show you and help you in the areas you struggle with pride.

Pride Deceives

When I worked as a server at a restaurant, I waited on a family one time that appeared to be very wealthy. While the father stepped away from the table the family cautioned me to do everything he requested perfectly and on time. They basically told me he was not to be disappointed at all.

I instantly felt intimidated and was on edge the entire time I waited on them. After they left I thought how deceived this man was. He thought because of his wealth he was higher than anyone else and deserved absolute perfection. Galatians 6:3 says,

“If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Pride blinds us of our true value and the value of others. When we’re caught in pride, we inflate our value and devalue others. When in reality we all have the same value. No one in this world is greater or less than anyone. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The smartest, most successful man in the world is no different than a homeless drug-addict in God’s eyes. We’re all sinners and Christ died for every one of us.

When we measure ourselves to others we will either feed our own pride or tear ourselves down. When we see ourselves and others as God sees us, we will keep from thinking we’re better than or inferior to others. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says, “Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!” (NLT)

Pride Destroys

Pride is what led to Satan’s destruction. If he could become prideful after knowing God in His full glory, then how much more susceptible are we to pride. In 1Timothy 3:6, as Paul was giving warning against putting a new convert in the position of an overseer of the church, He stated, “he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”

When we fall into pride, we stand against God who opposes the proud. When we ignore God and try to handle our life on our own, we open the door to Satan’s deception and influence. He deceives us by telling us we don’t need God so He can drag us down with him. Proverbs 16:18 says,

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Whenever I fall into pride, thinking I’m so wise, God humbles me by allowing me to fall. This opens my eyes to see my weaknesses, and it reminds me that I can do nothing without God. I am absolutely nothing without Him.

Praise God that even though we do fall, He is always there waiting to help us when we’re ready to humble ourselves and accept His help. Proverbs 24:16 says, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” (NLT) “Godly” means “righteous.” We are made righteous when we receive Jesus. Without Jesus, we have nothing to protect us when we fall.

Pride Humiliates

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve acted in pride and found out later that it only made me look stupid. Those who are caught in pride are blinded from reality. Everyone else but them can see their folly.

This is one of the reasons why God tells us to listen to advice, because when we’re caught in pride we don’t see our own faults. Proverbs 13:10 says, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

God will often try to reach and humble us through others. If we don’t humble ourselves, we’ll continue to make a fool of ourselves. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”

Loving God Keeps Us Humble

Sometimes I think the more we grow with Christ, the more tendencies we have to fall into pride. We have to be careful that we don’t start thinking we’re holier than others and forgetting that it’s God who sanctifies us, not us. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

Those who are proud and compare their sins to others, instead of to God’s Holiness, will not be merciful to others. Pride does not promote love, it tears people down. We can’t love others when we think we’re better than them.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 says, “…of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature].

If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much [of divine things, without love], he does not yet perceive and recognize and understand as strongly and clearly, nor has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought or as is necessary.

But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].” (AMP)

All the knowledge and wisdom we receive from God does us nothing if we don’t love others. People aren’t interested in how much we know, they’re looking for true genuine love, the kind of love that only God can give. We have to love God in order to love others. As this verse says, to love God is to have reverence for Him, to be obedient to Him, and to be grateful for what He has given us.

I’ve found the best way for me to stay out of pride is to be continually filled with praise and awe of what God has done in my life. Just remembering where I used to be, and where I still should be, and seeing where He has taken me, fills my heart with gratitude and keeps me humble. We often think about all that God has not done for us instead of praising Him for all that He has done.

We can see this in Luke 17, where Jesus healed ten men of leprosy. Only one of them, when he saw he was healed, came back praising God and threw himself at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving. In verse 17-18 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Also in 2 Chronicles 32:24-31, we see King Hezekiah’s pride. Verse 24-26 says, “In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.”

God does so much for us that He deserves our utmost respect and praise. Praise keeps us humble because it keeps us focused on God and not ourselves. When our hearts are filled with gratitude toward God we will stay out of pride.

Amanda Daubenmeyer is a wife and mother of four children, and author of an upcoming book titled: YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children. She has been married for 14 years and has experienced transformation in her life and marriage since she surrendered her heart to Christ ten years ago. http://www.amandadaubenmeyer.com/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA– San Diego Habitat for Humanity kicks off its immensely popular Women Build Season. The 2011 season will begin on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, and will run through December, creating a home for a family in need just in time for the holidays.

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity program that encourages women to make a difference by building homes and communities. The program seeks to encourage women volunteers to further the home-building mission of Habitat for Humanity. Since the program’s launch in 1998, Women Build volunteers have constructed more than 1,750 homes around the world, including 3 homes in San Diego County. This year, women from San Diego County will build a home in National City in partnership with a family in need.

