April 29, 2011

Album: Justice – Steve Camp - 1988 - Sparrow Records

Justice is a Contemporary Christian Music album by Steve Camp and was released by Sparrow Records near the end of 1988. 

Camp had begun to put more emphasis publicly on issues not normally addressed in evangelical Christian circles. This album is best known for featuring his version of the song Do You Feel Their Pain”, which featured him singing alongside BeBe Winans, the provocatively titled "Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them" ("...till you're ready to love them too..."), and Larry Norman's “Great American Novel”.

Track listing

1. "Justice"
2. "Playing Marbles with Diamonds"
3. "Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them"
4. "Living Dangerously in the Hands of God"
5. "Do You Feel Their Pain?"
6. "Hell is Burning While the Church Sleeps"
7. "Great American Novel"
8. "Servants without Scars"
9. "Love That Will Not Let Me Go"
10. "I Believe in You"

To view this album and more great Christian Music online, go to:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Living Dangerously in the Hands of God


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Love That Will Not Let Me Go



Profile: William Wilberforce (1759 – 1833) British Philanthropist and Leader

William Wilberforce (August 24, 1759 – July 29, 1833) was a British politician, a philanthropist and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. A native of Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he began his political career in 1780 and became the independent Member of Parliament for Yorkshire (1784–1812). In 1785, he underwent a conversion experience and became an evangelical Christian, resulting in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform. In 1787, he came into contact with Thomas Clarkson and a group of anti-slave-trade activists, including Granville Sharp, Hannah More and Charles Middleton. They persuaded Wilberforce to take on the cause of abolition, and he soon became one of the leading English abolitionists. He headed the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for twenty-six years until the passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807.

Wilberforce was convinced of the importance of religion, morality and education. He championed causes and campaigns such as the Society for Suppression of Vice, British missionary work in India, the creation of a free colony in Sierra Leone, the foundation of the Church Mission Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. His underlying conservatism led him to support politically and socially repressive legislation, and resulted in criticism that he was ignoring injustices at home while campaigning for the enslaved abroad.

In later years, Wilberforce supported the campaign for the complete abolition of slavery, and continued his involvement after 1826, when he resigned from Parliament because of his failing health. That campaign led to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire; Wilberforce died just three days after hearing that the passage of the Act through Parliament was assured. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, close to his friend William Pitt.


=================

Movie Trailer: Amazing Grace - The Story of William Wilberforce and The Fight Against The Slave Trade:


April 27, 2011

Profile: David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

David Wilkerson (May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011) was an American Christian evangelist, best known for his book The Cross and the Switchblade. He was also the founder of Times Square Church in New York, a non-denominational church.

Wilkerson's widely distributed sermons, such as "A Call to Anguish," are known for being direct and frank. He emphasizes such Christian beliefs as God's holiness and righteousness, God's love toward humans and especially Christian views of Jesus. Wilkerson tries to avoid categorizing Christians into distinct groups according to the denomination they belong to, and as such he is an evangelist with broad appeal.

Wilkerson died April 27, 2011 as a result of a car accident in Texas.

David Wilkerson served as a pastor in small churches in Scottdale and Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, until he saw a photograph in Life Magazine in 1958 of seven New York City teenagers charged with murder. He later wrote that as he felt the Holy Spirit move him with compassion, he was drawn to go to New York in February 1958. It was then that he began his street ministry.

Wilkerson is well-known for these early years of his ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City in the 1950s and 1960s. He co-authored a book with John and Elizabeth Sherrill about his work with the New York drug addicts, The Cross and the Switchblade, which became a best-seller. Included in the book is the story of the conversion of gang member Nicky Cruz, who later wrote the autobiographical Run Baby Run about his own life. The Cross and the Switchblade has sold over 50 million copies in over thirty languages since it was published in 1963. In 1970, a Hollywood movie based on the book starred Pat Boone as Wilkerson and Erik Estrada as Cruz. The book was included on Christianity Today's "The Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals"

In 1958, Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, an evangelical Christian recovery program and a network of Christian social and evangelizing work centers. In 1967, Wilkerson began Youth Crusades, an evangelistic ministry aimed at teenagers whom Wilkerson called "goodniks"—middle-class youth who were restless and bored. His goal was to prevent them from becoming heavily involved with drugs, alcohol, or violence. Through this ministry, the CURE Corps (Collegiate Urban Renewal Effort) was founded. It was intended to be something of a Christian version of the Peace Corps and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).

