AN OUTREACH MINISTRY DEDICATED TO EMPOWER SOCIAL CHANGE, COMMUNITY SUPPORT: BY PROVIDING RESOURCES TO ALL PEOPLE, (WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE IN OUR SERVICE TO PEOPLE, WE SERVE ALL PEOPLE WITH A NEED), REFERRALS, TO EDUCATE NOT ONLY ON CHRISTIAN STANDARDS BUT ON COMMUNITY STANDARDS: PROVIDING HUMAN RESOURCES TOOLS AND SERVICES, TO ELIMINATE; VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN, AND AGING ADULTS, POVERTY, HOMELESSNESS, DESEASE, POOR HEALTH: PROMOTING HEALTHY, EDUCATED, EMPLOYABLE PEOPLE AND BETTERING THEIR LIVES. OFFERING FOOD BANKS, CLOTHES CLOSETS, INFORMATION, REFERRALS.

WE ARE A CHARITY BASED ORGANIZATION AND ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FUNDED THROUGH CHARITY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. WE ARE A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND ALL GIFTS ARE FOR PROVIDING SERVICES WE WELCOME ALL DONATIONS OF CLOTHING, AUTOMOBILES, MONETARY GIFTS, FOOD VOUCHERS, GIFT CERTIFICATES, ETC. AND WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. SEE OUR CHARITY PAGES AND OUR HUMAN SERVICES PAGES.

GOD BLESSES US ALL TO BE A BLESSING

TO THE BUILDING OF HIS KINGDOM

This Ministry is Anointed and prepared to go anywhere, and do anything with the POWER of GOD to reach the world for JESUS. Purposed to do the will of God

Anointed with the Spirit of the almighty God
Appointed by the Spirit of the Living God
To Minister to the broken in spirit and the broken hearted
Revealing the Word of God through his words
Speaking a Word as it is given by the Spirit of the living God
I declare and confess Jesus as my Savior and Lord over my life
I claim Jesus as the Lamb of God

I am a Prophetess called by God to intercess and speak the

word to the church as gives it with edification

IHe has given me the Apostolic Grace to teach from the Pulpit to the pew

God has given me the gift of Tongues with interpetation

He has anointed my hands to heal

He has anointed my eyes to see by dreams and visions

I am passing the tests of long sufferings

God has given me the compassion to love his people

and the the grace to minister to all through the Holy Spirit

Don't judge me by where you see me now, embrace the God in me when you see where he takes me

. Don't allow the appearance of the unfinished product (my cocoon)

cause you to miss out on the beautiful butterfly the finished PRODUCT. When God is finished with me you may want to know me.

WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD! SO WE ARE A NON-DENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO BRING A NATION BACK TO CHRIST AND DELIVER THE ENEMY TO GOD! WE BELIEVE THAT GOD IS GOD TO EVERY NATIONALITY, AND EVERY PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THE EARTH: HE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON ANY BASIS, HE CREATED ALL PEOPLE: WE ALL HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO HIM TO LIVE GODLY LIVES, BY BEING SANCTIFIED BY THE BAPTISM OF WATER AS WELL AS THE FIRE OF THE HOLY GHOST! WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT GOD SENDS PEOPLE TO HELL BECAUSE THEY WEAR JEWELRY, MAKE UP, PANTS, OR WEAR CERTAIN HAIRSTYLES, BUT IN ALL THINGS BE IN MODERATION. WE BELIEVE THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS OUR SAVING GRACE AND BY HIS BLOOD WE ARE MADE RIGHTEOUS AND JUST.

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy church and the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting.

THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT TOOL FOR LEARNING THE WILL OF GOD IS THE BIBLE. BY THIS BREAD THE WORLD SHALL BE FED THE WORD OF GOD. WE ENCOURAGE BIBLE STUDIES AND WILL OFFER BIBLE STUDY LESSONS TO HELP A NATION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES.

