What is the CRITERIA?

The Bible is the most fascinating book ever! If your one of the one's who believe it, it's words hold answers to mysteries, extraordinary events, help in times of need, and such encouragement that is beyond anything that has ever or will ever be found in any counselors office! The Bible declares certain things to be true - and then it's up to us, the reader, to believe or disbelieve.

I happen to be one of the one's who believe. You could ask my why, and my simple answer would be that I've experienced first hand some of the things written about actually occuring, either in my life or in someone else's close to me. There is no other explanation for some of the things I've seen, heard, felt, done and experienced except that the words in the Bible are in fact TRUE.

Having said all that, brings me to this blogs main point. According the the Book that I believe to be truth, in IICorinthians chapter 5 verse 20, it states:

"Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ..." and goes on.

I ask the question, "Am I one of these 'we'?" In looking at the context and the previous "we" statements of this book, I would logically concur that yes, I am one of the "we" referred to here. That would mean that I could truthfully say that I am an Ambassador for Christ. In fact, I have said that very statement on many occasions. Now I find my question is, "How is it possible for such a flawed, imperfect being as myself to represent the Perfect, Sinless Christ?" What qualifies me, if indeed I am qualified. What is the CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE IF ONE IS AN AMBASSADOR OR NOT?

Sometimes, I get things right, I say the right things and do the right things, and I have no trouble at all saying with feeling that I am an Ambassador for Christ. Am I still an Ambassador when I put my foot in my mouth? When my temper flares? When my impatience shows it's ugly head?

Sadly, my conclusion is a resounding yes. I am still even in those times an Ambassador. Just not a very good one! In fact, a very poor one indeed! Since I am so very far from perfect, should I give up the idea entirely and retreat quietly to a corner, never to be heard from again lest I give a bad impression of the Lord yet again?

NO! Indeed a hearty NO is in order here! Sometimes I give a bad or wrong impression but slinking off to a corner is NOT the answer! I continue to give the best I'm able, trust God to keep changing and growing me, and keep being an Ambassador for all I'm worth - because HE'S worth it! HE'S worth the effort and time and trouble of continuing to try to get it right!

Romans 8:1 tells me there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus and IJohn 3:20 assures me that even if my own heart condemns me God is greater than my heart! This is hard for me to accept, but since I believe the Bible, why won't I believe this too? Having met the CRITERIA, which is to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10) then I am good and truly an Ambassador. Sometimes a better one than at other times, but one all the time, just the same!

Keep this in mind as you welcome in the New Year! May 2011 be for all believers, THE YEAR OF THE AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST!

I pray 2011 finds me representing Him well more often than not! May you find it to be the same as well. GOD BLESS YOU!

Resolutions, solutions or SURRENDER?

A New Year brings with it the sense of "new beginnings" and "new possibilities" and an opportunity to "wipe the slate clean and start over." Most of us make resolutions of some sort - which we seldom carry out to their conclusion. I guess we're not as "resolute" as we'd like to think we are!

Others of us are viewing the New Year as a solution to some of the issues from our pasts. Let go of all that is behind us and press forward - or just ignore what's gone by and hope for something better in this future we're facing. Not a real solution at all, but a temporary reprieve maybe!

May I suggest something more radical this year? Instead of resolutions - have you ever tried SURRENDER? No excuses. No false starts. No failure to complete what you started. Just srrender to the Gracious, Kind and Loving Holy Spirit of the Living God who loves you so much He died for you.

Surrender to His Love. Surrender to His Grace. Surrender to His Kindness. Surrender to His commands in obedience and you will discover all the changes you've resolved to make in the past and failed at, He is more than able to lead you to and through.

Surrender requires more on your part than simply "letting go and letting God." That isn't surrender, that is quitting! No, true surrender that results in blessings requires your participation. How do you participate? You FOLLOW the leading of the Holy Spirit. How do you do that? You OBEY Gods Word. No, not "10 things to post of the fridge and forget about!"

Two things - just two things that you need to give your attention to in order to receive His full attention.

1. Love Him (GOD) with all your heart, mind and strength
2. Treat others with the same love and concern you want for yourself

As you make even the slightest attempt to do these two things, you'll be further ahead than 90% of the rest of the world in completing your New Years "Resolutions"!

Bless you this New Year!
Clay & Marie
Turn The Tide Ministries

Holy Day Greetings

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A STRONG FAITH!

Signing out for 2 days - but never signing off till all have heard the ETERNAL message of salvation!

2011 TURN THE TIDE MINISTRIES

* to REACH the hearts of people with the message of Gods Grace, Hope and Healing for all

* to share Christs LOVE and MERCY with everyone

Please check out our original Christmas song from our "The Christmas Bee" play:
www.turnthetideministries.com

BLESSINGS!

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Dear Father in Heaven,


Our hearts break when our children are threatened, and we know You understand
this better than any of us - for it cost You the agonizing death of Your Only Begotten Son Jesus in order to redeem the rest of Your children that had gone astray from You by sin and unrighteous behavior.

Phylicia's parents are facing an enemy they can't see - and they are using the weapons of warfare they are familiar with - doctors, hospitals, chemotherapy, and drugs.

Lord, at this very moment in time, I ask You, from the great depths of Your mercy and grace to grant to Phylicia and her parents the weapon of Prayer.

I pray Lord, that as they call out to You and ask for Your intervention, Your healing, that You will hear them and have compassion and mercy on them, and pour out Your Gift of Healing upon the physical body of Phylicia - completely shrinking the tumor that has grown in her head, showing Your awesome love and grace to this family, and then Lord, I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior, that You completely remove this tumor and all of its effects upon this young girl, and show Your mighty Power to save - not just to Phylicia and her family, but to all they will share the testimony of healing with - that the Love and Power of the Almighty God in Heaven would be made known upon this earth through this.

Father, Thank you that You are and will always be our ever present help in time of need, and thank you for hearing and responding to this prayer, because of what Jesus did on the cross for me and for all who will call upon His Name.

Amen.