Tag : Rev. Christopher Ian Chenoweth

10Sep

Positive Christianity Pet Blessing – God created . . . every living creature that moves

Positive Christianity Pet Blessing

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of ones soul remains unawakened”

Gen 1:1 In the beginning … God created the heavens and the earth,

(Gen 1:20-28 NRSV) And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.”

{21} . . . God created . . . every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

{24} And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind” . . . And it was so.

{26} Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth . . . {27} So God created humankind in his image . . . {28} God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

The animals God created inhabit the earth with us. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life. We read about them in the Bible: Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah (Gen 9:9-10). A giant fish saved Jonah (Jonah 2:1-11).Ravens brought bread to Elijah (1 Kings 17:6).

We recognize the divine connection we share with our pets. We came into each other’s lives for a purpose; for companionship, for help, for affection. We thank you, God, for the opportunity to share our love with our pets, and for our ability to care and provide for them.

In the name of God we bless this animal, this pet, this friend, and we bless those who care for it. We see them richly rewarded by each other’s company. We see each pet and each person guided clearly and safely by that higher power that brought them together.

And we accept this blessing in the name of Jesus Christ. And so it is. Amen

Apprehend God in all things,

for God is in all things.

Every single creature is full of God

and is a book about God.

Every creature is a word of God.

If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature —

even a caterpillar —

I would never have to prepare a sermon.

So full of God is every creature.

— Meister Eckhardt

Blessing for a Pet

Blessed are the animals we call our friends.

We nurture and care for them, and, in their special way,

they nurture and care for us.

They belong to us. We belong to them.

A bond is formed.

Not so much physical as spiritual.

Our pets know when we feel tired or sorrowful,

and they lend their loving support through unconditional love.

Our pets know when we are filled with happiness,

and they become part of that happiness.

Our friends, these animals, demonstrate for us an intuitive knowing

that often surpasses our own intuition;

a knowing without words, revealed in actions.

We consider them family.

They become little reflections of our very souls.

We gratefully accept their presence in our lives.

We honor the bond of mutual commitment we have,

one to another.

With true appreciation, we bless our pets,

the loving animals we call our friends.

(Original author: Rev. Dan Holloway)

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10Sep

Positive Daily Inspiration – September 10, 2022 – Saturday Inspiration

Positive Daily Inspiration - September 10, 2022 - Saturday Inspiration

(Submitted with our great thanks)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.” Philippians 4:7

If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Sara Henderson writes, it was hard to watch her fail. Physically, she was growing thinner and more stooped. Mentally, she was losing her ability to sort out reality.

Initially, my grandmother had railed, angrily, against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that were eroding who she had always been.

Eventually, the anger gave way to frustration and then resignation. My grandmother had always been a strong woman. She had a career before it was common for women to have careers. She was independent. In her eighties, she was still dragging out her stepladder every spring to wash all the windows in her house. She was also a woman with a deep faith in God.

As my grandmother lost her ability to live alone, my father moved her into his home. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were often in the house. She seemed to enjoy being surrounded by the noise and activity of a large, extended family.

As she slipped further away from us mentally, my grandmother would occasionally have moments of lucidity when she knew where she was and recognized everyone around her. We never knew what prompted those moments, when they would occur, or how long they would last.

Toward the end of her life, she became convinced that her mother had knit everything she owned. “Mama knit my boots,” she would tell strangers, holding up a foot clad in galoshes. “Mama knit my coat,” she would say with a vacant smile as she zipped up her raincoat. Soon we were putting on her boots for her and helping her zip up her coat.

During my grandmother’s last autumn with us, we decided to take a family outing. We packed up the car and went to a local fair for a day of caramel apples, craft booths, and carnival rides.

Grandma loved flowers, so my dad bought her a rose. She carried it proudly through the fair, stopping often to breathe in its fragrance.

Grandma couldn’t go on the carnival rides, of course, so she sat on a bench close by and waited while the rest of the family rode. Her moments of lucidity were now a thing of the past having eluded her for months, but she seemed content to sit and watch as life unfolded around her.

While the youngest members of the family ran, laughing to get in line at the next ride, my father took my grandmother to the nearest bench. A sullen-looking young woman already occupied the bench but said she wouldn’t mind sharing the bench. “Mama knit my coat,” my grandmother told the young woman as she sat down.

We didn’t let my grandmother out of our sight, and when we came back to the bench to get her, the young woman was holding the rose. She looked as though she had been crying. “Thank you for sharing your grandmother with me,” she said. Then she told us her story. She had decided that day was to be her last on Earth. In deep despair and feeling she had nothing to live for, she was planning to go home and commit suicide. While she sat on that bench with Grandma, as the carnival noises swirled around them, she found herself pouring out her troubles.

