Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Cross of Offense
By D. Copeland, P.AV.E Devotional
Purple Ark Ministries © Copyright Reserved July 4th 2010
"Cross of.AV.E Devotional
The CROSS an image viewed by many as just another symbol or art form. Used by countless people across the world as a jewelry to enhance the dress of the day. Yes, the cross has been engraved on a persons flesh twisted and contorted in shape and often merged with demonic artistic work. The cross worn by the commoner to the glitzy elite of "Hollywood", rock stars emblazon it across their instruments, album covers, body parts, and stage sets to the glory of millions. The cross offensive too many millions, even billions across the world. Why?
The cross, the image that in my mind, shows the greatest love that man can receivat. The unending and deep love that God has for His created being. The cross, offensive to all that do not believe and are not Spirit filled. The cross, the only bridge between man and God who through the infinite past planned the cross as the bridge to the gap between sinful man and God. The cross, the weapon of torture developed by the Romans to execute criminals and offenders of the Roman empire. The cross, where my Lord and Savior through His love for me, died a tortured, painful death so that I may have eternal life.
The cross, the gift of God, to bear witness for all eternity to mankind that your are dead in your sins unless your eyes and heart turn to the cross and what the cross means. Today, most people of this world look at the cross as just another geometry figure, a tool, an artistic object, and an item to be discarded like trash without a second thought.
The cross of Christ, the ultimate object of our faith, destroyed the conquest of Satan. Satan gloried in the fact that Christ hung on the cross for 6 long hours. Satan certainly thought he had won the spiritual battle of eternity when Christ endured the Roman punishment that put Christ in the grave. Little did Satan know, the battle was won because Christ laid His faithful life in the hands of God the Father in full submission, so that God could raise Him alive and destroy the Destroyer. Through the cross, I see eternity with God because I have given my heart to the Lord and have accepted my death on the cross through Jesus Christ. He died a terrible death on the cross, so that I can call upon His name and be saved. You see, without the cross, my salvation and my ability to approach God, could never have happened.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth
I praise God for the cross. I praise God; I live now during the New Testament period. I praise God that the revealing truth of the cross, was made known to all mankind some 2000 years ago. Without the cross, all of us would be dead in our sins forever doomed for all eternity to separated from the Living God. The cross, probably the most drawn object of religious art by man, likely the most universally recognized object and word the world has ever known, is sadly rejected and mocked by billions across the world. The Jews of Christ' day, didn't even have a word in their vocabulary for the "cross" called it a "woof or a warp". The cross was foretold by the prophets hundreds of years before Christ would fulfill prophecy; yet, the Jews of the day missed the whole event because of their blindness.
The punishment leading to the cross was so offensive to the Jews that Pilate had hoped to set Jesus free and satisfy the blood thirsty leaders of the Jewish people. Little did he know that God used him to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah,
"Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
So the cross offends those that turn their backs toward God. The God who died a horrific death laying down His life, so that you and I can know the peace of Jesus and call upon His name for eternal forgiveness. The cross offends many but a few are drawn to the sacred cross and kneel before it in submission and humility. For those who the Spirit draws to the cross, the repentant heart is lifted in joy and forever changed in newness and purpose.
Just as Christ was raised on the wood of the cross, His back lacerated to the bone by scourging with a cat of nine tails, His flesh ripped from His back, His hands nailed to a beam of wood, His feet both nailed through, exhausted, hanging without drink in the heat of day, laughed at, mocked, stripped naked of His only possession of this world His cloak, and eyed like a prize by the Roman soldiers and Jewish elite- Jesus suffered so you and I can know His love. How great is His love!
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Jesus is calling you to the cross. The cross, what is your answer to that call? Are you a part of the world and choose not to be offended? Are you rejecting the free gift of Christ, the only begotten Son of God, by whom you can be saved? Do you wish to become a disciple of Christ and take up the cross or reject the power of the cross and eternally be seperated from the Father. Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
God determined that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all. Do you call on the cross to set your free from the bondage of this world?1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
Don't allow Satan to bring to your foolishness, breathe freshness into your spirit and allow the cross to bring you into fellowship with the living God.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Friend, take a moment now and call upon the name of Jesus Christ, look to the cross as a tool of salvation. Jesus conquered death through the cross so that you and I know may the peace of God and throughout all eternity be with Him in heaven. Don't reject the cross, don't spend eternity spiritually condemned. Take a moment and claim the power of the cross. Ask Jesus into your life.
Pray a simple prayer, which is all that you need to do. Your guilty life of sin was laid on the body of Christ on the cross 2000 years ago. He died for YOU. He is ALIVE in heaven drawing you near to Him. Pray with me these words and forever change your life physically and spiritually.
