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03-13-2008, 05:44 PM
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. --Henry Ward Beecher
"Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.
"Never doubt in the darkness, what God has shown you in the light."
The Lord can clear the darkest skies
Can give us day for night.
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise
To rivers of delight.
--Isaac Watts
No matter how long we have been away from God, He is ready to hear from us and restore us to a right relationship.
It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.
No matter how unfair life may seem, God offers hope in its darkest hours.
Keep conscious contact with God and pray to make that contact closer.
No matter where we go, God is there.
Even in our darkest despair, God shines a light of hope.
When we listen to God, we receive guidance that will show us how to help others.
Once we repent, God begins a process of renewal in our lives.
Just as God guides us in our deciding, God helps us in our doing.
Christ can bring peace to a troubled heart.
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Faith As A Grain Of Mustard Seed!
And the Lord said, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Luke 17:6 KJV
I would like to talk a little today about faith. It is something we as Christians deal with constantly in our day by day walk with the Lord. Just what is faith? The Bible talks a great deal about it; in fact, there is a whole chapter in Hebrews devoted to faith. I'll start with what my dictionary says about it and then we shall dig a little deeper.
Faith (1) confidence or trust in a person or thing, (2) belief which is not based on proof, (3) belief in God or the doctrines and teachings (The Bible) then trust in God and His promises as made through Jesus Christ and the scriptures by which man is justified or saved.
I'm sure you, like I, have heard many sermons on faith and read many devotions and or books that have been written on the subject but it still remains one precept that is very difficult to get our minds and hearts to understand. On the one hand we believe the statement above stated by our Lord as fact without a doubt, but on the other hand do we really believe you or I could say to a tree: Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Does this mean that we have no faith? Or maybe we just don't understand the scripture? Let's go one verse back to verse 5 --- the apostles had just asked the Lord to increase their faith. Was the Lord trying to show them that they could do wonders much beyond what they could do now? Nothing that was fit to be done for the glory of God and the confirmation of the doctrine they preached would be too hard for them. With God nothing is impossible, so are all things possible to him that can believe by faith?
Two things stand out to me: First, that nothing would be too hard to do if done for the glory of God and confirms the doctrine we have been given. Second, there must be the God given faith to accomplish the impossible by the God who makes all things possible.
Mainly due to the culture we are raised in, carnal man today has a very difficult time understanding these things. The world today requires us to accept only those things which we can see, hear and touch. If we don't have physical proof then we will not accept by faith it can be true. The apostles on the other hand walked with the Master, witnessed the miracles and understood everything must be done to bring glory to God. And, of course, were given by God the faith to accomplish miracles that proved the doctrine they were preaching.
Does this mean that I believe that miracles could be accomplished today? Yes, if in God's plan for my life He increased my faith to perform something that would bring Him glory and prove the doctrine He gave me to preach then yes, I believe.
There is one other very important factor involved here. Faith requires action on our part. We must put our feet into motion and act upon our faith. Let me give you a couple of examples.
Luke 8:43-48 KJV 43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45And Jesus said,who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? 46And Jesus said, somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
The woman knew Jesus was the Messiah sent from God and put her faith into action, then was rewarded for her faith.
Matthew 15:22-28 KJV 22And, behold, a woman of Canaan (Gentile) came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26But he answered and said; it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Notice how this woman put her faith into action? There are many more examples like when Jesus called the apostles to follow Him. They immediately left everything --- their families, possessions and their entire life to follow the Master by faith.
It is when you and I put our faith into action that we find God has given us the faith to accomplish His plan and bring glory to Him. This is how we go from "head knowledge" to "heart knowledge." We put our faith into action and use our lives to bring Him glory.
Understanding God's word to us is a key to finding His will for our lives. When you have 'searched the scriptures' and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth then you will find your path and with your faith put into action God will lead you into doing the things that bring Him glory.
God wants you to know of His unfailing love for you and His desire to give you an abundant life but it's you who must submit your life to Him and go from having "head knowledge" about Him to having "heart knowledge" and putting that "heart knowledge" into action so He can increase your faith. --Bob Goulding
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Beyond Our Abilities
When we feel inadequate and insufficient, it is a good thing because it reminds us of our weaknesses and that we must depend upon the LORD to work in our lives so that we are able to do what He has called us to do.
Each of us have not truly faced our inadequacies until we accept a call from the LORD that our flesh says no to, but our Spirit knows we must go forward with in order to obey the LORD. When I see my abilities, compared to what Christ can do through me, I am ashamed that I’ve ever tried to do anything for Christ on my own. And believe me, I’ve done plenty of that!
It is beyond my own abilities to live by the Word. My flesh wants to live by common sense, man made plans, ways that others tell me is right and ways that seem right in my own eyes and ways that make me just like everyone else in the world. Not necessarily sinful or wrong ways, but ways that are my ways. To prevent me from living my life for myself, I have to search the Word of God for challenging direction that is always contrary to the flesh. At first, I want to pull away from what the Word might be showing me, and telling me. Honestly, this is where most of us find it easy to shy away from the LORD. However, if we press in more and overcome the struggle with our flesh and pour ourselves more into the presence and power of Christ, then we find no greater reward than His true presence.
The struggle comes from our flesh and the devil. But the Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors in Christ. We can rise above the struggle and press into Christ and when we do we discover that He enables us to operate beyond our own abilities. My flesh will not allow me to love my enemies. But when I read the Word and Jesus says, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28), I am empowered by Jesus to love those who mistreat me.
It is not that much of a struggle to teach Sunday school, sing in the choir or play on the church volley ball team. But it is a struggle to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
It is not a struggle to meet with the guys at church over a sausage and pancake breakfast, but it is a struggle to be a man of God and lead by example. But these are not impossible struggles because the Holy Spirit will go before us.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(Ephesians 6:12).
