Showing posts with label Kay Arthur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kay Arthur. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Least Likely to Succeed by Joni Ames Identity Network

The Least Likely to Succeed by Joni Ames

Identity Network
June 28, 2017

 
 
 
 
E-book PDF Download
By Bill Vincent
Price: $16.99
Sale! $3.99
Click HERE to order.
 
 
The least likely to succeed = the most likely to succeed, in Jesus.
 
One of the things the Bible is clear about regarding God choosing those He can use is that you do not have to be professional, just available.
 
The condemning voices of the enemy are constantly trying to discourage God's people from being what God called them to be.
 
It seems that every time God wanted to use somebody in the Scriptures, it was the most unlikely of people He used to do the most exceptional things. Perhaps the reason is because He would then truly get the glory.
 
When God called Gideon, he argued that he was too poor to be used. He said that he was from the poorest clan in all of his region, and he was the poorest one in all of his clan.
 
Apparently God decided that was a not a good excuse, because He still used him. God knew what he had put inside of Gideon. He knew that, in his humility, Gideon was a lot more capable because he would truly have to be trusting in God to accomplish the task.
 
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord." (Zechariah 4:6)
 
Sometimes there are people that think way too much of themselves, and other times there are people that are far too humble.
 
True Humility
 
As one man said, "True humility is agreeing with God." God is the one who knows what He put on the inside of His people. It is like a baker that is making a cake. They know what ingredients they put inside. God knows what ingredients He has put inside of you.
 
Even if you do not believe in yourself, you can believe in God who made you, called you, and is sending you forth.
 
One of the most unlikely heroes of the Bible is the apostle Paul. He murdered Christians. When you think about that, it must have been scary for Christians to trust him when he started ministering. Most likely there were those that were concerned that he was just pretending so that he could get inside their group and kill them too.
 
Fear is a terrible and debilitating thing. It can cause you to be trapped in the paralysis of analysis and totally halt your faith and all that you are called to do.
 
One of the big causes of fear is listening to other people's opinions. It is interesting that one would hear from God, and then ask other people what they think about what He has to say. When you think about it, it is ridiculous to ask a human being to verify what God is saying rather than to ask God to verify what a human being is saying. God is, after all, God. People are mere human beings. Imagine what all could be accomplished if God's people would just believe Him in the first place.
 
When you think of it, it is interesting that the prophetess Debra was the very first female political leader ever known. Because America now has some females in the political arena, it thinks they are advanced, but it has been done long before this. Other nations have had females in leadership very far back in history. There have been many queens, for instance, in England.
 
So many women, even today, feel like a "lesser being" and are afraid to step out into what they are called to in the area of ministry. But the women who were willing to take a chance and who didn't look at those lies succeeded, so why not you? After all, God has mightily used women like Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Maria Edworth Etter, Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, Paula White, Juanita Bynum, Marilyn Hickey, Mother Theresa, Mother Angelica, Lisa Bevere, Joni Lamb, Kay Arthur, Jan Crouch, Tammy Faye Bakker, just to name a few.
 
So many of the women mentioned above had serious situations in their lives that others would use to disqualify them. Even divorce. But if people would disqualify someone because of divorce, they would disqualify God because He divorced Israel.
 
Often times when one steps out into ministry, one of their children begins to go astray. That happened to Oral Roberts with his son Richard who was astray from God for quite a while. But God let Oral know that did not disqualify him, because a lot of God's full-grown kids are astray, and that doesn't disqualify God. Eventually Richard also returned to God and his calling too.
 
Disqualified by the World
 
Just the other day, there was a story on television about a young man that had started to get in trouble with the law in his early teens. He got involved in a program through the Police Department, which a judge made him participate in. That program caused him to go forward into law enforcement and eventually become the police chief in a major city in America when he grew up. No one would have thought that would happen when he was a young troublemaker.
 
Opera Winfrey is one of the wealthiest people in America. She certainly had one of the most lucrative television careers. When she tells of her early childhood years of being poor and from a dysfunctional family growing up, as well as how shy she was, you realize what a miracle she is. Not only is she a successful woman, but she is a successful black woman. Truly a pioneer in her day. In spite of what some people may think, her original concept of faith is what got her where she is today.
 
While "the world" would often disqualify people, God forgives, accepts, and uses those who have failed. There are some greatly famous televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker, who "fell" in front of the whole world to some degree. Yet better days were yet ahead as God continues to use them.
 
