Drug War Ghosts

By Tomas Bravo
The memory is still fresh. I close my eyes and I can feel the tension. First the explosions… then the screams… then the silence.

The trickles of blood on the concrete make their way as small, red rivers to form a puddle, quickly dried by the sun. The bodies lie there, surrounded by police tape, waiting to be checked by forensic technicians. The prying eyes of the neighbors are fixed on the laughing police officers and the reporters who are speculating on the reasons for the execution......

Mexico is enduring a very dark night.  She needs our prayers.

Read the whole  article ... look at the pictures ... feel the burden for our sister nation.  We are linked.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Here is Texas Governor Rick Perry's prayer today at the Texas prayer and fasting rally for America.

"Lord, you are the source of every good thing, you are our only hope. And we stand before you today in awe of your power, and in gratitude for your blessings, in humility for our sins.

Father our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see angers in the halls of government. And as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness.

We pray for our nation’s leaders, Lord, for parents, for pastors, for the generals, for governors, that you would inspire them in these difficult times. Father we pray for our president, that you would impart your wisdom upon him, that you would guard his family.

We pray for our military and the families who love them. Father especially, for those special operators who lost their life yesterday in defending our freedoms.

You call us to repent, Lord, and this day is our response. We give it all to you. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. And amen."

/read full remarks here

Thank you Gov. Perry for calling for and leading in this call for social humility and repentance before God.

Rest assured, Yahweh hear your cry.

xtnyoda, shalom

Faces of Hope

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Mother of, Christina Taylor Green, the 9 year old girl that was murdered in Tucson speaks about her daughter.

Little Christina was actually born on 9/11 and was part of a book project titled "Faces of Hope, Babies Born on 9/11".

My heart felt prayers continue on behalf of all caught up in this madness.

xtnyoda, shalomed

I really don't know Elizabeth Edwards... but I am praying for her today.

I think her statement in the following article is just pretty classy.


CNN report

(CNN) - Elizabeth Edwards is surrounded by family and friends in her North Carolina home after being informed by her doctors that further cancer treatment would be unproductive.

"Elizabeth has been advised by her doctors that further treatment of her cancer would be unproductive," the Edwards family said Monday in a statement. "She is resting at home with family and friends and has posted this message to friends on her Facebook page."

The message from Edwards, the wife of two-time presidential candidate John Edwards, reads:

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human.

"But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

Edwards was told by her doctors last week that additional cancer treatments were futile, said a source close to the family. Her prognosis was described in terms of weeks, not months, the source said.

She is receiving treatment and medications, however, for symptoms and side effects.

"She is not in pain, Elizabeth is in good spirits," said the source. "She has prepared for this"....

God bless her and her children for all the sorrow they have been through... and all the sorrow they will endure in the days ahead.

Join me in prayer for this very public... sorrow.

xtnyoda, shalomed

My Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Yahweh!

On behalf of Your Name, Yahweh, I cry.

Rise up in defense of Your Name in this world! Bring those blood bought to the foot of the Throne... in wonder at the Glory of Your Name. Fill our minds with the truth of Your Name and the Majesty of Your Presence.

Expose the centuries of distortions, lies, and obfuscations of Your Name. Wake Your slumbering bride from her stupor to the banquet of Your Presence in Your Name.

Fill Your bride with a zeal of fire for discovery... to discover what has been lost for centuries... yet to embrace the opportunity of... now... with thanksgiving.

YahShua, Your Word was that The Spirit would teach and reveal all things. Honor Your Word by sending the Fresh Oil of spiritual truth... uphold the veracity of Your Word... by revealing Your Presence and Grace... through the unveiling of Your Name.

May, "Yahweh," resound and reverberate through the hearts and lips of Your people like thunders and quakes of joy. May the honor of Your Name be shouted from the roof tops... and lived in the lives of Your loved ones.

May Your Will be done here on earth... as in Heaven... Hallow Your Name.

This... my burden of thanksgiving.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Here is the full text of our nation's first Thanksgiving Proclamation by President Washington in 1789.

President Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houfes of Congress have, by their joint committee, requefted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to eftablifh a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of thefe States to the fervice of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our fincere and humble thanksfor His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the fignal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpofitions of His providence in the courfe and conclufion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have fince enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to eftablish Conftitutions of government for our fafety and happinefs, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are bleffed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffufing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleafed to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in moft humbly offering our prayers and fupplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and befeech Him to pardon our national and other tranfgreffions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private ftations, to perform our feveral and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a bleffing to all the people by conftantly being a Government of wife, juft, and conftitutional laws, difcreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all fovereigns and nations (especially fuch as have shewn kindnefs unto us); and to blefs them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increafe of fcience among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind fuch a degree of temporal profperity as he alone knows to be beft.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand feven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

God Bless America.

xtnyoda, shalomed

PS. Did you notice that it was called by Washington a "DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER."