Dear Heavenly Father, give us strength to push through the struggle against the flesh and demonic forces and press into Your presence so that we can enjoy such a great reward! In Jesus’ Mighty Name, AMEN! --David L. Burns
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A Lasting Impression
"Jimmy, look at the impression you left in the sand," the man said to his son. "Daddy, what's a 'pression'?" the young child asked. "That's 'impression,'" Jimmy. "The spot where you were lying on the sand sunk in around your body and when you got up, it was there. Your feet do the same thing. They leave footprints." "Oh, but you can't see my face," Jimmy replied. "No, because you were lying on your back. It's like the impression you put in Mr. Johnson's new cement sidewalks." "You mean my hand print?" "Yes, but you also left another kind of impression. An impression on his mind." "Mr. Johnson's brain is made of sand?" His father laughed and then leaned over for one of those "parental moments." "No, you left an impression on his memory. It's called a bad impression. When you do something to someone, you leave them with a bad memory. Every time he walks out the door, he sees your hand print there in that first step. I'm sure he remembers you daily." "Well, Daddy. I was trying to do something good. I did that so he would see me waving 'Hi' every morning." His Dad tried not to laugh. He didn't want Jimmy to think it was okay to do what he did. "So, my impression will stay here on the beach forever, too?" "No, it will be gone in the morning." "Who's going to take it?" "Well, God washes the beach every night so the next day, we can do it again. It's like God's big drawing board. He likes to see our artwork." Jimmy sat for a minute and then suddenly ran to get his bigger shovel and pail. "Where are you going?" "Up here where the water can't take it away," Jimmy said. His dad watched from a distance as he saw Jimmy draw a great big circle-like figure in the sand. Then after a few minutes, Jimmy yelled to him. "Daddy, how do you spell 'loves'?" "L-o-v-e-s!" Finally, out of curiosity, his dad got up and stood nearby. There in the sand was a huge heart-like circle with these words: "God Lovs Yo." Not wanting to spoil the moment, Dad didn't bother to correct his spelling. "That's beautiful, Jimmy!" "Oh, wait a minute," Jimmy said. He rushed over and placed his hand in the lower right corner and pushed down. "There, I'm waving to God and Mr. Johnson. There's my hand impression, Daddy." The two of them stood there for a moment admiring his handiwork. "Daddy, I wanted everyone to know that God loves them. Do you think God will leave this one alone?" "Jimmy, even God needs 'a little hand' to remind us." "I get it, Daddy!" --Bob Perks
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CAMOUFLAGE
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Hebrews 4:13
We were on the back porch. A holiday morning, not much stirring yet. I was slowly waking, cradling my steaming coffee mug, when my husband asked, "Do you see what's in the tree there?"
I strained to look, and all I saw was healthy, green fronds. I noticed how tall the coconut palm was getting. But I didn't see what he was talking about.
"Sit here", he said. "There's something blocking your view over there."
Perfectly camouflaged, the iguana lay draped over a top branch. I zoomed in the lens, and was once-again amazed, at the mimic, nature can come up with.
"He's so concealed by his coloring and marks", I thought. However, Ben saw him, then I did as well. Sometimes I cover things up, put a smokescreen over them. But nothing in all of this world, including my heart, is hidden from God.
Our very thoughts are known to Him, and they are not even a surprise.
He doesn't say, "Hmmmm, imagine that, what she's thinking"....or, "Gee, look what he just did!" No news to the Lord, who knew us before we were even born (Psalm 139).
And, He loves us anyway. You may have heard this, and it is true: there is nothing you could ever do that would make God love you more, and there is nothing you could ever do that would make God love you less. He loves you. Period. Forever. Unconditionally. Just as you are. Forever and ever.
That is definitely good news. --Sally I. Kennedy
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PUSHING OR DRIVING
Have you spent much time thinking about what it means to give your life to God? As my lovely wife said the other day, "it makes your thinker, think," if you think on it!" Much of the time it seems that folks are more than willing to accept God's help when they need it, but still want to serve God on their terms! That seems a strange arrangement for people who are called to make a total commitment to the cause of Christ, (but it is one we often seem to want to make). We are happy to accept God's help and to serve him; to be involved with His work, as long as it falls within what we are willing to do.
I read an interesting little story that speaks about someone's unwillingness to go beyond what they wish to do. "The young woman sat in her stalled car, waiting for help. Finally two men walked up to her. "I'm out of gas (petrol)," she said with a big smile. "Could you push me to the fueling station?" The men ready to impress a pretty girl, put their muscles to work and began to push the car. After pushing the car for several blocks one of the men looked up, exhausted, to see that they had just passed a fueling station. "Why didn't you didn't turn in there?" he yelled. "Oh, I never go there," the girl shouted back. "You have to pump the gas yourself at that station."
So many people are fine with commitment, as long it is someone else's commitment! They are willing for the car to be pushed to the station as long as they are in the driver's seat, so to speak and even then, don't require too much of them.
In Matthew 15 Jesus is talking to some folks who claimed to be the "religious cream of the crop," the Pharisees and Scribes (teachers of the Old Testament law). In verses 7-8, Jesus tells them: "(You) Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me'." (NKJV) Jesus is talking about commitment here!
Later on in Matthew 23 he points out once again, that those who claimed to be religious leaders didn't live up to the commitment for which God calls. In verse 3 he told the people, "So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach." (NLT)
Commitment is strange thing, because most of the time it can only truly be judged by God and you, yourself. I can't judge your heart, I'm limited to judging only the things I see on the outside and often don't do a good job of that. God however knows what is really going on in your life and so do you, (Hebrews 4:12).
The question for us may be, are you in the driver's seat or pushing and letting God do the steering for your life? God wants us to let him drive! Are you willing to give up control of your life to God and let him drive? My prayer for you and myself is that we are! --Russ Lawson
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For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. --2 Corinthians 1:20
These twelve promises of God on which we can rely were listed in Our Daily Bread on January 1, 1985:
God’s Presence – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
God’s Protection – “Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward’” (Genesis 15:1).
God’s Power – “I will strengthen you...” (Isaiah 41:10).
God’s Provision – “I will...help you; I will uphold you...” (Isaiah 41:10).
God’s Leading – “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them” (John 10:4).
God’s Purposes – “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God’s Rest – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
God’s Cleansing – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
God’s Goodness – “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
God’s Faithfulness – “The Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own” (1 Samuel 12:22).
God’s Guidance – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9).
God’s Wise Plan – “All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
If you are an obedient and faithful child of God, then you can be certain He will keep all His promises (see 2 Peter 3:9)! There is assurance for your life and hope for whatever situation you may be facing in the promises of His Word!
