Who or What Are You a Slave To?

What is a slave? A slave is a person who is the property of, and subject to another; a bondservant, a person entirely under the domination of some influence or person. Slaves always have something or someone controlling their lives.

What are some things that a person can be a slave to? Let’s take a look:
Automobiles – A car will put you into debt if you try to get the fastest, the most expensive, or the most popular version instead of something that is affordable or economical (and I’m also talking about those cars that have a stereo system that’s worth more than the car itself). A motor vehicle may keep you away from church and family while it gets your attention cleaning, polishing, tweaking, and updating it’s every physical and mechanical composition, if you allow it to.

Children – Yes, your children can make you their slave in more ways than one. Baseball games, soccer, music lessons, ballet, basketball, drama, and the list goes on and on. Now, there’s nothing wrong with desiring that your children have things better than you did, but do let it be the decision of the child. Also for those of you who are divorced or separated parents, don’t try to do everything that you can to be the child’s friend by trying to fill the gap of the other missing parent. If we allow them to, children can manipulate us. It’s okay to befriend our children, but we must remember that we are the parents and we have a commission to train our children in the way that they should go.

Drugs – Alcohol, cigarettes, tranquilizers, painkillers, sedatives, hashish, marijuana, codeine, TCP, smack, crack, and the list goes on. Such drugs have caused numerous families grief, separation, financial burdens, and even death. What started out as just an experiment, at one time, may have turned into a dependency problem after prolonged use.

Food – Eating when you’re not hungry. Consuming too much or the wrong types of foods will enslave you to other medical ailments such as obesity, heart trouble, diabetes, high blood pressure, bulimia, and possibly even death.

Time Management – When you waste precious time that you cannot retrieve; then you are subject to time deprivation (the absence, loss, or withholding of something needed). Always being late for appointments is oppressive. Not meeting deadlines at work can also be burdensome and can cause friction in the workplace or even loss of employment.

TV – Television has become a form of babysitting and a tool to lure people away from improving their minds by reading, participating in outdoor activities, or challenging their minds… To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for April 24, 2012 – April 30, 2012 are:
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Tokyo, Japan
• Seattle, Washington
• Beijing, China

Welcome to ALL the new countries and cities to this site.
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Lifting Holy Hands

When some people worship the Lord, they have different styles of raising their hands to worship. Allow me to explain some of those positions. If someone is robbing you, and they tell you to, “Stick up your hands;” you would raise them as high as they tell you with your palms turned outwards. You would, in other words, “Reach for the sky.” That would be a position of surrender. We are expected to give the thief what they demand from us. In church, we raise our hands high because we are not ashamed of God, and it is God who gives us the ability to raise our limbs anyway. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).

There is another way that people might raise their hands to God, and that is with palms facing up and arms stretched out (as if one was to carry a load). This is a gesture of an offering. We are giving all of our praise and worship as a sacrifice. It is an offering up to the Lord as sweet incense to Him and Him alone.

Some people may do a wave towards the heavens. Hands held high palms facing forward and waving from side to side. It’s like a waving homage to the King of Kings. It’s just like the people of Hawaii, who speak with their hands and body when they dance, a story is told.

One last expression of adoration is with arms raised, and palms facing each other. It’s like a child who offers their hand to grab their parents’ hand to cross a street…To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for April 10, 2012 – April 16, 2012 are:
• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Redmond California
• Kiev, KYYIV, Ukraine

Welcome to ALL the new countries and cities to this site.

Your comments will not be posted as “Anonymous” – Thank You!

The Church Is a Business

Don’t get offended and out of sorts over this topic. Allow me to explain and give you an enlightened understanding.

The primary business of a church is to win souls for Christ and the Kingdom of God. There are steps the church has to complete, on a regular basis, in order for it to run according to God’s will.

1. The church structure and working body has to function.
a)Bills have to be paid, utilities, mortgage, salaries, food, travel expenses (and don’t just look at the pastor as being the only person to travel. Don’t we, as a church body, go on trips? Don’t we eat at different functions?), equipment, office supplies, books, and the list goes on. All of these bills must be met.

2) The needs of the congregation must be met.
a) Visitations – geared to console a person’s mind, soul, and physical being.
1) Seeing those who are first-time visitors in the church.
2) Visiting and ministering to those who are in the hospital.
3) Care, cell, or small group leaders attend to the needs of the people on a smaller scale.
4) Consoling those who have lost a loved one through death.
5) Marital or Psychological Counseling.
b) Financial Needs – If a bill needs to be paid, and you have tried to “Rob Peter to pay Paul” (making sure that Peter did go to work to earn the money ), yet you just can’t seem to make the payment this month, the church is there to assist you. There is also some money set aside monthly for those who are transients or for the homeless. We trust God that the person in need will be able to pay their debts the next month and will have enough money left over to bless someone else after their tithes have been paid.