I probably need not say more.

Time And Again

Written as a response for one asking advise about a wayfaring spouse.



Just some agony for one caught up in the confusion of caring.

Time And Again

Time and again I've tried...
seriously... really tried.

And served my best.

And I have loved you.

And I have cared for you.

And I have borne the guilt.

And I have stood beside you...
on the high places...
and walked with you through the dark shadows.

Time and again.

When do I though...
stop...
for your own sake?

When do I cross that line
and move from patient endurance...
to assisting your long slide into...
oblivion?

Would you ask me to hold your hand
as you drink your bitter herb of death...
when I know there is so much more... life...
in you?

I could scream like a child
when the night bandits slip through the whispering dreams of their night.
Or I could bite my tongue...
stuff my dread...
pray for your change of heart...
like I have done...
time and again.

When do I love you enough...
to say... enough?

I've pondered this deep in my heart...
time and again.

One thing I do know.
I have... and do...
love you.

I guess it could be said by God as well.

Burdened for the burdened.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Avery Willis is the author of the MasterLife discipleship series that has been used greatly by God for the training and edification of the Saints.

Brother Avery has gone on to be with the Lord and I received this e-mail written by his son, Randy, from our blogger friend David Orr Patterson.

I thought I would share it and it's message of hope and burden with you today.

My dad graduated to Glory early this morning, July 30. He died peacefully, without pain or anxiety. My mom, sisters and brother were with him.

I thank each of you that have visited, called, written and prayed over his past seven months. Your words of encouragement meant so much to him and to all of us.

What a privilege to hear of the lives he impacted during his 76 years. May that influence extend through the generations…

My dad’s life verse was Psalm 71:17-18,

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation and your might to all who are to come.”

And so he did.

This is the time to celebrate a life. Do we not know the God who spoke the world into existence? Do we not know the only God who provides true forgiveness of sin?
Do we not know the God of the ages, who knows the end from the beginning?

This is not a time to mourn as those who have no hope. If my dad were still here, he would say we should be mourning for those that have no hope – those that do not know the Creator of the universe, the Forgiver of sin, the Eternal God – for the billions of people in the world that do not know the power of the name of Jesus.

Thank you again for all your care and support.

To God be the glory!

Randy

A spiritual SALUTE to Brother Willis and his family.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Here is a Praise Report that is certainly worthy of note!

Christian Web News report

Nearly 70,000 Lead to Christ in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Thanks to Billy Graham Ministry

Christian Web News - This year, Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico welcomed people into their homes for meetings and witnessed a combined total of 69,188 make commitments to Jesus Christ, reported the ministry behind the evangelism outreach.

“These faithful Christians took a bold step in inviting their friends and neighbors to their homes, and God truly worked through their efforts and prayers,” said Bill Conard, director of international ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Projects like this show that evangelism is not only for pastors, but for anyone who longs for those around them to experience the hope and love found only in Jesus Christ,” he added.

For months, Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were being prepared and equipped for the project – part of the BGEA’s “My Hope” ministry.

The programs culminated in a combined total of more than 59,000 home events in March and April, which included a TV program featuring a sermon from Billy or Franklin Graham and a personal testimony from the host.

Altogether over 5,500 churches from across the evangelical spectrum were reportedly involved in the projects.

As a result, 55,391 people in the Dominican Republic made commitments to Christ. In Puerto Rico, 13,797 did the same.

My Hope, which began in 2002, has inspired such projects in 50 countries.

Projects coming up this year will take place in Malawi and four sensitive countries in Asia. Preparations are beginning for 2011, for potential My Hope outreaches in Portugal, Spain, Haiti and select African countries.

The old spiritual war horse just keeps waging high spiritual combat.

Some 70,000 souls saved.

Do you ever feel like letting up? Don't.

xtnyoda,shalomed

We have a few ladies on mission in an undisclosed and difficult area... they are ministering to families of underground missionaries... esp. their children.

How serious is the secrecy of this report? Let me put it this way... the children of these 300 missionaries being ministered to... have NO IDEA... that their parents are... missionaries.

I've received the following e-mail from one of our ladies. I have of course had to edit the message to post here... but thought some might benefit from reading it in general.

