The Traversalist

You are able to employ a Chinese Lantern with the aim to remember Assumption Day over the 15th of August. Assumption Day is actually observed by the Catholic Church. This is exactly the calendar day when the Blessed Virgin Mary had been sent out into Heaven and in turn the endless life. Marked all the means back in the 6th century it is a especially elderly celebration within the Catholic Church. This day is called the Dormition, which implies “falling asleep”, and was initially observed in the East. The job to tend to Mary had been designated to Disciple John by Jesus at the time he had been crucified. It is why the primarily evidence of Mary’s passing originates from a printed certificate written by Follower John himself. At the moment in time he had been living in Jerusalem, and therefore followers consider that this is the location she passed on. The Virgin Mary is actually a icon of clarity plus martyrdom. People call upon to her as well as beg for her safeguard. Generally they plead to watch over their children and followers. Lighting a sky lantern is a astounding way to observe Assumption Day. This in reality will be able to be a exceptionally symbolic act. The luminosity which comes from the lantern and in turn soars higher and higher within the sky is in fact vastly very like the soul of the Blessed Mary which had headed to Heavens gateway.
Generally, the Chinese Lantern is actually an wonderful approach to honor any occurrence since it is exceptionally figurative and in turn may be able to be help send off your hopes plus pleas toward the skies.

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Being in the Ministry for a few years now, I’ve noticed one major
issue that most Christians seem to have trouble with that issue is understanding prayer.

I can not count how many times people talk as if prayer is a foreign thing, or the numbers of prayers will equal success with getting God to move on your part. I too, have struggled with this issue for many years. I use to think that prayer was some form of special God given talent; futhermore, I would try and find someone who I thought could really pray, to pray for me, as if their great prayers could help me in my problems. I can recall seeing a church billboard saying “praying with many tears can move mountains with God.” As I was reading this sign, the Spirit of God moved on me and said, “prayer of tears will not make me move, only prayers that are based on the word of God.”

With Gods words, hovering in my heart, I started to think about that statement, “Only prayers that are based on the word of God will make God move.” I have always tried to base my prayers on what the Bible said, yet with little to no real action from God. So what are prayers based on the word of God. Well, that is what we are going to explore in this newsletter. We will start the process of Understanding Prayer.

First thing I would recommend for you is to forget everything you know about prayer, and with this study to start and rebuild your thought and understanding of prayer. Now some might say, Brother Daryl that is a big statement, and I would reply “Yes it is”, yet I am almost confident that you, as I was have learned prayer in an religious form, and not what the Bible says prayer is.

Now, there are numerous types of prayer, and I will not be going into the different prayers. I want to show you what prayer is, and how you can to start to use prayer in an effective way.

Prayers based on the word of God, are not easy prayers. If you are going to base your prayer on the word of God, then you are going to have to know the word of God. Let’s look at

Joshua 1:5-9
“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. [6]” Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. [7]” Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. [8] ” This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will
make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. [9] ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord! your God is with you wherever you go.”

Notice, in the above scripture; God told him to not let the
book or words of the Law depart from his mouth. Why is that? Well God has put his will for us in the word of God, and we must know the word of God in order to understand what God’s will is for our life.

2 Tim. 2:15
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

Have you ever wondered why you must handle the word of God with such care? It’s not that you must quote the scriptures to people, or be able to argue the scriptures at a moment notice. Their must be a reason why God puts so much infuness on the word of God?

Psalm 119:76
“O may your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to your servant.”

This scripture shows a key for the reason that we must study the
word of God and keep it before us daily. The world of God is our guide to what God wants in our life. Remember, in 1 Joshua 1:8 reads “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Now, for when you will make your way prosperous. There is defiantly a connection between what we speak and the word of God. We can see this even more clearly in some New Testament teachings.

Mark 11:24
“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

Here is another key to understanding prayer, Jesus says what ever we ask for in prayer, believe that we have received them. Jesus is giving us the definition of faith.

Hebrews 11:1-2
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. [2] For by it the men of old gained approval.”

In its basic form, pray must be firm and rooted in faith. So one may ask, Brother Daryl, if it must be firm and rooted in faith, why are you telling me it must be based on the word of God. Here is why. It must be firm, in order, to believe what you ask for. If you really don’t believe that you will receive, then you will not hold fast to your prayer.

James 1:6-8
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, [8] being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

And how can it be rooted in faith with out the word of God?

Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Hebrews tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith, and if we are going to approach God we must believe that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. This can not get much simpler. We need faith in order to get our prayers answered. So how do we get this faith?

