You Are Blessed

The Message

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when this happens--give a cheer even!--for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Draw Near to God

• An inner teacher that contradicts scripture is not the Holy Spirit, but rather an unholy spirit.

• We can have an ethical shell without a spiritual heart.

• Is Jesus just a tool for me to get something (salvation)? If not, if I claim He is more than a tool to me, am I really drawing near to Him?

• We draw near to God by actively practicing spiritual disciplines. Prayer; fasting; discernment; wise and godly counsel; being immersed in scripture; regular worship with fellow believers.

• You will get something, but don't come to get; come for Him.

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

- John 6:35

Meeting Them Where They Are

Sunday Message at SMC by Dwayne Walton

Paraphrased excerpt from Dwayne's story of when three missionaries from Nebraska came to inner city Queens, New York to play basketball first, then share the gospel with teens from the hood:

...that was the first time God had ever "left the church"...He was always at the churches; He never came to me...but these missionaries told me that God loved me as I was...

International House of Prayer-KC

The International House of Prayer base in Kansas City, Missouri. These are the holy grounds of indescribable experiences, workings of the Holy Spirit, and a prayer movement that, through profound faith, will change the nations.

God's hand through the gift of art...an inspirational, challenging sculpture in the Prayer Room.

One of God's many blessings along the way. We spotted this incredible cross along the highway...I have never gotten my camera ready so quickly.


An amazing stop on the way home for a trip to the top of the St. Louis Arch..."Rising in Faith."

My epiphany at the top of the arch: On the ground everything looks so big; we can only see several dozen feet in front of us..But at the top of the arch we can see for dozens of miles, a much larger part of the bigger picture...

Similarly, the trials and tribulations i face in life may seem like huge obstacles that are impossible to pass. However, i need to learn to trust the Maker, because He is able to see the whole picture, and work things out for His purpose.

Comfort For the Times

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm


there are those times when all that is able to comfort us are the simple words of an honest song.

this is one of those times.

Inspiring Tunes

These simple, yet powerful words of praise are combined with beautiful music, making for an incredible experience; a must hear...

Holy, Holy
Tim Hughes

Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come,
who was and is and is to come.

Lift up His name with the sound of singing,
lift up His name in all the earth.
Lift up Your voice and give Him glory
for He is worthy to be praised.

Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus is the Lord God Almighty.
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come,
who was and is and is to come.

Lift up His name with the sound of singing,
lift up His name in all the earth.
Lift up Your voice and give Him glory
for He is worthy to be praised.