All posts filed under: z152

Nambia desert Credit: John Adams/Flickr/Creative Commons

Sanando el rechazo

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English Version: Healing our rejection Usando una resonancia magnética, los investigadores universitarios descubrieron que el dolor emocional asociado con el rechazo es tan real como el dolor físico. En 2011, un grupo liderado por el profesor Ethan Kross asociado de la Universidad de Michigan, estudió a 40 personas que recientemente habían pasado por una ruptura romántica en los seis meses anteriores. Todos los participantes elegidos mencionaron haber sentido sentimientos intensos de rechazo debido al final de la relación. Las 40 personas fueron sometidas a dos pruebas relacionadas con el dolor emocional que sentían por el rechazo y el otro dolor físico real. En la primera prueba, los sujetos del estudio vieron una imagen de su ex y se les pidió que pensaran en la ruptura. En la segunda etapa, los dispositivos térmicos se unieron a sus brazos que crearon un calor equivalente al de un café caliente. Cuando las 40 personas pasaron por estas y otras pruebas comparativas, los investigadores monitorearon su actividad cerebral usando un test de imagen de resonancia magnética. Los investigadores descubrieron …

Antisemitism warnings in Germany: spokesman warns against wearing a kippah in public

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In an interview with the German newspaper, Funke, Germany’s antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein warned that Jewish men should not wear their kippah or skull cap in public due to the rapid increase in antisemitic attacks in recent years. There are approximately 200,000 Jews living in Germany. According to Breaking Israel News, in 2018 Berlin reported nearly a 20% increase of antisemitic offenses over the previous year with nearly 300 incidents reported in Germany’s capital. With 1,649 attacks in 2018, overall the country registered a 10% increase in hate offenses over 2017. But what is particularly disturbing is that the number of violent antisemitic attacks has nearly doubled over 2017 increasing from 37 to 62 in 2018. Though the police and mainline media report that these attacks are due to right-wing fanaticism, this is not what the Jews are reporting. They suggest that Muslim extremists and left wing fanatics are equal partners in Germany’s hate crimes. A recent survey of Jews in the EU showed that 41% indicated the most serious antisemitic offenses came from people …

The rest and the pest

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Recently, I had a dream followed by a vision that spoke very clearly to me in my calling as a prophetic writer. Others here may find this resonates with them as well in this season. In the DREAM, I was reading some words out loud. When I came to the word “retreat”, I was having difficulty reading the word as there was an “S” in the word, creating the word “RESTreat”. I asked the One present with me if there had always been an “S” in the word retreat, and I was told “YES!!” Immediately following the dream, I had a very clear VISION of a GOPHER’S FACE. The gopher immediately LOOKED TO MY RIGHT. The vision ended. Interpretation: I live in the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan. Here where I live, the Richardson Ground Squirrel (known on the prairies as a gopher) has been declared a PEST by the government of Saskatchewan, as it destroys farms and gardens in this region. This “PEST”, in my vision had literally turned its face toward my right (hand), …

My Wife Told Me To!

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There are two lines of men at the gates of heaven. One line is long and winding as far as St. Peter can see. The other line has a lone man in it. The sign above the long line is for men whose wives nagged them. The other one is for men whose wives did not nag them. “Ever since we started these lines no man as ever stood in this line. You are the first.” St. Peter tells the guy. “Tell me your secret.” “My wife told me to stand in this line.” Well now you’re either laughing or spitting but I tell this story to illustrate a point. Men are called to lead in their families. This is not as the world leads though, but as Christ leads, so women don’t get mad or jealous just yet. Christ-like leadership is called servant leadership. You see, Christ led the disciples and still leads the church today. Not once did he act like a dictator. Not once did he demand his followers to pick up …

Are Muslims Changing?

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I have a new phone. My old Motorola still worked well, but it couldn’t accept all the upgrades to the apps loaded onto it; bloatware. My new phone has the capacity, and I am surprised by the huge volume of information that I can get from that small computer in my pocket. I can watch movies, and the news, play video games, or learn a new language, and so much more. When I go to church, I don’t need to carry a Bible; I just click on a Bible app on my phone. There are many of these apps, in most languages, and most are free. You knew that already, but imagine living in a small town in the conservative Middle East. You belong to the religion of your father, by law, and you can never quit or change to something different. For many the highest education you can achieve is in a Koranic school, where you memorize the holy book. In your lifetime, you might never meet a person who has a different religion …

Shine brighter!

