A "Photo" that got left out...

One of the best pictures of the plane that had to land in the Hudson had all the passengers standing on the wings.  Here is a sketch by an editorial cartoonist of the Sacramento Bee.    We Like it!

First Holocaust Memorial Honoring Muslims Opens in Israeli/Arab Town

courtesy of breakingchristiannews.com (BCN)

by Teresa Neumann (January 30, 2009)

"This kind of exhibition sheds light; it gives hope of the humanity of human beings."

(Ramle, Israel)—A 3-month long exhibition on 63 Albanian Muslims who sheltered Jews during World War II opened in Israel this week to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Newsmax reports that it was the first time Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, has hosted a standing exhibition in Hebrew and Arabic, and holding the event in a town where thousands of Arabs live alongside Jews, underscored the organizers' goal of improving relations.

According to the report, some of the teenagers said they understood the difference in numbers: 6 million Jews died during the Holocaust, but said they wanted their own pain to be acknowledged, particularly in relation to the current crisis.

"I'm proud that Muslims helped the Jews and saved them. But we have to respect each other's feelings," said one, Henadi Abu Shab.

Yad Vashem's chairman, Avner Shalev, said "There is nothing in common with that period and this bitter conflict that goes on and on ...but if both sides recognize their right to exist, side by side, we'll find a way. This kind of exhibition sheds light; it gives hope of the humanity of human beings."

Source: Staff - Newsmax

The New Year!

These words from Ray Hughes of Selah Ministries are a good perspective for 2009 and always.  Let's make Blessing the Lord a priority this year.

For His Glory,

Joe & Shirley

Okay! It's 2009. Everybody is talking Change, New Day, New Year. Quit this. Start that. Eat less. Exercise more. Blah! Blah! Blah! We are only two weeks into the New Year, and most of America has probably already turned their treadmills back into clothes hangers, which I am in total agreement with, by the way. I believe running is an un-natural act unless something is chasing you. If you really want to lose weight, the next time you get the flu just jump on a plane and go to India for a couple of weeks. In a few days you will come back a new person. A slimmer, trimmer, more beautiful you, if you will.  Why do we commit ourselves to endure things that we don't have to, in the name of and for the sake of "change"? Why don't we commit to enjoy the new day rather than endure the yearly disappointment of broken resolutions? Change is inevitable, New Years Resolution or not. Somehow we have decided that the New Day and New Season are about us. We think that everything around us is either by us, for us, or about us. What if our resolution was truly a resolve that commits us to a year that is all about Him?  No doubt, the many waves of economic surprises and tragedies in the past few weeks have imposed much fear and anxiety into our new day. Our hoping that we can endure and survive the treadmill until something changes is not the way to start a new season. I pray that '09 won't be about enduring or surviving. It has been said that in the days of the Great Depression, devastated New York City businessmen were jumping out of buildings to their death, while at the same time, in the Kentucky Mountains, folks simply went fishing. This tells us that in trying times, some didn't make it, some endured, and others survived. And then there were those that just enjoyed the simple life and simple provision. Let's walk into this new season with an unshaken assurance of who He is. It's more about Him than it is about us. He is more worthy of our praise than He is worried when we panic. 2009 is about Him, for Him. So, let's love Him, honor Him, celebrate Him, and enjoy Him. Let's resolve to bless Him and forget not His benefits according to Psalm 103:2.  So for my "New Years Resolution," I think I'll stay off the treadmill and simply take more walks.  Ray

Keith Miller: "Grace for Sustainable Breakthroughs for 2009"

Courtesy of elijahlist.com

We're living in a realm of incredible grace—a supernatural endowment from the Lord, a greater capacity to live as overcomers, and not as people overcome. I sense the Lord taking it up a notch, taking grace to an entirely new level. No longer will life be allowed to dictate our circumstances, nor will others, nor will our present realities. Instead, we will move and function by the unseen realm of the Kingdom by this incredible flow of grace exploding into the natural.

Impact for TODAY

No longer should we settle for what was yesterday. It is time to go after impact for today. Tomorrow, we will do the same. It won't be yesterday's fullness that we have to draw from, because we will wake up, filled fresh every day in the Holy Ghost! That is how I want to live the rest of my life here on earth. How about you?

Sometimes in our desperation or our struggles, we pull away, but this new level will cause us to want to press in for breakthrough. We will not back off anymore. If we press in we will have breakthrough, and it will not be the same breakthrough as yesterday. We do not need the same breakthrough. When new breakthrough for today comes, we will establish the land and walk in it daily. "Oh Lord," we should pray, "I want that grace for today for a fresh breakthrough, and I will press in until I get it."