There are awesome testimonies throughout the Body of Christ of the things God has saved people from. Alcohol, prostitution, drug trafficking and abuse, robbery, murder. The list goes on.
 
The word testimony means, "a formal statement, evidence of proof of something; a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience."
 
Rick Joyner says, "In the very areas where you have been wounded, once healed, you then have the authority to heal others."
 
The Bible puts it this way, "Satan is defeated by the Blood of the Lamb and word of your testimony." (Rev. 12:11)
 
Too often, people shrink in shame over what they have been through in their past. The enemy will try to constantly condemn you and threaten you that, if others find out about what you used to do or who you used to be, you should be rejected and forgotten.
 
Forgiveness Leads to Authority
 
While your past may not be something to be proud of, it is something to be proud that the Blood of Jesus saved you from.
 
In essence, while the enemy would like to try to use it as a sword over your head, when you have repented and gotten forgiveness, it becomes an area of authority for you. You are then able to use it to bring salvation and deliverance to others through the testimony that God gives to you because you have been through it and gotten saved. There is no one else that understands and has authority in that type of situation like you can because of your experience.
 
The key for you is to not allow the enemy to blackmail you with it. Be ready to speak it out in the realms of giving God the praise and glory for having saved and delivered you from it. That totally overturns and takes the authority out of the condemning voice of the enemy who would like to use that thing to shame and defeat you. Instead, it becomes your weapon to disarm, subdue, and defeat the enemy in your life as well as the lives of others.
 
Jesus accomplished victory at the cross for all mankind so that you may be able to walk in it also. The Word tells us, "Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Colossians 2:15)
 
When you research everyone God used mightily in the Bible, most had something "wrong" with them, some sort of "disqualifying" marker. However, when they took it to the Lord and admitted to it, they were forgiven and mightily used.
 
Qualifying the Called
 
It appears that God delights in using those, which others would deny.
 
There's a saying, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." It appears as if God, for some reason, is "loser friendly." Apparently, the greater our afflictions or even our failures are, the more miraculously God can use us.
 
Case in point regarding physical afflictions is Joni Erickson Tada. In 1967 at age 17, she had a diving accident, which left her as a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. However, she has had an incredibly successful ministry since then and still does. She is an amazing singer, artist, and speaker throughout the world.
 
The truth of the matter is, in God's economy, the "least likely to succeed" are actually the most likely to succeed. Why? Because in your weakness He is strong. And there is nothing that's impossible for Him. You are the right material to become someone's hero.
 
Recently in the news, a McDonald's drive through clerk was attentive and recognized the face of a most wanted killer as he ordered chicken and fries at her window. She remained calm and told him the fries were not ready, but to pull forward and she would get them to him as soon as they were up. As he did so, she called the police and he was soon apprehended. A McDonald's drive through clerk became America's hero that day.
 
God has chosen the most unlikely to be His heroes. Today it just might be you.
 
Love and blessings.
 
Joni Ames
 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Bible Teacher Kay Arthur Offers Answer to America's Woes - LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CHARISMA NEWS

Kay Arthur speaks at the Liberty University Convocation.
Kay Arthur speaks at the Liberty University Convocation. (Photo courtesy of Chad Finnesand.)


Bible Teacher Kay Arthur Offers Answer to America's Woes


Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

Renowned Bible teacher and Co-Founder of Precept Ministries International Kay Arthur used her time at Liberty University Convocation on Monday to challenge students to apply Scripture as they seek to impact the world around them.
Precept Ministries works in 185 countries and 70 languages, discipling Christians through Bible study, radio programs and student ministries. Arthur has reached more than 75 million people worldwide through the daily television, radio and online programs she hosts. She is the author of more than 100 books and spoke at Convocation in 2013, where she received a rousing ovation in response to her message.
Before Arthur spoke, worship artist Bethany Barr Phillips led students in singing popular Christian songs, including "You Make Me Brave" and "No Longer Slaves." Phillips also briefly shared her testimony of battling cancer and finding strength in her faith in God through that struggle.
Arthur then encouraged students to live outside the mold of societal expectations. She talked about her own life, which could easily have been defined by a failed marriage, moral compromise or tragedy, but instead was given purpose through Christ's forgiveness.
She said that knowing God's Word and applying it are the key to a truly successful life.
"This book is more important than any education at any time in any place," Arthur said, referring to the Bible. "These are the words of life."
Arthur pointed out that society is becoming more secularized and rejecting God. According to Arthur, the problem stems from Christians who are not prioritizing their spiritual lives. The answer to this, she said, is Scripture, which all believers should be studying regularly.
"If you're going to be used in this nation and for this time in this world, then the Word of God has to be priority in your life," she said. "I believe that this is your hour. ... I believe the way that you respond to (the) message that God has for you will determine the future of America."
For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!
NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Santorum & NRB executives showed real leadership - Joel Rosenberg

