Peace in the Midst of Persecution

The persecution of Christians is something very real in many parts of our world, and the following article is the testimony of someone from China who has experienced persecution first hand. This is the story of Ming; someone I knew sometime ago. The story goes in her very own words….

“I was at an underground house church worshipping, when four officers barged in and stood before me. Though I was frightened for a moment, my heart soon calmed. One of them struck me in the face, knocked me down, and then beat me with his baton. He did not stop until a woman of the church bravely intervened.

Then the officers cuffed me, confiscated my Bible, hymnbook, and notebook, and asked me many questions. I answered with wisdom from God, as promised in Matthew 10.19 & 20. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

They took me to the police station and cuffed me to a chair with a guard standing by. Through all their atrocities, I was not the least bit afraid, for I knew the Lord was with me. I prayed, Lord, I thank you because you are using this experience to make me feel more of your presence and witness your mighty works.

The next morning they asked me more questions, but could not find any fault in my answers. The officers then left me alone. During their absence, I was able to recover my Bible, hymnbook, and notebook. I was so glad to regain my most important possessions! Around noon two women of the church came to visit me. They requested my release, saying they were willing to take my place. I was greatly moved by their gesture. Around three o clock the officers took me for more interrogation before releasing me.

Back at the meeting place, I learned how my church family was praying for me. My heart was extremely grateful to the Lord for pouring His great love. I knew for the first time how much He cares. I can now join Job in saying, My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”

This is just one story that occurs on a daily basis in many countries around the world. We do not always hear about this because in many cases the media and information outlets are carefully controlled by the authorities. I was moved by her story of faith, and I hope it might just move you too.

Make it your MASTERPIECE

Developing an authentic lifestyle--one that truly reflects what is important to you in all areas of life--is a work of art. It is your personal statement to the world. Are you creating your masterpiece with both the intention and attention a great artist gives her creation?

Reflecting on the ideas and manipulating the materials over time, the artist begins to clarify the vision and, as the piece emerges, watches, refining her ideas, adding this, discarding that, reworking, until the materials begin to match the vision. Once the realization of the dream is glimpsed, work accelerates, and joy and passion carry the piece to completion. Isn’t that much like our lives?

Few artists receive their inspiration from attempting to fulfill someone else’s idea of what the clay, paint, rock, notes, words, fabric or wood might become. Imitation in art is only the tool of the student as the techniques are learned. The truly authentic work of art must come from within the artist, through the techniques and media, into reality.

Similarly, you cannot live the dreams of your parents, the desires of your friends or the visions of another with passion and integrity.

Great artists understand that their art is their personal expression, and is, therefore, unique. The artist values the medium for its potential to express the idea. The artist works diligently with it-- keeping the vision in view, making small adjustments, learning new techniques, experimenting--until the vision emerges in concrete form and becomes an extension of the artist. It is visible then to all who care to look. The piece bears the artist’s name and influences all who view it.

Sometimes, pieces do not please the artist and they are reworked, painted over, melted down, unraveled. These pieces have great inherent value. The artist’s vision is clarified, the materials better understood. This contributes much to the next project, the next work of art.

Sometimes, pieces become a legacy and influence many by their existence. These are the authentic works, the true expressions of the artist. These are the quality pieces, as Willa A. Foster, says, “Quality is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

You want your life to be of quality, filled with wise choices. Therefore, approach it with high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.

When creating a work of art, you must be present with it, fully engaged each moment, totally absorbed by the possibility you are actualizing and the potential you are exploring. This intense focus is required if you are not to be distracted by the myriad of seductive, and easy to justify diversions. It is a powerful process uplifting, inspiring, sometimes frustrating, satisfying, and, most of all, creative. When you are making a success of something, it s not work. It‘s a way of life.

Now, if by chance, you are thinking that viewing your life as a work of art, or a lofty contribution to the world, is impractical compared to a factual time-management, goal-oriented, bottom-line approach, please consider this. Every successful business, organization and corporation has two types of leaders, visionaries and administrators. Both are required. You need to be both visionary and administrator in your own life, to live a life of integrity, of wholeness.

