May Be

Here are some beautiful thoughts on life. "Maybe" they will help you in certain areas of your life :)

Maybe God wanted us to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe when the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

Maybe the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Maybe it is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it does not, be content it grew in yours.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real.

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Things to Think About

In a university commencement address several years ago, Brian Dyson, CEO of Coca Cola Enterprises, spoke of the relation of work to one's other commitments:

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life."

How?

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as they were your life.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give it; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

The Apostle of the Impossible

"The Anatomy of a Miracle in Progress"

Chapter Two

 

Most preachers wait until a miracle is complete before giving their testimony.  I felt led by the Holy Spirit to report the progress of the miracle while it is unfolding.  This is meant to be an encouragement to believers who may at this time be going through all kinds of struggles.  Since having part of my colon detached, cut out, and the rest being reattached, there has been no intense cramping in my stomach.  Before this, the excruciating pain would last for up to two days and nights with no letup.  Thank God for this relief so that I am not hindered from work and ministering as I was before.

 

I feel the reason the Lord gave me a new name during this time, "the Apostle of the Impossible", is because He is directing me to face this challenge head on.  I was born without a hip socket in my left leg.  X-rays say that it is impossible for me to walk, yet I walk.  I stuttered, yet now I preach without that impediment of speech.  Anemia tries to rob me of my energy, yet I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  I was shy and afraid of people, but He has given me a boldness to proclaim His Word without fear of favor.  While my own body was being attacked with what medical science says is incurable, I pray for people, and they are being healed.

 

While I am suppose to be recuperating from major surgery, I minister just about every week with the anointing.  It makes me stronger.  Life is precious and time is valuable.  There is no time to waste.  The miracle in progress is for encouragement to others and for the glory of God!  A converted Moslem who now preaches the gospel all over Africa told me that because I keep on going, and offer no excuses to slow down, I have become his role model.  An overwhelming number of God's people have written to encourage me for which I am grateful.  It is bringing many into a unity of spirit in the body of Christ.

 

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

World Changers International

"Making a Difference in Our World"

Bishop_Marvin@WCI888.com 

"Your First Source of Inspiration and Information"

Marvin Schmidt

Say the Unsaid Things

You never know what tomorrow will bring....


----

"I didn't take your cigarettes!" I half yelled rudely.

"Okay, whatever..." said the deep, grouchy voice I knew too well.

"OK well I'm going." I said dryly.

"Aaa-lright."

And with the click of the telephone I turned away and headed off to be with some friends.

Moments before I had learned that my mother, sister, brother, and step-father were leaving to go on vacation without me. In a terrible fit of jealousy, I let my displeasure be known. I went on and on about how messed up it was I was not invited and how my family did not love me. Just on and on. This rode well into the next day.

July 16,1999 is my step-father's 50th birthday. It was going to be his first birthday party ever. My mother had told me two or three times, so I was well aware. I had planned to be there at my dad's first birthday party, (even though every since I had hit adolescence, we never seen eye to eye and fought constantly) but in the "situation" I thought he had put me in and in my moment of pure selfishness and resentfulness, I decided to say I'd show and just not go.

All the better, my friend called and asked me to go with her to her family reunion ... a perfect excuse!

So at about 10 that night I called home collect. It was busy so I left a collect message for later delivery.

"Mom I left your shorts at Aunt Sheila's. If you want them before you leave on vacation tomorrow, better go get em'."

No I love you.

No be careful.

No tell dad happy birthday.

All the way to Ohio with my friend, I bad mouthed him and my mom for marrying him. I felt so angry and left out. I blamed it all on him. It was always Denny's fault. I just knew he had been the one to suggest not taking me. We never got along it seemed.

Eventually we arrived at our destination and tucked in for the night. I never thought twice about my family. Never one thought of all the fun they were probably having at Denny's birthday party. Not once about the excitement they all had for leaving on vacation tomorrow. Just myself.

The next morning after I had got ready, my friend and her family hit the road to meet the rest of them at an all day reunion. We had stopped at K-mart. One of Kelly's relatives pulled up to her car.

"Jara, you need to call home something bad happened." she had said.

"What," I asked, "who?"

"Your step-dad had a heart attack or something." she replied.

"Is he OK?" I said quietly, as I began to shake.

"I do not know, you'll have to call." and she drove away.

I got out of the car, headed towards a nearby telephone booth. I dialled collect. My mom's voice came over the line.

"Jara..." mom said meekly.

"Mom what happened, are you OK?" I asked.

"Denny's dead ... come home, please Jara, come home."

"OK mom, I'll be there," I said quietly, "I love you."

My legs were rubber, I couldn't talk, tears were flooding my eyes and running down my face.

That night at his birthday party, after the guests had left, Denny had suffered a massive heart attack. It was caused from emphysema and heart disease, that even he never knew about. He died in my mother's arms.

You see, I never made peace with Denny I never took the time to show how really important to me he was. I never took the time to tell him he was my Daddy.