Hebrews 12:2
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

First we must understand that Jesus is the author and finisher of
our faith. This means that we have the same faith as Jesus has. He was the creator of your faith and he had perfected your faith. So, why can we not get any prayers answered, simple we are not applying our faith to the will of God. For the most part, most of us do not really know what Gods will is for us, so how can we pray it. There lies the problem, when we pray “Father if it be they will” this is really a cop out, it’s a lazy prayer. If we are going to get results in our life, we are going to have to know the will of God for our life, and there is only one way of doing this, by faith. How is faith built?

Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

We can see it’s by reading the word of God, our Bible, what we can get our faith to operate at full potential. See Jesus created the faith, and the word of God will prefect it. We need to quite trying to con God into answering our prayers. What we need to do is start to understand how to pray. Think of prayer like a baseball player. Does he get up to bat to strike out? No, he wants to hit a home run every time he gets up to bat. And that is how we should be, Prayer is hard work, and it’s like home work when you’re in school. You will get out of prayer what you put into it.

In conclusion, it’s by knowing the word of God, and keeping the word in our mouth that we can start to produce the faith that will please God and get him to move on our part. It is not how much you pray, or how many times a day that you pray, it’s really what you are saying that will make the difference in your prayer life. Base your pray’s on the word of God and you will see God move in your life.

In Part 2 of Understanding Prayer, I will show you how to Pray Effectively. I will show you how to apply this lesson as well as part 2, and you will have the right foundation to be a Master in the art of Prayer.

Daryl Frisbee Covenant Ministries: I have started this Ministry to help the children of God, to understand who they are in Christ. I have studied the topic of “Covenant” for over 4 years. I will show you, how to apply this covenant you have with God, in your everyday life. Topics of Prayer, Healing, Faith, Covenant, The Authority of the Believer, and more can be found on my website. These topics are in written Text Lessons, Audio Sermons, and Video Feeds. So come and learn your wonderful Covenant you have with your God.

http://www.dfcm.org

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The summer solstice has long been a time of celebration and festivity for cultures dating back to ancient times and stretching through the present day. For those of us on the Northern Hemisphere, this day falls approximately on June 21st. During this time the Earth is tilted closest to the Sun giving us greater exposure to the Sun’s light and, subsequently, the longest day of the year.

The themes of Summer Solstice are sex, love, creativity, energy, luck, health and wishes. “Solstice” comes from the Latin “sol” meaning sun, and “sistere,” to cause to stand still. As the summer solstice draws near, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky each day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before, thus appearing to “stand still.” In the magical sense, Summer Solstice brings us to the halfway point of the Wheel of the Year. The sun is in full reign, reaching a peak in the sky and shedding beams of truth. The brilliance of the sun allows us to see things clearly, banishing shadows and releasing the past.

This day has special meaning to all societies. For those who follow Faerie Magik, this is an especially meaningful event as it is said that all the faeries come out to celebrate this day with all the creatures of the forest. An elaborate feast is held with endless goblets of ale, festive music and dancing. If you’re familiar with faerie lore, you won’t be surprised to learn that these Summer Solstice parties are clothing optional and last until the wee hours of the following morning. Shakespeare centered his faerie-packed tale of love and trickery, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, around this mystical day.

Of the modern religions, it is the Pagan & Wiccan societies that celebrate this day with the most passion. This holiday is most commonly known as “Litha” (the ancient Germanic name for Summer) and it is believed to be the time when the Sun God is at his strongest. He is also the God of the Forrest and is often depicted as seated at on a green wood throne. During the time in which Christianity and Paganism was merging, images of the Sun God wearing masks made of leaves were included in the architectural features of many early churches. This God has become more commonly known to modern Wiccans as The Green Man.

Herbs are at their most potent state during this time. Now is the time to gather and dry your herbs for use during the rest of the year. Be sure not to wait too long past Litha or the plants will begin to seed and lose potency. Gather roots as the Moon wanes and leaves & flowers as the Moon is waxing. Thank each plant as you harvest it, keeping in mind our debt to Mother Earth and Her children.

The many sacred stone circles found around the globe (e.g. Stonehenge) were believed to have been built to celebrate this time. On a practical level any agricultural society would hold this time in very high regard. Not only does this longest day of the year offer a welcome break, it also marks the transition from cultivation to harvest. The significance of this day was not only practical but also held a much deeper, spiritual meaning. If you are lucky enough to live near a sacred stone circle plan a picnic and bring whatever supplies needed for your individual spells and rituals.

Alternatively, one can create their own stone circle by selecting stones that you are able to feel a vibration from or are otherwise attracted to and placing them in a circle. Choose eight large stones and place them equidistant at each spoke of the wheel. Fill in the spaces with smaller stones. Cast your circle as you normally do prior to performing any spellcraft.

This is the time of year to write down any wishes you have and tossing them, along with a Litha inspired offering into a well, spring, or cauldron. For example, simply hold a small stone along with a special feather or sprig of herbs in your right hand and meditate on the wish (or reasons to be thankful). Once you have filled up the stone with your meditation, toss it with intention into the water. If a cauldron was used, empty the contents into a stream or other body of running water when the spell is complete.