Thought I would give you my quickest version of some big news.

Monday we really started real work. which is what, amazingly enough, we've all been anxious for. The Missionaries did their best to entertain us for a few days as though we needed an incentive to work with them this week. I thought it was probably just me who was ready to end the fun and start the job, but in our meeting that morning it was quickly apparent that we were tired of "tasting the local cuisine (which really isn't that bad)" and we were ready to "feast on the work of the Lord.” Anyway. I could talk for hours about that morning alone. The hard/easy part came that night.

We went into a quick meeting with all of them (the only one we're aloud into for the week). And even though it was kept light hearted, there was no hiding the fact that the past year had been really really hard for these guys. The company’s been going through a reorganization and most of them feel like the rug's been pulled out from under them.

We’d heard all day about these sad stories of poor living conditions and life threats and persecutions they live in. It was sad to think about people being here, isolated, barely any amenities and barely any communication in some places. And here they were... all the unnamed heroes who are really risking their lives and sacrificing SOOO much to live in shit holes and be basically forgotten about by thousands and thousands and thousands of people. All to maybe.. just maybe... be able to gain enough trust to tell someone about Jesus with without being murdered, kicked out of the country, or thrown in jail.

It was so so so powerful to just be in the room with them and have them mention here's and there's about their lives like there was nothing to it.

At the meeting that morning with the volunteers, the guy in charge was giving us some quick facts and figures about the situation of these people that were to join us later on and he mentioned one person in particular who lived in $*$#&*$. $*$#&*$ is an Island that has experienced earthquakes and is a few Islands from here. He mentioned that $*$#&*$ was the single most closed Island in the region.

It is dangerous if you are found out. Anything but Islam is NOT allowed, and this year they had a connection that led to a salvation and it was a miraculous moment. ONE salvation. Thousands of people on this Island. Only 4 salvations on it EVER. and one happened this year. and this guy is here somewhere. anyway... just giving you an idea about $*$#&*$. Major persecution for Christians.

Monday night in the meeting he had the groups serving in certain regions stand, as a whole. That was pretty sweet. He called out the Philippines, and 5 or 6 stood and sat. Then went on.. so and so region (a few people would stand) and so and so region (a few more)... then he called $*$#&*$ (I got excited to see this guy) and TWO WHOLE ROWS of people stood up. Almost 25 M’s! and every other M in the room started clapping and cheering for them. and it took all I had not to just bawl. I've only been that choked up a few times in my life.

To think that, THAT many people were willing to go into that kind of darkness. Just for a chance... not a good one either. It was.. indescribable. Then we watched a video with different pictures of the different M's and the areas their serving in and it just showed then in action with their everyday lives. It should have been horribly sad, to see these warriors for Christ, not with a bible in their hands or praying over people, but working as teachers or in a bike shop or a boat rental store having to hide their faith while they try to build connections....

Anyway, I'm rambling, the point. This whole trip, especially today, and most definitely tonight I had this feeling and I can only think of one way to explain it. You know when something just feels like home, or just feels right. Like when you’re kids are safely in bed or like certain relationships with people? Like you look at something in your life and hear God say "Yes" and immediate peace comes over You. That's what I felt that night.... Thinking "Why am I here? I was not made to be like this.. this is not purpose.... is it?" And there it was. "Yes" and a peace I can't ever, ever explain.

Now obviously I have no idea where or when or even IF. But I have never felt that I was meant to serve over seas, separated from my world, like this until now. And it's over powering, but its beautiful and it's peaceful. Can't define it. Can't contain it. Can't Explain it. Shalom.


Part Two: Bob Reeling has asked me to share my Testimony with all of these Missionaries and their families in our final Service Sunday night as an inspiration for them. Well, he asked me to pray about it (he knows this scares me). Sadly, however, I know it is something I am supposed to do. So I ask that you and Mrs. XtnYoda keep me (all of us) in your prayers. For wisdom of words and strength to say them without crying them all out. lol.

Anyway, we miss you guys and I thought you'd like to know. See you soon.

Always,

His Servant

Please know, His Servant... you are covered.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Will you join with us this weekend for a time of prayer... for our vulnerable children?

Christian Web News article

Weekend of Prayer for Vulnerable Children

This weekend, all around the world millions of Christians are expected to unite in prayer for vulnerable children.

The is the fifteenth year of World Weekend of Prayer, an initiative of Viva, an international charity serving at-risk children.

At last years event over two million people took part. Viva hopes to have even better success this year.