SCRIPTURES FOR HEALING

Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. (Whole Chapter: Luke 4 In context: Luke 4:39-41)
Lu 5:15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
Lu 5:17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.
Luke 6:18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. (Whole Chapter: Luke 6 In context: Luke 6:17-19)
Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. (Whole Chapter: Luke 6 In context: Luke 6:18-20)
Luke 7:7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Whole Chapter: Luke 7 In context: Luke 7:6-8)
Luke 8:47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. (Whole Chapter: Luke 8 In context: Luke 8:46-48)
Luke 9:2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Whole Chapter: Luke 9 In context: Luke 9:1-3)
Luke 9:6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. (Whole Chapter: Luke 9 In context: Luke 9:5-7)
Luke 9:11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. (Whole Chapter: Luke 9 In context: Luke 9:10-12)
Luke 9:42 And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. (Whole Chapter: Luke 9 In context: Luke 9:41-43)
Luke 10:9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you.' (Whole Chapter: Luke 10 In context: Luke 10:8-10)
Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
NOTE - This is an exciting verse as Jesus said He has given us authoritive power over ALL, not some of the enemy! Command satan to take his hands off of you. Command sickness and disease to leave you now in the Name of Jesus. Luke 14:4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. (Whole Chapter: Luke 14 In context: Luke 14:3-5) Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
Prayer scriptures
Healing Scriptures
Promise Scriptures
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 4 In context: Matthew 4:22-24)
Matthew 4:24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 4 In context: Matthew 4:23-25)
Matthew 6:9-10 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven."
NOTE - Jesus always prays the will of God, and He prays that the will of God be done here on the earth just as it is in heaven. People in heaven are not sick, so we can clearly see it is God's will that we also be free from sickness.
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
NOTE - The word "ask" in the Greek has the meaning of insistent asking with a knowing of what belongs to the one making the request. Presenting a solid requisition to God, knowing He longs to distribute what He has to the one in need. Look at James 1:5-8 we must ask in faith, and faith always knows, it never wishes!
Matthew 8:5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:4-6)
Matthew 8:7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:6-8) Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:7-9)
Matthew 8:13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:12-14) Matthew 8:14 Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:13-15)
Matthew 8:14 Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:13-15) Matthew 8:16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, (Whole Chapter: Matthew 8 In context: Matthew 8:15-17)
Matthew 9:18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." (Whole Chapter: Matthew 9 In context: Matthew 9:17-19) Mt 9:21-22 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
Matthew 9:27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" (Whole Chapter: Matthew 9 In context: Matthew 9:26-28)
Matthew 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[9:35 NU-Text omits [among the people.] ] (Whole Chapter: Matthew 9 In context: Matthew 9:34-36)
Matthew 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 10 In context: Matthew 10:1-2)
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,[10:8 NU-Text reads [raise the dead, cleanse the lepers; ] M-Text omits [raise the dead.] ] cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 10 In context: Matthew 10:7-9)
Matthew 11:20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 11 In context: Matthew 11:19-21)
Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes[12:15 NU-Text brackets [multitudes] as disputed.] followed Him, and He healed them all. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 12 In context: Matthew 12:14-16) Matthew 12:22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and[12:22 NU-Text omits [blind and.] ] mute man both spoke and saw. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 12 In context: Matthew 12:21-23) Matthew 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 13 In context: Matthew 13:57-59)
Matthew 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 14 In context: Matthew 14:13-15) Mt 14:36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 15 In context: Matthew 15:27-29)
Matthew 15:30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 15 In context: Matthew 15:29-31)
Matthew 18:18 "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." NOTE - The word "bind" means to forbid, the word "loose" means to let go or to allow to go free. Do not allow sickness, pain or disease to run free in your body, bind it or forbid it to stay there any longer. Put your foot down and command it to leave in the Name of Jesus!!! Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."
NOTE - Have someone agree with you for your healing! Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 19 In context: Matthew 19:1-3)
Matthew 21:14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. (Whole Chapter: Matthew 21 In context: Matthew 21:13-15) Mark 1:34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. (Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:33-35)
Mark 3:10 For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. (Whole Chapter: Mark 3 In context: Mark 3:9-11) Mark 3:15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and[3:15 NU-Text omits [to heal sicknesses and.] ] to cast out demons: (Whole Chapter: Mark 3 In context: Mark 3:14-16)
Mark 5:23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." (Whole Chapter: Mark 5 In context: Mark 5:22-24) Mark 5:29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. (Whole Chapter: Mark 5 In context: Mark 5:28-30)
Mark 5:34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." (Whole Chapter: Mark 5 In context: Mark 5:33-35)
Mark 6:5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. (Whole Chapter: Mark 6 In context: Mark 6:4-6)
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. (Whole Chapter: Mark 6 In context: Mark 6:12-14)
Mark 10:46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. (Whole Chapter: Mark 10 In context: Mark 10:45-47)
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Surely this includes healing!
Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
NOTE - Find someone who believes God's Word on healing and have them lay hands on you and pray for you.
James 5:16 says "that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,[4:18 NU-Text omits [to heal the brokenhearted.] ] To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; (Whole Chapter: Luke 4 In context: Luke 4:17-19)
Luke 4:38 Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon's house. But Simon's wife's mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. (Whole Chapter: Luke 4 In context: Luke 4:37-39)
Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, (Whole Chapter: Luke 17 In context: Luke 17:14-16)
Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him. (Whole Chapter: Luke 22 In context: Luke 22:50-52)

New Testament Scriptures
King James Verson

"click on the CROSS to enter "

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED AND FILLED WITH THE

PRECIOUS GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

YOU MIGHT AS WELL JOIN THEM AND JUMP INTO THE FIERY PIT OF HELL

ONCE YOU'RE ALREADY IN HELL IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO REPENT

EMBRACE YOUR ANOINTING AND STEP INTO YOUR

DEVINE APPOINTMENT

Fill me Lord with your awesome Spirit

Humility

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (KJV, Matthew 5:5-9)

Humility or humbleness is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Rather than, "Me first," humility allows us to say, "No, you first, my friend." Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.

