catalyst life

Monday, October 23, 2006

[Catalyst] ilonna-49@peoplepc.com has a new email address

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Posted by Anonymous :: 10/23/2006 10:27:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, October 09, 2006

RE: [Catalyst] Growing in Faith...Or Not?

Heather,
 
  Thankfully when God called Himself to make the ultimate sacrifice for us; he went completely through with it, and in doing so allowed us to come to Him. I think that Abraham's life showed he gained wisdom and strength of faith as he got older. This is true with many of us. Also, the part you wrote, "Strong faith is often exercised with strong trials." goes along well with last Sunday message from Pastor Aaron.
 
In Christ,
-J
 
 
 

From: Heather Cheek
Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 12:16 AM
Heb 11:17-19  ... Gen 22:1-19  ...
   I've been studying the life and faith of Abraham. It seems that God brought Abraham many tests to prove the genuineness of his faith. In the above account, Abraham's faith stood the test. When called to make the ultimate sacrifice, he made it.  But as I began to look at the whole of Abraham's life, I realized that though he was a man noted for his faith, there were times when he did not demonstrate that strong faith. The setbacks Abraham experienced were a result of his distrust in God.
   In one such instance (Genesis 12:10-20), Abraham went to Egypt after a famine in the land of Canaan. In Egypt, he convinced Sarah, his wife, to conceal truth, thus putting her in a hard position (Pharaoh wanting to take her as his wife). Abraham had panicked. He had taken matters into his own hands instead of trusting God to protect both he and his wife. More importantly, he forgot about the line. From Abraham's seed would come the Christ. (God's sovereign will was ultimately done, as we know.) In this instance, had Abraham been so afraid that this escaped his mind? Where was the man of strong faith that I read of in Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11?
  I believe that Abraham learned hard lessons in the faithless times that brought him to a remarkable growth point.Time and time again, he encountered trials and time and time again, those trials were proving the genuineness of his faith. Strong faith is often exercised with strong trials.  ... 

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/09/2006 04:46:00 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, October 08, 2006

[Catalyst] Growing in Faith...Or Not?

Heb 11:17-19  "By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back."

Gen 22:1-19  "And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham. And he said, Here am I.  And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah. And offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.  And Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son. And he clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.  On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.   And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. And they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father. And he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold, the fire and the wood. But where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?  And Abraham said, God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son. So they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.  And the angel of Jehovah called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham. And he said, Here I am.   And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him. For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh. As it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.  And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,  that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Because thou hast obeyed my voice.So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba. And Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba."

   I've been studying the life and faith of Abraham. It seems that God brought Abraham many tests to prove the genuineness of his faith. In the above account, Abraham's faith stood the test. When called to make the ultimate sacrifice, he made it.  But as I began to look at the whole of Abraham's life, I realized that though he was a man noted for his faith, there were times when he did not demonstrate that strong faith. The setbacks Abraham experienced were a result of his distrust in God.
   In one such instance (Genesis 12:10-20), Abraham went to Egypt after a famine in the land of Canaan. In Egypt, he convinced Sarah, his wife, to conceal truth, thus putting her in a hard position (Pharaoh wanting to take her as his wife). Abraham had panicked. He had taken matters into his own hands instead of trusting God to protect both he and his wife. More importantly, he forgot about the line. From Abraham's seed would come the Christ. (God's sovereign will was ultimately done, as we know.) In this instance, had Abraham been so afraid that this escaped his mind? Where was the man of strong faith that I read of in Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11?
  I believe that Abraham learned hard lessons in the faithless times that brought him to a remarkable growth point.Time and time again, he encountered trials and time and time again, those trials were proving the genuineness of his faith. Strong faith is often exercised with strong trials.
  This account of Abraham's obedience shows the character of the Lord. The Lord is all-knowing, so it was not hidden from Him that Abraham loved his son, Isaac dearly. This trial was to prove Abraham's faith, to make him more like the Christ He had confidence in.  Abraham was to put his son on display as a sacrifice (burnt offering). What is also interesting to me is that Abraham traveled 3 days to get to the destination (Moriah) where he would offer up his son! 3 days journey that could have caused him to change his mind and turn back, only caused him to become more confident that God would not break His promise to him.
   When he was called upon by God to make the ultimate sacrifice (offering up his only son, Isaac), he did not falter in his faith. He believed and trusted God to the utmost. And even though it was God Who had extended His grace and mercy to Abraham in the times that Abraham failed, God blessed him for that faith. God remained faithful and blessed Abraham just as He said He would. Abraham had one son and was willing to part with that one son. Therefore, God recompensed his obedience with thousands, even millions of "sons" in generations to come.
   Do I think this account was given to show how great of a man Abraham was? No. I think this account was given to show us what we can be only by the grace of God. It reveals that we serve a faithful God. It reveals the glory of God because only He can make us new creatures and take us to amazing heights of faith! How could Abraham have had such faith? His heart was turned from himself to care more about the plans and purposes of His heavenly Father. The grace he had been extended was enough for him to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ( Matthew 6:33).
Here's how Matthew Henry puts it:
 "Whatever is dearest to us upon earth is our Isaac. And the only way for us to find comfort in an earthly thing, is to give it by faith into the hands of God. Yet remember that Abraham was not justified by his readiness to obey, but by the infinitely more noble obedience of Jesus Christ; his faith receiving this, relying on this, rejoicing in this, disposed and made him able for such wonderful self-denial and duty."
  This account does nothing less than point us back to the glory of Jesus Christ. Who gave His only Son for the salvation of man? God the Father. And Who was willing to give His life as a sacrifice in obedience to His Father's will? Jesus Christ.