“Your grandmother listened to me,” the young woman informed us. “She told me about a time in her own life, during the Depression, when she had lost hope. She told me that God loved me and that He would watch over me and would help me make it through my problems. She gave me this rose. She told me that my life would unfold just like this rose and that I would be surprised by its beauty. She told me my life was a gift. She said she would be praying for me.”

We stood, dumbfounded, as she hugged my grandmother and thanked her for saving her life. Grandma just smiled a vacant smile and patted her arm. As the young woman turned to leave, she waved good-bye to us. Grandma waved back and then turned to look at us, still standing in amazement.

“Mama knit my hat,” she said.

POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER:

Thank You God for using others to talk,
and act,
through them to bless our lives.

In Jesus Christ’s name … Amen

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: Divine order is now actively at work in my life. God is guiding and directing me to my good directly and through others.

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE:
“Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all times that you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.”

John Wesley, minister

_____

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GOD BLESS YOU,
Christopher Ian Chenoweth

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09Sep

Positive Daily Inspiration – September 9, 2022 – SHOWERS OF BLESSING

Positive Daily Inspiration - September 9, 2022 - SHOWERS OF BLESSING

“There shall be showers of blessing.”
Ezekiel 34:26

As we reflect on this past week, we reflect on how many blessings we have received. We take time to enumerate them, either in our minds or on paper.

Now, I ask you to recount your blessings this week. Write them down, and give thanks to God for them.

We are not only grateful for God’s gifts received and given, but also, for the beauty that is all around us.

Today, we appreciate the blue sky, or if it is gray, we shall enjoy that beauty, too. We will enjoy the lovely trees silhouetted against the sky.

Today, we appreciate our family, more than ever before. We will bless them, and know with them, that their lives can be, and are, in Divine order. We give thanks that, in and through God, their every need is met.

Think about your friends; you love and cherish them, and show them your love by thoughtful acts, perhaps a telephone call or e-mail to greet someone and to wish them a happy day.

You pray to be shown ways in which you can continually give to, and help your friends. This day is a day of our appreciation. You will increase your good by magnifying it in your mind, speech, in your world.

The good God has for you is immediate and offers itself to you as a constant stream of ideas, ever flowing to you and through you. You accept those ideas with anticipation and activate them by thinking upon them, prayerfully.

You think upon the idea of God’s light, and your mind is illumined with better understanding of yourself and all that concerns you. In this understanding, you make wise and right decisions that improve the conditions and experiences of each day.

You gratefully think about the idea of life and feel healing currents within you that cleanse and renew and make you whole. You are uplifted in thought of life, it brings a response of strength, energy, and vitality. You think upon the idea of love and feel enveloped in an awareness of security, harmony, peace, and plenty. God’s love brings showers of blessings upon you with a sense of well-being and fulfills God’s plan for you in wonderful ways.

You give thanks for the good that is available to you at ALL times. You open your mind and heart and accept the good from God pouring into your life from every direction.

Today, you accept Jesus’ promise, “Come … inherit the kingdom!”
Matthew 25:34

POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER:

I am ready to receive.
I am open and receptive to my good.
I ask for showers of blessings,
and I promise as I receive, I will be a blessing to others.

Thank You God!

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: I am a radiating center of Divine love, mighty to attract my good and to radiate good to others.

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: “Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.”
Brian Tracy

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Instant online, or recurring monthly giving:
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By mail: Positive Christianity Box 7993 Woodlands, TX 77387

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NEED PRAYER? Click here – Positive Christianity will pray with you, daily, for an entire 2 months.
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GOD BLESS YOU,
Christopher Ian Chenoweth

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08Sep

GOD’S BLESSING FOR Home or Business

GOD’S BLESSING FOR Home or Business

(If a business – name the business often.)

God bless this home/business with God’s love. Fill the heart of every person entering with Your Spirit of gentleness and joy, with Your Spirit of forgiveness and compassion, with Your Spirit of understanding and peace. God bless this home/business with love so steady and strong that harmony is the order of every day. God bless this home/business with vibrant continuing life. Renew and restore every person entering this prayerful place. Strengthen and perfect all. Heal and bind up every wound. Let the presence of new renewing life be felt by all that enter here. Let the idea of life so permeate this home/business that health and wholeness are the order of every day. God bless this home/business with Divine Ideas. Fill every person with a renewal of ideas and inspiration so that success and prosperity are the order of every day ongoing. God bless this home/business with happiness. Let the walls echo with the heavenly music of happy hearts. Let happiness be the order of every day. Let a spiritual experience of God-given peace come to every visitor.