Expect New, More!

Even if you have experienced the greatest breakthroughs, a million breakthroughs, the Lord has more for you! There are never enough. We should always be hungry for more. We have to "see" more than we see right now. We need to see sustained breakthrough in our lives. We need to see breakthrough that transforms a whole city by the glory and power of God and see that city witness to another and another, setting off a chain reaction that will transform a nation. We need to see breakthrough for salvation of our children that has them walking forever and ever in His grace and witnessing to entire schools. We need to see radical breakthrough for finances such that we are never in monetary need again, such that you can give to the poor and still have more than enough!

Believe!

For things like this to happen, we MUST believe EVERYTHING that is written in His Word! It is vital for a breakthrough with longevity to see whole nations saved!

When you rise to this new level of breakthrough for today—people will notice! My children notice! My son Troy saw me ministering on television not too long ago, and the first thing he said when I returned home was, "Dad, you're on another level, aren't you?" Troy has been with me in ministry for five years—he has seen the new levels the Lord has taken this ministry into. When the beauty of the glory of the Lord is upon you, your children will notice. Think of the impact on our young people! Glory!

Ask for More

We have to want it. We have to desire more. God loves us hungry! I know that I am asking for more in this season than I had last season. Last year was good, but today I am dreaming bigger. I have tasted awesome breakthrough, but I am craving more. If I get a taste of something I like, I want more and I won't quit until I get it. How about you?

Refuse to Quit

Don't be a quitter! Say aloud, "I can't quit!" God will give you grace that will empower you to sustain and break through to new levels in your divine destiny. Whatever realm of grace you are asking for in your life, God wants to release for the long haul for the good!

Benefits of Sustained Breakthrough

The benefits of seeking longevity in what God releases to you to move you forward are multifold. Primarily, you become:

• a person who is not tossed to and fro.
• a person not moved by the words of man. 
• a person not moved by your circumstances. 
• a person so deeply rooted and anchored in the love of God that you cannot be moved!

Someone who cannot be moved is a person firmly planted in and drenched by His grace. In short, this is the ammo of an overcomer! But there's one more thing we can be assured of. That is, that we will be glad.

Let God Arise and Be Glad!

"Let God arise. Let His enemies be scattered. Let those also who hate Him flee before Him; as smoke is driven away, so drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad." Psalm 68:1-3

Contrary to popular belief, judging from the looks on so many Believers' faces today, God wants, desires, expects us to be glad. He desires to arise on our behalf and scatter our enemies. You'd be glad for that kind of breakthrough, wouldn't you? His presence brings breakthrough.

No More Sighing!

We've all encountered tough times, haven't we? Do you ever wake up in the morning and just heave a big sigh? This place of breakthrough is one where the floodgates of gladness, happiness, and joy burst wide open even if things in the natural aren't optimum.

I'm in that place these days where I awaken in the morning and I'm glad. Where I used to wake up and think, "What a mess things are," today, I just awake laughing. My wife Janet will ask, "Why are you laughing," and I just say, "I'm glad."

Glad has a look, and it's contagious! The Word says, "The righteous are glad"; it's right there in the Bible and often! Hey, I choose to be happy because I am the righteousness of God! Let the righteous be glad and "let them rejoice before God. Yes let them rejoice exceedingly."

As we come into a 2009, why don't you contend for the breakthrough that will make you glad? When people are glad, they rejoice, so in our gladness, why not contend that this will be the year of exceeding rejoicing before God? Exceeding rejoicing for exceeding breakthrough—what a combination!

God's people should be happy. Why then are so many of us going around with sour looks on our faces? What would happen to the Church if this year, we all began rejoicing over everything God does, big or seemingly small? Let's make everything big! Let's not take anything for granted. What to do in your circumstances? You might as well rejoice!

Prophetic Rejoicing

In Joel 2:21, the people are told by God through the prophet, "…be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done marvelous things!" Harvest was breaking forth. Then, He told the children of Zion again in verse 23, "…and rejoice in the Lord your God…He will cause the rain to come down for you—the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month."

God didn't say, "Let Me bring forth harvest, the former rain and the latter rain and then rejoice." No, He said to "Rejoice, rejoice" first. Rejoicing is like a prophetic decree that brings forth the marvelous things of God; that brings breakthrough to the forefront of your life.