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the promises found in His Word. --Author Unknown
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
The enemy is jamming communication signals. You will find that misunderstandings are more the rule than the exception because the devil is creating confusion in order to bring destruction and ruin to various areas of your life. Rise up and take authority over your airwaves and call forth peace and harmony. And, in the natural realm be as precise and clear in the expression and reception of ideas as you possibly can. Don't assume anything, says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
You may seem to be in a time warp when things that need to be resolved will be strangely resistant. Don't be surprised when you can see breakthrough just ahead and yet when you begin to move forward you have to wait. This unexplained anomaly will be short-lived, however, and you will be able to look back at this time and see that in truth this whole process did not take much time at all. This is simply a time of transition, and this too shall pass, says the Lord. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Come into the rest of My presence and in the assurance that the flow of My Spirit will carry you. You do not have to strive to fulfill My plans and purposes, for you cannot accomplish My will by the works of the flesh. What I have purposed will come to pass in due season. Yours is only to yield to the Spirit's gentle nudges that will keep you on course. Let Me show you the way and bring you along in perfect process, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
The powers of opposition are strong and persistent. Take this opportunity to re-evaluate your position, and when you know you are in a right place spiritually and morally, then you must allow My presence in you to make you stronger and more persistent than your enemy. Take a position of righteousness and peace as you stand on the solid foundation of faith in Christ. I have given you great and precious promises, but they may not be fulfilled as you assumed they would. Nonetheless, what I have promised will be fulfilled in your life. Do not misplace your faith by looking to the promises, but rather seek Me, says the Lord.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
The enemy has launched an attack of betrayal and conspiracy against My people. You must rise up in the realm of the Spirit and exercise the gift of discerning of spirits in order to stop and defeat this assault. Awaken to this possibility so that you do not become prey to the devil's trap. Be cautious about becoming vulnerable to those who would be kind to your face and speak evil behind your back. Do not put your trust in men, but trust only Me, says the Lord, and I will certainly reveal every plan designed by the spirit of antichrist to accuse, reject, or bring destruction.
Psalms 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
You have done everything you know to do to get past this time of trouble and transition. Now it is time to stand in faith, trusting Me to bring forth the fruit of My promise to bring you through this fire purified. All that will be consumed by the fire will be your bondages, for this fire will produce the greatest liberty that you have ever known. You must only cooperate and move with the flow of the Spirit that will bring you to spiritual freedom. Quiet your mind and be done with fantasy and presumption on every level, so that you can be completely led by My Spirit, says the Lord. Do not be afraid. Ephesians 6:11-15 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Beloved, refuse to allow your thoughts to stray from the place of abiding in Me -- pure and undefiled by worry. This abiding only comes when you seek Me first. I know all that you need, and I will indeed provide if you will keep your priorities straight both inwardly and outwardly. Know that the enemy of your soul will do all he can to get you to obsess about your circumstances and the problems that you face; his aim is to cause you to lean on the arm of flesh instead of trusting Me to bring you through by the power of My strong, right hand, says the Lord. Resist temptation! Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy––meditate on these things.
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There's Forgiveness
Don't struggle alone, in fear and distress
As if there's no hope, just your ugliness.
Our Lord offers grace, not judgment deserving,
He longs for your love and your soon returning.
There's Forgiveness
It's tough cutting through the darkness of sin
Striving for answers, His favor to win.
He stands with His arms outstretched and extended To hold and restore you, just mercy intended.
There's Forgiveness
Why search other places your answers to find
To fill the vast void and touch the divine.
Lay down your excuses and learn to confess
Your sins and your shame to His holiness.
There's Forgiveness
There's healing and fellowship waiting for you
The moment you turn, His face to pursue.
You are the temple, His place for abiding,
The only thing missing is your mind deciding.
There's Forgiveness
Don't wait for a feeling or mystical lark,
Just bow down in quietness, open your heart.
Be honest, and tell Him no secret to keep
From there He restores you to fellowship sweet.
There's Forgiveness
His promise is certain, "I will forgive,"
Cleansing and freedom, it's yours to live.
From no other source full joy will you find.
He is your victory, your peace so sublime.
There's Forgiveness
To humble yourself, before Him in prayer,
It's your first step, in unloading your care.
There look Him squarely, straight in the face
And tell Him all of the ways you disgrace.
There's Forgiveness
Refreshment and fullness He will restore
The moment you sincerely open the door.
He is the life you thought you could win,
By going your way and living in sin.
There's Forgiveness
There's no one beyond the reach of His arm
To pick up and pardon, to rescue from harm.
Return to the Master of your faith's beginning;
Give Him your all, and you'll find yourself winning.
There's Forgiveness
What wonderful love eternity holds,
For those who are willing to be in the fold.
The Savior is waiting, Oh come to Him now,
At His nail-scarred feet, in humility bow.
There's Forgiveness
--Jimmy's Safe Harbor
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DECEPTION CONNECTION
I became a Christian, and moved to my new body
The old one that I left, was really very shoddy
Once that I had moved, and everything was new
I set up my new phone line, to God I would get through!
I had long distance service, was really quite content
I could make a call, and would not spend a cent
Then the troubles started, with calls that were all lies
From a company who told me, "We are STI!"
They called to give me money, if my service I would change
"It really is quite easy, we can rearrange"
"We'll even give you money, to put our new line in"
"And our emergency number, is S and I and N!"
Well, being slightly blinded, I filled out the forms
And I received their money, this was quite the norm
I then received a phone bill, with charges they had hidden
Outraged at this I called and said "You really must be kidding!"
"No, we are not kidding", came their quick reply
"We're Satan's Telephone Industries, and we are full of lies"
"And now the month is over, and here's the bill to you"
"For each and every call, your payment now is due!"
The bill was much too high, the cost was overwhelming
They never told me twas my life, that I was surely selling
So I began to tremble, and fell down to my knees
Then God said, "We can reinstall, and there will be no fees!"
This all sounds very good I said, "That's really quite a plan"
He smiled and said "You had it once, you very silly man"
So now I have God's service, and every word is true
And if you'll simply pray my friend, He'll hook you right up too!
Jay L. Zumbrum - A Humble Servant On The Phone For God
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My God Can
I have a God can, so easy to do.
It used to hold coffee, and when it was through,
I use it to hold my petitions and such,
To a God I hold dear who loves me so much!
When I have a problem, I write it and say,
Dear Lord, it is your will and not mine today.
I fold it and place it inside of this can,
No longer mine, it's in God's Divine Plan.
My prayers are all answered in His loving way.
I'm grateful to have Him in my life today!
I know that this might sound quite silly to some.