Where do we stand in our faith? Have we learned from the times of faithlessness? Have we, like Abraham, seen the faithfulness of God, and exercised confidence in Him?
As Abraham came to understand Who God was and who he was not in light of the glory of God, he became trusting and obedient. And despite the failed attempts, God still blessed him for the times that he was faithful. And he blessed him immensely! But the basis for such strong faith was a heart changed by the grace of God. Praise God that He has given us His Spirit! Through Him we are forever changing and growing.
Gal 3:14  "that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

[***One final sidenote: The temple was later built on that same hill (Mount Moriah) where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Jehovah-jireh--"the LORD will provide." And He did provide. His faithfulness has been proven from generation to generation.
( 2Ch 3:1  "Then Solomon began to build the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem on mount Moriah, where Jehovah appeared unto David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.")]

"Dear  Father,
Thank You for You- the ultimate sacrifice. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Spirit that enables me to change and grow more like You. May I learn from the life and faith of Abraham how to be closer to You. Help me to always have a teachable spirit.
In Jesus' name,
 Amen."

Love in Christ,
 Heather



 

















Posted by Anonymous :: 10/08/2006 12:22:00 AM :: 0 comments

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[Catalyst] [InChristAlone] Growing in Faith...Or Not?

Heb 11:17-19  "By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back."

Gen 22:1-19  "And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham. And he said, Here am I.  And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah. And offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.  And Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son. And he clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.  On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.   And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. And they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father. And he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold, the fire and the wood. But where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?  And Abraham said, God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son. So they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.  And the angel of Jehovah called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham. And he said, Here I am.   And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him. For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh. As it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.  And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,  that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Because thou hast obeyed my voice.So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba. And Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba."

   I've been studying the life and faith of Abraham. It seems that God brought Abraham many tests to prove the genuineness of his faith. In the above account, Abraham's faith stood the test. When called to make the ultimate sacrifice, he made it.  But as I began to look at the whole of Abraham's life, I realized that though he was a man noted for his faith, there were times when he did not demonstrate that strong faith. The setbacks Abraham experienced were a result of his distrust in God.
   In one such instance (Genesis 12:10-20), Abraham went to Egypt after a famine in the land of Canaan. In Egypt, he convinced Sarah, his wife, to conceal truth, thus putting her in a hard position (Pharaoh wanting to take her as his wife). Abraham had panicked. He had taken matters into his own hands instead of trusting God to protect both he and his wife. More importantly, he forgot about the line. From Abraham's seed would come the Christ. (God's sovereign will was ultimately done, as we know.) In this instance, had Abraham been so afraid that this escaped his mind? Where was the man of strong faith that I read of in Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11?
  I believe that Abraham learned hard lessons in the faithless times that brought him to a remarkable growth point.Time and time again, he encountered trials and time and time again, those trials were proving the genuineness of his faith. Strong faith is often exercised with strong trials.
  This account of Abraham's obedience shows the character of the Lord. The Lord is all-knowing, so it was not hidden from Him that Abraham loved his son, Isaac dearly. This trial was to prove Abraham's faith, to make him more like the Christ He had confidence in.  Abraham was to put his son on display as a sacrifice (burnt offering). What is also interesting to me is that Abraham traveled 3 days to get to the destination (Moriah) where he would offer up his son! 3 days journey that could have caused him to change his mind and turn back, only caused him to become more confident that God would not break His promise to him.
   When he was called upon by God to make the ultimate sacrifice (offering up his only son, Isaac), he did not falter in his faith. He believed and trusted God to the utmost. And even though it was God Who had extended His grace and mercy to Abraham in the times that Abraham failed, God blessed him for that faith. God remained faithful and blessed Abraham just as He said He would. Abraham had one son and was willing to part with that one son. Therefore, God recompensed his obedience with thousands, even millions of "sons" in generations to come.
   Do I think this account was given to show how great of a man Abraham was? No. I think this account was given to show us what we can be only by the grace of God. It reveals that we serve a faithful God. It reveals the glory of God because only He can make us new creatures and take us to amazing heights of faith! How could Abraham have had such faith? His heart was turned from himself to care more about the plans and purposes of His heavenly Father. The grace he had been extended was enough for him to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Here's how Matthew Henry puts it:
 "Whatever is dearest to us upon earth is our Isaac. And the only way for us to find comfort in an earthly thing, is to give it by faith into the hands of God. Yet remember that Abraham was not justified by his readiness to obey, but by the infinitely more noble obedience of Jesus Christ; his faith receiving this, relying on this, rejoicing in this, disposed and made him able for such wonderful self-denial and duty."
  This account does nothing less than point us back to the glory of Jesus Christ. Who gave His only Son for the salvation of man? God the Father. And Who was willing to give His life as a sacrifice in obedience to His Father's will? Jesus Christ.

