Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Unfinished: Who are you going to listen to?

“Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭5:27-42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When faced with decisions of who to listen to remember this:

1. God is in control of who is in control

“During the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God. So Nebuchadnezzar took them back to the land of Babylonia and placed them in the treasure-house of his god.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2:20-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1, 3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

2.We are citizens of two kingdoms

always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:12‭-‬14 NLT

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
Philippians 3:20 NLT

3. We are here to be ambassadors for Christ

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 NLT

We obey Jesus when we..

1. Pray for authority

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.
1 Timothy 2:1‭-‬4‭, ‬14 NLT

2. Obey those in authority

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Romans 13:1‭-‬2 NLT

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
1 Peter 3:11‭-‬18 NLT

3. Respect those in authority

“Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’ “Belteshazzar replied, ‘I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my Lord, and not to you!
Daniel 4:19 NLT

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2 Timothy 2:24‭-‬26 NLT

Memory Verse

Everyone must submit to governing Authority. For all authorities come from God. Those in positions of authority have been placed there by God

Romans 13:1

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Unfinished: The first Hypocrites

“But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭5:1-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Helpful Lessons from a Terrible Mistake

1. When the Enemy attacks he goes for the heart

“It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?”
‭‭James‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

2. God is Holy

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6:2-3, 5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3. God Calls us to be a Holy community

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Memory Verse

But just as he who called you is Holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written be holy because I am Holy

1 Peter 1:15-16

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Excited about tomorrow

Tomorrow I take the first step in the process of getting a new wheelchair.  Step one is going to my doctor and getting a Prescription that says I need a wheelchair.

The last time I was fitted for a chair was in 2003, when I struggled to push myself around my college campus.  Selfies weren’t a big deal back then, so I don’t have many pictures because it was mostly for school and my internship that I needed it for.

The picture that I am posting is of me with some of the people from #soyouthinkyoucandance
The picture was taken on  #NationalDanceDay.
Shortly after this picture is when I got my ” I want to be normal” attitude and started denying that I needed a chair. Now that I am in a new stage of life and have met so many awesome women in this awesome Sisterhood community, I know now that I am too old for this to be just a phase then I’m going through. I know that my new attitude about life must be something that sticks, and I thank God every day for changing my mind about who he created me to be

Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

The Ministry of Encouragement

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts of the Apostles 4:32‭-‬35 NLT

1. The book of Acts descriptive not prescriptive

This passage is not saying

1. We are supposed to sell everything

2. Any difference in wealth

Barnabas: son of encouragement

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
Acts of the Apostles 4:32‭-‬37 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.4.32-37.NLT

Barnabas ministered encouragement through his:

1. Finances

2. Friendship

3. Faith

So encourage each other and build each other up just as you have already been doing 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Praise under pressure

Five things we need to praise God under pressure 

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:1‭-‬12 NIV

Repentance from sin

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts of the Apostles 2:37‭-‬38 NLT

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Matthew 3:1‭-‬2 NLT

But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.”
Acts of the Apostles 4:17 NLT

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts of the Apostles 2:37‭-‬38 NLT

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

Acts of the Apostles 3:19 NLT

2. Resurrection life

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4‭-‬7 NLT

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Colossians 3:1‭-‬4 NLT

3. Power

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 NLT

4. Promise

5. Salvation is found exclusively in Jesus’ name

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 NLT

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 NLT

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 NLT

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Good Morning

Hey, I hope you’re having a beautiful blessed dayWhat are you up to today? Today is one of my favorite days of the month; it’s #boundlessbabesociety meeting day.  I will keep saying this over and over again I am a new woman because of this group of ladies.  I realize the importance of getting out of the house and having a life. I also realize the importance of being part of a community of people who are similar to me.   It’s been awesome to know that I’m not alone. 

Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Asking My Audience four questions

Encouragement Notes is celebrating its second anniversary in October and I want to make this show the best it can be . Please answer these questions so I know how to serve you best.

1. How long Have you been listening to the podcast?

2. What would you like to see stay the same about the podcast?

3. What do you think should change about the podcast?

4.Would you recommend this podcast to friends and family, why or why not.

Please answer these questions in a comment.

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advocacy, Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Access Services Need to Rethink the way they interview clients

I had my Access Service recertification interview today, and oh boy, it felt intrusive. The interview called me right on time, and the first thing I hear is Screaming kids in the background; I know I can’t place blame because the company allows some people to work from home.

The woman interviewing me asked me the standard questions at the beginning of our conversation.

  1. What is the nature of your disability? What equipment do you use?
    Then the “fun” started. Question 2 was do you live near public transportation, and what prevents you. from taking public transportation? I told the woman that I live on a hill and the bus stop.is at the bottom of the hill. She said you can’t get to the bottom of the hill? “No, that would be dangerous,” I said. Question three, when you travel on access, do you have a PCA with you? Yes I do. Question four, when you have your PCA with you what do they help you do? I could have refused to answer this question, but I took the nice docile Road and said transfer out of my chair sometimes. , the last question was is there any other equipment you use for Mobility? I said yes I use a walker. , then she said are you currently going to physical therapy? I wanted to say what business is that of yours if I’m going to therapy and what my PCA does for me because those are personal issues and you’re not a doctor!!

Everybody has the right to Freedom and for people that have things that are perceived as disabilities, we have the right to have some breathing room from our basic support system which is often our families and just live life on our own then if it is only for a couple of hours a day. Access service definitely needs to work on truly becoming an ally and not an enemy who works against the people that they are supposedly trying to help we need these services to stay independent and some of your questioning is just absurd unless you’ve gone to medical school.

Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

At the Movies:Seeing The Real King

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:4‭-‬6 NLT

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5 NLT

Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all Lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.”
Revelation 17:14 NLT

1. The identity of the King shapes the identity of his people

2. The actions of the King Shapes the actions of the people

3. The right response to the king is Worship and Witness

4. Worship is the act of fixing our attention and affection on the King for his glory.

Memory Verse

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Revelation 12:10‭-‬11 NLT

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Unfinished:What is the church?

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts of the Apostles 2:42‭-‬47 NLT

What a healthy church looks like:

1. Learning

All the believers devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching

2. Fellowship

All the believers devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.

3. Worship

All the Believers devoted themselves to sharing in meals, including the Lord’s Supper, all while praising God

4. Growth

They worshiped at the temple each day met in homes for the Lord’s Supper and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the Goodwill of all the people and each day the Lord added to the fellowship those who were being saved

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