Click Here To Read More About David Wilkerson

The Cross and The Switchblade - David Wilkerson

"The Cross and the Switchblade" is a comic book based on the best-selling book of the same name written in 1963 by Pastor David Wilkerson with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. 

It tells the true story of Wilkerson's first five years in New York City, where he ministered to disillusioned youth, encouraging them to turn away from the drugs and gang violence they were involved with. 

In 1972, the book was adapted into a comic book published by Fawcett Comics under their Spire Christian Comics label and illustrated by Al Hartley.

For a FREE Download of this comic and more go to:

Profile: Delirious – English Christian Rock Worship Band

Delirious? (formerly known as The Cutting Edge Band) were an English Christian rock and worship band. For the majority of their career, the lineup featured Martin Smith on vocals and guitar, Stu G (full name Stuart Garrard) on guitar and backing vocals, Jon Thatcher on bass guitar, Tim Jupp on keys and piano, and Stew Smith on drums and percussion. During their final two years, drumming duties were assumed by Paul Evans.

They are perhaps best-known for their modern worship songs "Rain Down", "Majesty", "Lord You Have My Heart", "Thank You for Saving Me", "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?", "What a Friend I've Found" and their 1994 song "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", which has been called a "modern worship classic" and is their most popular song in the United States.

The Cutting Edge Band had various members from 1992 to 1996 before the decision was made to take the band full time as Delirious? with an established lineup. Between 1997 and 2001, the band targeted the majority of its work towards a mainstream audience, with several singles reaching the top 20 on the UK music charts. However, between 2003 and 2009 the focus was mainly placed on the CCM market, although occasional singles were still released.

In the final years of their career, Delirious? began to place a strong focus on humanitarian issues in their music. Both Martin Smith and Stu G started charities. Drummer Stew Smith left the band at the end of April 2008, and it was announced via a press release on in July of the same year that Delirious? would soon embark on an indefinite and probably permanent hiatus from recording and touring in order to focus on these new projects. On 29 November 2009 they played their final gig in front of a sell-out crowd at London's Hammersmith Apollo and have now officially disbanded.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


VIDEO: Sanctify – Delirious?


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Obsession – Delirious?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLMCAmIvzZs


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Heaven – Delirious?


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Majesty (Here I am) (Live) – Delirious?


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Investigate - Live at Willow Creek – Delirious?

April 25, 2011

The Christian Knight - The Power of The Christian Knight

AVAILABLE NOW: Christian Superheroes: The Power of The Christian Knight- The Origin of The Christian Knight


To order, click “Add To Cart” below:

_______________
The Christian Knight - The Power of The Christian Knight - Origin Comic Book: $2.99


 ________________
The Christian Knight - Trading Cards (8-Card Set): $3.99



____________________________
The Christian Knight - 11x14 Glossy Poster Print: $14.99

 ____________________________

Who is the Christian Knight? As danger looms and the Hordes of Hell and other enemies attack, this character steps forth to battle them all in the name of God. But who is the person (or could be persons?) behind the mask?

Published by The Christian Knight Comics Group.

20 Pages - Full Color Cover - B/W Interior Art

Mr. Christian - The Origin of Mr. Christian Comic Book



AVAILABLE NOW: Christian Superheroes: Mr. Christian - The Origin of Mr. Christian

To order, click “Add To Cart” below:

_______________
Mr. Christian - Origin Comic Book: $2.99

 ________________
Mr. Christian - Trading Cards (8-Card Set): $3.99

 ____________________________
Mr. Christian - 11x14 Glossy Poster Print: $14.99

 ____________________________



The origin of Mr. Christian is revealed in this action packed and thought-provoking collection. 


Beginning with a childhood dream that occurs in 1939 and into the Origin of Mr. Christian, Christian Superheroes: Mr. Christian is 20 pages w/full color cover and b/w interior art. 


Published by The Christian Knight Comics Group.

April 24, 2011

The Chronicles of Narnia Films

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of American fantasy films from Walden Media based on the series of novels, The Chronicles of Narnia written by C. S. Lewis. It currently consists of three films of a planned heptalogy - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008), and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). 

A fourth film The Magician's Nephew has been confirmed for 2013.