He had been there when my biological dad hadn't. He was the one who clothed, fed, and sheltered me as long as I can remember. He was the one that rubbed my belly for hours when I was home sick from school. He was the one who helped me move into my first apartment. He was the one that tried till his death bed to give me values and responsibility. He was the one man in my life I knew that would love me unconditionally. I never told him how much all that meant to me. I never told him that he was my daddy.

After all this, I've learned it so important not to let things go unsaid, no matter how minor or major. Even though I know Denny knew I loved him, I would feel so much better knowing for sure he knew because I hurt him in so many ways. And you see, he never complained.

Cheering Me On

 Losing a loved one is the hardest thing in life, but stories like this really show that they're still there, cheering us on.
------

I close my eyes as tight as they can go.

The lights go off, and my imagination switches on. Pictures flash through my mind like an old film from the fifties.

I remember driving home by myself for the first time. Now, I look into the future and imagine that I am walking across the stage to receive my college diploma. The years pass, and I hear my fianc é say "I do." I look further and listen to the gentle gurgles coming from my baby's nursery. A smile discreetly appears as memories past and thoughts of the future travel through my soul.

I journey to memories of my high school graduation, and a tear suddenly trickles down my cheek. I look into the bleachers packed with families and friends. I see my parents wrapped in pride, and I look to their side for Katie and Kevin's approval. But Katie, my older sister, is not there.

My eyes abruptly open as I am snapped back into reality. I remember being called out of Spanish class in tenth grade and taken to the hospital to see Katie, who had cancer, for the final time. It was an excruciating task, but I found the good in Katie's tragic death.

Katie's room is exactly the way she left it on a Friday night in September, 1993, when she was carried to the ambulance on a stretcher. Her James Dean poster hangs on one wall; her elementary school track ribbons and collection of porcelain masks hangs on the others. Her bed is neatly made and lined with stuffed animals -- typical of a girl who would visit her sloppier friends and, without prompting, start vacuuming their rooms.

Katie died just a few weeks into her freshman year at the University of Miami. At eighteen she was 5'5'' tall and had straight shoulder length blond hair, big blue eyes, and pale clear skin. Her senior year in high school, Katie was the varsity cheerleader captain and valedictorian.

More importantly, though, she was my best friend. After all, when she was six years old, she had declared herself old enough to take care of her little sister and brand new baby brother, because she thought our mother was not sharing us enough with her. This caring attitude continued throughout her life. Katie would always braid my hair, go shopping with me, and let me go out with her and her friends when I was lonely and bored. Katie would always tutor Kevin, who has a learning disability, when he needed help with his homework. She would continually drill him on his studies until he got it right. Afterwards, she would take him to go get ice cream as a reward. Clearly, Katie was not just our older sister. She was also our teacher, friend, and second mother.

Katie always surrounded herself with friends. She was constantly opening her ears, heart, and arms to someone in need. The phone was constantly ringing and her room was always crowded with people in it. Now, my house is silent.

I realize that getting caught in a pool of depression only leads to drowning. I live by looking for the positive in the worst situations. I now have a relationship with my parents and brother that means everything to me. I know what is important in life, and it is not always partying and getting A's. But most of all, I know that I can handle anything. Life is not easy, but I overcame one of its toughest obstacles.

I believe, the hardest part of death is the experiences it steals. Katie will not be clapping for me when I finally get my college diploma or giving me advice on my wedding day. My children will only hear stories of the girlhood of their aunt, both stories of reality and an imagined future.

I close my eyes as tight as they can go.

A diploma is placed in my hand. "I do" echoes from a distance. Katie says she loves me and hugs me tight on a September afternoon in 1993. Just before I cross my high school auditorium stage, I look out at the spectators in the bleachers, and I see mother and father and Kevin.

Katie is sitting right beside them, cheering me on.

Just Five More Minutes
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.

"That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

"He's a fine looking boy" the man said. "That's my daughter on the bike in the white dress."

Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. "What do you say we go, Melissa?"

Melissa pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes."

The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart's content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. '"Time to go now?"

Again Melissa pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes."

The man smiled and said, "OK."

"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.

The man smiled and then said, "Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.

She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play."

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?

Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today!

Real Faith

Summers here in Tennessee can be very hot. This spring I decided to buy myself to a nice screenhouse. Now that the setup fiasco is behind me, I find myself spending most of my day in my 'Thinking Tent'. Sometimes I enjoy it so much that I don't want to come inside. My record so far is 2 A.M. I am certain that soon I'll be witnessing the rising sun from my tent.

Peanut and Roscoe, the two most wonderful dogs in the world (in case you haven't heard), love the tent too. I think that they know that this is our special place.

Most of our weather works well with the screenhouse. On sunny days the green roof heats up and makes it very cozy. There is an almost constant crosswind that is so refreshing. The spring rain showers are just wonderful to watch from the safety of our tent.

