Happy Saturday

Interested In You Read James 2:1-8 The psalmist wrote, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” - Psalm 139:14 (NRSV) Compared to many in my new school, I was from “the wrong side of town.” I had to catch two buses to attend school, while many of my classmates arrived in luxury cars. Being on time or staying for extra activities was difficult for me if one of the buses was late. Making friends was a struggle. I felt that I was judged to be not good enough when some girls discovered where I lived, what my father did for a living, or that my mother had no career outside the home. I began to pray that God would give me a friend. In time, God did give me a new friend and later a whole group of friends. Neither my parents nor my brother were able to finish their schooling, but they sacrificed to give me an opportunity to complete my education. Eventually, I qualified as a teacher and later as a minister. The key to my achievements was discovering that God not only listens to our prayers but accepts all of us — even me. I am glad that God does not value us according to where we live, how educated we may or may not be, or our material wealth. God simply loves us and longs to be in loving relationship with us. Jeanette Krige (Gauteng, South Africa) Thought for the Day: God loves you just as you are. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your interest in each of us, regardless of who we are or where we come from. Amen.

Daily Smile:

From Lizzy, 9 years old

What kind of math equation are pirates best at? 

Finding X!

In The News:

Obama Campaign Unveils New Faith Initiative

In an effort to resonate with key faith groups, the Obama campaign has released a “People of Faith for Obama” initiative, which includes a Web video and faith platform.  The initiative seeks to show how faith plays a major role in the president’s decision-making process, CNN reports. In the Web video, Obama makes specific reference to religious liberty, a hot-button political issue in this campaign cycle. “In a changing world, my commitment to religious liberty is, and always will be unwavering,” the president says. The campaign is also releasing what it’s calling a “faith platform,” broken down into three categories: economic security for families, being our brothers and sisters’ keeper, and faith in public life. The platform will be hosted on the campaign website and sent out to campaign field offices. A campaign staffer close to the initiative said they thought the program would have specific resonance with key groups the campaign has been targeting: Catholics and young evangelicals.  

Family Facing Fines for Hosting Bible Study

A Florida family is facing a $250 per day fine for hosting a Friday night prayer and Bible study in their home- an act that city officials argue violates zoning codes, Todd Starnes reports. Shane and Marlen Roessiger of Venice, Fla. host weekly prayer and study gatherings, which are attended by as many as 10 people. The family is also facing fines for putting a small sign in their front yard that reads: “Need Prayer (941) 484-4915.” “It’s difficult to understand how it is illegal to have a prayer meeting on Friday night with a half dozen people but it is alright if I invited the same group on Monday evening to watch Monday Night Football,” Roessiger said.  The Pacific Justice Institute is representing the family. “They are having a specific problem with this family solely because they are having family and friends over to read the bible and pray,” Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice, said. “That may be fine in some tyrannical parts of the world. That is not okay in the United States of America.” Pam Johnson, a spokesperson for the city of Venice, sent a statement defending their actions to Fox News. She confirmed that the two cases against the family involve a code infraction regarding the use of a sign and a zoning infraction regarding using their home as a ‘house of worship.’ The Roessigers run a small ministry called “In Him Healing Touch Ministries.” Dacus believes the city used that to build a case against the family.

Survey Shows 74 Percent Increase in U.S. Mosques in Past Decade
A survey conducted earlier this year by a coalition of religious organizations shows the number of mosques in the United States has grown by 74 percent in the past 11 years -- up from 1,209 in 2001 to 2,106 in 2011, CNSNews.com reports. The survey by Faith Communities Today, which is affiliated with the Hartford Seminary's Hartford Institute for Religious Research, also reveals where those mosques exist, including the 10 states with the largest number of mosques: New York (257), California (246), Texas (166), Florida (118), Illinois (109), New Jersey (109), Pennsylvania (99), Michigan (77), Georgia (69) and Virginia (62). Vermont has the least number of mosques, with only one located in that state. Most mosques are located in metropolitan areas, with Greater New York City ranked No. 1 (192 mosques). Southern California (120), Greater Chicago (90), Greater Philadelphia (63) and Greater Detroit (63) rounded out the top five metropolitan areas for mosque population.

Nail Scarred Hand

Artist: Carl Smith
Album: Softly And Tenderly

Have you failed in your plan of your storm caused life
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Are you weary and worn from its toil and strife
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
He will keep to the end he's your dearest friend
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand


Are you walking alone through the shadows dim?
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Christ will comfort your heart put your trust in him
Place your hand in the nail scarred handPlace your hand in the nail scarred hand
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
He will keep to the end he's your dearest friend
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand

 
Would you follow the will of the risen lord?
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Would you live in the light of his blessed word?
Place your hand in the nail scared handPlace your hand in the nail scarred hand
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
He will keep to the end he's your dearest friend
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand


Is you soul burdened down with the load of sin?
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
Throw your heart open wide, let the savior in
Place your hand in the nail scarred handPlace your hand in the nail scarred hand
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand
He will keep to the end he's your dearest friend
Place your hand in the nail scarred hand