RESTORATION

We all know the parable of the prodigal son and how many sermons have been preached about repentance, from that parable. We are told that 'he came to himself and said, I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight.' In preaching, we speak of this as the first step in a changed life-as conversion, as repentance, confession, returning to God. But, as this is the first step for the prodigal, we must remember that this is also the step to be taken by His erring children-by all the ninety-nine 'who need non-repentance ,' or think they do not. Those Christians who do not understand how wrong their low religious life is must be taught that this is sin-unbelief; and that it is as necessary that they should be brought to repentance as the prodigal. You have heard a great deal of preaching repentance to the unconverted; but I want to try to preach it to God's children. We have a picture of so many of God's children in that elder brother. What the father told him, to bring about a consideration of the love that He bore him, just as he loved the prodigal brother, thus does God tell to us in our contentedness with such a low life: -'You must repent and believe that I love you, and all that I have is thine .' He says, 'By your unbelief, you have dishonored me, living for ten, twenty, or thirty years, and never believing what it was to live in the blessedness of My love. You must confess the wrong you have done Me in this, and be broken down in contrition of heart just as truly as the prodigal.'

There are many children of God who need to confess, that though they are His children, they have never believed that God's promises are true, that He is willing to fill their hearts all the day long with His blessed presence. Have you believed this? If you have not, all our teaching will be of no profit to you. Will you not say, 'By the help of God, I will begin now a new life of faith, and will not rest until I know what such a life means. I will believe that I am every moment in the Father's presence, and all that He has is mine?'

May the Lord God work this conviction in the hearts of all cold believers. Have you ever heard the expression, 'a conviction for sanctification?' You know, the unconverted man needs a conviction before conversion. So does the dark-minded Christian need conviction before, and in order for sanctification, before he comes to a real insight to spiritual blessedness. He must be convicted a second time because of his sinful life of doubt, and temper, and un-lovingness . He must be broken down under that conviction; then there is hope for him. May the Father of mercy grant all such that deep contrition, so that they may be led into the blessedness of His presence, and enjoy the fullness of His power and love!

A Tribute to Our Blessed Virgin

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009…IT’S MAMA MARYS 2025TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Beloved Child of Mary:

Jesus loves you!!! Mama Mary loves you!!!

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009…IT’S MAMA MARYS 2025TH BIRTHDAY!!! What a delightful and joyful day it is for us all of us. It is another day when we all join as one to celebrate the birthday of our Universal Mother…MAMA MARY!!!

The Mama Mary’s Movement Foundation Inc. together with all Mama Mary’s beloved children are preparing another exciting and fun-filled celebration in her honor. Now on its 11th year, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY 2009 celebration will be held in Tierra de Maria, Nature’s Park. Simultaneously we will be launching the Mama Mary’s virtual family online on September 08, 2009.

We have been celebrating for years now that is why we invite you once again in making this celebration another joyous and meaningful one. Your love for Mama Mary encourages us to seek your support by sharing your time, talent and treasure. There is so much to be done. We can only do so much. We need you.

Assist us by participating or contributing to any or all of the following:

Gather your friends and loved ones to join us in celebrating Mama Mary’s Birthday through her Birthday TV Masses:

Sept 7 at 9:00 pm at Channel 13

Sept 8 at 9:00 am at Channel 9

Sept 8 at 3:00 pm at Channel 4

Join us in praying the Prayer Power for Change every 12:00 noon daily

http://www.mamamary.com.ph

Help us to continue our Project Hope Programs

http://www.mamamary.com.ph/healing_livelihood_projects

Send your prayer petitions and mass intentions

http://www.mamamary.com.ph/healing

Requests for Healing Pray-Over

http://www.mamamary.com.ph/healing

Organize a group of 10 or more to form your Hail Mary decade praying the seed love devotion

http://www.mamamary.com.ph/healing_seed_love-devotion/

Join our Mama Mary’s Online Family

Please check out our main website and our blogs

http://mamamary.com.ph

http://www.yesmamamary.blogspot.com

http://www.yesmamamary.wetpaint.com

http://www.yesmamamaryweebly.com

http://www.yesmamamary.tumblr.com

http://www.squidoo.com/yesmamamary

And join our online social networks and be updated with our latest programs and events

http://www.facebook.com/tierra.demaria

http://www.blessedmothermary.ning.com

http://www.en.netlog.com/TierradeMaria

http://www.yesmamamary.multiply.com

Follow us on twitter/twibbon and read the words of God Daily:

http://twitter.com/YesMamaMary

http://twibbon.com/join/Power-Prayer-for-Change

See the compilation of all our pictures through the years of service at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yesmamamary/

See our Healing Videos at our Youtube Channel at:

http://ww.youtube.com/yesmamamary

Hoping for your YES MAMA MARY!!!