Yesterday, Peanut, Roscoe, and I experienced something that my tent was not intended for. I was sitting at my table working on my laptop computer when all of a sudden the screen went blank. Puzzled, I checked my wires to see if I could find out why it had shut off. For some reason, there was no electricity. I looked across the street and said, 'Hmmph, they've lost power too. I wonder why?' Just then a loud rumble of thunder answered my question. Slowly I turned my head, and dropped my jaw. Sliding down the mountain and headed straight towards me was a dark gray thundercloud. Forks of lighting connected the ground to the sky. I could see sheets of rain on the mountain. I looked at Peanut and Roscoe and said, 'This is going to be a bad storm!?

It seemed like they smiled back at me. I covered them with our blanket and quickly stowed things away that needed to stay dry. Just as I finished, the rain started. It looked like we would have to ride this one out in the tent.

Much to the puppies delight, I joined them underneath the blanket. They spent a few moments arranging themselves and ended up each placing their lovely heads on my shoulders. I pulled the blanket over their heads and turned my attention back to the storm.

The wind started to pick up. The poles of the tent shook back and forth. I feared that with this much pounding, the poles might fly apart and collapse the tent on my buddies and I.

My head turned back and forth to catch the flashes of lightening. An explosion of thunder quickly followed each flash of light. It seemed that the storm was quickly getting closer and closer. My heart raced as the lightning strikes sounded all around us.

The rain beat hard on the roof of the tent. Soon the wild wind drove the rain inside. My face was getting wet. The storm showed no sign of passing on.

My thoughts turned to my puppies. How afraid they must be. The noise alone must have made them scared for their lives. Between the hard pounding of the rain, the harsh gusting of the wind, and the explosive sounds of the thunder, they must have been close to panic. I felt so badly for Peanut and Roscoe as I imagined their eyes wide with fear, crying into my shoulder.

I reached my hand down and felt Peanut's heartbeat. Instead of a quick scared pounding, her heart was calm. So was Roscoe's. How could they be so calm in the middle of this terrible storm?

I gently lifted the blanket and looked at my puppies. What I saw surprised me. Their little eyes were closed. Roscoe took a deep breath, and let it out with a loud snore.

I couldn't believe it! Even as the flashes of frightening lightening lit up their faces, they were both sound asleep. I wondered how they could be sleeping!

Then it hit me. Peanut and Roscoe had total faith in me. They knew, and trusted that no matter what happened, I'd make sure that they were safe and unhurt.

Now, it is true that I'd do anything in my power to protect keep them safe, secure and dry. The problem is no one ever told them that I had no power over this storm. I too was at the mercy of the wind and rain.

Once again my precious puppies taught me something special. As I lay under the blanket, I thought of Peanut and Roscoe's total faith and trust. They were demonstrating for me what my faith in God should look like!

So often I just trust God a little bit. When it comes to my life, my sin, and my problems, God wants to take complete charge. He doesn't want me scurrying around trying to help. All he wants is for me to trust Him in the same way that Peanut and Roscoe trusted me.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.?

Can I tell you that the only way you or I will ever find rest is to surrender to God? We need to stop our efforts at 'managing? our lives and trust God completely. We must let God take us wherever He wants.

Truthfully, my dog's faith and trust was misplaced. I do not deserve it. Since I can't explain this to them, I do my best to keep the trust they give me.

It is different with God. He does deserve our total trust. He does have power over the whole earth. God knows everything. He is in control of everything. On top of that, God loves us very much. That makes it perfectly safe to trust God with everything in our lives.

We need to get practical with this. God has given us His word. Trusting God means following that Word. We must read it, and then obey it. It is that exercise of faith that seems to activate God's power in our lives.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells the people to obey everything He and God have told them.

Matthew 7:24-27:

(24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

(25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

(26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

(27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Trusting and obeying God is the first step towards obtaining that special peace mentioned in Philippians 4:7 'And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.?

When the storms of life come, and be assured that they will, cling to the promises and commands found in God's word. When you do, you can be like Peanut and Roscoe, and know that by the end of it all will be well.

Think About It

Have you ever thought about it

Or tried to comprehend
Nailing your child to a cross
To die for other's sins
Then to have those same people
Denounce you and your son
And go along with their sinful lives
And ignore what you have done

That's what we all do
When Easter comes around
We hunt candy and eggs and celebrate
A bunny coming to town
And while all those things are good and well
We should concentrate on the cross
And remember the pain and suffering
When Jesus died for us

Have you ever thought about it
Or tried to comprehend
Having your child die for others
But at his memorial -none attend
And go along with their sinful lives
Like it's just another day
And forgetting the ultimate price
That Jesus had to pay

That's what we all do
When Sunday comes around
We sleep in late or go to the lake
Or simply lay around
And while all those things are good and well
We should concentrate on the Lord
And remember him each Sunday
By worshiping in one accord

Have you ever thought about it
Or tried to comprehend
Your child being able to save souls from hell
But no one tells their friends
They go along with their sinful lives
Never trying to help save a soul
And make money, success and having fun
Their primary goal

That's what we all do
When we don't witness to others
We'd rather speak of sports or gossip
With our sisters and out brothers
And while that's all good and well
We should concentrate on salvation
And remember to spread God's wonderful news
And his gracious invitation.