Rejoicing somehow establishes the rule and reign of the Kingdom into our hearts such that we can, in the face of the enemy, of adversity, actually exceedingly rejoice in the mess to bring in breakthrough, instead of letting the mess weigh on us, scare us, or mow us down.

We're coming into an apostolic realm this season that's not so much about the apostolic as it relates to an individual gifting, but a corporate apostolic anointing—a people, an exceedingly rejoicing and glad generation who know their God, who are commissioned by God, and sent forth by God to prophetically decree breakthrough.

Rejoice! His Word Never Fails

A word from God can change everything in an instant! Breakthrough can happen just like that! God rides on the clouds and when we rejoice before Him He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.

"Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him." Psalm 68:4

"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord…To Him who rides on the Heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds." Psalm 68:32-34

God rides ON the clouds, on the Heaven of heavens. Here again, we're told to sing to God, to rejoice before Him. Significant? I know so. We rejoice, His voice thunders, rattling our enemies, causing them to scatter.

Do You Know the Sound?

His word won't ever fall void. He does what it says He will do. Every word that goes forth from His mouth shall not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases, AND it shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it (see Isaiah 55:11). His voice brings breakthrough. Psalm 89 tells us that we are blessed if we know the sound. The sound is God speaking. Everything He says He will do; He will accomplish. Not some things. Everything. Whether it was something from a thousand years ago, 500 years ago, 100 years ago, 20 years ago, or just yesterday, His voice will accomplish it.

When Does Restoration Come?

The Holy Spirit watches over every word God ever spoke. He has spoken words over entire cities and regions, and do you know that they have never fallen to the ground? Words that He sent forth to accomplish haven't returned to Him empty, and they won't.

The Word is there, the plan is there, the purpose is there. Who will rejoice and release the thunder of His voice to scatter the enemy? Rejoice! Release His voice. Rejoice! His voice will drop the rain (see Psalm 68:8). The former and the latter rain will come together. The former has not yet come to pass but the time is near when the two become one, when the two become one!

When breakthrough happens, restoration comes. His voice will break every inhibitor of His word. Everything ever prophesied or decreed over your family, even generations ago, He will accomplish. When breakthrough comes, so does restoration.

When the threshing floors are full of wheat and the vats are overflowing with new wine and oil, He will restore to us the years that the swarming locust have eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust! (See Joel 2:24-25). He will bring back to the original state what He always meant for us. Right now, though, He is searching for those who will decree, "Let it be unto me according to what You have spoken."

Many Blessings,

Keith and Janet Miller
Stand Firm World Ministries
Email: info@sfwm.org

Bobby Conner: "Facing The Future with the Abiding Peace of God"

Courtesy of elijahlist.com

The peace that God offers is not the absence of adversity, nor is it the end of trials and trouble. As followers of Christ we are not necessarily immune from all difficulty. Nevertheless, in the midst of pressing problems and overwhelming obstacles God always provides a way to escape. Even when our heart is broken and our dreams shattered and we are facing devastating difficulties, we have the assurance of Christ's abiding presence - this alone produces abiding peace. The promise of Hebrews 13:5-6 releases confidence and courage to face any situation:

"Your lives should be untainted by love for money. Be content with what you have; for God Himself has said, 'I will never, never let go your hand: I will never, never forsake you.' So that we fearlessly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid: what can man do to me?'" (New Testament Modern Speech)

God's grace is available and adequate to sustain us no matter what situation we face. Let the promise of Isaiah 43:2 give you great hope:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

Stay in His Presence to Maintain Your Joy

Scripture reminds us that it is in His presence is fullness of joy, at His right hand is pleasure forevermore (see Psalm 16:11). A vivid example of triumph and overcoming-peace is Paul and Silas in prison praying and praising God at midnight. An attitude like this is likely to cause a real commotion (see Acts 16:23-40). Great advice is given in Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee (the Lord)." Know that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but He has given us power and a sound mind (see 2 Timothy 1:7).

Be encouraged - don't give up, never give in - you are destined to triumph (see 1 John 4:4). The Word of God promises no weapon formed against you will prosper (see Isaiah 54:17). The battlefield is your mind; the devil is always seeking to pull us away from God's peace. Remember, as a person thinks in their heart, so will their life be; we must guard our heart. We must learn how to keep our heart and mind focused upon the promises of God (see Isaiah 26:3); this alone will assure abiding peace.