We consecrate this place to God the good.
Each room of this home/business will henceforth be sacred.
All its occupants will feel God’s holy presence.
God dwells here.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the one Divine Presence of Good.
There is only intelligence here.
All ignorance is cast out.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the pure holy wisdom of God.
No untrue thing can enter here.
There is no falsehood, no deception, no jealousy, no selfishness in this home/business.
Every untrue thought is cast out.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the Presence of Truth.
No thought of sickness can enter here.
No impurity, no fear can enter here.
All weakness and sickness are cast out.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the God-given, ever renewing, Presence of Health. Whoever enters here shall be conscious of new Hope in their daily lives.
All thoughts and beliefs about who you are, and about what you can become, are uplifted.
All foolishness, ignorance, doubt, and superstition are cast out.
God is here, and God is security.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of God security and feel safe at a soul level.

This home/business is radiant with joy.

No thought of sorrow or grief can enter here.
All depression is cast out.
The joy of the Lord is here, the sounds of laughter are heard every day within these walls.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the Presence of Radiant Joy.
Only love dwells here.
This home/business is forever filled with the Presence of God Love.
God is love and God is here.
All anger, hatred, and revenge are cast out.
Whoever enters here will be conscious of the pure, holy Presence of Love.

We are thankful to Thee, Oh God, that Hope Hill is forever filled with Your Presence. No matter what church affiliation, or none, may each person feel Your Presence in his or her own way. We are thankful that this will forever be a place of transformation and renewal at a deep level of the human spirit. We are grateful that all who enter here will be conscious of this, from this day forth at this home/business.

In Jesus Christ’s name… Amen

(I would always give a copy with the business name or street address to the people receiving the blessing that would be suitable for framing with my signature.)

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08Sep

Positive Christianity Wedding Service

Positive Christianity Wedding Service

Note: Ask the couple to give you the marriage license, a few days ahead of time, so that you can have it all filled out. Also, this ensures that the license will not be forgotten.

OPENING SOLO:

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Dear wonderful God, we ask that you bless and consecrate this place for this event of marriage is holy. Surround us all as our thoughts and prayers go forth to bless this couple.

May this special couple always live in the awareness of the presence of God with a deep inner knowing that God is their help in every need.

Thank You, dear God. Unto You we give all praise and thanks for the magic of this love and its continuing relationship in holy marriage.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray . . . Amen.

This is called “Let Us Not Ask Too Much” by Clifford Gessler

Let us know how not to ask too much of each other.

Share body and mind and spirit without giving up freedom,

Love without trying to absorb, be kind yet not smother with kindness,

walk together, but neither retard the other’s pace.

I would not lead one who did not choose to follow

Or follow one who demanded that I be led.

The spark of self-hood, that high and precious thing-

Let us not dampen it with scorn or blame:

Each his own master, and the two of us richer, dearer because of it,

But neither sunk passively in the other–

That alone is true mating.

WELCOME: We welcome__________and__________their families and friends, to the celebration of their love, and we are in this place to give our blessing to their new life. They come to dedicate themselves to God and to each other, and with God’s eternal help, to fashion their house into a home, their family into a unity of God’s loving kingdom, and to achieve within their lives the hint of eternity.

__________and__________ come to publicly proclaim their love and devotion through holy marriage.

[Ask..] Who gives the bride away [Blesses]?

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the gift of love, especially the love that brings us together here today, Thank you for the meaning of real marriage in which two people become more than they are, because of their relationship to each other. Thank you for the privilege we have to be here and to be a part and party to ____________ and __________ love for each other in marriage. Amen.

Blessing For A Marriage by James Dillet Freeman
(As I read this, I will bless your marriage in prayer)

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding.
May you always need one another–
not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete;
the valley does not make the mountain less, but more;
and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it.
So let it be with you and you.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness,
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you entice one another, but not compel one another.
May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another.
May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces.
May you look for things to praise, often say, “I love you!” and take no notice of small faults.
If you have quarrels that push you apart,
May both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back.
May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another’s presence–
No more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities,
May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another!

PRAYER: The Lord’s Prayer

I would like you now to speak to each other saying the most important words that you will say in your marriage say “I love you” each to the other.

Look into the eyes of your partner and allow me to speak for you–

I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart and passing over all the frivolous and weak things that you cannot help seeing there, and drawing out into the light all the beautiful, radiant things that no one else has looked quite far enough to find.