The program does not exclude men from volunteer efforts, but includes women in the build process. Women Build offers a fun and positive environment for women to give back to their community. Women Build communities provide an opportunity for women to learn new construction skills in a supportive environment, empowering them as they address the problem of substandard housing. Their leadership and service are changing lives.

“We anticipate hundreds of volunteers participating throughout the Women Build season, working alongside a wonderful Habitat partner family”, said Chris Marek, Chief Officer of Development and Strategy for San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

“This home will be very special in that passionate women have come together with heart to build it”.

Individuals, community groups or corporations interested in sponsoring this event or volunteering during this life-changing experience are welcome to visit www.sdhfh.org/WomenBuild for specific build dates and further information.

About San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH)
San Diego Habitat for Humanity Inc. (SDHFH), the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes for ownership by local families in need. Habitat partner families are selected on the basis of housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay a 0% interest mortgage loan.

SDHFH is a faith-based organization that invites people of all backgrounds, faiths or no faith to join the effort in strengthening communities and changing lives. Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land and materials, including purchases and donations to ReStore, SDHFH’s building supply thrift store. For more information, visit www.sdhfh.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

“Love does not boast” happens to be a popular saying in our household. Whenever one of my kids receives something special, or praise for doing good, they immediately run to tell their siblings. The siblings then get jealous and tell the one who is bragging not to boast. They usually then come running to my husband or me and squeal on the one who is boasting.

It’s hard not to boast. When we’re excited about something, we want to run and tell everyone. But just like with my kids, not everyone is going to share in our excitement. So does this mean we should never share anything good with anyone?

At one time, I made my mind up that I was not going to talk about anything that had to do with me when I was conversing with someone. This went okay for the first ten minutes, but when they’d ask about me, I’d give a quick reply and switch the conversation back to them. This made it uncomfortable for me and the one I was conversing with. I’d have to come up with a bunch of questions for them and they would have to focus on themselves by answering all my questions. This actually made me force people to boast about themselves.

It didn’t take long for me to learn that there has to be a balance and boasting is not completely wrong. 2 Corinthians 10:13 says,

“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.”

Verses 17-18 say, “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

I learned that boasting about the things I produce by my own effort only leads to pride. Whereas, boasting about the things the Lord produces in and through me, that will benefit others, leads to glorifying and praising God. If no one ever shared how God has worked in their life, we would never be motivated to press on and take hold of all that God has for us. It blesses me to hear how God works in others, because I know that He has no favorites. If I hear that He is working in your life, then I know He will work in mine. This kind of boasting stirs people’s faith. The other kind of boasting stirs nothing but our own pride.

This doesn’t mean we share with everyone everything God does for us. The Apostle Paul set an example for us to learn the proper limits of boasting. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 he stated,

“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.”

Paul boasted in others and only things in himself that would benefit others. Even though he could boast about all the marvelous revelations he received from God, and be telling the truth, he still chose to refrain himself so that people wouldn’t think higher of him than they ought.

Not everyone wants to hear about all the good God is doing in our lives. We need to be sensitive to those we are conversing with and know when to refrain ourselves when we’re around those who don’t want to hear it.

When God called me to step out and write my first book on marriage, I was so excited that I wanted to tell everyone. I quickly found out that everyone wouldn’t share my excitement. This only brought me down and did nothing to help others.

A friend told me recently that God warns us about sharing our visions with everyone. It only hurts us and feeds other people’s envy and jealousy, as we can learn from the story of Joseph. He didn’t act wisely by sharing his dream with his brothers and father in Genesis 37, even though his heart was right and he was telling the truth.

2 Corinthians 11:30 says, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” Instead of sharing only the good God was doing in my life, I should’ve shared all the attacks and testing that came along with the great blessing. I should’ve shared how many times I fell and wanted to give up during that time. I should’ve shared how my marriage was tested to the point where I felt I was completely unqualified to teach anyone anything about marriage.

When we share our weaknesses and trials along with our blessings, it helps others relate because no one walks through life continually blessed and free of trials. When we only share our good, it makes others wonder what they’re doing wrong. Our weaknesses help others to know that they are not alone. I learn the most from those who share their struggles and how God worked in those struggles.

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;

But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP)

Let us not bring glory to ourselves. Let us boast about the things of the Lord that will benefit others and bring glory to God!