The series revolves around the adventures of children in fictional world of Narnia, guided by Aslan, a talking lion and the real king of Narnia. Most of the children featured were the Pevensie siblings and the prominent antagonist featured was the White Witch. While the films follow the novels' traditional storyline and Christian themes, they also added deviations from the source material, including the Greek Mythology and Irish fairy tales.

 




The first two films were directed by Andrew Adamson, produced by Mark Johnson, and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The third film is the first of the chronicles to be released in Digital 3D.

It was directed by Michael Apted and distributed by 20th Century Fox.
 

The series is considered to be one of the biggest movie franchises around the world due to the legacy of the novels. The first film was a financial success by being the 38th highest-grossing film of all-time. The series has now grossed over $1.5 billion making it the 15th highest-grossing film series of all time.

To Read More About The Chronicles of Narnia Films Go To: 






The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - Trailer


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prince Caspian - Official Trailer


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

April 22, 2011

The Sacrifice and The Resurrection - Video Playlist

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16

Here are a few songs that have a Good Friday and Easter theme or as we call it here at Christian Knight, The Sacrifice and The Resurrection.

Enjoy and let others know about it. - Stumble, Digg, Repost, etc. - Get The Word Out! Thanks!!


=======================




Keith Green - Easter Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OEqavkJGCE



=====================

David Meece - Forgiven
http://new.music.yahoo.com/david-meece/tracks/forgiven--52207364



========================

DALLAS HOLM - RISE AGAIN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkIJfLfzZ0w



=============================

David Meece - The Man With the Nail Scars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOsIYb3tzU8



===========================

Michael W Smith - Secret Ambition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1gwPaX7s4o



-==============================

2nd Chapter of Acts - Easter Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB53Sx7oK94



================================

Don Francisco - He's Alive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbSnk1R31vg



=================================

Larnelle Harris And Sandi Patty - I've Just Seen Jesus
Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLGTXz-txTY



=================================

Petra – It Is Finished!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuFvhjEO0Ao



====================================

Twila Paris - Lamb of God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPClih1HLPg



=======================

Crystal Lewis - Beauty of the cross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFhnKZk0P_I




April 16, 2011

Featured Profile: Steve Camp - Singer, Songwriter

Steven Camp (born April 13, 1955) is a prominent American Dove Award-nominated contemporary Christian music artist with an adult contemporary pop sound. He was very popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but his popularity now continues mostly in his Christian Reformed Theology. He started Audience One Ministries, and his blog covering Christian music, biblical study, reformation, and revival. writing addressing current trends and matters of Reformed Theology. He started Audience One Ministries, and his blog covering Christian music, biblical study, reformation, and revival.

He is well-known for his strong views that Christian musicians are called to make direct, uncompromising music that confronts the world with the message of the Scriptures. Following Martin Luther's 95 theses, on Reformation Day (October 31), 1998 he sent out his own 107 theses calling for a reformation in contemporary Christian music.

Born in Wheaton, Illinois, Camp was raised by Christian parents; by 5 years of age he confessed faith in Jesus. This greatly influenced his desire to serve God through his teenage years. As a young Christian, he created a close bond with legendary Christian singer/songwriter Larry Norman, who gave him advice concerning his own singing and songwriting. In addition, he met the late Keith Green, who encouraged him to make a stronger commitment to Jesus and at the same time his own ministry.

Camp attended Roosevelt University, where he majored in Music Composition and Theory under Professor Dodds, protegee to George Gershwin, and studied Business Law/Music at the College of DuPage, where his goal was to spread the gospel. Among many other college professors Steve had studied under, Camp didn't go through his academic circles for his theological or musical training. He did exactly that; hence, he received intense working knowledge of Scripture and theology, mastering the Greek language, and he has accomplished a library of historical and theological works. Camp also retains an orthodox historical Reformed theology, in the tradition of John Owen, Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Watson, Dr. John F. MacArthur, Dr. D.A. Carson, Dr. R.C. Sproul and the late Dr. Stephen Olford. He also began a longtime relationship with a then-unknown - Rob Frazier - in the late 1970s. Frazier, a one-time Petra member, began his tenure with Camp co-writing songs for Camp's own albums. Camp's singing career began when he played acoustic guitar and sang backups on Scott Wesley Brown's 1977 album, I'm Not Religious, I Just Love The Lord, one year before he went on his own. Compared to Frazier, he also began a longtime friendship with Brown in 1973, aged 18 at the time. Camp was reunited with Frazier on Frazier's 1992 compilation Retrospect, on which Frazier and Camp sang duet vocals for the song Why.