I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool in me and for laying firm hold of the possibilities of good in me.

I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and adding to the music in me by worshipful listening.

I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple, and of the words of my days, not a reproach, but a song.

I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me happy.

You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.

You have done it by being yourself

After all, perhaps this is what being in love with you means.

(by Mary Carolyn Davies)

There is one place in our Bible the talks more directly, than in any other place, about the love that you are feeling, and how to keep that love alive and growing 1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

The first was “Faith”, the second “Hope”, and the third “Love”. (Adlib about the stages of their relationship)

Actually, what Paul is saying is that faith, hope and love make up a relationship Trinity which all of us can understand and believe in. Love is what makes hope beautiful and faith reliable.

Words of Guidance

______________- and — , true marriage is more than the joining of two persons in the bonds of matrimony. In its right relationship, it is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between a man and a woman, it is proper that an outer acknowledgment be made.

This acknowledgment is the prime objective of this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry of these two beloved friends, who are already one in spirit, into the closer relationship of husband and wife.

_________________ and ___________ , you are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one in the world whom you love best, and the dynamic flow of love in the heart of marriage. This love merges from, responds to, and is your fellowship with God and each other. It is your challenge to create an atmosphere of freedom in which you both can develop your potentials.

It is working together in an attitude of service for common goals. It is sharing from the depths of your being in the understanding presence of each other. It is a union of persons which respects individuality. It is the Covenant of love which accepts weakness as well as strength.

[Braid] if two hairs were taken from your head we could weave a braid, but the moment we let go it would untangle itself. However, if a third strand of hair was added, the braid would last for all eternity. And so it is with you____________and_______________. Always add God into your daily relationship, in your relationship will last throughout eternity.

God creates the fire, but you have to add the logs, to keep the fire burning. Never let a day go by that you don’t say or do something nice for the other.

Real love is not a total absorption in each other. Rather, it is looking outward in the same direction, together. Love makes the burdens lighter because you divide them, Love makes the joys more intense because you share them. Love strengthens each of you as individuals and as a team. As you live, love, work and play together, your mutual happiness is assured.

At this time I request everyone in this room to join in a Divinely appointed prayer group. Many religions are represented here today. Each person has his or her own way to commune with God. Will everyone present now join with me in a silent prayer to place your special blessing on ______________ and _____________________.

SOLO

________________ and _____________, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, I require and ask you both to declare before this company of friends your pledge of faith, each to the other.

________________ and ____ ___________ , will you turn and face each other and join hands.

MARRIAGE VOWS: (Man first; then Woman – pause after every four words or so, and invite groom/bride to repeat)

Groom:
I ask you to look into her eyes, speaking from your heart to her heart.

Repeat after me:

I, _________________ , choose you, ___________ to be my wife / as my friend and companion (and as friend and protector for our children). On this day, I affirm / the relationship we enjoy, / looking to the future / to deepen and strengthen it. / I will be yours / in prosperity and in struggle, I in sickness / and in health,. / in failure and in triumph. / I will cherish and respect you, / comfort and encourage you, / be open with you / and stay with you / as long as we shall live / freed and bound by our love.

Savor this moment—it is truly one of the holiest of your life.

Bride:
I ask you to look into his eyes, speaking from your heart to his heart.

I, ________________ , choose you, __________, to be my husband / as my friend and companion (and as friend and protector for our children). On this day, I affirm / the relationship we enjoy, / looking to the future / to deepen and strengthen it. / I will be yours / in prosperity and in struggle, / in sickness / and in health, / in failure and in triumph. / I will cherish and respect you, / comfort and encourage you, / be open with you / and stay with you / as long as we shall live / freed and bound by our love.

Savor this moment—it is truly one of the holiest of your life.

As you enjoy this sacred time, allow me to read “On Marriage” from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Then Almitra spoke again and said, “And what of Marriage, master?”

And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love;

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.

For only the hand of life can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart.

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

–A marriage is not a big thing–It’s a long series of little things.

THE MAGIC OF THE ROSE (minister gifts them with a special rose)

Allow this rose to symbolize your relationship

First, the seed, as in the seed of your relationship at the very beginnings.

Second, the stem, as your relationship started to grow into something you both hoped would bloom.

Third, the unfoldment, which is what we are celebrating today, and what you will celebrate every day for the rest of your lives.

Always new, more beautiful, over time.

A rose only knows how to give.

Presentation of your first rose: I ask you to enjoy it during the special days ahead and after it begins to fade, I ask you to preserve it within the pages of the family Bible.

And thus we began a new tradition that will become something to live in your marriage.