But I know the answer to my prayers have come,
I believe in my God can and that's how I know,
When it goes in that can, it's time to let go.
The relief that I feel when I do it this way,
Helps me feel so peaceful and happy today!
Sharlett Hunt 2/22/03
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LEARNING TO LIVE PATIENTLY
Rejoice when I run into problems?
Know trials are good for me?
Things like that aren"t easy~
Learning to live patiently.
Growing in grace is a process.
Developing character hurts.
Becoming more Christ-like in all things
Is an everyday process called work.
But if I have faith it is possible.
Faith knowing God loves and cares~
That burdens and trials
He also feels and shares.
--Author Unknown
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3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6-7
2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Making One's Calling and Election Sure
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2-10
"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." I Peter 3:13-15
19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:19-25
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:5-18
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Trust Jesus
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Why worry when we can pray, always
Recently Renee McGowan broke her foot. She was expecting a child at the time, and travel became more difficult. But just then it became necessary for her to make an extended road trip to care for family and property. Her mother was unwell, and Renee faced some difficult choices. Rolling down the highway, she found herself consumed with worry; but just then she saw a phrase someone had written by running their finger through the dirt and dust on the back of a large truck. It said simply: "Trust Jesus!" She felt it was a message for her, and her mind went to a little John W. Peterson song she had known years ago: "Why worry when you can pray? Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay!" The Bible says that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). The difference between faith and failure is focus, and the difference between worry and worship is trust.
Why worry when we can pray?
Don't be a doubting Thomas; trust fully in His promise. Why worry, worry, worry, worry, when you can pray? --John W. Peterson
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When You're Tired of Walking Alone
While I was speaking at a conference, our hosts gave my wife and me a picturesque cabin to stay in, right on the side of this beautiful mountain. I was unusually motivated to get my exercise there, because it involved hiking up this scenic mountain all the way to the top. As I headed back down and neared our cabin, I had this notion that it would be nice to make the last stretch a romantic walk with my honey. There's a song I used to whistle to her outside her dorm window when we were in college and we were engaged - a song we later had sung at our wedding. It starts with the words, "Because you come to me." Lapsing into romantic mode, I started whistling our song. Little did I know my wife wasn't there! No one came. I walked alone.
Let's face it. Life is actually like that sometimes. There are times when you really want - you really need - someone to walk with you, and there's no one there. Either they won't or they can't. Sometimes people who care about us would like to walk with us through what we're going through, but they just can't; they don't understand, they don't know how to help, they're too busy with their own issues, or they're just not there for any one of a hundred reasons. Maybe as you're listening today, you're just tired of walking alone.
What I'm about to say may sound too good to be true, but I wouldn't offer you false hope. You don't ever have to walk alone again. The reason that is not just a hollow hope is because it doesn't depend on the love of some human who may be there or may not be. It depends on the love of the God who made you - who is always there.
Listen to the ironclad promise of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 13:5. It's our word for today from the Word of God. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." He says never. He's offering you a "never leave you" love. Some of Jesus' last words on earth to those who belong to Him are these: "Surely I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). After listing every conceivable force on earth, or in heaven, or in hell that might take His love away, Romans 8:39 says: "Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
No loopholes. No conceivable situation in which you will find Jesus and His love not there. But experiencing His love isn't automatic. In fact, the Bible explains that the central reason for our loneliness and our aloneness is that we're living outside of God's love. We're like the earth deciding to leave the orbit it was created for, revolving around the sun, to just go off on its own. All life would cease, of course. We've decided to run our own life instead of living for the One who gave us our life, and we're out of the orbit we were created for. The Bible describes us as being "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Our loneliness is ultimately cosmic loneliness. We're lonely for God.
But He loves you so much He wasn't willing to lose you, so He sent Jesus. That's His one and only Son, and He sent Him to die for the sin that separates you from Him. So He could forgive you, so you could live in His love, so you could be in heaven with Him forever. And now that love is working inside your heart, drawing you His direction. This can't be a one-way love. You have to open up to what He died to give you, by telling Him that you're placing the rest of your life in His hands; hands that bear eternal evidence of His love for you. You can tell when you see the print of the nails there.
If you're ready to make that move, to finally experience this love you've spent your whole life looking for, would you tell Him that. With Jesus in your life, will you ever feel lonely again? Sure you will. There'll be lonely times, but you'll never be alone again. You have His word on it.
To find out how you can begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please visit: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 .
--Ron Hutchcraft
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O my God, relying on Thy promises, I hope that, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, Thou wilt grant me pardon of my sins, and the graces necessary to serve Thee in this life
and to obtain eternal happiness in the next. Amen
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 23
Laws of Justice and Mercy
1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. 2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. 4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it. 6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. 8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. 9 "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.
Sabbath Laws
10 "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12 "Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed. 13 "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.
The Three Annual Festivals
14 "Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. 15 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. 16 "Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. "Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. 17 "Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD. 18 "Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast. "The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning. 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk.
God's Angel to Prepare the Way
20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. 25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 27 "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. 31 "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the River. I will hand over to you the people who live in the land and you will drive them out before you. 32 Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. 33 Do not let them live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you."
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A Meditation on the Lord's Prayer by Walter Russell Bowie
Our Father, who art in heaven. - Help me to believe this day that there is a power to lift me up which is stronger than all the things that hold me down.
Hallowed be Thy Name. - Help me to be sensitive to what is beautiful, and responsive to what is good, so that day by day I may grow more sure of the holiness of life in which I want to trust.
Thy Kingdom come, - Help me to be quick to see, and ready to encourage, whatever brings the better meaning of God into that which otherwise might be the common round of the uninspired day.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. - Help me to believe that the ideals of the spirit are not a far-off dream, but a power to command loyalty and direct my life here on our real earth.
Give us this day our daily bread. - Open the way for me to earn an honest living without anxiety; but let me never forget the needs of others, and make me want only that benefit for myself which will also be their gain.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. - Make me patient and sympathetic with the shortcomings of others, especially of those I love; and keep me sternly watchful only of my own. Let me never grow hard with the unconscious cruelty of those who measure themselves by mean standards, and so think they have excelled. Keep my
eyes lifted to the highest, so that I may be forgiving, because I know how much there is of which I need to be forgiven.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Let me not go carelessly this day within the reach of any evil I cannot resist, but if in the path of duty I must go where temptation is, give me strength of spirit to meet it without fear.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen
Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 . Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.
"Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.
"Never doubt in the darkness, what God has shown you in the light."
The Lord can clear the darkest skies
Can give us day for night.
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise
To rivers of delight.
--Isaac Watts
No matter how long we have been away from God, He is ready to hear from us and restore us to a right relationship.
It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.
No matter how unfair life may seem, God offers hope in its darkest hours.
Keep conscious contact with God and pray to make that contact closer.
No matter where we go, God is there.
Even in our darkest despair, God shines a light of hope.
When we listen to God, we receive guidance that will show us how to help others.
Once we repent, God begins a process of renewal in our lives.
Just as God guides us in our deciding, God helps us in our doing.
Christ can bring peace to a troubled heart.
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Faith As A Grain Of Mustard Seed!
And the Lord said, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Luke 17:6 KJV
I would like to talk a little today about faith. It is something we as Christians deal with constantly in our day by day walk with the Lord. Just what is faith? The Bible talks a great deal about it; in fact, there is a whole chapter in Hebrews devoted to faith. I'll start with what my dictionary says about it and then we shall dig a little deeper.
Faith (1) confidence or trust in a person or thing, (2) belief which is not based on proof, (3) belief in God or the doctrines and teachings (The Bible) then trust in God and His promises as made through Jesus Christ and the scriptures by which man is justified or saved.
I'm sure you, like I, have heard many sermons on faith and read many devotions and or books that have been written on the subject but it still remains one precept that is very difficult to get our minds and hearts to understand. On the one hand we believe the statement above stated by our Lord as fact without a doubt, but on the other hand do we really believe you or I could say to a tree: Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Does this mean that we have no faith? Or maybe we just don't understand the scripture? Let's go one verse back to verse 5 --- the apostles had just asked the Lord to increase their faith. Was the Lord trying to show them that they could do wonders much beyond what they could do now? Nothing that was fit to be done for the glory of God and the confirmation of the doctrine they preached would be too hard for them. With God nothing is impossible, so are all things possible to him that can believe by faith?
Two things stand out to me: First, that nothing would be too hard to do if done for the glory of God and confirms the doctrine we have been given. Second, there must be the God given faith to accomplish the impossible by the God who makes all things possible.
Mainly due to the culture we are raised in, carnal man today has a very difficult time understanding these things. The world today requires us to accept only those things which we can see, hear and touch. If we don't have physical proof then we will not accept by faith it can be true. The apostles on the other hand walked with the Master, witnessed the miracles and understood everything must be done to bring glory to God. And, of course, were given by God the faith to accomplish miracles that proved the doctrine they were preaching.
Does this mean that I believe that miracles could be accomplished today? Yes, if in God's plan for my life He increased my faith to perform something that would bring Him glory and prove the doctrine He gave me to preach then yes, I believe.
There is one other very important factor involved here. Faith requires action on our part. We must put our feet into motion and act upon our faith. Let me give you a couple of examples.
Luke 8:43-48 KJV 43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45And Jesus said,who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? 46And Jesus said, somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
The woman knew Jesus was the Messiah sent from God and put her faith into action, then was rewarded for her faith.
Matthew 15:22-28 KJV 22And, behold, a woman of Canaan (Gentile) came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26But he answered and said; it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Notice how this woman put her faith into action? There are many more examples like when Jesus called the apostles to follow Him. They immediately left everything --- their families, possessions and their entire life to follow the Master by faith.
It is when you and I put our faith into action that we find God has given us the faith to accomplish His plan and bring glory to Him. This is how we go from "head knowledge" to "heart knowledge." We put our faith into action and use our lives to bring Him glory.
Understanding God's word to us is a key to finding His will for our lives. When you have 'searched the scriptures' and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth then you will find your path and with your faith put into action God will lead you into doing the things that bring Him glory.
God wants you to know of His unfailing love for you and His desire to give you an abundant life but it's you who must submit your life to Him and go from having "head knowledge" about Him to having "heart knowledge" and putting that "heart knowledge" into action so He can increase your faith. --Bob Goulding
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Beyond Our Abilities
When we feel inadequate and insufficient, it is a good thing because it reminds us of our weaknesses and that we must depend upon the LORD to work in our lives so that we are able to do what He has called us to do.
Each of us have not truly faced our inadequacies until we accept a call from the LORD that our flesh says no to, but our Spirit knows we must go forward with in order to obey the LORD. When I see my abilities, compared to what Christ can do through me, I am ashamed that I’ve ever tried to do anything for Christ on my own. And believe me, I’ve done plenty of that!
It is beyond my own abilities to live by the Word. My flesh wants to live by common sense, man made plans, ways that others tell me is right and ways that seem right in my own eyes and ways that make me just like everyone else in the world. Not necessarily sinful or wrong ways, but ways that are my ways. To prevent me from living my life for myself, I have to search the Word of God for challenging direction that is always contrary to the flesh. At first, I want to pull away from what the Word might be showing me, and telling me. Honestly, this is where most of us find it easy to shy away from the LORD. However, if we press in more and overcome the struggle with our flesh and pour ourselves more into the presence and power of Christ, then we find no greater reward than His true presence.
The struggle comes from our flesh and the devil. But the Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors in Christ. We can rise above the struggle and press into Christ and when we do we discover that He enables us to operate beyond our own abilities. My flesh will not allow me to love my enemies. But when I read the Word and Jesus says, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28), I am empowered by Jesus to love those who mistreat me.
It is not that much of a struggle to teach Sunday school, sing in the choir or play on the church volley ball team. But it is a struggle to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
It is not a struggle to meet with the guys at church over a sausage and pancake breakfast, but it is a struggle to be a man of God and lead by example. But these are not impossible struggles because the Holy Spirit will go before us.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(Ephesians 6:12).