Amanda Daubenmeyer is a wife and mother of four children, and author of an upcoming book titled: YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children. She has been married for 14 years and has experienced transformation in her life and marriage since she surrendered her heart to Christ ten years ago. http://www.amandadaubenmeyer.com/

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Fear is good when it motivates you to perform at your best, such as fear of failing a test will drive you to study harder, or fear of getting into an accident will force you to drive safely. It is when we allow fear to become chronic, or to cause stress and anxiety, that fear is not good for you. Fear is an emotion and nothing more. Fear is an illusion, and once you overcome the fear, the issue you were worried about will drop away.

How can we break free of fear once and for all? Is it even authentically possible? Resoundingly, the answer is, “YES!” That stated, there is a caveat; you can in NO way overcome that which scares you all by yourself; nor can you defeat fear from a foundation of finite or limited “human” strength. You can, however, take on fear with the infinite, unlimited power of God’s love and conquering might.

Please allow me to explain how this works.

First, God says to us in His Holy Word, love conquers fear.

1 John 4:18 (Apostle John): 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

Let’s admit, many Christians have most likely heard the saying “love conquers all.” It is used in various ways and contexts, but, when it is spoken by God’s own Word (Holy Bible), it is 100% true and infinitely powerful. Look at it this way, the Bible is the story, (Book of Life) of God’s perfect love to mankind (us) and how His agape (perfect) love continues to triumph over the darkest of evil. God has bestowed His perfect, fear-conquering love through His ultimate gift, His Son (our Jesus), for our redemption. In other words, God has whisked us away from eternal fear into the everlasting glory and grace of His almighty love.

Believe it or not, may Christians today have a nearly impossible time swallowing the idea that God will deliver them from fear, or anything else for that matter, because they believe themselves to be unworthy or undeserving before such a sovereign Father.

Romans 5:8 (Apostle Paul): 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Notice here in Romans 5:8, Paul, inspired by Jesus Himself, clearly explains for us that God does not wait for us to become perfect before He acts on our behalf—according to His will and purposes. That definitively means that God saves us not because we have earned our salvation by obeying all of His laws; God saves, protects, and loves us in spite of ourselves by His choice—By His glorious grace. Certainly, we can agree God loves us and will shelter us from any and all things that will come against us; this includes any and all things that may frighten us, scare us, or may attempt to cause us to surrender our lives to fear.

Romans 8:28-31 (Apostle Paul): 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

Romans 8:31 (Apostle Paul): 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

God is love, and if we trust that God is who He says He is, our faith in God’s love will release us from those fears that attempt to crush our faith and negatively consume our lives. For the essence of this kind fear is not from God; for “good” is from God, as love is from God.

2 Timothy 1:7 (Apostle Paul’s Letter to Timothy): 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

God is the author of love. In fact, His very nature is love. Fear cannot dwell where perfect love resides, especially for us who call upon the Father; we are filled with God’s love.

Ephesians 3:20 (Apostle Paul): 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

As Christians we must remain alert to the devil’s enticements. The devil will do everything he can to steal and destroy all that is God. He scans the earth looking for slivers of weaknesses in our lives. He stands ready to pounce upon you and me whenever we take our eyes off of God and focus upon our fears. We must adamantly refuse to allow him access to our lives by keeping our faith strong in the LORD. When fear comes, that is the moment to run closer to God.

1 Peter 5:8 (Peter): 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

John 10:10 (Apostle John): 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

James 4:7 (James, Jesus’ Brother): 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:8 (James, Jesus’ Brother): 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

As Christians, let us fervently never lose sight of the fact that the battle against fear is ours in Jesus’ name.

1 John 4:4 (Apostle John): 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

When the phantoms like the Boogieman in the closet, the monster under the bed, or the witch in your window comes-a-calling, or if you are just afraid of being afraid, call upon the name of Jesus and stand ready with God for battle.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (Apostle Paul– The Whole Armor of God): 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In a world riddled with paralyzing fear, Christians like us, need to look for opportunities to share the love of God with others, particularly amongst our own, and let everyone we know of the unfailing love, hope, and salvation that could only be found in Christ.

And always remember in your heart, the words of the apostle John, as provided directly from God to you:

1 John 4:4 (Apostle John): 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

The next time and anytime you are overcome with fear, I encourage you to call upon God immediately and without hesitation. God is always ready to act in your best interest rendering His peace, joy, hope, forgiveness, and love. Allow God to set you free from fear. God speaks to us today as He spoke to David in Psalm 27.

Psalm 27 (David):

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!

8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

May almighty God bless you abundantly,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

Alive in Christ Radio :: Radio Liner Notes :: Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Main Show Topic: Christian Essentials: Conquering Fear
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On the surface, you are the BIG man or woman on campus; deep down, you are scared out of your wits! When we were little, phantoms like the Boogieman in the closet or the monster under the bed kept us on high alert with light on and calling out for mommy every 3 minutes.