Santorum & NRB executives showed real leadership by visiting Israel amidst a hot war. They get the importance of US-Israel alliance & gravity of jihadist threat.

by joelcrosenberg
(Central Israel) -- Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to and travel through Israel with two solidarity delegations from the United States. One was organized by former Senator Rick Santorum and included businessmen, journalists and evangelical Christian pastors from across the country. The other was led by Dr. Jerry Johnson, president & CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters and included highly-respected Christian leaders such as Anne Graham Lotz, Kay Arthur, Tony Perkins and Dr. Richard Land.
I shared some of our experiences on my blog last week. But I want to add a few thoughts upon having had time to reflect further on what I saw.
Senator Santorum and the NRB executives showed tremendous leadership by visiting Israel during a hot war. Each is a long-time friend of Israel, but this was above and beyond the call of duty. These principled men and women demonstrated true love and support for America's number one ally in the Middle East. They came here even while hundreds of rockets were raining down on the Jewish state. They came when almost no one else was visiting the country. They visited troops on the frontlines.  They visited Israelis personally scarred by Hamas terrorism. They met with high-level government officials. They met with everyday Israelis -- Jews and Arabs -- all over the country. They learned how the Iron Dome system works and saw its benefits. They heard the Code Red sirens go off. They ran to bomb shelters like everyone else. Most importantly, they studied the Scriptures together and prayed for the peace of Jerusalem and communicated what they saw and heard back to millions of Americans back home via radio, TV and newspaper interviews, as well as via Facebook and Twitter.
How many others did that over the past fifty days of this cruel war?
I don't know whether Senator Santorum will run for President again. I know he did remarkably well in 2012, coming in second after Gov. Romney, after winning the Iowa caucuses and a total of 11 primaries and some four million votes. He's not currently a declared candidate, and won't make his decision about 2016 until sometime next year. Therefore, what impresses me is that he is standing up for what is right, right now. He didn't come for a photo op. He came to better understand the crisis in the Middle East and explain it to the American people.
When Santorum was serving in the Senate, he took the lead in supporting Israel and advancing legislation to deal with the threats from Iran and Syria. Today, though he is out of office, he continues to demonstrate that he gets the importance of a strong US-Israel relationship; that he truly understands the threat Radical Islamic jihadists pose to the U.S., Israel and our Arab allies in the Middle East; that he sees the danger Christians, Jews and other minorities face in the epicenter. He has enormous experience on these issues, and it shows in the way he speaks about these issues and the policies for which he advocates. He's willing to speak out in a bold, principled way, regardless of whether the establishment in Washington notices or cares, and regardless of whether the mainstream media notices or cares.
Good for him. I'm impressed and grateful. May his tribe increase.
Likewise, Dr. Jerry Johnson and the folks from NRB are acting as true Christian statesmen. They love and support Israel. But they also care deeply for the plight of the Palestinian people who are being traumatized by Hamas and being caught in the crossfire of this terrible, painful war. These Christian leaders aren't succumbing to the moral relativism of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) or other liberal, apostate denominations that have abandoned the Bible and the Scriptural call to bless Israel. They are standing on the Word of God, boldly and without apology.
Good for them. I'm impressed and grateful. May their tribe increase, as well.
One last thought for now: I strongly agree with the point Senator Santorum makes in his new op-ed (see below) -- supporting Israel should not be a partisan issue. It should be a bipartisan commitment. Sadly, the President has brought US-Israel relations to its lowest point in 66 years. This deeply concerns me. That's why I'm working on building friendships with Democrats as well as Republicans who support Israel and understand the issues here in the Middle East, or want to. To the extent time permits, I will do my best to help any leader who cares about these issues and is trying to do the right thing. That's why I joined the Santorum and NRB delegations, and why I'll help others in the future.
Please join me in thanking Rick, Jerry Johnson, and all who joined their delegations for showing true leadership and the courage of their convictions "at such a time as this."
Op-ed in the Manchester (NH) Union Leader by former Senator Rick Santorum, published on August 27, 2014