Click Here To Read More About Steve Camp

========================================

VIDEO: Living In Loadicea - Steve Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDJNF6ys0fk



===================================================

VIDEO: Love that will not let me go - Steve Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKCFa-l-2GI




======================================

VIDEO: Steve Camp - Whatever You Ask
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv4DDXJTga8




=========================================

VIDEO: He's All You Need - Steve Camp

April 14, 2011

John Michael Talbot – 15 Of His Favorite Worship Songs CD

AVAILABLE NOW: John Michael Talbot – History Makers 15 Of His Favorite Worship Songs CD - ONLY: $14.99

To view and order go to:

http://www.christianknightcomics.com/music-johnmichaeltalbot-historymakers.htm

NEW! Item in excellent condition. Rare and out-of-print

Track Listing:

Song List:
1.Glory To God
2.Psalm 95 (Come Worship The Lord)
3.Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd)
4.Peace Prayer
5.Psalm 62 (Only In God)
6.Holy Is His Name
7.Lillies Of The Field
8.I Am The Bread Of Life
9.Healer Of My Soul
10.My Yoke Is Easy
11.St. Theresa's Prayer
12.One Faith
13.Hiding Place
14.Come Holy Spirit
15.God Alone Is Enough

April 12, 2011

Profile: Walter Hawkins (1949-2010)

Walter Hawkins (May 18, 1949 – July 11, 2010) was an American gospel music singer, and a pastor. Hawkins was consecrated to the bishopic in 1992. He died at his home in Ripon, California, from pancreatic cancer.

Walter Hawkins was the brother of Edwin Hawkins, Daniel Hawkins (Marcia), Feddie Hawkins Smith, Carol Hawkins and Lynette Hawkins-Stephens. He was married to Tramaine Hawkins, they had two children, a son Walter "Jamie" Hawkins, Jr., who is married to Myiia "Sunny" Davis-Hawkins, and a daughter Trystan Hawkins.

Hawkins started his career in one of his brother's chorales, "The Northern California State Youth Choir" of the Church of God in Christ. Later, he accompanied his brother Edwin and founded The Edwin Hawkins Singers. This collaborative effort produced the hit song "Oh Happy Day", which became one of the first gospel songs to cross over onto mainstream music charts.

Walter Hawkins left The Edwin Hawkins Singers in the early 1970s to establish the Love Center Church in Oakland, California. He and his Love Center Choir had considerable success with their "Love Alive" series of recordings, which sold well over a million copies from the 1970s through the 1990s. "Love Alive IV", released in 1990, was #1 on the Billboard Gospel Album charts, where it stayed for 33 weeks. In all, Walter Hawkins produced and/or collaborated on 116 hit songs which were listed on the Billboard Gospel Music charts.

Walter Hawkins and his groups were frequent musical collaborators, and recorded with Van Morrison, Diahann Carroll, Sylvester (singer), Jeffrey Osborne, among many others.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WALTER HAWKINS

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: Be Grateful - The Hawkins Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqWULz3FvkE



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEO: I'm Going Away - Walter Hawkins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZudU39k8-s

April 11, 2011

Yes Lord: Saints In Praise CD - West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir

AVAILABLE NOW: Yes Lord: Saints In Praise CD - West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir
CD - $9.99

To view and order go to:

http://www.christianknightcomics.com/music-saintsinpraise-yeslord


Track Listing


1. Celebration Medley
2. Praise the Name of Jesus
3. Saints in Praise
4. Adoration Medley
5. Bless the Lord Medley
6. Press Toward the Mark
7. It's Good to Give Thanks
8. Communion Medley (Part 2)
9. You Are Worthy of the Praise
10. Keep on Praising Him

Chonda Pierce - Yes & Amen CD

AVAILABLE NOW: Chonda Pierce - Yes & Amen CD - Available For A Limited Time!