CELEBRATION OF PASSOVER

"Intimacy With Jesus Through

His Sufferings, Death

and Resurrection"

"That I may know (personally and intimately be acquainted with) him (Jesus), and the power (miraculous performance; force as of the military) of his resurrection (coming back to life), and the fellowship (communion; joint participation) of his sufferings (opposition and persecution), being made conformable (receiving the same form) unto his death (crucifixion of self)". Philippians 3:10 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

ONLY JESUS CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD AND IS ALIVE TODAY

Identification with Jesus in His sufferings, death and resurrection is the reason we celebrate Passover. Depending on how much we surrender to the Holy Spirit, He is at work to bring us into the image and likeness of Jesus. The Passover celebration is not about the goddess of Spring, Easter egg hunts, bunny rabbits or a fashion parade. It's about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other religions. The founders of Islam, Confucianism, Hinduism and Buddhism are all dead. Only Jesus came back from the dead and is alive today.

THERE WAS AN IRRESISTIBLE YEARNING AND LONGING IN HIS SPIRIT

The word "know" in Hebrew is an idiom which means "the closeness of an intimate relationship between a husband and a wife". The Apostle Paul had known Jesus for many years already when he wrote this. But, there was an irresistible yearning and longing in His spirit which could not be quenched by anything else but a deep and fulfilling personal relationship with Jesus.

HIS OWN DESIRES HAD TO BE IN TOTAL SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD

In order to achieve this, he noted that he needed to be a joint participant in communion and fellowship with Jesus in the persecution and opposition He faced while here on Earth. He knew he must "feel" the rejection our Lord experienced, and those imprisoned for their faith, as they were part of the body of Christ. With this there had to be "a death to self". His own desires had to be in total submission to the will of God. There had to be "a funeral for the old man"--his carnal nature. This would be necessary to bring him into a fuller comprehension of knowing the powerful force of the miraculous performance of the resurrection. We cannot fully appreciate the resurrection until we feel His suffering and crucify our fleshly nature to His cross. This is when we enter into "the holy of holies" and meet with Him face-to-face.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

World Changers International

"Making a Difference in Our World"

Bishop_Marvin@WCI888.com

"Your First Source of Inspiration and Information"

Marvin Schmidt

"Undercover Witchcraft in the Church"

PHARMAKEIA IN THE LAST DAYS

"O FOOLISH (unwise) Galatians, WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU (to speak ill of one; slander; to charm; bring evil on one by feigning praise or giving the evil eye) that ye should NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, before whose eyes (knowledge to see) Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Galatians 3:1 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

A qualification for a deacon's wife: " . . . NOT SLANDERERS (Gk.: diabolos: devil; false accuser; act the part of the devil to side with him) . . . " 1 Timothy 3:11b KJV; " . . . ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN (the devil) . . . " Revelation 12:10b KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

" . . . Did NOT REPENT OF SORCERIES (Gk.: pharmakeia: administering drugs) . . . " (Used in association with murders, fornication and thefts) Revelation 9:21b KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

" . . . SORCERIES (witchcraft; incantations) . . . ENCHANTMENTS (magic; charms; spells) . . . " Isaiah 47:12 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

Simon bewitched the people of Samaria with "SORCERIES (magical arts and spells), while pretending to be someone great . . . BEWITCHED (a wonder; to amaze; astonish; out of one's mind; insane) . . . " Acts 8:9-11 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THESE TEACHERS "WORMED THEIR WAY IN", BRINGING IN CONFUSION TO THE YOUNG CONGREGATION

In case you were not aware of it, allow me to shock you with the news that there are undercover witches in today's church. They were also in the church at Galatia over 1900 years ago. The Christians there had been "bewitched". The Apostle Paul had taught them the gospel of grace. Later Judaizers came in and convinced some of them that the keeping of the law and circumcision were necessary to salvation. These teachers "wormed their way in", bringing in confusion to the young congregation. Paul said that they were "bewitched", which means that these teachers were bringing evil into the church by pretending to love the people, praising and complimenting them. When their guard was down, they "gave them the evil eye" and brought division to the church. This is the same way they operate today.

THESE WITCHES ARE GOOD AT "COVERING THEIR TRACKS"

I know of one witch who has caused havoc in at least five different churches, leaving each one, accusing the pastor of all kinds of things, while they are the ones who stirred up the trouble. I personally know of 17 people one witch, who claimed to be Spirit-filled, destroyed by inviting them to come to her for help, and then when they did not submit to her completely, she went about trying to bring them down. Lives have been ruined. But, these witches are good at "covering their tracks", all along acting superspiritual, and getting involved in the personal lives of the congregation.