The weekend is part of its wider work to raise awareness of the plight of children who are in situations of suffering.

“The point of the weekend is to put the focus back onto the child, praying both for and with children,” said Viva’s chief executive Patrick McDonald.

“We need to call out to God on behalf of those without families, without homes, without education, without a hope for the future. And there are many ways in which we can do that.”

Some churches in the UK are marking the weekend by making the plight of children their focus on Sunday during services and some are hosting child-friendly interactive prayer times.

Hundreds of children in Kampala, Uganda are taking part in a prayer march through the city to raise awareness about child rights.

For the last for months, Viva has mobilized more people in prayer for children. It's 'Got a minute?' campaign asks adults to commit to spending one minute, that's just 60 seconds, in their daily praying for vulnerable children across the world.

Mr. McDonald hopes the prayers will add up and bring about a lasting change for children.

“If every person involved takes a minute to pray, just one minute out of a whole weekend, that could mean two million minutes – that’s equal to more than three and a half year’s worth of prayer devoted to children at risk.

“When we stand together and pray with one voice not only will our world sit up and take notice, but I believe our God will hear and respond.

“Our prayers over this weekend really do have the power to bring about change in the lives of thousands of vulnerable children. So get involved, stand with us – every prayer counts!”

I'm sure we are all aware that we seldom really know what a child's home life is like when they walk through our doors. For many our churches just might be the only place they experience love and acceptance.

May we love them... deeply.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Sgt. Brandon Paudert (left) and Officer Bill Evans (right) of the West Memphis Police Department were shot to death yesterday following a traffic stop on Interstate 40.

UPDATE:

Here is the link to the Memphis Commercial Appeal with further information about the two police murders.

Commercial Appeal article and photos

Tragic day.

Calls for prayer.

Commercial Appeal article

Officers killed in West Memphis

The bloodiest day for area law enforcement officials began with routine-sounding radio broadcasts that West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert and his wife heard from their car.

One was from their son, Sgt. Brandon Paudert, reporting that he was providing backup for a traffic stop on Interstate 40.... Moments later, however, came a chilling transmission: "Officer down."

The elder Paudert rushed to the scene to find his 39-year-old son, a seven-year veteran with the West Memphis force, lying dead on the pavement, shot in the head and neck, still gripping his service weapon.

That sequence, confirmed by a law enforcement source, ushered in 90 minutes of horror and chaos Thursday that left two West Memphis police officers dead and the two top officers with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department wounded.

The two suspects also were killed. Authorities declined to identify them....

Day 74
Yahweh

Honors/Defends His Name

"Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back."

Then Yahweh's fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, "Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!"
1Kings 18:36-39 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Elijah understood appealing to Yahweh on behalf of His Name. This is the person God is looking for... the understanding required to be "Mighty in Spirit."

It could be you friend... if you dare learn.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Here is Chuck aka xtnyoda's prayer for America... on this National Day of Prayer for America.

I know... it's not the best voice in the world... but my desire for our nation is sincere.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Praying for God, to God
(What it means to Pray in Jesus’ Name)

It's been about 6 years since xtnyoda first gave the teaching about what it means to pray in Jesus' Name... and since Thursday, May 6th is our national day of prayer... I am going to rerun this teaching.

We must learn how to pray on Yahweh's behalf for America... what is at stake... what are the consequences for God's Reputation... if America does not receive God's help and guidance? If we know not the answer to that question then we know not how to pray tomorrow... or any other day for that matter.

In scripture there is major significance in a person's name. For example in Exodus 3 when God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh and to tell him to let the Israelites go Moses asks Him who he is to report to Pharaoh who it is that sent him? In other words, by whose authority is Moses being sent. It is here where God reveals His personal name to Moses. God says to tell Pharaoh that 'I Am' has sent you. 'I am', being the verb form of God's revealed name 'Jehovah' or more correctly in Hebrew, 'Yahweh'. Therefore Moses goes as a messenger for Yahweh implying Moses' words are really from God and God is prepared to back up what he intends for Pharaoh to do! Or, in other words Moses goes in God's name.

That seems to me to be the idea behind praying in Jesus' name. It is not just a tag on the end of a prayer.

So, when we pray in Jesus' name we are to pray in the purpose, character, and mission that Jesus has in the world today!

I break it down like this from the start of the model prayer in Matthew 6.