Dear Jesus, I call upon your name to save my soul. I accept the cross and accept you as my Lord and Savior. Forgive me for all the sins I have committed, cleanse my heart, my body, my soul. Give me eternal life through the power of the cross, I believe on your name. Jesus, I call you to change me and mold me into a disciple of Christ.
AMEN!
Friends, pray a simple prayer like this one. The cross will change your life. God will be revealed to you through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells in all those who are "born again". The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you to learn more about Jesus and His plans for your life. Seek Him and His word through the Holy Bible. Find a church that teaches the word of God and that is spirit filled.
Welcome to the kingdom of God.....see you in heaven..........
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
GOD'S ARK
Fill His Ark
Purple Ark Ministries © Copyright Reserved
Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreach 2010
Become a P.A.R.T. of the Purple Ark Relief Team
Dear Brothers, Sister, Churches and Supporters, We need your help to reach the poor this Thanksgiving and Christmas. The response has been overwhelming. The lastest changes in the economy has left many without food to care for their families. Help us with your gifts of love and compassion. Please read the item below and share these ideal with your community and church body.
Goals for Thankgiving and Christmas 2010
Our Goal for thanksgiving is 1400 boxes of food and 3600 boxes of food for Christmas.
Low Income and At Risk Community Effort (Mission Centers)
The Church of Nazarene, Old Towne Purple Ark Mission Center Placentia, CA
Grace Community Church, Purple Ark Mission Partner Placentia CA
Clearview Worship Center Purple Ark Mission Partner, Pomona, CA
Calvary Point Community Church Purple Ark Mission Partner, Santa Ana, CA
War Ax Ministries Purple Ark Mission Partner, South Park of Los Angeles, CA
Craig Regional Park, Purple Ark Mission Partner, Fullerton, CA
Examples for Thanksgiving and Christmas:
This is a list of examples for Thanksgiving and Christmas support. Please consider supporting Purple Ark during the holidays as we reach out to the working poor and homeless community. We invite the small groups from each church to be creative in its support to the mission effort. Each church community is unique and is expected to collectively organize the volunteer support that they need.
(FHA) Fill His Ark Virtual Food Drive
FHA Virtual Food Drive is a web based drive setup to gather information, resources and food that would benefit low income (working poor) and homelessness. If anyone has direct contact with a food source or have information to that would help Purple Ark acquire food, please email or call us today at mailto:dan@purpleark.orgor telephone us at 714 924-5778 To find out more information about Purple Ark Relief Team (PART) Teams and Fill His Ark(FHA) please check our events at http://purpleark.org/ark-events.htm.
Food Donations
Individuals can bring food items to a Purple Ark Mission Center at 606 Longfellow drive, Placentia California. Please place all donation in 5 x 5 large gray container label Fill His Ark. Please list your donation with an address and leave it in resident mail box at this address. We will mail you a receipt for tax purposes.
Food Drive Objective
Food drives play an important role in Purple Ark's mission to alleviate hunger in Orange County. Businesses, youth groups, service organizations, theater and arts groups, places of worship, neighborhood groups, and groups of friends and families can conduct successful food drives to benefit people at risk of hunger.
Tips for a Successful Food Drive - Planning Ahead:
• Get other people, particularly senior management, administrators, organization officers, teachers, friends and/or neighbors committed to the drive.
• Choose a theme or name for your drive (for example: "Tons of Tuna," "Oodles of Noodles," ).
• Set a goal for how many pounds of food, how many cans or the dollar amount you will collect.
Promote the Drive ( suggestion):
• Schedule a fun kick-off event.
• Educate your group about the issue of hunger.
• Decorate a container labeled Fill His Ark or print the online template at www. to hold donated food.
• Place posters and flyers in highly visible places.
• Distribute memos or send letters to parents, neighbors, area businesses, etc.
• Include flyers with employee paychecks.
• Set up a collection schedule to collect certain types of food on specific days or during designated weeks.
• Provide each person with a bag to fill with food.
• Issue reminders throughout the drive.
Make it Fun:
• Encourage friendly competition between departments, offices, classes, etc.
• Challenge a rival company or school.
• Conduct a raffle for prizes.
• Offer Incentives such as stickers, pins and office dress-down days.
• Reward groups and individuals who collect the most food.
Thank the Participants:
• Certificates of appreciation.
• Thank you cards or letters.
• Throw a party to celebrate your successful food drive.
What to Donate
(FHA) Fill His Ark (Please call to arrange pickup by the Purple Bus (God's Ark) or volunteer vehicle.
Suggested Food items of 2 (two).