Litha has long been a time for unadulterated joy and pleasure. Lengthy and detailed scripted rituals seem to contradict the spirit of this season. Rather, we should celebrate with intention but with an open heart. Focus on how grateful one should be that the Sun continues His tireless journey each year providing so much to all of us. Pick a few themes (below) and simply set out to have a great time. Rise early with the Sun and plan a bonfire for later that night to further lengthen this day. In other words, party ’till you drop!

The following themes and recipes are utilized in Pagan ceremonies, rituals, and spells:

Herbs – basil, chamomile, daisy, elder, pine, St. John’s wort, tyme, yarrow, frankincense, fennel, lavender, and lily

Essential oils and incense – frankincense, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, lotus, jasmine, rose, wisteria, and myrrh

Colors – yellow, white, red, blue, green, tan

Decoration – anything reminiscent of the sun (yellows, reds, oranges), dried herbs, potpourri, fruits, summer flowers

Gemstones – any green stone (e.g. emerald)

Foods – mead, fresh fruits and veggies, lemonade, cookies and cakes decorated to honor the Sun, and of course plenty of ale

Spellwork – Litha is the perfect time for any magick but is especially good for Animal Protection and Marriage & Vow Renewal spells

Litha Incense – 2 parts Sandalwood, 1 part Mugwort, 1 part Chamomile, 1 part Gardenia petals, several drops of Rose oil, several drops of Lavender oil, several drops of Yarrow oil

Orange Honey Butter – 2 Tablespoons grated orange zest, 3 Tablespoons confectioner’s sugar, cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 – 2 Tablespoons honey, Combine ingredients and chill until ready to eat. Yum!

Easy Honey Mead – This recipe can be considered cheating but if you’ve ever tried to make honey mead at home, you’ll appreciate this recipe’s simplicity. First heat 1 part water with 1 part wildflower honey until the mixture is smooth and the honey’s completely incorporated. Sprinkle some rose petals into the mixture and let it cool. Strain the mixture (optional). Mix 2 parts honey water with 1 part grain alcohol and serve chilled over ice. (Alternatively, mix 1 part honey water with 1 part vodka).

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And even though Jesus was God’s Son, He had to learn from experience what it was like to obey, when obeying meant problems and difficulties. -Hebrews 5:8 TLB paraphrased by author

Recently, an actor with a career spanning over half a century told of his humble beginnings and one of his character choices that changed his life forever, “I was newly married and a new father. We were barely making it; living off my waiting tables and doing a few acting jobs here and there.

A man called one day offering an assignment paying a lot of money (back then) to play a young rebellious man spewing out obscenities to his father. After thinking of the disrespect it would bring to my father, a good man, I turned it down and declared I would only play roles in which my family could be proud.

Almost a month later, the man called back with a respectable role and an offer to represent me as my agent. He said he could not stop thinking about me. He said, ‘If a man feeding his family off pennies could turn down an assignment offering this much money, there had to be something to him.’ He represented me as my agent for 30 years until his death.

The role he offered me was Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” That actor was Sidney Poitier, who went on to win for his work in the movie, Lilies of the Field, 1963; the only Oscar for Best Actor awarded to an African-American in a 40 year span of U.S. history. Mr. Poitier’s choice during that difficult time changed the course of his life.

Have you noticed that much of how we respond to life’s circumstances has to do with our character? God desires to build character within us. He desires to train (discipline) us as His children.1 Training and disciplining does not always feel good. In fact, it can be downright painful.

Ask any private in a military boot camp or any professional athlete during his training season. The Apostle Paul encouraged us about God’s training, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” 2

Many times, throughout Scripture we find God saying to man…I wanted to know what was in your heart. I tested you to know if you would keep My commands. After Abraham’s character test, God said, “Now I know that you love Me.” To the Israelites He said, “I tested you in the wilderness so that I would know what you would do.” 3

As with any test, the day or season of the test is not the time to develop and prepare. Therefore, I believe the time to cooperate with God to build character is the noweveryday. In the everyday processes of life, we have opportunity to develop character (moral strength). Choices create character.

Problems and adversity give us opportunity to develop character. The Apostle Paul (as incredible as it may sound) in one of his letters to the Roman church, encouraged them to rejoice when facing difficulties, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for usthey help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally, our hope and faith are strong and steady.” 4

We develop character every time we make a right choice. John C. Maxwell, America’s expert on leadership and successful executive says, “We create it (character) every time we make choicesto cop out or dig out of a hard situation, to bend the truth or stand under the weight of it, to take the easy money or pay the price.” 5 By daily recognizing, developing, and refining the moral strength in us, we are co-laborers in building the character God desires to see in His children.