Let us all together say…

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY”

Please help us by forwarding this message to all your family and friends!

Remember Mama Mary love you, Jesus loves you, we love you... God Bless you all!!!

Mama Mary's Movement Foundation Inc.

Tierra de Maria, Nature's Park, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines.

http://mamamary.com.ph/

+6346 860 1942 / +63917 328 6279

Mama Mary lead us in prayer...

We, the Filipinos are Mama Marys beloved children. She has shown Her maternal love for our predominantly catholic country by way of various manifestations and miracles throughout the islands. This affection is best reciprocated in the loving name we have given our Blessed Virgin Mother… “Mama Mary”.

In turn, She has called the people of the Philippines “My children”. In recognition of this close personal relationship, the Philippines have been consecrated to the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Filipino people have paid tribute to Her through countless titles and devotions. Remember, irregardless of so many titles, there is only one Mama Mary... THE MOTHER OF GOD!

It is then only befitting for us to join together in prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving to our beloved "Mama Mary" for interceding for our needs and petitions to her Beloved Son, Jesus. And one of the best ways to give back this gift is to pray the rosary as taught by our blessed Mama Mary to St. Dominic. The Rosary is a reminder of important events in the life of Jesus Christ and our devotion to the Incarnation of our Lord and His Blessed Mother.

As we journey through the mysteries of the rosary: joyful, sorrowful, glorious and luminous mysteries we commit to memory our Lord's Incarnation, His passion and death and then his resurrection from the dead and eventually His transfiguration and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. In so doing, the rosary allows us to grow into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mysteries of the life of our Lord and to help encourage us into a life of faith. Through the power of the rosary, the Blessed Mother leads us to her Beloved Son Jesus.

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SEED LOVE DEVOTION

Say, Yes! Mama Mary!

OUR YES TO MAMA MARY IS OUR YES TO GOD. INDEED A SOLEMN ONE.

Amen, is of course, a more solemn form of saying “yes”. It literally means, “so be it”. We often find Jesus opening his solemn statements with, “Amen, Amen, I say to you”. In the Old Testament, every covenant, every oath is always accompanied by an “amen” to indicate truthfulness, authenticity and honesty in the pronouncements made. But when we say “yes” to Mama Mary, we just can’t really help having thoughts whether that “yes” has the strength of the biblical “amen”. Or in the first place, could we really make such a solemn covenant of commitment to the devotion, to the cause or even for instance, to the daily recitation of the Rosary? Are we a “Jesus” who would prefix any statement of ours about anything that deals with the Marian devotion with such a solemn word? How far and deep can we say the real “yes” to Mama Mary.

Or is it “yes” to Mama Mary, which of essence here or could it be more of Mary’s “yes” to God’s initial crack at the final phase of the eternal plan of salvation during the Annunciation, rather than our own unconvincing positive remark – oh yes? Let us see what Mary’s “yes” is all about. Mary’s yes was a “fiat”, “fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum”, in Latin and it literally means, “be it done to me according to your Word”. So, “fiat” means, “be it” or “so be it”. Isn’t that the same as “amen” – the solemn word of divine commitment?

Now we can see the character of the fiat and the amen. Both are solemn pronouncements or statements made by God and man in a partnership of commitment to serve and save. God had said ‘Amen’ to mankind by sending Jesus in our midst as Saviour. The Book of Revelation is right when it called Jesus as the “Amen of God” (Rev. 3:14). God made a solemn commitment to mankind. But it was always in partnership with an equally solemn commitment from man himself. And that’s Mary’s role.

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