Friendships and marriages are dissolved over angry words. Resentments divide families and co-workers. Prejudice separates race from race and religion from religion. Reputations are destroyed by malicious gossip. Greed puts enmity between rich and poor. Wars are fought over arrogant assertions.

Humility as a virtue is a major theme of both the Old and New Testaments. Why do qualities such as courtesy, patience and deference have such a prominent place in the Bible? It is because a demeanor of humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. Humility dissipates anger and heals old wounds. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker.

Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Some would consider humility to be a psychological malady that interferes with "success." However, wealth, power or status gained at the expense of others brings only anxiety -- never peace and love.

Better is a dish of vegetables where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it. (NAS, Proverbs 15:17)

Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. (NIV, Proverbs 16:8)

It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (NAS, Proverbs 16:19)

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (NIV, Proverbs 16:32)

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. (NIV, Proverbs 17:1)

The Humble Demeanor

We should maintain an attitude of deference toward both God and other persons. Wisdom cannot be found or practiced through arrogance or anger. As servants of God, we must respect all of God's creation, including our fellow human beings.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. (NIV, Proverbs 27:1-2)

When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the falseness of the treacherous will destroy them. (NAS, Proverbs 11:2-3)

Humility means putting God and other persons ahead of our own selfish interests. Humility comes with the knowledge that God's creation as a whole transcends our own narrow interests. As with other aspects of wisdom, humility will gain us much more than we sacrifice.

Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (NIV, Proverbs 22:4)

"But the greatest among you shall be your servant. "And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. (NAS, Matthew 23:11-12)

And [Jesus] called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (NAS, Matthew 18:2-4)

The Golden Rule

Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (NIV, Luke 6:31-35)

The Golden Rule, spoken by Jesus, is possibly the best known quote from the Bible, and contains a lot of wisdom in one short sentence. If we wish to be loved, we must first give love. If we wish to be respected, we must respect all persons, even those we despise. If we wish to be fulfilled in our lives, we must share generously with others.

Talk and Gossip

Arrogant words inflame prejudice and hatred, but humble speech soothes. Words make or break human relationships. Words can make war or make peace. The words we say or write have tremendous power for good or evil. We should be as careful with our words as we would be with any other "weapon."

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV, Proverbs 15:1-2)

"The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." (NAS, Matthew 12:35-37)

Gossip is an act of hostility intended to harm someone's reputation. We must avoid the temptation to misrepresent someone's character or actions as an act of revenge or prejudice.

An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (TLB, Proverbs 16:28)

st.Matthew 7:1-2
"Judge Not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgemnt ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

Judging Others

Self-righteousness is one of the hardest sins to avoid because it is so much easier to see other peoples faults than to see our own faults. Rather than look for faults in others, we should look for the good in others and try to correct the faults within ourselves. Jesus' comical parable of a person with a board in his eye trying to see to remove a speck from another's eye reminds us that we probably have bigger faults within ourselves (including self-righteousness) than the faults we would criticize in others:

"Don't criticize, and then you won't be criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them. And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own? Should you say, 'Friend, let me help you get that speck out of your eye,' when you can't even see because of the board in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board. Then you can see to help your brother. (TLB, Matthew 7:1-5)

Don't criticize and speak evil about each other, dear brothers. If you do, you will be fighting against God's law of loving one another, declaring it is wrong. But your job is not to decide whether this law is right or wrong, but to obey it. Only he who made the law can rightly judge among us. He alone decides to save us or destroy. So what right do you have to judge or criticize others? (TLB, James 4:11-12)

We should not infer that criminal activity should go unrestrained or unpunished: the laws of Moses had strong sanctions for criminal acts, and the Bible strongly supports civil governments. (See the section on Government.) However, we are reminded that judgment is reserved for God and we should concentrate on correcting our own faults rather than criticizing others for their faults.

Anger and Revenge

No one makes us angry. Anger is our own emotional response to some action or event. More often than not, our angry feelings are based on a misinterpretation of what someone said or did. Expressing anger tends to prolong and reinforce our anger rather than purge it. Angry words and actions are much more likely to escalate hostilities and block communication than to solve a problem. Whether between parent and child, spouses, friends, or nations, expressions of anger divide us and drive us toward open hostility.

It is all too easy to react to life's annoyances and disappointments with anger. It is far more challenging, but much better, to react with understanding and empathy. In this way, we can quickly settle disputes and avoid turning minor incidents into major battles. The humble demeanor is a perfect tool for avoiding disputes and hard feelings.