• 2-100% Fruit Juice (cans / bottles / boxes)
• 2-Powdered Milk
• 2-Canned Vegetables & Fruit
• 2-Rice / Dry & Canned Beans
• 2-Chunky Soups & Beef Stew
• 2-Spaghetti & Sauce
• 2-Macaroni & Cheese
• 2-"Sugar Free," "Low Sodium," & "No Salt" items
• 2-Peanut Butter
• 2-Tuna & Other Canned Meat
Personal Care / Hygiene Kits
• Shampoo, Toothpaste, and Toothbrushes
• Diapers, Detergent, and Deodorant
• Shaving Cream, Razors, and Hairbrushes
Delivering the Food to Purple Ark Mission Centers
Because Purple Ark relies on volunteer labor, we consider delivery of the collected food to a Purple Ark Mission Center as part of your donation.
Each of our Purple Ark Mission Center will open at the schedule times located at http://www.purpleark.org/FILLHISARK_001.htmFor deliveries Monday through Friday each group or individual must contact the location listed on the website. Each location will have a map link to location. Example: Click here for directions and hours. Please call to make delivery arrangements before you come.
Thank you in advance for your time, energy and creativity. As a result of your leadership and interest, you have helped many people in need.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Camping with the Holy Spirit
by Danny B. Smith, Purple Ark Ministries
© Copyright Reserved July 24, 2008
Camping with the Holy Spirit
"Transformed into His Likeness"
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
My family and I recently ventured on a camping trip to Carpentaria State Beach in California. It was a great chance to spend time with God, my family and fellow church members. I have discovered this year that intimacy with God is also spending time with your family and your church body. As a passionate soul for God, I am consumed with mission work to the point that I sometimes neglect the quiet personal embrace of being together and resting in the presence of the Lord. During the camping trip I was blessed with restoration in the body of Christ. As men & women of God we need the living water that flows out from the fountain which is Christ Jesus. Through Christ we have redemption. In the first Pentecost, Jesus has left us the Holy Spirit to comfort each of us and restores peace during our time of rest. The great water of life that poured into the campground was beautiful and full of God's healing power. I really enjoyed the walks on the beach and the time of prayer and devotion. I found peace as I walked through the sand of my Father's hands.
As the time came to an end and our journey home begins, I could smell the water of life. I could feel the movement and fragrance of the refiner's fire. Something in the delta spectrum of our lives has changed and we are now ready to receive new direction from God. We have been renewed in the Spirit. We have shared in the balance of preparation for what is to come. The many people that shared this time have been moved to a new level and a more intimate place with God. I am grateful for the fresh annoiting that God has blessed us with. We have truly camped in the lights of Heaven's glow. We have been washed in the potter's clay and restored by the Maker's hands! Let the vessels of God set sail to seek out new souls. It is our life purpose to harvest new souls for God's glory.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the time that we shared together under lights of your Heaven. Great and wonderful God we thank you for Christ the redeemer, we embrace your Holy Spirit that has nursed us back to full strength. We are ready to harvest new souls for Your Kingdom! Show us the way dear Lord, Show us your perfect way! Light up our paths that we will see the needs around us. We are ready Father, We are ready! Thank you for a awesome camping trip with your Holy Spirit. Amen
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
My family and I recently ventured on a camping trip to Carpentaria State Beach in California. It was a great chance to spend time with God, my family and fellow church members. I have discovered this year that intimacy with God is also spending time with your family and your church body. As a passionate soul for God, I am consumed with mission work to the point that I sometimes neglect the quiet personal embrace of being together and resting in the presence of the Lord. During the camping trip I was blessed with restoration in the body of Christ. As men & women of God we need the living water that flows out from the fountain which is Christ Jesus. Through Christ we have redemption. In the first Pentecost, Jesus has left us the Holy Spirit to comfort each of us and restores peace during our time of rest. The great water of life that poured into the campground was beautiful and full of God's healing power. I really enjoyed the walks on the beach and the time of prayer and devotion. I found peace as I walked through the sand of my Father's hands.
As the time came to an end and our journey home begins, I could smell the water of life. I could feel the movement and fragrance of the refiner's fire. Something in the delta spectrum of our lives has changed and we are now ready to receive new direction from God. We have been renewed in the Spirit. We have shared in the balance of preparation for what is to come. The many people that shared this time have been moved to a new level and a more intimate place with God. I am grateful for the fresh annoiting that God has blessed us with. We have truly camped in the lights of Heaven's glow. We have been washed in the potter's clay and restored by the Maker's hands! Let the vessels of God set sail to seek out new souls. It is our life purpose to harvest new souls for God's glory.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the time that we shared together under lights of your Heaven. Great and wonderful God we thank you for Christ the redeemer, we embrace your Holy Spirit that has nursed us back to full strength. We are ready to harvest new souls for Your Kingdom! Show us the way dear Lord, Show us your perfect way! Light up our paths that we will see the needs around us. We are ready Father, We are ready! Thank you for a awesome camping trip with your Holy Spirit. Amen
website: www.purpleark.org
email: dan@purpleark.org
tel: 714 924-5778
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