THE WORD FOR "SLANDER" IN 1 TIMOTHY 3 IS "DIABOLOS" IN GREEK, WHICH MEANS "DEVIL"

Here is how they work. They interject themselves in other people's business, acting so close to God, and receiving revelations from Him on a daily basis. At the same time they throw fits, curse, gossip, and do all kinds of meanness when they think no one else is watching. They love to try to humiliate others publicly and cause division among friends. One of their favorite tactics is slander. The word for "slander" in 1 Timothy 3 is "diabolos" in Greek, which means "devil". These wives of aspiring deacons aligned themselves with the devil, doing his work by character assassination. The ignorant and unlearned believed their made-up stories, saying, "Where there's smoke there's fire". They had no idea that they have been duped and deceived by these witches in the church, appearing to be so compassionate and used by God. It is only a facade, as on the inside they are full of the devil. What is the work of the devil? According to Revelation 12, it is to be "the accuser of the brethren".

PHARMAKEIA IS IN DRUG CARTELS; IN THE NATION'S ECONOMIES AND THE DRUG CULTURE--BUT IN THE HOUSE OF GOD!?!

How does this work in the church? Sorcerers--those involved in "pharmakeia" (administering drugs), according to Revelation 9--are unrepentant, and also involved in murder (character assassination with false accusations), fornication (sexual impurity) and theft (misuse of designated funds, ponzi schemes and not paying back money they owe, using it for their own purposes). Not only is this drug problem in the world of secular music--Presley, Jackson, Houston, etc.--but witchcraft is being practiced in many circles among God's people, which is intended to divide the body of Christ and lessen our effectiveness. Pharmakeia is in drug cartels; in nation's economies and the drug culture--but in the house of God!?! God help us! Beware. Not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord", is one of us. This is one reason we need a sweeping worldwide revival to get rid of all the unrepentant ones who have made the decision to continue in witchcraft. There is deliverance, but one must want it.

height="1" width="1"> Reprint From a Message a Year and a Half Ago . . . Some of This I Taught 35 Years Ago

1st August 2010

"Pharmakeia:

An Overlooked Sign of the End Times"

" . . . For thy MERCHANTS were THE GREAT MEN OF THE EARTH (international business people with connections to the world economic capital, called Babylon); for BY THY SORCERIES (Greek: pharmakeia: the administration of drugs; poison; demonic activity in association with idolatry) WERE ALL NATIONS (a worldwide drug cartel) DECEIVED (led away from truth into error). And IN HER (the same place where drugs were manufactured, sold and used) WAS FOUND THE BLOOD OF PROPHETS, and SAINTS, and of all that were slain upon the earth". Revelation 18:23c-24 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

"Idolatry, WITCHCRAFT (Greek: pharmakeia: demonic seduction through drugs and idolatry), hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies". Galatians 5:20 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THE CATALYST OF THIS WORLDWIDE DECEPTION WILL BE TRIGGERED BY WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE GREEK WORD, "PHARMAKEIA", PRONOUNCED, "FAR-MAH-KEY-UH", FROM WHICH WE DERIVE THE ENGLISH WORDS, "PHARMACY" AND "PHARMACEUTICALS"

Nine eleven--September 11th, 2001--when the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were brought down in less than an hour, as two hijacked planes crashed into them, was a preview of what will happen when the economic center of the world-system called Babylon--probably New York City--will be burnt up in one hour during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 18 KJV. The catalyst of this worldwide deception will be triggered by what is known as the Greek word, "pharmakeia", pronounced, "far-mah-key-uh", from which we derive the English words, "pharmacy" and "pharmaceuticals". It is a clear reference to "the drug culture" of our current society.

IT IS A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS WHICH THRIVES IN THE LAST DAYS, BUT ONE OF THE GREATEST DECEPTIONS WHICH SATAN HAS EVER DEVISED

This same word is translated "sorceries" in Revelation 18:23 KJV, and "witchcraft" in Galatians 5:20 KJV. It is a picture of "mind-expanding drugs", which produce hallucinations, and cause the user to see things, and hear voices which are not there. It is a multi-billion dollar business which thrives in the last days, but one of the greatest deceptions which Satan has ever devised. Today, nations such as Mexico and Columbia, and countries in the Arab world are holding their politicians and citizens "hostage", warning those who dare interfere with their drug-trafficking with death, "execution-style". These are not idle threats, as thousands have already been murdered who tried to stand up to these unscrupulous drug dealers.

DRUGS AND JESUS DO NOT GO TOGETHER

It is an insult against God and the intelligence of born again Christians when addicts make the blasphemous claim that "smoking pot--marijuana--assists them in "meditating, and focusing on Jesus". What a lie of the devil. This is a deception of the worst kind. Not only does the Babylonian-system produce the deception of drugs, and make it the number one business enterprise in the last days, but where it is prevalent, Revelation 18 KJV tells us that the prophets of God, and His people are assassinated. Drugs and Jesus do not go together. They are enemies of each other.