On May 14, 1948, the United States of America was the first nation to officially recognize the newly reborn State of Israel. It was morally right and strategically wise that we did so, and we have been blessed as a nation ever since with a true friend in the Middle East.
It happened to be a Democrat, President Harry Truman, who understood the Jewish people’s right and need to return to their ancient homeland to be safe and free, especially in the wake of the Holocaust. To his great credit, Mr. Truman refused to follow the counsel of those in his own administration, even his own secretary of state, who said it was foolish for America to support a strong, safe and free Jewish state.
Yet while it was a Democrat in the White House who set into motion America’s alliance with Israel, it is another Democrat in the White House who has brought U.S.-Israel relations to their lowest point in 66 years.
This great alliance should not be a partisan issue. Indeed, support for Israel on Capitol Hill is one of the few issues that bring both parties together. Yet the President is an outlier, consistently creating new tensions and divisions with Israel, even while she is under attack by a virulent and ruthless enemy.
This should not be. Most Americans see Israel not simply as an ancient nation but a modern miracle, a true partner on many fronts, from manufacturing to agriculture to the development of state-of-the-art weapons systems like the Iron Dome. They also see a vibrant democracy and a real partner in the war with terrorists.
Yet it has become painfully apparent that our current President does not agree.
I came to Israel last week to show solidarity with her people and government, in part because I am embarrassed by the actions of my own government. The White House should never pressure an ally to accept flawed, biased ceasefire proposals in a war with terrorists who are hell-bent on annihilating them.
The U.S. government should never hold back arms from — or micromanage arms transfers to — an ally fighting for her life.
No administration should try to force an ally to divide her own capital city and surrender the sovereignty of that capital to an enemy sworn to obliterate her.
Nor should any administration leak to the media policy or personal disagreements with an ally, especially during war time.
Yet this is exactly what is happening.
The delegation of American business leaders, pastors and journalists I brought to Jerusalem join me in standing with Israel because we see a friend under attack and feeling increasingly alone. While we were there, Hamas fired more than 150 rockets at Israeli civilian population centers, bringing their total rocket attacks to more than 4,000 in the past seven weeks. My colleagues and I were in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening when the Code Red sirens sounded. A rocket was headed for the Holy City and we had to rush into bomb shelters with our Israeli friends. Yet the world repeatedly criticizes and condemns Israel for exercising her right to self-defense.
Imagine if Washington, D.C., or St. Louis or San Diego were under rocket attack. Would we not strike back hard and relentlessly at those firing the rockets? Would we take kindly to foreign leaders who told us to stop defending ourselves even as the terrorists kept shooting at us?
The most moving part of our visit was meeting with the precious parents of Gil’Ad Shaer, one of the teenage boys Hamas kidnapped and murdered in June. As we sat in their home we heard their story and saw their grief. But we also saw their determination not to let the jihadists destroy their country or their hope for the future.
America must stand with such brave souls. After all, Israel’s fight against radical Islam is our fight too. If we do not defeat the terrorists in the Mideast, they will strike America at home.
Our commitment to Israel does not mean we are blind to the pain and challenges the Palestinians in Gaza face. To the contrary, we care deeply about them and seek their freedom from tyranny.
The Palestinians of Gaza absolutely need to be liberated....from the cruel occupation of Hamas. The Palestinians of Gaza need to be set free from Hamas’ reign of terror and barbarity. This should be a major priority of the U.S. government.
Unfortunately, American foreign policy today is in complete disarray. Incompetence reigns in the White House and State Department and has for six years. Our friends no longer trust us. Our enemies no longer fear us. This is a recipe for disaster.
“Leading from behind” is not leadership at all. The President’s steady retreat from the Mideast is creating a dangerous vacuum jihadist forces are moving to fill from Syria to Iraq to Gaza.
We can and must do better. Democrats should start by putting serious pressure on the President to truly and fully support Israel and to stop pressuring her to make bad deals with dangerous foes. Republicans can start by repudiating isolationist voices in our party and those who call for ending all military aid to Israel.
Now is the time to stand unified for Israel.
---------------------
Rick Santorum is a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.
joelcrosenberg | August 28, 2014 at 7:19 am