Where do we stand in our faith? Have we learned from the times of faithlessness? Have we, like Abraham, seen the faithfulness of God, and exercised confidence in Him?
As Abraham came to understand Who God was and who he was not in light of the glory of God, he became trusting and obedient. And despite the failed attempts, God still blessed him for the times that he was faithful. And he blessed him immensely! But the basis for such strong faith was a heart changed by the grace of God. Praise God that He has given us His Spirit! Through Him we are forever changing and growing.
Gal 3:14  "that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

[***One final sidenote: The temple was later built on that same hill (Mount Moriah) where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Jehovah-jireh--"the LORD will provide." And He did provide. His faithfulness has been proven from generation to generation.
( 2Ch 3:1  "Then Solomon began to build the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem on mount Moriah, where Jehovah appeared unto David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.")]

"Dear  Father,
Thank You for You- the ultimate sacrifice. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Spirit that enables me to change and grow more like You. May I learn from the life and faith of Abraham how to be closer to You. Help me to always have a teachable spirit.
In Jesus' name,
 Amen."

Love in Christ,
 Heather



 













--
Posted by Heather to InChristAlone at 10/07/2006 09:21:39 PM

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/08/2006 12:21:00 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, October 06, 2006

[Catalyst] Aaron Russo's new film, "America: Freedom To Fascism"

 

From: Jim Feijo
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 12:18 PM
To:  Jay Harrison
Subject: Fw: Aaron Russo's new film America: Freedom To Fascism

pass it on
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Lawrence Lepore
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 6:55 PM
Subject: Fw: Aaron Russo's new film America: Freedom To Fascism

Dear Friends,
 
                            The following movie is further proof that the end of the freedom that we and generations before us have all taken for granted is knocking upon our doors. Please watch this very important documentary so that you might better understand the inner workings of our government and how far from it's fondations we have fallen. Aaron Russo, producer of such films as "Trading Places" and "The Rose", has gone above and beyond the call of duty in putting a film together which encapsules the root causes of the current problems we face as a once free nation and world.
 
                            The only thing that could possibly be added to this documentary to make it better would be the presentation of the Gospel. Please share this film with your friends and family members and if they don't know Christ as their personal Savior help them to understand how He fits into this story.
 
                           It's time that we stopped believing that our leaders in government have our best interest at heart. A system "for the people" and "by the people" can only work if the people understand how it works and actively become part of it. True freedom is only available through Jesus Christ which is why our forefathers designed our Republic around the moral principles of the bible.
 
God bless you,
Larry
 
 
 
Aaron Russo's new film America: Freedom To Fascism has been put up on
the internet for free viewing...

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/06/2006 02:51:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, October 04, 2006

[Catalyst] just a movie?