THESE WORDS PENNED OVER 1,900 YEARS AGO ARE AS UP-TO-DATE AS THE HEADLINES IN TOMORROW MORNING'S NEWSPAPER

It has been proved over and over again by medical science that pot smoking leads to schizophrenia. Marijuana is an introduction to "the hard stuff" of such addictive drugs as heroin, methamphetamines, and all kinds of "designer-drugs". According to the Word of God, drug use, demonic activity and false religions go hand-in-hand to deceive and destroy one's life. This, my friend, is one of the most overlooked signs of the end times. Let all who read these words beware of the worldwide deception prophesied by John on the Isle of Patmos in the first century AD. These words penned over 1,900 years ago are as up-to-date as the headlines in tomorrow morning's newspaper.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

World Changers International

"Making a Difference in Our World"

Bishop_Marvin@WCI888.com

"Your First Source of Inspiration and Information"

Marvin Schmidt

I Will Build My Church - Part 1
Rev. Raymond Woodward

Matthew 16:18-19 (KJV) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

This is the first distinct mention of the church in the New Testament, given by Jesus who is the Builder of the Church. We do not build the church on our own; we simply cooperate with the Master Builder!
THE CHURCH IS NOT A MATERIAL BUILDING
The word is never used in Scripture to refer to a material building (140 times in NT). The language used of the Church could not be applied to a building. ("The Lord added to the church. Herod vexed the church. The church was persecuted. Paul saluted the church. The churches had rest.") Only in the traditions of men can people "go to church."
THE CHURCH IS NOT A DENOMINATION
Denominationalism is contrary to Scripture, evidence of carnality and divisions. Denominations are usually formed around a form of church government, a doctrinal emphasis or truth, a personality that God used in some revival, or an experience. The tragedy is that each revival of truth finds its bitterest enemies in the previous group that had light from heaven, but stopped somewhere along the way! History repeats itself in each generation. The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history! We must constantly guard against the degenerating cycle of Message - Man - Movement - Monument. Notice that Jesus does not say He will build His CHURCHES, but His CHURCH. There is only one church - and its message has never changed!
THE CHURCH IS NOT "PLAN B" IN THE MIND OF GOD
The church was not merely instituted after the Jewish rejection of Christ, but rather was prophesied through the entire Old Testament.


All nations were to be blessed by the seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:18)

All the families of the earth were to be blessed by Abraham's seed (Genesis 26:4)

All kindreds of the nations would worship the Lord (Psalms 22:27-28)

In the last days all nations would flow to the house of God (Isaiah 2:2-3)

The Gentiles would seek the Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:10)

Many nations would be sprinkled with the blood of the Messiah (Isaiah 52:15)

Many nations would be joined to the Lord in that day (Zechariah 2:11)

The Name of the Lord would be great among the Gentiles (Malachi 1:11)

In His Name the Gentiles would trust (Matthew 12:21)



THE CHURCH IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The kingdom of God is much larger than the church, because it includes more than the church - the whole universe, all the angelic hosts, and all the Old Testament saints. However, the New Testament church is the CENTERPIECE of God's Kingdom and its most important part. If you live between the Day of Pentecost and the Rapture, YOU MUST BE IN THE CHURCH TO BE SAVED! Jesus said the prophets who gave these prophecies - and even the angels - would love to participate in the things happening in our age.

Matthew 13:16-17 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.


Moses would love to have seen the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5-9)

Isaiah would love to have seen Pentecost (Isaiah 28:10-12)

Joel would love to have been in the Upper Room (Acts 1-2)



THE CHURCH IS THE ONLY THING GOD EVER HAD TO BUY
God created everything else, but the church cost Him dearly! We are privileged beyond measure to be part of the Church of the Living God!

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood

THE CHURCH IS THE ONLY THING THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN
Individual saints and local assemblies may have problems, but the church is as solid as the rock of revelation it is built upon.


The earth is to be shaken (Isaiah 2:19-21)

The nation of Israel is to be shaken (Ezekiel 38:19-20)

The heavens and the nations are to be shaken (Haggai 2:6-7)

Everything that can be shaken will be shaken (Hebrews 12:26-29



But the church cannot be shaken! The gates of hell cannot prevail against it, because JESUS IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH!

Matthew 16:18-19 (AMP) And I tell you, you are Peter [Petros, masculine, a large piece of rock], and on this rock [petra, feminine, a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it - or be strong to its detriment, or hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind - that is, declare to be improper and unlawful - on earth must be already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth - declare lawful - must be what is already loosed in heaven.