Dear Heavenly Father, give us strength to push through the struggle against the flesh and demonic forces and press into Your presence so that we can enjoy such a great reward! In Jesus’ Mighty Name, AMEN! --David L. Burns
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A Lasting Impression
"Jimmy, look at the impression you left in the sand," the man said to his son. "Daddy, what's a 'pression'?" the young child asked. "That's 'impression,'" Jimmy. "The spot where you were lying on the sand sunk in around your body and when you got up, it was there. Your feet do the same thing. They leave footprints." "Oh, but you can't see my face," Jimmy replied. "No, because you were lying on your back. It's like the impression you put in Mr. Johnson's new cement sidewalks." "You mean my hand print?" "Yes, but you also left another kind of impression. An impression on his mind." "Mr. Johnson's brain is made of sand?" His father laughed and then leaned over for one of those "parental moments." "No, you left an impression on his memory. It's called a bad impression. When you do something to someone, you leave them with a bad memory. Every time he walks out the door, he sees your hand print there in that first step. I'm sure he remembers you daily." "Well, Daddy. I was trying to do something good. I did that so he would see me waving 'Hi' every morning." His Dad tried not to laugh. He didn't want Jimmy to think it was okay to do what he did. "So, my impression will stay here on the beach forever, too?" "No, it will be gone in the morning." "Who's going to take it?" "Well, God washes the beach every night so the next day, we can do it again. It's like God's big drawing board. He likes to see our artwork." Jimmy sat for a minute and then suddenly ran to get his bigger shovel and pail. "Where are you going?" "Up here where the water can't take it away," Jimmy said. His dad watched from a distance as he saw Jimmy draw a great big circle-like figure in the sand. Then after a few minutes, Jimmy yelled to him. "Daddy, how do you spell 'loves'?" "L-o-v-e-s!" Finally, out of curiosity, his dad got up and stood nearby. There in the sand was a huge heart-like circle with these words: "God Lovs Yo." Not wanting to spoil the moment, Dad didn't bother to correct his spelling. "That's beautiful, Jimmy!" "Oh, wait a minute," Jimmy said. He rushed over and placed his hand in the lower right corner and pushed down. "There, I'm waving to God and Mr. Johnson. There's my hand impression, Daddy." The two of them stood there for a moment admiring his handiwork. "Daddy, I wanted everyone to know that God loves them. Do you think God will leave this one alone?" "Jimmy, even God needs 'a little hand' to remind us." "I get it, Daddy!" --Bob Perks
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CAMOUFLAGE
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Hebrews 4:13
We were on the back porch. A holiday morning, not much stirring yet. I was slowly waking, cradling my steaming coffee mug, when my husband asked, "Do you see what's in the tree there?"
I strained to look, and all I saw was healthy, green fronds. I noticed how tall the coconut palm was getting. But I didn't see what he was talking about.
"Sit here", he said. "There's something blocking your view over there."
Perfectly camouflaged, the iguana lay draped over a top branch. I zoomed in the lens, and was once-again amazed, at the mimic, nature can come up with.
"He's so concealed by his coloring and marks", I thought. However, Ben saw him, then I did as well. Sometimes I cover things up, put a smokescreen over them. But nothing in all of this world, including my heart, is hidden from God.
Our very thoughts are known to Him, and they are not even a surprise.
He doesn't say, "Hmmmm, imagine that, what she's thinking"....or, "Gee, look what he just did!" No news to the Lord, who knew us before we were even born (Psalm 139).
And, He loves us anyway. You may have heard this, and it is true: there is nothing you could ever do that would make God love you more, and there is nothing you could ever do that would make God love you less. He loves you. Period. Forever. Unconditionally. Just as you are. Forever and ever.
That is definitely good news. --Sally I. Kennedy
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PUSHING OR DRIVING
Have you spent much time thinking about what it means to give your life to God? As my lovely wife said the other day, "it makes your thinker, think," if you think on it!" Much of the time it seems that folks are more than willing to accept God's help when they need it, but still want to serve God on their terms! That seems a strange arrangement for people who are called to make a total commitment to the cause of Christ, (but it is one we often seem to want to make). We are happy to accept God's help and to serve him; to be involved with His work, as long as it falls within what we are willing to do.
I read an interesting little story that speaks about someone's unwillingness to go beyond what they wish to do. "The young woman sat in her stalled car, waiting for help. Finally two men walked up to her. "I'm out of gas (petrol)," she said with a big smile. "Could you push me to the fueling station?" The men ready to impress a pretty girl, put their muscles to work and began to push the car. After pushing the car for several blocks one of the men looked up, exhausted, to see that they had just passed a fueling station. "Why didn't you didn't turn in there?" he yelled. "Oh, I never go there," the girl shouted back. "You have to pump the gas yourself at that station."
So many people are fine with commitment, as long it is someone else's commitment! They are willing for the car to be pushed to the station as long as they are in the driver's seat, so to speak and even then, don't require too much of them.
In Matthew 15 Jesus is talking to some folks who claimed to be the "religious cream of the crop," the Pharisees and Scribes (teachers of the Old Testament law). In verses 7-8, Jesus tells them: "(You) Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me'." (NKJV) Jesus is talking about commitment here!
Later on in Matthew 23 he points out once again, that those who claimed to be religious leaders didn't live up to the commitment for which God calls. In verse 3 he told the people, "So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach." (NLT)
Commitment is strange thing, because most of the time it can only truly be judged by God and you, yourself. I can't judge your heart, I'm limited to judging only the things I see on the outside and often don't do a good job of that. God however knows what is really going on in your life and so do you, (Hebrews 4:12).
The question for us may be, are you in the driver's seat or pushing and letting God do the steering for your life? God wants us to let him drive! Are you willing to give up control of your life to God and let him drive? My prayer for you and myself is that we are! --Russ Lawson
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For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. --2 Corinthians 1:20
These twelve promises of God on which we can rely were listed in Our Daily Bread on January 1, 1985:
God’s Presence – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
God’s Protection – “Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward’” (Genesis 15:1).
God’s Power – “I will strengthen you...” (Isaiah 41:10).
God’s Provision – “I will...help you; I will uphold you...” (Isaiah 41:10).
God’s Leading – “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them” (John 10:4).
God’s Purposes – “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God’s Rest – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
God’s Cleansing – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
God’s Goodness – “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
God’s Faithfulness – “The Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own” (1 Samuel 12:22).
God’s Guidance – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9).
God’s Wise Plan – “All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
If you are an obedient and faithful child of God, then you can be certain He will keep all His promises (see 2 Peter 3:9)! There is assurance for your life and hope for whatever situation you may be facing in the promises of His Word!