I normally don't endorse movies these days because most are not worth watching. However, Gordon and I went to the theatre to see 'Facing the Giants' and I would highly reccommend seeing it for several reasons. One, because it has a spiritual message in it that we can all use! It was written and produced by a couple of associate pastors at Sherwood Baptist church in Albany, Ga. It is a God glorifying movie!!  And I would love to see it as a number one box office hit!  I know that is dreaming but we do have a mighty big God!!  I would like to hear some response if any of you have seen it or plan to go.

Desiring to glorify God!!  Lonna

 


Posted by Anonymous :: 10/04/2006 05:33:00 PM :: 0 comments

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[Catalyst] [Serving Our Lord Together] "Am I Glorifying God on Earth in the Work He has Given Me to Do?"

 
"Am I Glorifying God on Earth in the Work He has Given Me to Do?" 
 
 
John 17:4--"I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do."
 
  
 What Christ says in this verse has greatly penetrated my heart. It has caused me to ask myself some heart probing questions about my life concerning the work God has called me to do. Because of this verse I have been taking inventory and reevaluating my priorities according to God's priorities for my life. This helps me to recognize whether or not my priorities are aligned with Gods or whether they need to be adjusted so that I am fulfilling and obeying His priorities for my life. In the current stage of life that He has put me there are many things that can distract me from obeying God's word and His will for my life, Therefore I must be saturating myself in His word and bathing myself in prayer so that I do not loose focus on what His priorities are for my life. 
 
 When I am meditating on God's word and spending time in prayer cultivating my relationship with God my heart and mind will be fixed on Him. When my heart and mind are fixed on God then He will give me the strength to keep my focus on Him and the path of priorities He has given to me in His word that I may glorify Him by finishing the work He has given me to do. When my focus is on God it is an indication that I am trusting His perfect will for my life. When my mind is fixed on Him He has promised me His perfect peace in the midst of my circumstances.  
 
  Isaiah 26:[3-4]--"You will keep Him in perfect peace, Whose mind is is stayed on You, Because He trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength."
 
If I am needing wisdom to know God's will for my life, whether for my priorities, how to train my children, all decisions whether big or small, He has promised to give me the wisdom I need if I but pray and ask Him for it.
 
James 1:5--"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to Him." 
 
Is there anything in your life that you are having difficulty in knowing what to do? Are you facing difficulty in making the right decision? Pray and ask God for wisdom and He will give it to you as He has promised. What are the goals in your life? Is your Goal in life to glorify God or self? Are we fulfilling God's priorities for our lives so that when we stand before Him His words to us will be, "Well done thy good and faithful servant."?
 
At the end of my life my desire is to say as Christ did to God the Father,"I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do."
 
Am I living my life in light of eternity and the eternal consequences of not living my life to glorify God?
 
"To have the right priorities a man's focus must not be on the head, but on the heart; not on himself, but on God; not on time but on eternity."--R Lessin
 
Lord, order my life and steps according to your priorities for my life. Help me to consistently walk with you so that I will have clarity and discernment in the decisions you have given me to make. Lord, in and of myself I cannot live a life that glorifies you so please live through me, love through me and breath through me. My desire is that you be glorified through me in the work you have called me to do. Give me the strength to keep my relationship with you my number one priority and give me a deep passion and longing to know you more.
 
Serving Our Lord Together,
Michelle Harrison
 
 
 
   


--
Posted by Michelle Harrison to Serving Our Lord Together at 10/04/2006 02:28:17 PM

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/04/2006 02:28:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, October 02, 2006

[Catalyst] Sarah & Family

Josh & Sarah,
 
  My condolences to you and your family on your recent loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
 
 
Love,
Jedidiah & Michelle Harrison

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/02/2006 03:49:00 PM :: 0 comments

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[Catalyst] Sarah

I will be praying for you and the family.
Love you,
 
Mrs. Jean

Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2ยข/min or less.

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/02/2006 03:30:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Re: [Catalyst] prayer

To Sarah and Family:

 I'm praying! Let me know if there is any way I can help.

Love,
 Heather

On 10/2/06, RACHEL CHEEK < anncheek_22@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that Sarah's Grandmommy pasted away this morning. So please keep her family in your prayers.
          
                                                             In Christ Love,
                                                              Rachel Cheek

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Posted by Anonymous :: 10/02/2006 10:49:00 AM :: 0 comments

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[Catalyst] prayer

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that Sarah's Grandmommy pasted away this morning. So please keep her family in your prayers.
          
                                                             In Christ Love,
                                                              Rachel Cheek

Get your email and more, right on the new Yahoo.com

Posted by Anonymous :: 10/02/2006 10:41:00 AM :: 0 comments

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