Matt 6:9-10 "Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven." (NLT)

1. “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.” V9

It was Christ’s first purpose in prayer to pray that God’s name would be honored in the world! God is very concerned about His reputation or the reputation of His name! We are to pray the same to God, that His reputation will be upheld in the world through His people. Consider this verse, 1 Sam 12:22

“The LORD will not abandon his chosen people, for that would dishonor his great name. He made you a special nation for himself.” (NLT)

And these verses from Numbers 14:15-18
“Now if you slaughter all these people, the nations that have heard of your fame will say, 16 'The LORD was not able to bring them into the land he swore to give them, so he killed them in the wilderness.' 17 "Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed it to be. For you said, 18 'The LORD is slow to anger and rich in unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion..." (NLT)

Moses here in Numbers appeals to God to spare Israel not because they deserved it but because of God’s reputation being tarnished toward the other nations! And God heard that plea and responded! To pray in Jesus’ name is to first pray that God’s reputation will be upheld in any given situation we find ourselves in. Our first life goal is to get more concerned about God’s reputation than our own things. This will greatly alter or view of the things of life.

2 Sam 7:23
"And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods?
NASU

Deut 9:25-28
I prayed to the LORD and said, 'O Sovereign LORD, do not destroy your own people. They are your special possession, redeemed from Egypt by your mighty power and glorious strength. 27 Overlook the stubbornness and sin of these people, but remember instead your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 28 If you destroy these people, the Egyptians will say, "The LORD destroyed them because he wasn't able to bring them to the land he had sworn to give them." Or they might say, "He destroyed them because he hated them; he brought them into the wilderness to slaughter them."
NLT

2. Next Jesus teaches us to pray in v. 10, “May your Kingdom come soon.”

The next thing in praying in Jesus’ name is to pray for the success of Christ’s mission on earth! Have you ever thought that Jesus wants us to pray for Him to be successful? That is a new one to most people but that is exactly what Jesus means here!

What was Jesus’ mission here? Yes He came to die for sinners but if we look at His teaching He repeatedly told us what His mission was and is today. Let’s look at Isaiah 53:10,

“But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's plan will prosper in his hands.” (NLT)

Simply put Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan, God has a plan for the world and Jesus knew it. For a few verses on Christ’s teaching let’s look at the purpose and scope of God’s plan as first taught by Jesus.

Matt. 4:23, “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease.” (NLT)

Notice Jesus came preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God coming to earth. This is the major purpose of His mission. Another verse from Matt. 6:33,

“And he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” (NLT)

Here again Jesus relates that we are to be first concerned about the success of His mission, to see His Kingdom established! Have you ever thought that Jesus wants us to pray to the Father that His mission will be successful? Almost sounds absurd, but non-the less there it is! This is the second point of praying in Jesus’ name, to pray for His success in establishing the Kingdom. And one more verse though there are many I could site.

Matt. 13:19, “The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the Good News about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches the seed away from their hearts.” (NLT)

Pray that the Good News of the Kingdom planted in the hearts of people will thrive and flourish as well as in other areas God will show you that Christ is working. You can know that God hears these prayers!

3. And 3rd in v. 10 above Jesus teaches us to pray, “May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.” This is what I call praying for the ‘Veracity of God’s Word’ in the world and the church.

How do we know God’s will, what He wills to be done on earth? We know His will through the Word, the Bible. God is even more concerned about the reputation of His Word than about His own name! Look at this amazing truth from Psalm 138:2,

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” (KJV)

God is steadfast in His resolve to see that His Word, or will, is carried out. He has set a plan into motion. He has told it to us in His Word. His Word will hold true!

Isaiah 55:11, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (NLT)

We should pray that God’s Word is upheld and honored in the church, world, our homes etc. I call this praying for the ‘Veracity of God’s Word’. We need to uphold God’s Word as relevant for living today. It is not out of date, it is timeless!

Jesus wants us to first pray to God for God’s success! A novel idea! Then, after we pray about the things God is focused on, Jesus teaches us to then bring up our daily things to God and the model prayer continues,

Matt. 6:11-13, “Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (KJV)

I believe those first three things represent what it means to ‘Pray in Jesus Name’! Much more than a tag on the end of our prayers! Try praying like this and possibly you will find some help in learning to pray in Jesus Name first and foremost!

xtnyoda, shalomed

In spite of the fact that a federal judge ruled a national day of prayer unconstitutional

.... President Obama has summoned our nation to a day of prayer on May 6th.

National Day of Prayer

THE WHITE HOUSE

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our history, whether in times of great joy and thanksgiving, or in times of great challenge and uncertainty, Americans have turned to prayer. In prayer, we have expressed gratitude and humility, sought guidance and forgiveness, and received inspiration and assistance, both in good times and in bad.