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the promises found in His Word. --Author Unknown
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
The enemy is jamming communication signals. You will find that misunderstandings are more the rule than the exception because the devil is creating confusion in order to bring destruction and ruin to various areas of your life. Rise up and take authority over your airwaves and call forth peace and harmony. And, in the natural realm be as precise and clear in the expression and reception of ideas as you possibly can. Don't assume anything, says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
You may seem to be in a time warp when things that need to be resolved will be strangely resistant. Don't be surprised when you can see breakthrough just ahead and yet when you begin to move forward you have to wait. This unexplained anomaly will be short-lived, however, and you will be able to look back at this time and see that in truth this whole process did not take much time at all. This is simply a time of transition, and this too shall pass, says the Lord. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Come into the rest of My presence and in the assurance that the flow of My Spirit will carry you. You do not have to strive to fulfill My plans and purposes, for you cannot accomplish My will by the works of the flesh. What I have purposed will come to pass in due season. Yours is only to yield to the Spirit's gentle nudges that will keep you on course. Let Me show you the way and bring you along in perfect process, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
The powers of opposition are strong and persistent. Take this opportunity to re-evaluate your position, and when you know you are in a right place spiritually and morally, then you must allow My presence in you to make you stronger and more persistent than your enemy. Take a position of righteousness and peace as you stand on the solid foundation of faith in Christ. I have given you great and precious promises, but they may not be fulfilled as you assumed they would. Nonetheless, what I have promised will be fulfilled in your life. Do not misplace your faith by looking to the promises, but rather seek Me, says the Lord.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
The enemy has launched an attack of betrayal and conspiracy against My people. You must rise up in the realm of the Spirit and exercise the gift of discerning of spirits in order to stop and defeat this assault. Awaken to this possibility so that you do not become prey to the devil's trap. Be cautious about becoming vulnerable to those who would be kind to your face and speak evil behind your back. Do not put your trust in men, but trust only Me, says the Lord, and I will certainly reveal every plan designed by the spirit of antichrist to accuse, reject, or bring destruction.
Psalms 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
You have done everything you know to do to get past this time of trouble and transition. Now it is time to stand in faith, trusting Me to bring forth the fruit of My promise to bring you through this fire purified. All that will be consumed by the fire will be your bondages, for this fire will produce the greatest liberty that you have ever known. You must only cooperate and move with the flow of the Spirit that will bring you to spiritual freedom. Quiet your mind and be done with fantasy and presumption on every level, so that you can be completely led by My Spirit, says the Lord. Do not be afraid. Ephesians 6:11-15 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Beloved, refuse to allow your thoughts to stray from the place of abiding in Me -- pure and undefiled by worry. This abiding only comes when you seek Me first. I know all that you need, and I will indeed provide if you will keep your priorities straight both inwardly and outwardly. Know that the enemy of your soul will do all he can to get you to obsess about your circumstances and the problems that you face; his aim is to cause you to lean on the arm of flesh instead of trusting Me to bring you through by the power of My strong, right hand, says the Lord. Resist temptation! Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy––meditate on these things.
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There's Forgiveness
Don't struggle alone, in fear and distress
As if there's no hope, just your ugliness.
Our Lord offers grace, not judgment deserving,
He longs for your love and your soon returning.
There's Forgiveness
It's tough cutting through the darkness of sin
Striving for answers, His favor to win.
He stands with His arms outstretched and extended To hold and restore you, just mercy intended.
There's Forgiveness
Why search other places your answers to find
To fill the vast void and touch the divine.
Lay down your excuses and learn to confess
Your sins and your shame to His holiness.
There's Forgiveness
There's healing and fellowship waiting for you
The moment you turn, His face to pursue.
You are the temple, His place for abiding,
The only thing missing is your mind deciding.
There's Forgiveness
Don't wait for a feeling or mystical lark,
Just bow down in quietness, open your heart.
Be honest, and tell Him no secret to keep
From there He restores you to fellowship sweet.
There's Forgiveness
His promise is certain, "I will forgive,"
Cleansing and freedom, it's yours to live.
From no other source full joy will you find.
He is your victory, your peace so sublime.
There's Forgiveness
To humble yourself, before Him in prayer,
It's your first step, in unloading your care.
There look Him squarely, straight in the face
And tell Him all of the ways you disgrace.
There's Forgiveness
Refreshment and fullness He will restore
The moment you sincerely open the door.
He is the life you thought you could win,
By going your way and living in sin.
There's Forgiveness
There's no one beyond the reach of His arm
To pick up and pardon, to rescue from harm.
Return to the Master of your faith's beginning;
Give Him your all, and you'll find yourself winning.
There's Forgiveness
What wonderful love eternity holds,
For those who are willing to be in the fold.
The Savior is waiting, Oh come to Him now,
At His nail-scarred feet, in humility bow.
There's Forgiveness
--Jimmy's Safe Harbor
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DECEPTION CONNECTION
I became a Christian, and moved to my new body
The old one that I left, was really very shoddy
Once that I had moved, and everything was new
I set up my new phone line, to God I would get through!
I had long distance service, was really quite content
I could make a call, and would not spend a cent
Then the troubles started, with calls that were all lies
From a company who told me, "We are STI!"
They called to give me money, if my service I would change
"It really is quite easy, we can rearrange"
"We'll even give you money, to put our new line in"
"And our emergency number, is S and I and N!"
Well, being slightly blinded, I filled out the forms
And I received their money, this was quite the norm
I then received a phone bill, with charges they had hidden
Outraged at this I called and said "You really must be kidding!"
"No, we are not kidding", came their quick reply
"We're Satan's Telephone Industries, and we are full of lies"
"And now the month is over, and here's the bill to you"
"For each and every call, your payment now is due!"
The bill was much too high, the cost was overwhelming
They never told me twas my life, that I was surely selling
So I began to tremble, and fell down to my knees
Then God said, "We can reinstall, and there will be no fees!"
This all sounds very good I said, "That's really quite a plan"
He smiled and said "You had it once, you very silly man"
So now I have God's service, and every word is true
And if you'll simply pray my friend, He'll hook you right up too!
Jay L. Zumbrum - A Humble Servant On The Phone For God
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My God Can
I have a God can, so easy to do.
It used to hold coffee, and when it was through,
I use it to hold my petitions and such,
To a God I hold dear who loves me so much!
When I have a problem, I write it and say,
Dear Lord, it is your will and not mine today.
I fold it and place it inside of this can,
No longer mine, it's in God's Divine Plan.
My prayers are all answered in His loving way.
I'm grateful to have Him in my life today!
I know that this might sound quite silly to some.