Notice two principles in this passage

First, the church is built on a MESSAGE, not a MAN. Men come and go, succeed and fail, but the true revelation of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church ("thou art the Christ" - Matthew 16:16).
Second, we must build the church according to God's BLUEPRINT if we want to have His BLESSING. The words "bind" and "loose" are perfect passive participles in the Greek language, indicating things that have already been forbidden or permitted. We can't just do whatever we want and expect God to bless it; we must do what He wants, and the blessing will come automatically.
If a contractor builds a house for someone, he sticks to the blueprint, which is the will of the purchaser. If we want to build a church, we need to stick to the blueprint (Bible), which is the will of the purchaser (God). Otherwise, we are not really building a church!
THAT IS THE REASON FOR THIS SERIES. We need to discover God's blueprint for building His church!



PRINCIPLE #1: DO AND TEACH (Acts 1:1)

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Jesus' ministry was all about DOING and TEACHING. The one refers to His miracle-working power, while the other refers to His doctrine. Jesus did not work miracles just for miracles' sake, but He used them to teach doctrine (i.e. healed blind man and taught "I am the light of the world," fed 5000 and taught "I am the bread of life"). He also did not teach just for teaching's sake, but "he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:29)
DOING without TEACHING is wrong! It is wrong to have "spirit" without "truth" because that leads to APOSTASY. It is obedience to doctrine that saves us, not just a "move of the Spirit." It is not your FEELING but your OBEDIENCE that makes you a Christian.
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
But TEACHING without DOING is also wrong! It is wrong to have "truth" without "spirit" because that leads to APATHY. God holds us responsible for what we DO with what we KNOW. Talking about revival doesn't bring revival - revival is spelled W-O-R-K!
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
OUR CHURCH MUST BOTH DO AND TEACH IF WE WANT TO BE BLESSED BY GOD!
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.



PRINCIPLE #2: WITNESS AND WAIT (Acts 1:7-8)

Acts 1:7-8 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
God has two words for time: CHRONOS, which means "time governed by the clock" (QUANTITY time) and KAIROS, which means "time measured by special moments" (QUALITY TIME).
The key is that you have to take advantage of KAIROS time at the moment it happens, or you lose it forever.
Luke 19:44 (NKJV) 41Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."
Acts 24:25 (NKJV) Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV) 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
When the disciples asked when Jesus was going to "restore the kingdom" (send revival), He told them that it was not for them to distinguish between the "times" (CHRONOS) and the "seasons" (KAIROS), because only God controls times of supernatural visitation!
Only God has power (EXOUSIA = AUTHORITY) over the results of our prayer, our worship, and our work. But He has given us power (DUNAMIS = ABILITY) to be witnesses.
The key to revival is for the church to exercise its ABILITY until God exercises His AUTHORITY.
We must WITNESS and WAIT!



PRINCIPLE #3: RISE ABOVE AND GO BEYOND (Acts 1:25)

Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Sometimes we mistakenly think that the early church was somehow more "spiritual" than we are today. But the book of Acts tells us plainly that they had problems and setbacks too.
Outside of the crucifixion of Jesus, probably no other situation was harder for the disciples to deal with than the fall of Judas. He had been ordained to be an Apostle, ordained to preach the Gospel, and given power over devils and disease. And yet he backslid and betrayed the Lord into the hands of the Sanhedrin. What a setback for the church!
But we do not see the disciples giving up or getting discouraged! Instead, they resolutely rise above their heartache and move beyond a terrible trial to embrace their future in God.
With God, FAILURE IS NEVER FATAL! God never wastes a hurt!
Micah 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
Let's rise above our past, our problems and our perplexities, and go beyond to a place that we have never been before!

An Old Tree

This story is a beautiful analogy for our own lives.

Once upon a time there was a leafy tree in a field. Leaves grew densely on the tall branches. The roots were deeply into the ground. The tree was the most remarkable among the rest.

The tree then became the home for some birds. They built their nests and they lived on his branches. The birds made holes on him, and they hatched their eggs within the greatness of the tree. The tree felt so delighted because he was accompanied as he walked through his long lasting days.

People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came over and sheltered under him. Under his branches, they sat down and opened their picnic baskets. "This tree is very useful," that's what the people said every time they went home from shelter. The tree was very proud hearing those compliments.

However, time went on. The tree was beginning to be sick. His leaves and twigs were falling, then his body became thin and pale. The greatness he used to have was fading away. Birds felt reluctant to build their nests there. No one would come to sit under the tree to shelter anymore.

The tree wept, "Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I need friends. Now no one would come close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to have?" The tree cried loudly, so it echoed throughout the forest. "Why wouldn't you cut me down, so I don't have to bear this suffering?" The tree kept on crying, and his tears were running down his dry body.

Seasons came and went, but his condition had not changed. The tree was still feeling lonely. His branches became drier and drier. Every night the tree wept and cried, until the morning broke.

"Cheep...chirp....cheep" Ah, what was that noise? Oh, it's a little baby bird who has just pipped from the egg. The old tree woke up from his daydream.

"Cheep...chirp...cheep", the noise became louder and louder. There was another baby bird. Not long after that, the tree became noisy because of the birth of new baby birds. One...two...three...and four baby birds have been born to this world. "Ah, He has answered my prayers," exclaimed the old tree.