Every Anniversary present the other person with a rose symbolizing your ever unfolding love.

And here is where the magic of the Rose will begin to work in your relationship. Anytime you have a disagreement that pushes you apart, and you cannot find the right words

to heal the disagreement .

Give of yourself – through the magic of the rose.

Give to the other person one long-stemmed rose, and he or she will know. The message will be powerfully spoken.

If such a time ever comes–
I ask you to agree in advance that you will accept the gift of the magic of the rose—do so by nodding your heads.

Ring Blessing: May I have the rings?
Hold these up for friends and family to see.
With a love that is represented here today, with friends and family gathered, I ask each present to focus on these rings and bless them with your love, and also praying that they are eternally blessed by God’s love.

Let us pray.

These rings are [This ring is] a symbol of the truth of the vows you have spoken. These rings mark [This ring marks] the beginning of a long journey together filled with wonder, surprises, laughter, celebration, and joy. May these rings glow [May this ring glowj in reflection of the warmth and the love which flow through __________ and __________ today.
May these rings serve not as locks binding you together but as keys unlocking the secrets of your hearts.

Ring Exchange:

Turn to the groom: I asked that you place this ring on the third finger of her left hand and keep holding the ring as you repeat after me: ___

Man: I love you__________and I will be your husband. / I offer you this ring, a symbol of my love / I ask that you take it / and wear it that all may know / you are touched by my love.

…Now, I ask that you can for your own blessing upon her ring by placing a single kiss upon the ring before you release it.

Woman: I love you__________and I will be your wife / I offer you this ring, a symbol of my love / I ask that you take it / and wear it that all may know / you are touched by my love.

…Now, I ask that you can for your own blessing upon her ring by placing a single kiss upon the ring before you release it.

SOLO

The Lighting Of A Candle In Marriage –

Before I pronounce you husband and wife, I would like to have both of you light this candle. The lighting of this single candle represents the bond of spiritual love that shall always mark your marriage.

Light is symbolic of that which is good. This marriage is good. This candle exemplifies the true inner light that sparks this marriage. This light is love.

The individual love-light of each person… . bride… .and groom is now joined in one light. This one light will now, and forever, dispel darkness in you… . and you.

[Bride, groom, and others bring their individual candles together, and together they light the one candle. The individual candles are then extinguished.]that

Let us pray as you watch the new flame you have created.

The light of God surrounds this marriage.
The love of God enfolds this marriage.
The power of God protects this marriage.
The presence of God watches over this marriage.
Wherever this couple is — God will be too!

SILENCE

Optional SOLO place

[Together they blow out the candle.]

Even though the outer light symbol goes out, your inner light will never stop burning for each other. Relight this candle at your first anniversary, and every anniversary after close to the time of the pronouncement.

The exact time is____________and your lives are about to change for the better.

____________ and _____________, by exchanging vows and rings, you have declared your marriage to each other in the presence of God, your family, and your friends.

Pronouncement: [Join couple’s hands and put your hand upon them.]

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pronounce you husband and wife.

Nuptial Kiss: You may seal this holy union with a kiss.

Introduction: Please face your family and friends.

I have the distinct pleasure of presenting to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs___________________.husband and wife.

Postlude

[HAND THEM THE LICENSE]

God bless you in your great work!

 

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08Sep

Infant / Child Baptizing / Christening Service

Positive Christianity Infant / Child Baptizing / Christening Service

Prelude: Brahms Lullaby’ may be played as the christening party* approaches the minister.
*Parents, Godparents, Children

Dear God, bless these words, and bless this holy moment of christening…Amen

There is great truth, and guidance in the following, entitled, “Children Learn What They Live” by Dorothy L. Nolte

If children live with criticism,
   they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,
   they learn to fight.

If children live with fear,
   they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity,
   they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule,
   they learn to be shy.

If children live with jealousy,
   they learn what envy is.

If children live with shame,
   they learn to feel guilty.

BUT…

If children live with tolerance,
   they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,
   they learn to be confident.

If children live with praise,
   they learn to appreciate.

If children live with approval,
   they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance,
   they learn to find love in the world.

If children live with recognition,
   they learn to have a goal.

If children live with sharing,
   they learn to be generous.

If children live with honesty and fairness,
   they learn what truth and justice are.

If children live with security,
   they learn to have faith in themselves
a   nd in those around them.

If children live with friendliness,
   they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If children live with serenity,
   they learn to have peace of mind

With what are the children around us living?

Your child(ren) will live in an environment that teaches acceptance and love.

Let us pray:

Dear loving God, we ask that You bless and consecrate this place

For this event of christening is holy.