To view and order go to:

http://www.christianknightcomics.com/music-chonda-pierce-yes-and-amen

The daughter of a Midwestern preacher, Chonda Pierce is a Christian comedian who developed a dedicated following in the mid-'90s through constant touring and appearances with Bill Gaither, both in concert and on television and videos. Her humor is a combination of storytelling, sketches and one-liners, all tied together with hope, inspiration and spirituality. Pierce made her major label debut with 1998's Havin' a Girls' Night Out; Yes and Amen followed a year later. Four Eyed Blonde appeared in 2001 and the comparisons to Carol Burnett began here. Playing up these similarities, Be Afraid... Be Very Afraid was a sketch-oriented album that showed a screaming Pierce on the cover. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Chonda Pierce - Having a Girls' Nite Out CD

Available Now! Chonda Pierce - Havin' a Girls' Night Out

ONLY: $12.99


===========================

Track Listing:

1. Girls Nite Out
2. Men and Duct Tape
3. Mother Cracks Me Up!
4. Mother's Prayer
5. Take My Life, Please!
6. You in Me
7. I'll Tell the World


April 8, 2011

Featured Profile: Resurrection Band

Resurrection Band, also known as Rez Band or REZ, was a Christian rock band formed in 1972. They were based out of the Jesus People USA Christian community in Chicago, Illinois, and most of its members continue to be part of that community to this day. Known for their blend of blues-rock and hard rock, Resurrection Band is credited as one of the forerunners of the Christian metal genre, releasing their debut in 1978. The band's greatest popularity was during the early 1980s, but later in the decade, they received some crossover success when they had two music videos featured on MTV.

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Glenn and Wendi Kaiser, the band sought to evangelize using Christian rock, and addressed a variety of social ills in the lyrics of their music. While the group is officially disbanded, they occasionally play one-off dates at the Cornerstone Festival, which members of the band helped establish. Currently Glenn Kaiser has an established solo career as a blues musician and is also a speaker on various spiritual issues to youth and adults.

The band originally played together under the name "Charity" in 1972 with Jesus People Milwaukee, based out of Milwaukee. When the community split into four groups, and one became the "Jesus People USA Travelling Team" before their relocation to Chicago, the name "Resurrection Band" was chosen and the band became a primary focus of the community's ministry. After arriving in Chicago, the band recorded two independent cassettes that were given away after their concerts, which were performed anywhere Resurrection Band was allowed to play, from schools to prisons to street corners. The first cassette, Music to Raise the Dead, featured hard rock, while All Your Life comprised only their acoustic numbers, which was a reflection of the folk-oriented sets they would play at more conservative venues such as nursing homes and churches, the latter of which were deeply skeptical of Christian rock, especially the borderline heavy metal that Resurrection Band specialized in.

Four years later, thanks to a $8000 gift from a friend, Resurrection Band recorded their first album, Awaiting Your Reply, over a two-week period in marathon all-night sessions. Although the band had completed the album, including the cover art, no Christian record label would risk releasing it, as the Led Zeppelin/Jefferson Airplane inspired music was considered much too controversial for the Christian market at that time. Although Star Song Records was warned away from the project by other gospel music executives, the tiny label had nothing to lose, so they signed the band and released the record as it was. To everyone's surprise, Awaiting Your Reply hit big in the Christian market, and reached #6 on the Gospel album sales charts. Although misunderstood by many critics at the time, the album has been reevaluated and highly praised in recent years, and is now listed at #91 in the book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, released in 2001.

The band followed up the success of that album with Rainbow's End, which continued in the same progressive hard rock/metal vein akin to Black Sabbath and Aerosmith. Although the band was pleased with the effort, Star Song was not, and the band was forced to find another label shortly after its release. Rainbow's End is significant for being the first album by an American rock band to address the racist system of apartheid in South Africa, a full year before Peter Gabriel brought the issue to the world's attention with his classic song, "Biko." Resurrection Band would eventually become known for grappling with a variety of social and political ills in its music, from the evils of the military-industrial complex to the corrupting influence of American materialism to racism, homelessness, AIDS, drug addiction, prostitution and many other issues that the band personally confronted in their ministry to their surrounding urban community in Chicago.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT RESURRECTION BAND >>>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

VIDEOS:

Surprised - Resurrection Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uwFqzis-5o



==================================

Heart's Desire - Resurrection Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaF0iJNRcbY



===========================================

Lincoln's Train - Resurrection Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj74U95om4g



=====================================

The Chair - Resurrection Band
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQxYgMiBlwM



===================================

Rain Dance (Live) - Resurrection Band
- Live on German TV, at the Dutch Flevo Festival of 1989 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wKLD0dlqNo

April 7, 2011

Charles R. Swindoll: The Inspirational Writings [Hardcover]