On this day, let us give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon our Nation. Let us rejoice for the blessing of freedom both to believe and to live our beliefs, and for the many other freedoms and opportunities that bring us together as one Nation. Let us ask for wisdom, compassion, and discernment of justice as we address the great challenges of our time.

We are blessed to live in a Nation that counts freedom of conscience and free exercise of religion among its most fundamental principles, thereby ensuring that all people of goodwill may hold and practice their beliefs according to the dictates of their consciences. Prayer has been a sustaining way for many Americans of diverse faiths to express their most cherished beliefs, and thus we have long deemed it fitting and proper to publicly recognize the importance of prayer on this day across the Nation.

Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those suffering from natural disasters in Haiti, Chile, and elsewhere, and the people from those countries and from around the world who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to render aid. Let us pray for the families of the West Virginia miners, and the people of Poland who so recently and unexpectedly lost many of their beloved leaders. Let us pray for the safety and success of those who have left home to serve in our Armed Forces, putting their lives at risk in order to make the world a safer place. As we remember them, let us not forget their families and the substantial sacrifices that they make every day. Let us remember the unsung heroes who struggle to build their communities, raise their families, and help their neighbors, for they are the wellspring of our greatness. Finally, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those people everywhere who join us in the aspiration for a world that is just, peaceful, free, and respectful of the dignity of every human being.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2010, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon the citizens of our Nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God’s continued guidance, grace, and protection as we meet the challenges before us.

Today

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Thank you Mr. President.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Terri... the rest of today is your day...

Terri's Day web site

Terri's Day - March 31st

The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation, in collaboration with Priests for Life, announces the “International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo, and All of Our Vulnerable Brothers and Sisters,” which will be observed each year on March 31, the anniversary of her death.

We invite individual believers to spend time on that day learning about Terri, and praying for all whose lives are threatened in the same way that hers was.....

Take a look at the whole site.

There are more Terris than we have any earthly idea... but Yahweh knows.

xtnyoda, shalomed

H/T to Jeremy for the prayer for our military... some gave all... don't forget.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

~~ SOME GAVE ALL ~~

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero yes was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don't understand
About the reasons we are free

I can't forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo through out our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died
America can't you see

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall,
Yes recall
Some gave all

Some gave all

angel fire... "Some Gave All"

Consider and ponder.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Navy Seal down.

Navy Seals blog site

Navy SEAL Adam Lee Brown Killed in Afghanistan
Posted March 20th, 2010 by USNavySeals

The Navy SEALs bid farewell to yet another comrade. The Navy announced on Friday the death of Chief Petty Officer Adam Lee Brown. The 36-year-old native of Hot Springs, Arkansas succumbed to injuries he sustained in a battle against heavily-armed militants on Thursday.

Adam Lee BrownThe statement released by the Naval Special Warfare Group 2 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story read: “Adam Brown was a brave American patriot and fantastic Navy SEAL. We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss of a fellow brother in arms and teammate.” Brown was the recipient of a Bronze Star with combat “V” for Valor and a Purple Heart.

Reports share that Brown finished high school at Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas and attended Arkansas Tech University. He joined the Navy in 1998 and has made the rounds of various East Coast SEAL teams since April 2001. He has been sent to combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan....

Brown is survived by his wife and two children and by his parents.

xtnyoda was honored to serve on a few missions with the Seals in Vietnam... no doubt... among the best in all human history.

Prayers extended to the dear wife, two children, warrior comrades, and gratitude from a grateful nation.

salute.

xtnyoda, shalomed

I heard the other day an interview with a former White House aide.

He was asked what it was like going to work in the White House every day, did he ever get accustomed to it... like it was just another job?

His response stirred my heart.

He said something like,

"No, never another job! Every time I walked through those doors and into the White House I couldn't help but think of the sacrifice and lives that were lost to pave the way for us to have this great country, the greatest ever in human history. I was always humbled to think that I now have a chance to work for the good of that same country in ways that will have direct impacts on generations to come!"

It got me to thinking how much my and our attitudes should be the same about serving in God's Kingdom.... what an honor we have to serve our Savior and King... and the sacrifice He paid to make it possible... not to mention how precious it is for us to work with the youngsters coming up in this fellowship and the impact that we will have on future generations for the glory of God's name and His Kingdom.

It is not labor when it is an honor.... and honor is never mundane.

xtnyoda, shalomed