Because of the finished work of Christ, you are going to prevail no matter the circumstances. Jesus has promised that He would never forsake us. Through and by Christ you are more than a conqueror; you can live stress-free, walking daily in the peace of God. Scripture is filled with encouraging passages revealing God's plan of victory for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). Again, in Jeremiah 31:17 we discover that God's plans for us are filled with bright hope.

For many life is not easy, each day a grinding test of endurance; nevertheless, the circumstances and complexity of this life can't separate us from God's love and protection. The Scripture states in the New Living Translation: "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away"(Romans 8:38, paraphrased).

God has promised His abiding, never-failing presence in the midst of difficult and daring times. "Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). God's promises are steadfast and sure; He will never abandon you. The Psalmist states, "I have been young, and now am old; yet (I've never) seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."(Psalm 37:25)

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us of the unfaltering presence of God: "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5-6). In the midst of hardship and unbearable pain, nothing can still a troubled soul like the gentle whisper from the throne of God, "Fear not, you are not alone, I am here!"

As you ponder the promise of Psalm 23:5-6, your heart will be greatly encouraged: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Notice when this victory banquet was prepared! The time of celebration takes place not in the absence of the enemy, but right in the presence of the foe. The child of God can be victorious and joyous even in the midst of difficult trials and suffering because of the sustaining presence of Jesus Christ.

A vivid example of this truth is the experience of the three Hebrew captives in the midst of the fiery furnace; it was at this point that their bonds were removed and the presence of God's Son was in their midst (see Daniel 3:1-29). This is truly the fulfilling of the promise of Isaiah 43:2.

As followers of Christ we are called to walk in victory, not in defeat, knowing it is a fact that God is on our side because He did not withhold even Christ, so that through and by Christ we are victorious over any scheme of the enemy (seeRomans 8:31-34).

Beyond Human Understanding

Paul the Apostle was no stranger to hardships and adversity. Yet he confidently encourages each of us as followers of Christ to have our hearts and souls firmly fixed on the Lord of Glory.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, (let your mind) dwell on these things." Philippians 4:7-8

God promises to keep us in perfect peace if we will keep our heart firmly fixed upon Him (see Isaiah 26:3). This is the battlefield - our mind; the devil is always seeking to play mind games with us. We must learn how to keep our mind and thoughts focused upon the sure promises of the Word of God. As we build our life upon the solid foundation of the Word of God, we can weather any storm (see Matthew 7:24).

It is so encouraging to see how Paul steadfastly withstood the hardships he faced. One key to Paul's victorious walk was that he did not focus on his hard times, rather he gave God glory. Paul looked more toward the eternal than just the temporal.

"...knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you...Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:14-18

How Paul Viewed His Adversity

Some of the difficult things Paul faced, which he called "light afflictions," are recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27: "I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me their terrible thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I was in the open sea all night and the whole next day.

"I have traveled many weary miles and have been often in great danger from flooded rivers and from robbers and from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the hands of the Gentiles. I have faced grave dangers from mobs in the cities and from death in the deserts and in the stormy seas and from men who claim to be brothers in Christ but are not. I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food; often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm."

How could Paul refer to all he went though as "his light affliction"? Paul withstood because he was sure that all things would work out for the glory of God (see Romans 8:28). Even when we are going through persecution and trial, abuse and betrayal, heartache and bitter disappointment, we can have perfect peace that passes all human understanding.

Never forget God has a plan to use even the difficult and disappointing events in our life to bring us into a deeper walk with Him. The devil means it for harm and hurt, but God will use it for good. This peace is possible because we have the promise that we are coming through!

The Promise of Coming Through

It is important to notice that God uses the two most powerful things known to man to describe our trials: that being fire and water. In Psalm 66:12 it says, "We went through fire and through water; but You have brought us out (into a wealthy place)." The water is to cleanse and the fire is to purify. The word wealthy does not mean just finances, it means "a wide abundance, a place of recovery, of refreshment, the place of His provision and presence." The key word in this passage is the word "through." As a child of God we are never overrun in the flood, and we are never consumed by the fire - we pass through!

Job says in Job 23:10, "When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."Notice the triumphant words, "I shall come forth." Job is still in the furnace in the midst of the fiery afflictions when he makes this statement of faith. It is one thing to testify after you have passed through, but he is in the midst of the furnace.

Now is the time to declare the victory of God in your life. This is not a time to pull back, but rather this is a time to push forward in the Kingdom of God.

I bless you and your loved ones on the New and exciting year!

Bobby Conner
EaglesView Ministries
Email: manager@bobbyconner.org