We desire people of character in our churches, our cities, our countries, and our world. Most if not all of the success stories turned failures in recent years, have been partially due to lack of character. No one can rise above the limitations of his character. Billy Graham was asked to comment on how he was able to maintain character in the face of so many ministry leaders showing a lack of character.

He responded with, “People have put me on too high a pedestal. We do the same with other leaders. I know, however, I am not as good as some people think I am. I have seen men in the depths of wickedness and have thought to myself, ‘There I go, except by the grace of God.’ I have to depend on God every day to help me live as I should.” We also must depend on the grace of God to help us live, as we should. To develop character in your life on a daily basis:

•Make right choices. Remember character is a choice. Invite God in on your choices. You will find it makes a lifetime of difference.

•Recognize your character will preach the gospel. Determine to set a good example for those watching your witness.

•Remember bad company corrupts good character. Watch the company you keep. Are they a good influence upon your life or a bad one?

•Depend on the grace of God. When you make a mistake, repent, and begin again. My pastor, Mike Hayes says, “God is a God of new beginnings. Look at how He provides us an opportunity for a fresh start each new season, New Year, new month, new week, and every fresh morning.”

We have determined that choices create character. If you have been unfortunate to make quite a few wrong choices in life as I have, then this will be good news to you. Pastor Amy Hossler encouraged me saying, “Even a wrong or bad choice repented of can eventually build good character.” Our Father God has promised (if we ask for it) to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Additionally, He promised to work all things to our good.9

It seems our Father God is painstakingly involved in working character in us. However, it is up to us to work together with him so that we may reap the harvest of righteousness he longs to give us. Join me as I cooperate with God in creating good character in me with one good choice at a time.

(c) Earma Brown
Most leaders need a strong team of support. Your leadership should have one too! Earma is Director and Co-Founder of Armorbearers International, Inc. who offers help with designing strong teams of support for God’s leaders. Subscribe to their free ezine “The Armorbearer Coach” at http://www.armorbearers.net/newsletter.htm or visit host site at http://www.armorbearers.net for other insightful articles and resources.

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Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
“Your surroundings, home, personal care, pets, clothing, and body are all reflections of how you see and express yourself. Do these reflect your true self?” – Christine Northrup, M.D.

What would you think of a person that came into your beautiful church and started spray painting the walls with horrible words, breaking church furniture and pews, throwing the hymnals through the stain glass windows and tearing down the pulpit? Would that be all right with you? Would you allow this kind of destruction in the house of God? Would you encourage people to destroy churches? Of course not! Most people would never dream of destroying a church their spiritual home.

How then should we treat the “Temple of God” which is your body? That’s right, according to the scriptures; our body is the temple of God. Its okay, in fact good to be concerned about the shape and health your body (God’s temple) is in.

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

God has given you a wonderful gift; your health. It would make sense that since our bodies are God’s dwelling place; we should take care of our body just as we do our church. If someone were to give us millions of dollars to build a church, of course we would start with a strong foundation so that the church will last through many generations. Why not do the same things for our bodies? We have a strong foundation to start with, our health. We have the resources to build and strengthen our temples. If you didn’t start with good health, do not think you were not meant to receive good health. Start from where you are and build your temple. Do you hear yourself saying, “You’re too old, you’re too fat, you don’t have time.” Hey, being a fitness coach I’ve heard all the excuses. OK, maybe I have used a few of them myself. But, it’s never too late. Never, ever give up!
Food is meant to sustain us and to give us energy…to fuel us. I’m sure you’ve heard this saying many times; eat to live don’t live to eat. God has given us a wonderful abundance of tasty foods to eat. Try to eat things in the most natural state. Have you ever seen an Oreo growing on a tree? That’s a big clue that it’s not a naturally grown food and it doesn’t belong in your temple. Not on a regular basis anyway. I’m not saying you should never have another cookie in your life. That would be ridiculous. What I am saying is for the most part; eat everything in its most natural state. Junk food does not do your health or your body any favors. It doesn’t do your kids any favors either.

I hear people say all the time that they keep cookies, candies and other “goodies” around because they don’t feel their kids should be deprived. I don’t agree with that. What are you really depriving them of?
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Low energy
• Low self-esteem because they are over weight
• Bad eating habits
• Negative behavior in some cases

But, if you don’t keep “goodies” around what are you gifting them with?

• Good health
• Knowledge of proper nutrition
• Feeling good
• Looking great
• A fit body
• Better ability to learn

Now, what you want for yourself and children shouldn’t be such a tough decision when you look at it that way, should it?

Phyllis Ward is an author, online fitness coach and trainer. She consults with clients by phone or in person. For more information about Phyllis or her services please visit http://www.godstemple40.com. You may contact her by email at godstemple40@godstemple40.com.

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