But I know the answer to my prayers have come,
I believe in my God can and that's how I know,
When it goes in that can, it's time to let go.
The relief that I feel when I do it this way,
Helps me feel so peaceful and happy today!
Sharlett Hunt 2/22/03
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LEARNING TO LIVE PATIENTLY
Rejoice when I run into problems?
Know trials are good for me?
Things like that aren"t easy~
Learning to live patiently.
Growing in grace is a process.
Developing character hurts.
Becoming more Christ-like in all things
Is an everyday process called work.
But if I have faith it is possible.
Faith knowing God loves and cares~
That burdens and trials
He also feels and shares.
--Author Unknown
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3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6-7
2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Making One's Calling and Election Sure
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2-10
"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." I Peter 3:13-15
19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:19-25
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:5-18
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Trust Jesus
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Why worry when we can pray, always
Recently Renee McGowan broke her foot. She was expecting a child at the time, and travel became more difficult. But just then it became necessary for her to make an extended road trip to care for family and property. Her mother was unwell, and Renee faced some difficult choices. Rolling down the highway, she found herself consumed with worry; but just then she saw a phrase someone had written by running their finger through the dirt and dust on the back of a large truck. It said simply: "Trust Jesus!" She felt it was a message for her, and her mind went to a little John W. Peterson song she had known years ago: "Why worry when you can pray? Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay!" The Bible says that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). The difference between faith and failure is focus, and the difference between worry and worship is trust.
Why worry when we can pray?
Don't be a doubting Thomas; trust fully in His promise. Why worry, worry, worry, worry, when you can pray? --John W. Peterson
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When You're Tired of Walking Alone
While I was speaking at a conference, our hosts gave my wife and me a picturesque cabin to stay in, right on the side of this beautiful mountain. I was unusually motivated to get my exercise there, because it involved hiking up this scenic mountain all the way to the top. As I headed back down and neared our cabin, I had this notion that it would be nice to make the last stretch a romantic walk with my honey. There's a song I used to whistle to her outside her dorm window when we were in college and we were engaged - a song we later had sung at our wedding. It starts with the words, "Because you come to me." Lapsing into romantic mode, I started whistling our song. Little did I know my wife wasn't there! No one came. I walked alone.
Let's face it. Life is actually like that sometimes. There are times when you really want - you really need - someone to walk with you, and there's no one there. Either they won't or they can't. Sometimes people who care about us would like to walk with us through what we're going through, but they just can't; they don't understand, they don't know how to help, they're too busy with their own issues, or they're just not there for any one of a hundred reasons. Maybe as you're listening today, you're just tired of walking alone.
What I'm about to say may sound too good to be true, but I wouldn't offer you false hope. You don't ever have to walk alone again. The reason that is not just a hollow hope is because it doesn't depend on the love of some human who may be there or may not be. It depends on the love of the God who made you - who is always there.
Listen to the ironclad promise of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 13:5. It's our word for today from the Word of God. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." He says never. He's offering you a "never leave you" love. Some of Jesus' last words on earth to those who belong to Him are these: "Surely I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). After listing every conceivable force on earth, or in heaven, or in hell that might take His love away, Romans 8:39 says: "Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
No loopholes. No conceivable situation in which you will find Jesus and His love not there. But experiencing His love isn't automatic. In fact, the Bible explains that the central reason for our loneliness and our aloneness is that we're living outside of God's love. We're like the earth deciding to leave the orbit it was created for, revolving around the sun, to just go off on its own. All life would cease, of course. We've decided to run our own life instead of living for the One who gave us our life, and we're out of the orbit we were created for. The Bible describes us as being "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Our loneliness is ultimately cosmic loneliness. We're lonely for God.
But He loves you so much He wasn't willing to lose you, so He sent Jesus. That's His one and only Son, and He sent Him to die for the sin that separates you from Him. So He could forgive you, so you could live in His love, so you could be in heaven with Him forever. And now that love is working inside your heart, drawing you His direction. This can't be a one-way love. You have to open up to what He died to give you, by telling Him that you're placing the rest of your life in His hands; hands that bear eternal evidence of His love for you. You can tell when you see the print of the nails there.
If you're ready to make that move, to finally experience this love you've spent your whole life looking for, would you tell Him that. With Jesus in your life, will you ever feel lonely again? Sure you will. There'll be lonely times, but you'll never be alone again. You have His word on it.
To find out how you can begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please visit: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 .
--Ron Hutchcraft
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O my God, relying on Thy promises, I hope that, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, Thou wilt grant me pardon of my sins, and the graces necessary to serve Thee in this life
and to obtain eternal happiness in the next. Amen
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 23
Laws of Justice and Mercy
1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. 2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. 4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it. 6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. 8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. 9 "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.
Sabbath Laws
10 "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12 "Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed. 13 "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.
The Three Annual Festivals
14 "Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. 15 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. 16 "Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. "Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. 17 "Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD. 18 "Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast. "The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning. 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk.
God's Angel to Prepare the Way
20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. 25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 27 "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. 31 "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the River. I will hand over to you the people who live in the land and you will drive them out before you. 32 Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. 33 Do not let them live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you."
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A Meditation on the Lord's Prayer by Walter Russell Bowie
Our Father, who art in heaven. - Help me to believe this day that there is a power to lift me up which is stronger than all the things that hold me down.
Hallowed be Thy Name. - Help me to be sensitive to what is beautiful, and responsive to what is good, so that day by day I may grow more sure of the holiness of life in which I want to trust.
Thy Kingdom come, - Help me to be quick to see, and ready to encourage, whatever brings the better meaning of God into that which otherwise might be the common round of the uninspired day.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. - Help me to believe that the ideals of the spirit are not a far-off dream, but a power to command loyalty and direct my life here on our real earth.
Give us this day our daily bread. - Open the way for me to earn an honest living without anxiety; but let me never forget the needs of others, and make me want only that benefit for myself which will also be their gain.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. - Make me patient and sympathetic with the shortcomings of others, especially of those I love; and keep me sternly watchful only of my own. Let me never grow hard with the unconscious cruelty of those who measure themselves by mean standards, and so think they have excelled. Keep my
eyes lifted to the highest, so that I may be forgiving, because I know how much there is of which I need to be forgiven.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Let me not go carelessly this day within the reach of any evil I cannot resist, but if in the path of duty I must go where temptation is, give me strength of spirit to meet it without fear.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen
Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95 . Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.