The church must continue to grow, and pastors are placed within each congregation to see that the needs are met, and God’s will is being done. The pastor of the church cannot do everything himself, and he/she needs other help, besides that of the Holy Spirit, and that’s where the staff comes into play. And yes, the staff members could volunteer their time, but for a business to operate properly...

To read more - get the book: “Where Did That Come From?” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for March 20, 2012 – March 26, 2012 are:
• Beijing, China
• Seattle, Washington
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Paris, France
• Kiev, Ukraine

Welcome to ALL the new countries and cities to the site.

Fixed Income

“I can’t pay my tithes because I’m living on a fixed income.” This is a statement that should not be spoken by any Christian who believes in the power of Almighty God. First of all, we can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13). The word “can’t” is a word, which should not be in our vocabulary. Secondly, there are many Christian financial advisors available, who will help you manage your money today, so you will not have future worries. We are living in a time where we must depend on God and the resources He has given us.

Sure we have to use the word not sometimes, but I have curtailed my use of the word cannot. There may be some things I won’t do or might not do, but I can do anything I set my mind to by the grace of God.

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for March 13, 2012 – March 19, 2012 are:
• Seattle, Washington
• Beijing, China
• Redmond, Washington
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Minneapolis, Minnesota

Welcome to ALL the new countries and cities to the site.

Your comments will not be posted as “Anonymous” – Thank You!

GCB Boycott of ABC TV by angry Christians

If you don't mind standing up for your Christian values, go and comment on the Examiner.com article entitled: "GCB Boycott of ABC TV by angry Christians."

Let me hear what you have to say on the article. Let your voice be heard!

Good Christian Bit.... - GCB Boycott of ABC TV by angry Christians

???What Say You???

Hear – Understand – Do

“I hear from God, but I don’t understand what He’s saying.” Why? Sometimes it’s not meant for us to understand at that particular time.

Know — knowledge. You must build knowledge through reading, research, or by asking questions. It just doesn’t happen overnight. You can pray for, and receive a Word of Knowledge, and it will come to you at an appointed time. Word of Knowledge is supernatural revelation, by the Holy Spirit, of certain facts from the mind of God. It is the God-given ability to receive from God, by revelation, the facts concerning something that is humanly impossible for us to know anything about. A “word” of knowledge is just a part of God's insight (omniscience) regarding a specific situation or incident.

When God gives us an assignment, it is our responsibility to GO and DO. If we don’t complete our assignment, then God will use another more willing vessel. When God said to, “Occupy until I come;” He meant… (to read the rest and more, order “Where Did That Come From?”)

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for February 28, 2012 – March 6, 2012 are:
• Seattle, Washington
• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Redmond, Washington
• Melbourne, Australia

Welcome to ALL the other new-comers to the site.
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“A Time to Pray…”

I prayed real hard to the Lord that day, “If you can use anything Lord, you can use me,” (just thought I’d mention that song here). Devil, I command you in the name of Jesus, release your hold on my blessings. I bind up you and all your imps from stopping men from giving to me. I regret not having the customers that the business needs to thrive. I will not accept second best in my life and my children will not lack for any good thing. Lord as I continue to do your will and wait on your voice, I am accused of having too much time on my hands. Father, strengthen me when I feel like I don’t want to do something. I need help to overcome my sense of not knowing my purpose here on this earth. I don’t feel like I’m doing things according to your plan, yet I don’t know what else to do. Lord, strengthen me in these hours. The telephone is bothersome, and there is no joy in picking up the mail due to the bill collectors, yet we need these forms of communication, so please help us to keep everything operational.”

I wanted to schedule a ‘pity party’. I have the spot picked out. The decorations, cake, and time has been reserved. Lord, You won’t allow me to send out any invitations. You send me packages of distractions to get me away from my focus on me. Neither my husband nor I can find another job that would pay the overhead costs. It would be like chasing the wind, senseless and useless. It’s also becoming a strain on my relationship with my spouse. I have to continually replace doubt with Phil. 4:8-9: Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do and the God of peace shall be with you.

“I can’t blame anyone but myself. If I heard you wrong Lord, and it’s my fault, I will continue to look to the hills (Psalm 121:1-8 [please read]). Father, I pray for the peace which passeth all understanding to keep my heart and mind in Jesus name (Phil. 4:7). Let it be well with my soul Lord.

Lord, it’s so hard to sit around and just work on cross-stitch when I am so used to being active in all that I do...