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One of our greatest fears is that we will be appear selfish to others and mar the perception of a selfless, self-sacrificing woman who puts the needs of their loved ones and ‘others’ before her own needs. We are more concerned about the outward appearance of our cup with its chips and cracks from service than the fullness of our cup inside where the water level is dangerously low, barely covering the bottom of our cup. We have been culturally programmed, even in church settings, that being a good mother or Christian woman means you are always available for the needs of others before your own.  We don’t want to mar our outward appearance of having it all together, but inside we feel empty. I have taken great comfort this past year as I began to understand what Christ meant when He said: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32) The definition of the word draw in the Greek means to pull or drag, …

Did God answer a comedian’s prayer through a prophetic word at Starbucks?

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An employee working at a Starbucks’ drive thru provided an incredible answer to prayer for comedian Victoria Jackson revealing that God does hear our prayers and will use spiritual gifts to confirm it. Jackson, 58, gained fame working as a comedian and singer for Saturday Night Live, a late night comedy show that debuted in 1975 and routinely runs parodies of culture and politics. Famous for her ukulele, she was a regular contributor to SNL from 1986 to 1992 where she performed skits, some involving impersonations of Rosanne Barr. Jackson came from a Christian home and attended Florida Bible College in Hollywood, Florida before moving on to Furman University in South Carolina after receiving a gymnastic scholarship and then to Auburn University where she majored in theater. Jackson’s gym-coach father had trained his daughter in gymnastics, a training that she utilized on screen doing back flips on SNL and reciting poetry while doing hand stands. The comedian refers to herself as a conservative Christian and even sent her children to a Christian school. However, Jackson …

Sun appearing over the India Ocean Credit: Nasa/Flickr

Christianity by the numbers on the world stage

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When you look at the overall stats on the impact of Christianity in the world, it initially seems a bit concerning. Facts and Trends recently wrote an article on current trends in worldwide Christianity based on a report published by Gordon-Cromwell Theological Seminary’s Center for the Study of Global Christianity. With a growth rate of 1.27%, Christianity is the fourth fastest growing religion in the world behind Islam that is growing at a rate of 1.95%, Sikhs that are growing at a rate of 1.66% and Hindus at 1.30%. Despite its fourth place position, Christianity is growing faster than the world population that is increasing by 1.2% a year and with 2.5 billion Christians, it is the largest religious group in the world. The earth’s population sits at nearly 8 billion. But when you take a closer look at the stats other interesting trends start to surface. Christianity is of course divided. According to the report, in 2019 there are 45,000 church denominations in the world encompassing 5.5 million congregations. But some larger historical denominations …

In her message, ‘It’s real’, Tina described her encounter with Jesus after heart attack

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Tina and her husband Brian Hines were preparing to go for a walk around their home in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2018 when Tina collapsed to the floor with a severe heart attack. Brian immediately called emergency, but was forced to use CPR twice to revive his wife before the ambulance arrived. During the trip, the medical team revived Tina a couple more times before they reached the hospital. They estimated that Tina had been dead a total of 27 minutes. When she arrived at the hospital, medical staff were able to stabilize Tina and when she came too, Tina who could not speak due to the tubing in her mouth, motioned for a pen and paper then scrawled an almost indecipherable message that read “It’s real.” On an Instagram post describing what happened, Tina’s niece Maddie wrote: “A little over a year ago my Aunt Tina, one of the most amazing, discerning, and healthy people I know had an unexpected cardiac arrest and according to doctors had died and was brought back to life …

Our Favorite Things

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“Raindrops and roses and whiskers on kittens, these are a few of my favorite things.” I think that’s the way the song goes. Now I get that we need rain and I don’t even mind roses. And yes I am partial to kittens but I never really thought about their whiskers. I would think they are much more favored by the kitten them by me. As usual when I have too much quiet time sent aside for prayer, my mind wonders to such deep and pressing questions as my favorite things. For me, the list would include cinnamon buns and ice hockey. After I fantasised about eating cinnamon buns (without gaining weight)  while scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal yet again, my mind starting thinking again. This is both dangerous and difficult. You see I have a box brain. That means to actually start thinking about anything different or new takes a lot of effort. My wife will tell you this. “What do you want for dinner?” She’ll ask. “Cinnamon buns.” What do you want …

Tongue Tied?