A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back. (NAS, Proverbs 29:11)

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV, James 1:19-20)

Holding a grudge can consume us with hatred, blocking out all enjoyment of life. A grudge clouds our judgment and may lead us to an act of revenge that can never be undone.

"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (NIV, Leviticus 19:18)

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (NIV, Proverbs 29:22)

Bearing a grudge and seeking revenge are never appropriate responses to a perceived wrong. A grudge destroys the grudge-holder with bitterness; revenge only escalates hostilities. Jesus told us we must reconcile with our adversaries, forgive their transgressions, and let go of the anger that may tempt us to commit an act of revenge:

"Under the laws of Moses the rule was, 'If you murder, you must die.' But I have added to that rule and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgment! If you call your friend an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell. (TLB, Matthew 5:21-22)

Returning love for hatred can often cool the fires of anger. It is very difficult not to respond to anger with even more anger. However, when we respond to anger with empathy and love, we can often break the cycle of hatred and convert even our enemies into friends. Jesus gave us the unique command to love even our enemies:

"There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies.' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (TLB, Matthew 5:43-48)

By humility we acknowledge that God created us for his purposes and not for our self-glorification. By humility we acknowledge the dignity of all God's people. By humility we cool the angry passions of others. By humility we can turn enemies into friends.

A humble demeanor is not a denial of our worth as individuals. Rather, it is the tool that allows us, insofar as possible, to be on good terms with all persons.

Related verses: Deuteronomy 22:1-2, Psalms 37:7-13, Psalms 147:5-6, Proverbs 11:12, Proverbs 12:13-14, Proverbs 12:16, Proverbs 14:17, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 15:28, Proverbs 17:13-14, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 19:1, Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 20:15, Proverbs 20:19, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 21:23-24, Proverbs 25:11-12, Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 26:12, Matthew 5:38-42, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 20:25-28, Luke 6:20-26, Luke 6:41-42, Luke 14:8-11, Luke 22:25-27, John 13:13-15, John 13:34-35, John 15:12, Acts 20:35, Romans 2:1, Romans 12:3, Romans 12:14-21, Romans 15:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:18-21, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Galatians 5:19-23, Galatians 5:26, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 4:31-32, Philippians 2:3-8, Colossians 3:5-9, Colossians 3:12-14, Hebrews 10:22-24, James 1:26-27, James 3:13-18, 1 Peter 3:8-11, 1 Peter 5:5-6.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
This incredibly important question involves a matter central to Christianity, yet effectively answering it is often difficult for Christians. We will take a careful look at the question and lay out the answers offered in Scripture.
However, before we answer the question, "Why did Jesus have to die?" it's also important to understand that Jesus clearly understood his mission on earth involved laying down his life as a sacrifice

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ - Story Summary:

After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea had Christ's body placed in his own tomb. A large stone covered the entrance and soldiers guarded the sealed tomb. On the third day, a Sunday, several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna and Salome are all mentioned in the gospel accounts) went to the tomb at dawn to anoint the body of Jesus.
A violent earthquake took place as an angel from heaven rolled back the stone. The guards shook in fear as the angel, dressed in bright white, sat upon the stone. The angel announced to the women that Jesus who was crucified was no longer in the tomb, "He is risen, just as he said." Then he instructed the women to inspect the tomb and see for themselves. Next he told them to go inform the disciples.
With a mixture of fear and joy they ran to obey the angel's command, but suddenly Jesus met them on their way. They fell at his feet and worshiped him. Jesus then said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me."
When the guards reported what had happened to the chief priests, they bribed the soldiers with a large sum of money, telling them to lie and say that the disciples had stolen the body in the night.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the women near the tomb and later at least twice to the disciples while they were gathered at a house in prayer. He visited two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and he also appeared at the Sea of Galilee while several of the disciples were fishing.
Points of Interest from the Story:
• There are at least 12 different appearances of Christ in the resurrection accounts, beginning with Mary and ending with Paul. They were physical, tangible experiences with Christ eating, speaking and allowing himself to be touched.
• Jesus' resurrected body was different from his physical body. It was no longer subject to the same laws of nature. He could transcend locked doors, and yet he could still be touched and he could eat.

• Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave theGreat Commission, telling his followers to go and make disciples of all nations.

• The stone was not rolled away from the tomb so Jesus could get out. He was able to walk through walls (John 20:19) in his resurrected body. The stone was rolled away so that everyone could see that he was risen.
Question for Reflection:
When Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they didn't recognize him (Luke 24:13-33). They even talked in great length about Jesus, but they didn't know they were in his very presence. Has Jesus, the resurrected Savior visited you, but you didn't recognize him?

GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. (For a more detailed explanation about Christ's death, see Why Did Jesus Have to Die?)