AVAILABLE NOW: Charles R. Swindoll: The Inspirational Writings [Hardcover] Includes FREE "Streams in The Desert CD" $11.00

This book is an omnibus of 3 of Swindoll's books: Improving Your Serve, Strengthening Your Grip, and Dropping Your Guard. 512 pages (1994)

To view and order go to:


Improving Your Serve: In the push and shove of a busy, self-seeking world, it's easy to lose track of what's really important. In Improving Your Serve, Chuck Swindoll shows the reader a fresh perspective on how to choos e a fulfilling lifestyle. Readers will discover why a straight-from-the-heart generosity brings richer rewards than mere money or position will every buy. Improving Your Serve offers a case for unselfishness and shows why serving others can be a much more fulfilling way to live. Readers will also learn how a radical application of biblical principles of servanthood can transform him or her from the inside out -- and make a real and lasting difference in today's world. Improving Your Serve will help the reader build the foundation for a happy and fulfilled life through demonstrating love for others. By following the principles outlined in Improving Your Serve anyone can become a more authentic person, a warm and transparent human being who lives out real love in the real world. Improving Your Serve is one of Charles Swindoll's finest literary efforts in his crusade to spread Christian teachings, ethics, philosophy, and practices throughout a secular world sadly in need of what the Gospel has to offer. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Strengthening Your Grip : Over 800,000 readers can't be wrong. This is a spiritual classic that refreshes souls and changes lives. Realizing that disillusionment and loss of personal resolve have created an aura of apathy in this age, best-selling author, pastor, and radio minister Charles Swindoll calls on his readers to trade in their half-hearted attitudes for fresh vigor in their souls. In this aimless world, Dr. Swindoll tells people how to live with confidence and purpose. Advice on how to get a handle on developing true character and making courageous choices. The author uses insights from the Bible and numerous spiritual anecdotes and stories. Dropping Your Guard: Charles Swindoll unveils a biblical blueprint for rich relationships in this life-changing classic. Swindoll poignantly and honestly portrays the need for authentic love and transparency. In a world of excessive and out-of-balance individualism, here is a book that builds a powerful case for people-with-people involvement. Many of us, says Charles R. Swindoll, have learned that survival is easier when we hide our true selves. We feel safer when we can put up a mask that says "I'm tough" or "I'm holy" or "I'm always in control." The trouble is that as we continue to hide behind our masks we become lonely and isolated, because we have created a distance between ourselves and those whose love and acceptance we really need.

DROPPING YOUR GUARD is Charles Swindoll's challenge to Christians to come out of hiding --- to put down the masks and risk relating to one another openly and honestly. Doing that is not always easy, the author acknowledges --- sometimes it's downright scary. But he maintains that it's the only really satisfying way to live, the only path to authentic, meaningful friendships and genuine fellowship. And in this book he shares some of the essential principles for building such relationships and keeping them healthy: assimilation --- being absorbed in relationships as a participant, not an observer risk-taking --- and sustaining the courage to keep on risking unity --- being one without being "frozen together" authentic love --- overcoming indifference and building close, deep, caring relationships tolerance and compassion --- and what to do when fellowship breaks down resistance to the enemies of growth --- snares like legalism, pressure tactics, and hypocrisy choosing --- making the decision to be involved in others' lives a spirit of hope --- hope for God's people living in relationships These are principles that apply to personal friendships, family situations, professional organizations --- anywhere people encounter other people. But in this book Swindoll is especially concerned with relationships in the Body of Christ. He believes that when Christians learn to drop their guard and relate openly and lovingly the church becomes a bastion of support for its members and leaders, a "city of refuge" for hurting people.

April 6, 2011

The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9–13

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who dwells heaven,
holy is your name.

Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day,
our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who have sinned against us.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

- Matthew 6:9-13

April 2, 2011

Jesus, Break These Strongholds - Rachel Scott (1981-1999)

------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, Break These Strongholds
------------------------------------------------------
Jesus, break these strongholds.
Tear down the strings of sin.

Release me from my pride.
Rescue me from these games.
Restore me from the hurt.
Renew my heart again.

Tear down this bondage.
Destroy this burden.

Give me love, give me peace.

My life, my love, my wants.
My needs, my passion,
My strength, my faults,
My sin, my friends,
My foes, my family,
My all….
Is now Yours.


– Rachel Scott (1981-1999), October 15, 1998, Martyr of Columbine