The Upper Room - all things Christian

Beautiful, beautiful images in that video. I love to see the sunrise, and this morning it was exceptional. Makes you say, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

 

This is by far my favorite version of this beautiful Christmas song. I have the CD of this concert (GREAT!) and had to search high and low to find the youtube video of it. Be sure to enjoy the 'bonus' song too!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=s8GZHt1CNnY

 

Found these while I was looking for the song video above. Mark is a hoot! :lol:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0kR_XG1DnDs


http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4S_WnDSzpY

 

Why me, Lord - Guy Penrod and friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3iy7NcZCEo&feature=related

Beautiful songs. Keep'em coming!

 

ready2cmyking: since you like Mary Did You Know, this is for you:

Another artist: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=71abe2dd6a1163253888&page=7&viewtype=&category=mr

 

Thanks Kent!

 

The Room - A story that someone wrote about a dream they had

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.


"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16.

 

The Prayer Wall

http://www.godtube.com/prayerwall/

This is pretty good.

The prayer wall lets me know that I'm not alone with needs, that there are others going through trials and through the valley, too.

 

The Virtual Bible

http://www.godtube.com/virtualbible/

A little back ground on the Prayer Wall and the Virtual Bible:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5e5ac63a12d12c634ea0

 

Look really hard at this drawing.

The lines the artist used are scenes from Christ's life.

 

Wow, that is really cool Kent!

 

Imagine young Mary cradling her baby and saying....

Mommys and Daddies always believe
that their little angels are special indeed
and You could grow up to be anything
but who would imagine a King

A shepherd, a teacher is what you could be
or maybe a fisherman out on the sea
or maybe a carpenter building things
but who would imagine a King

It was so clear when the wisemen arrived
and the angels were singing Your name
that the world would be different 'cause you were alive
that's why Heaven stood still....to proclaim

One day an angel said quietly
that soon he would bring something special to me
and of all of the wonderful gifts he could bring
who would imagine...
who could imagine...
who would imagine a King.​

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!

Love,
Mommy3 and family

 

Thanks to Calvary - a great song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owa_U7vhOqg&feature=related

 

My sister sent me this link, and I love it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_p3lDJJRWc
Ernie Haase & the Gaithers, "I then shall live"

 

Oh, that's perfect, tyvm KDs!!


Frogger

 

I ran across this little jewel while cleaning out my desk. I believe the author wrote this around 1997.

HAVE I BEEN EDUCATED?
by Carolyn Caines

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom.... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books -- the Bible -- and have no knowledge of its personal importance... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders our universe .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can recite the Gettyburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, ... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I were to graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me, .... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of (or believe) the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ,... I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me, THEN I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED! ​

 

A quote from my desk calendar...

When you take little steps, you don't need God.

It's when you thrust yourself in the mainstream of God's plan for this world - which are beyond our ability to accomplish - and plead with Him, Lord, use me - give me more ministry for You! - that you release miracles.

At that moment, heaven sends angels, resources, strength, and the people you need.

 

Where there is faith - by 4 Him - good song

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8d6b35fed054225574ac&page=2&viewtype=&category=mr

 

awwww

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.

So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.

The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"

Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."

The friend said, "Well, who is she?"

"That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."

"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "

"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"



(Numbers 6:24-26)

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always!

 

:lol::lol: Cute!