Surround us all as our thoughts and prayers go forth to bless these willing people who now become parents, both physically and spiritually.

Recreate and purify their hearts,
Cleanse and renew their minds
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the child(ren).

May the child(ren) always live in the awareness of the Christ present with a deep inner knowing that God is (his/her) help in every need.

Thank You, dear God

Unto you we give all praise and thanks through Jesus Christ. Amen

It has been said a child is only in our care for a short while. Every minute must be made as worthwhile for the child as we can make it.

Kahlil Gibran has wisely written “Our Children,” allow me to share it with you now, and let its words inspire you.

   Your children are not your children.
   They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
   They come through you but not from you.

   And though they are with you—yet they belong not to you.

   You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
   For they have their own thoughts.
   You may house their bodies but not their souls,
   For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
      which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
   You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

   For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
   You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
   The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
   Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness;

   For even as He loves the arrow that flies—so He loves also—the bow that is stable.

Dear Friends, we come together at this time to baptize this child. It is written:

“They were bringing unto Jesus little children, that He should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Allow the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. And He took them in His arms, and blessed them, laying His hands upon them (Mark 10:13-16).

When Jesus said to His disciples, “Suffer the little children to come unto me,” He was showing the right attitude toward children. They are to be received in the love of God. They are not to be kept apart from the things of God. They have their rightful place in God’s Divine plan.

Let us keep in mind the right thought about children, which is: For to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

Let us receive little children as equal with ourselves, as children of God. As we do so, we shall frequently see the light of God shining through them to lead us into right paths.

Well-beloved, you have brought here (this / these) little one(s) remembering that before this one was yours, this child was a child of our God in heaven. It is your privilege to stand sponsor for them.

Guard well this trust.

And now, realizing the love of our heavenly God toward these God’s children,

Let us pray:

Almighty God, we give thanks that Your love is ever-present and that You remember little children and do take them to Your great heart of love.

Increase in us our awareness of Your love and of a childlike spirit of faith and trust.

And these little ones quicken them. 0 Holy Spirit. Cleanse their human nature with the effluence of Your Divine nature, that they may be wholly consecrated to Your love.

Bless us with the grace of spiritual perception that we, as their sponsors in Your name, may worthily minister to and instruct them so that they may grow in wisdom and stature.

In knowledge of Your loving presence, and in the favor of human and in Your sight.

This we ask in the name of Your most gracious and Holy Son, Jesus Christ… Amen.

This child comes to you endowed with infinite possibilities of good. He/she comes to teach you as well as to learn from you.

Today you seek God’s gracious approval of the trust God has placed in you, and of your acceptance of it.

(Look at audience) We are here as witnesses, and by our presence, we testify that we believe you are worthy, and well-qualified to fulfill the obligations of your sponsorship to rear in grace, and God’s Truth this/these child(ren) committed for a time to your care.

There are many religions represented by the people that stand here in this room. I now ask each to pray in his or her own way blessing the parents and the child in a moment of silent prayer.

In silence let us pray.

(The silence is accompanied by a pause or instrumental solo.)

MINISTER. (to parents). Then, beloved, as you say aloud the name of this child, may your words be a prayer for wisdom and guidance.

Will you name this child—Speak the name at the same time.

PARENTS: (Both speak child’s name)

MINISTER (speaks child’s name). Baptism is done with water that has been blessed and prayed over, or with a rose (that has been blessed and prayed over) touching the forehead three times: alternative: rose petals. The minister may use flower petals symbolizing the innate beauty of the soul, and calling forth its expression. Flower petals may be presented in a silver bowl by an attendant, usually a Sunday-school boy or girl chosen for the service.

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Minister to the parents: “And now speak aloud the name of the Godparents.”

All rise for the Prayer of Protection.

The light of God surrounds this child,
The love of God enfolds this child,
The power of God protects this child
The presence of God watches over this child and his/her parents.
Wherever you are as a family, God will be there also
Bringing…
continual love,
health,
strength,
guidance,
and inspiration..

Amen

The benediction: (Minister touching child)

Dear God, endow this child with a life of countless blessings of happiness, wisdom, and health. Empower and equip this little one to grow strong and make a real difference in our world through living its life, by using the God-given talents bestowed upon him/her this holy day.

In Jesus Christ name…Amen

(If a Rose was used during the service it is presented to the parents with the instructions to put it within the folds of the pages of the family Bible. A certificate printed on parchment paper is also presented containing the full child’s name, date and time of the christening, location, along with the minister’s signature.)

This now concludes the service.

Postlude: Brahms Lullaby’ may be played as the christening party leaves.