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Español: ¿Lengua atada? The Holy Spirit is an active member of the Trinity and is known by many names– each one an attribute or symbolic of a gift or activity. This article looks at when and how to receive the Holy Spirit. On the surface this seems simple enough right? I mean we all know when we receive the Holy Spirit just like we all know when we are saved.  But as in most things simple, there can be controversy. You know we can all have an opinion about anything. But as Christians we have to look at the Bible as our truth.  Even when we are right, we need to base our truth on the Word. So what does the Bible say when you receive the Holy Spirit? Some people believe you receive the Holy Spirit the instant you believe in Jesus Christ. Here are some Bible verses for that perspective. Roman 8:9 and Ephesians 1: 13-14 are used to back the idea that we receive the Holy Spirit when we first believe. Perhaps …

I saw a warrior charging on his horse

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“The Lord will go forth like a mighty man, He will rouse up His zealous indignation and vengeance like a warrior; He will cry, yes, He will shout aloud, He will do mightily against His enemies.” (Isaiah 42:13) I have been hesitant to share what I experienced during a time of intercession recently. Over the years my friend, Linda, and I have gone to the park surrounding our provincial legislature to pray and intercede for the things the Lord has impressed upon us. Prophetic acts have become a part of these times of intercession for our city, province and nation. We have planted seeds of faith, struck a sword in the ground, worshiped with flags and music and more. The beautiful park that surrounds the legislative buildings also includes a lake at its center.  The park also has monuments, fountains and beautiful flowers landscaping the area. We have prayed in this park many times over the years, when we have felt a call to pray into a season or events with scripture verses and declarations. …

The difference between guilt and shame

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As a mental health professional, I’m often asked the difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is “I did something wrong.” Shame is “I am what is wrong.” Guilt is “I violated a norm, a societal expectation, or a requirement set out by God.” Shame is “I am at my core without any worth.” Guilt originates from selfishness or self-centredness. Shame originates from trauma, from life experiences that overwhelm one’s emotional and mental capacity. Guilt requires forgiveness, restitution to those who have been harmed, and a decision of your will to change the guilty behaviour. Shame requires a reorientation of one’s brain to align itself with what is true. Guilt wears a person down. Shame destroys what it means to be a unique person who can enter into the joy of their relationship with a loving God. Guilt points a person to what needs to change in his/her life. Shame prevents a person from wanting to change because of a core belief that s/he doesn’t deserve wellness and normalcy. I deal daily with people who are …

The theology of diversity and inclusiveness?

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I was a bit stunned after reading a report on CBN that a psychic had been hired to minister at a church in Atlanta Georgia. The woman functions as a medium and claims to consult with the dead. On the surface, this would seem little different than a United Church in Canada hiring an atheist to pastor one of its churches in Toronto, Ontario. Except there is one big difference. The United Church is a Liberal denomination that no longer embraces the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Many congregations have become little more than social clubs. Though the denomination initially challenged her hiring, in the name of “diversity” it eventually relented and allowed the atheist to continue as pastor. However, if you read the theological beliefs of The Vision Church of Atlanta who hired this psychic, they look evangelical. They believe in the deity of Christ and that Jesus died and physically rose again from the dead for the sins of the world. They believe a person is justified by their faith in Christ and …

Stepping out of the swamp of shame

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Guilt and shame are emotions we deal with all the time and it is wise for us to understand the difference between the two. Guilt can have a positive influence in our lives. When we feel guilty about what we are doing it motivates us to change. It encourages us to reconcile with those we have hurt or offended. There is also a redemptive quality as we seek God’s forgiveness. But shame is different. It does not want to change you; it wants to beat you down. It keeps bringing up your failures and weaknesses again and again. Its sole goal is to humiliate you. Shame tries to define who you are. Even after we have asked God to forgive us, shame keeps shaking our sin and failure in front of us. Unlike God, it doesn’t want you to forget your past, because it is screaming in our face how bad we are. Shame isolates us and keeps us hooked up with feelings of being unworthy or never good enough. We believe there has always …