Now that we are all grown up, or least we are expected to be, why are we still wrestling with fear? Are we to just pretend that we are brave and courageous while still hiding from all those “things that go bump in your life?”

How can we break free of fear once and for all? Is it even authentically possible? Resoundingly, the answer is, “YES!”

You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will discover on this unique edition of Alive in Christ Radio.

Special Guest: Christian Music Artist and CEO of Women of Substance Radio (WOSRadio.com), Bree Noble.

Special Features: Focus on the Family’s Plugged In Movie Review and Family Minute, Joyce Meyer’s Everyday Moments, and Luis Palau’s Reaching Your World.

Join us as we present answers to these tough questions. Your evolving relationship with God depends upon it. On this edition of Alive in Christ we address these and other all-important kingdom issues.

On this edition of Alive in Christ, Christian Discipleship Ministries’ founder, Tony Marino and Lynn Kennedy explore life’s guidelines verses His “God-lines”, and will it be “your way”, or “Yahweh?” We invite you to join us.

Alive in Christ Radio || In-Studio Guest: Bree Noble
Bree Noble lives in Alta Loma, CA with her husband Chris, who is an English Professor at Azusa Pacific University. They are the proud parents of an 8 year old daughter, Julia, and a 2 1/2 year old girl, Abigail. Bree holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Business from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. She has combined her love of music and her business savvy to create an Internet radio station called Women of Substance Radio-WOSRadio.com-that plays music by the best known and unknown female artists. Bree has received songwriting awards in the Dallas Songwriting Contest and the Great American Song Competition. Bree had the honor of singing the National Anthem to a sold out crowd at Dodger Stadium. In 2007, Bree was named Best Female Performer at the Inland Empire Music Awards.

Alive in Christ Radio || Features:
Joyce Meyer || Everyday Moments
Focus on the Family || Focus on the Family Minute
Luis Palau || Reaching Your World with Luis Palau
Focus on the Family || Plugged-In Movie Review

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Bree Noble
Michael Popenhagen
Kimia Penton
Flatland Music Group

Alive in Christ Radio || Christian Book of the Week:
Author: Max Lucado
Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear
Fear seems to be in the driver’s seat these days. People are troubled and anxious. Finances are tumbling, rockets are launching, and seemingly solid institutions are teetering. It’s tough for folks to know where to turn.

Two years ago I began writing a new book entitled Fearless. Little did I know then what we’d be facing now, but God did. The book examines Jesus’ statements about fear and encourages us to take heart in difficult times.

The antidote to the fear epidemic? Trust. If we trust God more, we can fear less. What a comforting promise.

-Max Lucado

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Today’s Holy Bible Passages:
Psalm 27, John 10:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:28-31, Romans 8:31, Ephesians 3:20, Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Timothy 1:7, James 4:7, James 4:8, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 4:18

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©2012 Christian Times Online :: Praise, Worship, Discipleship :: Free Christian Online Newsletter :: 213-325-0977. All Rights Reserved.

So, why do we spend 70% of our days in worry? What are we afraid of? What is it that (or who) scares us so?

After I get through this teaching, the only way you will be able to worry is if you choose to worry. Why would you ever make the effort to allow yourself to worry about anything? Now you say, but Tony, “What if this? What is that?” Well, what if? “If” is not here. At least not yet. So, why worry about what may never come? And, if by chance “if” does arrive, I have a sure fire way to instantly overcome it!

Doubts often cause worry and fear. We can decide to lift our worries to the LORD. We can accept that God is who He says He is, and Jesus is who He says He is. One of God’s many names is Jehovah-jireh which means, “God provides,” or God is our provider.

As the apostle John sat in prison, he felt some doubts about whether Jesus really was the Savior. How did Jesus respond to John? Was He angry? Was He offended? Was He upset? Did He threaten to send John to hell for doubting He is who He is? Jesus answered John’s doubts, in His loving way, by reminding John of the acts that revealed His true identity: healing the sick, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel (teaching the Good News) to the poor. With so much evidence, Jesus’ identity is obvious. Do you sometimes share John’s doubts? It would be OK by Jesus when you do? For Jesus will speak to you and share the evidence of His love in Scripture (God’s Holy Bible), and in your life. When you doubt, don’t turn away for Jesus, instead, turn to Him.

When you allow yourself, and make no mistake, you must give yourself permission to be afraid, or to worry, that is the instant of which to turn and trust in Jesus who is always beside you. God tells us that troubles will come, but you must always remember, Jesus stands with you to lighten your load of even what you believe to be the heaviest of burdens. Whatever is impossible TO you, is made easy FOR you by Jesus.