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08Sep

Name: Gabi – Date: 9/8/2022, 2:33 AM – Prayer Request: “Praise report! God h…”

Name: Gabi - Date: 9/8/2022, 2:33 AM

Prayer Request: Praise report! God helped us sell our house miraculously. We were moving overseas and the buyer didn’t have the money one week before closing. My husband had to stay behind alone, but God resolved it finding a new buyer so my husband could join us in only two weeks. God is good and prayer works, thank you and God bless!

View OPEN Prayer Requests
Submit a Prayer Request
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08Sep

Positive Daily Inspiration – September 8, 2022 – GIVING AND RECEIVING

Positive Daily Inspiration - September 8, 2022 - GIVING AND RECEIVING

“Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

Do you give, thinking that this action is simply presenting the gifts to others that you think they will appreciate? Or do you give because you think it is expected of you?

When you consider WHY you give, remember that what makes any gift special is the thoughtfulness behind the giving. Just as vegetables that are grown in a home garden seem more flavorful because of the care you have given them, your gifts are more meaningful when you center yourself in God. Then, just as the sun gives freely of its warmth with no expectations, so do we give our gifts.

Our gifts may be given in big or small packages, as words of encouragement or as acts of faith. Let us know, however, that what is most important is that our gifts come from the heart. God, working through us, is the true giver and the gift. Centered in God, we are able to give gifts that are centered in love.

It can also be a gift to others, to graciously receive their gifts.

How well do we receive? Do we accept our good knowing that as children of God we are worthy of the highest and the best? Or do we feel as though we do not deserve some good because we have not earned it? Are we resisting good from others because we do not want to owe something in return?

You are filled, today, with the joy of giving a blessing when you give to others. It is important to know that just as we need to share our blessings, so do others. Open your mind to receive. When you are open to receiving good, you will allow others to be channels for the goodness of God.

In Psalms 24:5, the Bible states, “He or she will receive blessing from the Lord.”

What we owe ourselves and others MOST is the opportunity to love and be loved.

Let us allow God to care for us through the words and actions of others, just as we allow God to care for others through us.

Let us accept the fact that we are worthy of the highest and best that life has to offer. The highest and best of life come through us when we consent to give it away; and it comes back to us multiplied when we again consent to accept it.

POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER:

Dear God, I pray that I may not neglect the help and happiness that I may give, with compassion and love. Make me strong in all the senses that answer to the call of humanity. Help me to guide and protect little children, and to care for the comforts of the old.

In Jesus Christ’s name … Amen.

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: I bless every gift that I am given to give, God works through me to bless others.

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: “There’ll be two dates on your tombstone. And all your friends will read ’em. But all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between ’em … ” Kevin Welch

_____

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GOD BLESS YOU,
Christopher Ian Chenoweth

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07Sep

Positive Daily Inspiration – September 7, 2022 – STORMS OF LIFE

Positive Daily Inspiration - September 7, 2022 - STORMS OF LIFE

“Thou, O God, art my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Psalms 59:17

Personal important note: Many (hundreds) have been asking about our retreat center in Ellijay Georgia – Hope Hill.

People have wanted to book it, read about it, etc. and it’s now off-line.

About six months ago as I faced my own storm of life with my health challenge. My financial advisor strongly advised that I sell Hope Hill. He said because of Texas and Georgia law it would definitely go into probate which could last years. But I said, “I love Hope Hill,” and when I’m not using it is rented 90% of the time making it very profitable for the ministry. He said, during probate it would sit vacant you would not be allowed to rent it and that being the case it would go into disrepair.

I put Hope Hill on the market and sold it within days for a high amount which went to the trust to support this ministry ongoing.

By the way, I’m doing fine, feel-good, and in a great mood. God is with me. Please don’t write asking me how I’m doing because I just can’t keep up with that kind of correspondence. I dislike being the focus instead of God being the focus. Plus, such correspondence really brings me down temporarily.

_______

I love thunderstorms.

The other day, there was a thunderstorm, and I told my daughter that I was having the time of my life watching it from the covered porch. I love thunderstorms – when I am not in them, but rather watching them with a sure sense of security because I am inside – safe, warm, and dry.

Taking shelter during a storm is a sensible thing to do. You can apply the same action of seeking shelter from the turmoil of your life. You can know that many of your hardships, upsets, or difficulties would be better met by your nonresistance, rather than by your direct participation.

Knowing that God is your present help in the time of trouble, you can take heart as you pray. You can be in the presence of the peace, power, and protection of God while a stormy experience passes. When you retreat into the security of God’s presence of love, you are assured that this, too, shall pass. As you let God takeover, your faith in God increases, as does your ability to work and to pray from a center of peace and power.