The day after, there were many birds flying to the old tree. They were going to build new nests. The dry branches have turned out to attract their attention to nest there. The birds felt warmer to stay inside the dry branches instead of their place before. The number of birds was increasing and there were more kinds of them. "Wow, now my days are brighter with their presence here", murmured the old tree gladly.

The old tree was back to cheer again. And when he looked down, his heart was flowing with joy. There was a new little tree growing near his roots. The new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree has grown a little tree who would continue his devotion to nature.


That's the way it is. Is there any lesson that we could take from the story? God always has secret plans for us. The Almighty God will always gives answers to our questions. Even though it is not always easy to guess what the resolution is, be certain that the Omniscient God knows what's best for us.

When there are times He sends temptation for us, in other times He gives us His overflowing blessings. The test He gives us isn't something that can't be overcome. When God gave the temptation to the old tree, actually He DELAYED in giving His glory. God didn't choose to cut the old tree down since He kept some secrets. God was testing his patience.

So, be sure, whatever temptation we are facing is a part of the chain of glory He is preparing for us. Don't give up, and don't be discouraged. God is always there beside patient people.

Grace Multiplied

Lindsey spread out on her dorm room bed stressed by the closeness of finals and the lack of funds she needed to get through the week.

Lindsey needed a break from her studies, so she hopped up and checked her purse to see how much money she had left to spend on food.

Four dollars and fifty-eight cents did not sound like a lot of money considering there were three days left before she got paid.

Lindsey devised a plan to budget the money and opted for a trip to the corner market for a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter.

Grabbing her coat, Lindsey headed out the door and down the stairs hoping she did not pass anyone she knew along the way.

She arrived at Al's Market just before closing, checked the prices to make sure she had enough money, and headed to the counter with her purchase.

To save a few steps in the biting wind, Lindsey decided to leave by the back door instead of the front.

As Lindsey stepped into the alley, she jumped as a nearby noise frightened her.

"Oh, don't be alarmed, Miss. Howie and I were just looking through the garbage cans trying to find something to eat. We won't hurt you."

Lindsey turned to see a couple of elderly men in raggedy clothes, and the one who spoke to her tipped his soiled hat and smiled as he spoke.

Lindsey looked at the two men and then at her sack.

"I just realized I don't need this. Could you two gentlemen use a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter?"

"Could we? Are you sure you don't need it, Miss?"

"Oh, positive. I just realized I already have some at home. Here, take it, and let me see if Al has a knife you can use."

"Why that is very kind of you, Miss. God bless you."

Lindsey retreated into the store, secured an old knife from Al, and returned and handed it to the homeless man who spoke to her.

"Here you are. Well, I must be on my way now."

"Thanks again, Miss. You are much too kind."

Lindsey headed out of the alley and back to the dorm, more full in the heart than empty in the stomach, and not yet thinking of how she would survive the week.

"Excuse me, Miss, but I think you dropped this," said another elderly man as he handed her an envelope.

"Oh, no this isn't mine," Lindsey replied, as she turned to return the envelope to the elderly gentleman, but he was nowhere in sight.

"Where could he have gone?" Lindsey wondered.

Lindsey opened the envelope and found a note inside.

"For as much as you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me."

Inside the note Lindsey found two one hundred dollar bills upon which she deposited a few tears.

Finding You - 2

Proverbs 11:28 - 'He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.'

Don't cheat yourself! No matter what a person tells you, when you chase money, you run from God. Riches are good if they are earned or given by God, but do not seek fast money and wealth. You totally take God out of the picture. I'm not preaching against the sideline jobs, or paramid schemes like Amway and such, but I am saying that we should consult God about fast money schemes and things of that sort before we try to hit up all our friends, family, and sinners that need to hear the gospel instead of our sales pitch. We want to be witnesses to the blessings of God and not money chasers. I know Pastors that get their whole congregations involved in money making schemes and sales pitches. Where is God in this? Should we use our network of saints to push our monetary agenda? No! Allow God to focus you, to lead you, and to teach you how to prosper his way. 2, 3 or even 4 jobs can wear you out and cause you to be so engulfed in work that you have no time for the purpose that God has for you. But when you tap into who you are in Christ and the gift he has given you to prosper with, you can prosper according to the plan he has for you.

Money should be chasing you down and not you chasing it down! All you have to do is work a job, and be a faithful giver in your everyday life, and God will prosper you. God will cause you to prosper in due season, but you must find out how he wants you to prosper instead of jumping into every money making hustle that comes along. Getting in all these money schemes will only cause you to become a slave to them and your true purpose will be forgotten. Also, we must remember that this world is not our home, so we should be storing up treasure in heaven and not here on earth. Don't get me wrong, money is good to have, but it should never "have us!" Find out what God's plans are for you and your money, and he will direct you accordingly.

Suggested Reading: Prov. 8:18, Prov. 13:7, Prov. 22:1, Prov. 22:4, Eccl. 5:19