Matthew 11:30 (Jesus): For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

God does not want you to waste a single second worrying. Instead, God wants us to know how much He loves us and how truly invaluable we are to Him. In fact, Jesus said that God cares for the sparrows’ every need. You are far more valuable to God than these little birds.

Matthew 6:25-34 (Jesus): 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Think about it and know, your value to God was proven perfectly by the fact that God sent His only Son to die for you in order for you to be free.

John 3:16: For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

We know deep within our heart, God loves us and values us. In fact, God places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats or difficult trials. Yes, they will come, but God will stand with you and for you. You see, although we are of such amazing value to God, does not mean that He will take away all of your troubles.

Matthew 10:16 (Jesus): Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

As a loving father, God tests you to see how well you hold up under the hassles of everyday life. He watches you carefully to see whether you will rely on self and fold up, or turn to Him to return to safety. As you stand up for Christ in spite of your troubles, you will receive great rewards.

Matthew 5:11-12 (Jesus: The Beatitudes): 11 God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Doubt leads to fear. Fear leads to worry. So, when you remove doubt, you remove fear. In other words, when you know God, you know His universal sovereign power of any and all things. When you call upon God, you are trusting God. By trusting God, you are loving God. Jesus teaches us that love conquers fear. Love is the absence of fear and doubt. Without fear and doubt, you are liberated; set free from worry.

God expects us in and of ourselves to doubt, but Jesus stands ready just as He did as He appeared before Thomas (Doubting Thomas, Didymus: The Twin).

John 20:24-29 (Jesus): 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

As you doubt or begin to wallow in worry, just as Jesus appeared before Thomas, Jesus will appear before you. As you seek Christ, Christ will draw near to you with peace, joy, love, and understanding. Jesus will touch our heart with the fruit of His Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23: 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.

The law spoken here, is the law of nature, or the natural, or the flesh. In other words, no worry—no doubt can stand against you when you call upon the name of Jesus. When you bind worry in the name of Jesus, worry will immediately flee your presence. You see, worry is not from God, but from the devil. Satan wants to immobilize you in doubt, fear, and worry. As a child of God, you have the instant ability to stand against the father of lies and deception by faithfully choosing to call upon the name of the LORD.

James 4:7 (Jesus’ brother): Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

In other words, give your doubts, fears, and worries to God. In doing so, you are resisting the devil, and by God’s almighty power, the devil will instantly flee from you, taking with him, doubt, fear, and worry.

Imagine never being worried about anything! Until now, it seemed an impossibility. The apostle Paul shares with us an important piece of holy advice by encouraging us to convert our worries into prayers.

Philippians 4:6-9 (Paul): 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

God’s peace will be with you. Peace is a 180 degree opposite of worry. Therefore, we can confidently state, “the absence of worry is peace;” not just any old peace, but God’s perfect peace. Peace is a strength that is provided by God.

Psalm 10-11 (David): The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Allow me to share with you seven reasons not to worry directly from the words of Jesus as written for us in the gospel of Matthew. As I share, you decide.

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with every detail of your life (Matthew 6:24).

2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today (Matthew 6:26).

3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful (Matthew 6:27).

4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him (Matthew 6:28-30).

5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God (Matthew 6:31-32).

6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them (Matthew 6:33).

7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry (Matthew 6:34).

The next time and anytime you are overcome with worry, despair, doubt, or fear, I encourage you to call upon God immediately and without hesitation. God is always ready to act in your best interest rendering His peace, joy, hope, forgiveness and love. Allow God to set you free from all worry, all doubt, and all fear. God speaks to us today as He spoke to David in Psalm 37.

Psalm 37 (David):

A psalm of David.

1 Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.

2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.

6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.

9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

10 Soon the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they will be gone.

11 The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the godly;
they snarl at them in defiance.

13 But the Lord just laughs,
for he sees their day of judgment coming.

14 The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to kill the poor and the oppressed,
to slaughter those who do right.

15 But their swords will stab their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.

17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly.

18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.

19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.

20 But the wicked will die.
The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field—
they will disappear like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and never repay,
but the godly are generous givers.

22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land,
but those he curses will die.

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.

24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.

26 The godly always give generous loans to others,
and their children are a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good,
and you will live in the land forever.

28 For the Lord loves justice,
and he will never abandon the godly.
He will keep them safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will die.

29 The godly will possess the land
and will live there forever.

30 The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.

31 They have made God’s law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.

32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly,
looking for an excuse to kill them.

33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed
or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

34 Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.

35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.

36 But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

37 Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

38 But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.

39 The Lord rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.

40 The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.

May almight God bless you always,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

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