During a storm in your personal life, there may be times when peace of mind seems impossible to obtain. You may have decisions to make, work that awaits your attention, or appointments to keep. Busy activities often make the world seem like a place of disorder.

At these times, take shelter in God. Remember that God is never confused and is with you in times of trouble; and no matter how changeable the world is, God is eternal and changeless. God abides with you as perfect peace and harmony. God protects you during your storms of life.

As you focus your attention on God in moments of need, you experience God’s presence and power.

You are resting within the shelter of the Almighty. Within the shelter you are no longer confused. The perfect peace of God gives you the strength and enthusiasm you need to meet life victoriously. With God, you view the storms; from under the shelter, you are less affected by them, and you move through life, easily and harmoniously.

In any storm that you face, hold to the reality of God’s goodness in your heart and mind and know that your every need will be met.

When you find yourself in a storm, let go of anxieties and concerns and let God guide you to safety. Try to see past appearances and become open and receptive to all possibilities, for you know that God will see you through each situation.

If you have a storm of a health challenge, have faith that you will be healed, and that you will be filled with renewed strength and energy.

If you have a storm of a prosperity challenge, release all thoughts of what you don’t have and rely on God’s supply of abundant good.

If you have a storm in a personal relationship, know that God’s love will restore order, harmony and justice in every circumstance.

Just as the sun comes through the clouds as the storm passes, you know that God’s good is coming forth and that all your needs will be met.

POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER:

The incomplete is made complete in God. Failure is made into success in God.
Weakness is made into strength in God. Sickness is made into health in God.
Hate is made into love in God.
Thank You God! Amen

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: I let go and let God’s good bless me now.

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE:

“By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the bitterest. “
Confucius

_____

Supported 100% by our readers – THANK YOU!
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NEED PRAYER? Click here – Positive Christianity will pray with you, daily, for an entire 2 months.
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GOD BLESS YOU,
Christopher Ian Chenoweth

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06Sep

Positive Daily Inspiration – September 6, 2022 – Tuesday Prayer and Meditation

Positive Daily Inspiration - September 6, 2022 - Tuesday Prayer and Meditation

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

This is the most powerful time of this day. It is a time when we go to God without reservation, without holding back. It is a time to release ourselves into the activity of God and to allow the activity of God to work from center to circumference, from the top of our head to the bottom of our feet, and out our fingertips. There is no cell in your physical body that does not feel totally surrounded by God, the total indwelling of God. Know there is no power greater than God. Greater is God that is with you than he that is in the world. Surrounding you, and inside of you, greater than any fear of disease or mistake, is the power of God Almighty.

Rest in the silence of prayer …

In this moment of time, you are one with God. You exchange your human mind thoughts of the lesser for God’s Divine greater ideas. You allow the perfection of the Christ to flood your entire being. You allow it to become you, and God’s truth is shattering the illusion of something seemingly impossible. All wrong practices of humankind have never dimmed God’s glory and radiance within us.

Rest in the silence of prayer …

There is no power greater than God. The belief in self-limitation is utterly false. Nothing can stop us from demonstrating our oneness with God. God is all-power, our help in every need.

Reflect on God’s power in the silence of prayer …

Dear God, I pray that through the complete perfection of thought and energy, every foolish fear will be cast out and will be null and void.

As children of God, we can never be from the presence of the Christ. May the Christ presence give us our intelligence, here and now. Dear God, in faith, we rise up and we banish away all ignorant belief. We are a tower of strength to ourselves, to the cells in our body, and to others, to all people.

Rest in the silence with this thought. There is no power greater than God.

I decree – in my own individual life, there is no power greater than God.
God is working in my mind.
God is working in my physical body.
God is working in my entire life.
The perfection of God is now fully accepted by me.
The Lord, our God, is one God and there is none beside God.
You know this is the Truth. God is with you, from everlasting to everlasting.

In the nature of Jesus Christ … Amen.

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: The intense light of faith is within me this day. All darkness disappears and I easily surmount all difficulties.

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” George Eliot

_____

Supported 100% by our readers – THANK YOU!
Instant online, or recurring monthly giving:
https://positivechristianity.net/donation-tithe/
By mail: Positive Christianity Box 7993 Woodlands, TX 77387

___

NEED PRAYER? Click here – Positive Christianity will pray with you, daily, for an entire 2 months.
There Is Never a Charge for Prayer.

Television channels (Free Service):
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GOD BLESS YOU,
Christopher Ian Chenoweth

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