To read more - get the book: "Bent But Not Broken" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for February 14 - February 20, 2012 are:

Beijing, China
Cabot, Arkansas
Melbourne, Victoria Australia
Guangzhou, Guangdon, China (Welcome)
Redmond, Washington

Welcome to ALL the other new-comers to the site.
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Choirs and Commitment

It's almost time once again for the Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship Conference 2012 to come to the shores of Jacksonville, Florida. The conference is an opportunity to fine tune your talent which God has given you. Take a look at last year's Gospel Heritage P and W Conference 2011 (See links) and subscribe to this website to get email notifications when this year's conference comes to town.

Choirs and Commitment

If a choir is not dedicated and disciplined, then they will not be effective. When there are no rules, and a member does what he or she wants to, and comes to practice when they choose to, then the other, faithful members become disillusioned and disinterested.

The ministry of serving God in song is not a show-and-tell, or “They need my voice to uplift the congregation” experience. I believe, if a person has not been blessed to sound like BeBe or CeCe Winans, then they can sing out to the Lord in a sweet bouquet of song in their own way. Attitude is most important, especially in remembering to whom we’re singing, and what we’re singing for.

I have seen the anointing leave a choir over the years due to a haughty spirit within that choir. The Lord will bless our endeavors to a certain point. We have to do our part: Come to rehearsal on time, be devoted to the ministry, be committed, and be faithful. This is what God expects from us when we sing and everyone will be blessed.

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for January 31 - February 6, 2012 are:

• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Melbourne, Victoria Australia
  
• Minneapolis, Minnesota (Welcome)
  
• Kiev, Ukranine

And welcome to ALL the other new-comers to the site.

Don’t forget to come to my Face Book Fan Page and also find me on Twitter ;)

God Does Not Argue

We may try to justify or find fault with what God wants us to do when we read the Bible. And sometimes we just refuse to accept His commands and we do our own thing.

*God Commands — We Obey*

When God says to repeat a “Word of Knowledge” or a “Word of Wisdom” to someone, we should comply. If the person doesn’t want to accept the Word, then our work as the messenger has been done. We, as the messengers, completed the work on our end; it’s up to the receiver and God to do the rest, but, if we don’t deliver, there is always someone else who will do what God asks.

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for January 17 - January 23, 2012 are:

• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Minneapolis, Minnesota (Welcome ;)
• Redmond, Washington
• Dallas, Texas (Welcome ;)

Don’t forget to come on my Face Book Fan Page and also find me on Twitter ;)

Lenten & New Years Resolutions

Why should we just examine our conscious excessively to do good things at a particular time of the year? Why give up (candy, meat, smoking, movies, over eating, lack of exercise, lying etc.), for a couple of weeks in atonement and then go right back to doing the same thing afterwards, especially if that thing is not good for you.

The time frame that I am referring to is called “Lent”. It’s the time that is designated seven weeks before Easter (Christ’s Resurrection Day). The Lenten season has been appointed by some folks as a time to fast from specific sins like gluttony, slothfulness, laziness; doing and enjoying things, which are not good for the human body (smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages etc.). Where in the Bible is the season of “lent” specified? Prayer and fasting are two ways that we may atone for our sins, yet during Lent and the first of January (New Year’s Resolution time), people promise God not to commit a particular offense again for awhile; then they expect God to turn His head until they get it out of their system.

I’ve overheard people ask one another, “What are you giving up for Lent?” They offer up candy or another favorite food in order to get a sense of fulfillment when Easter Sunday rolls around.

The definition for Atonement is being sorry for sin (reconciliation of God and man). It’s the act of making a sacrifice to God by denying oneself. To do an act of atonement just because everyone else does it, will not make it a sacrifice to God.

Mardi Gras is another date for discussion. This is a time set aside to do all the sinning one can do before the season of “lent” kicks off. God help and have mercy on those persons who should die during a Mardi Gras celebration doing some immoral act; where would they open their eyes if they have not asked forgiveness of any sin they may have committed? Also what about Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases and the perversion that takes place during this so-called celebration? No, I have never participated in a Mardi Gras, but I do believe that consequences do happen according to what God’s word has to say (II Tim. 3:1-7).

Yes, I once called myself sacrificing something to God during the Lenten Season, yet I thank God that I don’t have to wait until a particular time of the year to get close to Our Lord and neither do you.

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for January 3 - January 9, 2012 are:

• Beijing, China
• San Francisco, CA
  
• Redmond, Washington
  
• Seattle, Washington
  
• Antwerp, Belgium
  
  
  Happy New Year to all my readers. May this year be better than you've ever expected ;)