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04-17-2008, 07:14 PM
God alone is our ultimate source of healing.
Nothing we do for God is ever wasted.
What is God doing in your life? He is making you into the image of Jesus Christ. God has predestined you to be like Jesus. That's a long road for most of us. Along the way tragedies come and there are many setbacks. But God is determined and will not be set aside. --Ray Stedman
One act of kindness may teach more about the love of God than many sermons.
Only God can bring true peace.
Pray not for a life free from trouble, but for triumph over trouble.
Pray that our will be laid aside and that God's will direct us.
Pray that we may trust God to answer our prayers as He sees fit and that we may be content with whatever form that answer takes.
Only God can give us a change of heart.
Only God really knows what path is best for each of us as we go through the storms of life.
God calls us to care for others.
God's unfailing power is available to us when we choose to give ourselves to God's purposes.
God wants to be part of our lives every day, in our small and large concerns.
Be patient. God is not finished with any of us yet.
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Ideas for How To Start Your Day
Spend some time with God in the morning, at least for five or ten minutes, first thing. You'll find you haven't spent time but that you've "invested" your time. That little investment everyday will bring you get great returns. If you do this, your time will be multiplied. Ideas you might not normally have... will now be available to you.
Most of my great stories and ideas (like today's) come to me during this time in the morning.
You can pray. Pray for a great day, a great attitude and a growing faith. Then thank God for a great day, a great attitude and HIS gift of love for you. Honor God and God will honor you. Take 5 minutes, grab the book that you keep next to your bed (your Bible) and read some scripture.
Turn On The Lights. A Harvard study concluded that there is a link between light exposure and the part of the brain that is thought to control attention, focus and energy production. So, turn on the lights… all of them: Bedroom, bathroom, hall, kitchen, and living room lights, turn them on. Wake up and energize your mind.
Get at least five minutes of physical activity. Jump start your body, mind and metabolism with a few minutes of activity.
If you don't have the time in the morning, make the time. Get up earlier. Develop discipline. To wake up earlier is a pattern that will soon enrich you, your life and your faith. You'll be less tired than if you had hit the snooze button!
In the morning, God is especially close to you, in those quiet moments, in those moments before your day has begun, this is the time when God desires to be with us. In your solitude you can reach out and feel HIS love in the adventure that we call life. --Tim’s Inspiration
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His Calm Within The Storm
Waiting for God's direction and blessing can be a great test of our faith, but waiting on God for our rescue can be an even greater challenge.
There are three great storms detailed in the New Testament. The first occurred when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples. Jesus was asleep when the storm began, and the disciples became afraid and woke Him: "Lord save us! We're going to drown!" (Matthew 8:25). Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear and proceeded to calm the storm; "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).
The second storm occurred immediately after the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. This time, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea by themselves. When the storm rose up, Jesus went out to meet them...walking on the water. As Jesus again calmed the storm, He spoke the same message against fear; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).
The last storm occurred about thirty years after Jesus was crucified. Paul had proclaimed the gospel through much of the Roman empire and was being transported by boat to stand trial in Rome. A storm arose which blew the ship terribly off course. The ship was battered and tossed for several days; "We finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20).
It must have been difficult to trust God's timing as the storm continued through the many long days and sleepless nights. But as hope was fading away, God sent an angel to Paul with a familiar message.
"Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid.'" (Acts 27:23-24)
There may be times when our ability to trust is severely tested. But our faith in God - in His ability to hold us secure - must be independent of the force of the wind. Though the winds may blow, we remain in His hands and must not fear; "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, but even if He does not..." (Daniel 3:17-18).
Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm. Have a Christ Centered Day! --Steve Troxel
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Nothing But Goodness Comes From The Lord
"The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him." Psalm 92:15 (NLT)
Difficult times come, right? We all have them, sometimes we cause them and sometimes they are merely circumstances the Lord, in His providence and wisdom, has ordained that we should endure and by which we might bless others. When those times come, the Christ-follower, looks to Him and closes ranks with the Lord. Soldiers in a dangerous place take strategic positions where each can see the other and all can see the leader without the slightest possibility of mistaking a command.
When doubts are attacking you, prayer is the source of power that will draw you closer to the Savior. When fears begin creeping into your perimeter, then you can shed the light of God's peace and unconditional love as you ask God to fill you with both to shine out in His name. Since God is filled with goodness, then THAT is exactly what He will fill you with when the need arises.
No matter what the difficulty, no matter how stressful the trial, no matter how painful the heartache you may be experiencing, take it to the Lord just now and receive, in exchange, enough peace to get you through the moment, the hour, the day.
When the resource runs low, go back for more, there will always be plenty. "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you (Matt. 7:7).
"Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united with the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace." Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT --Dan Elliott
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CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
It was a particularly tough football game, and nerves were on edge. The home team had been the victim of three or four close calls, and they were now trailing the visitors by a touchdown and a field goal. When the official called yet another close one in the visitors' favor, the home quarterback blew his top.
"How many times can you do this to us in a single game?" he screamed. "You were wrong on the out-of-bounds call, you were wrong on that last holding call, and you failed to say anything about a late hit in the first quarter."
The official just stared. The quarterback seethed, but he tried to suppress language that might get him tossed out of the game. "What it comes down to," he bellowed, "is that YOU STINK!"
The official stared a few more seconds. Then he bent down, picked up the ball, paced off 15 yards, and put the ball down. He turned to face the steaming quarterback. "And how do I smell from here?" he asked.
There are so many times when it is hard to "bite the tongue" and say nothing. The urge to say "something" seems so overpowering that the words sometimes erupt before we have a chance to think them through.
Unfortunately, those words have consequences. The minor offenses result in 15-yard penalties. The more serious offenses result in years of regret and heartache, or perhaps broken relationships that take years to rebuild. No wonder James had such strong words of praise concerning the person who is always able to control what he says (James 3:2).
"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." (Prov. 17:27-28)
May your words today be few, calm, and carefully thought out. --Alan Smith
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Full House
There are many rooms in my Father's house. -John 14:2
Each perch at the birdfeeder was full as I glanced out my window this morning. "Full house", I thought... glad I filled it up!
Some restaurants also experience a full house, especially on weekends. "Sorry," they will say, "reservations are full." This can be a discouraging situation, especially if you are planning a celebration. Football stadiums may have a full house for game weekends, though it is referred to as a sell out crowd. Being turned away at the gate can be an disappointing situation.
There is a house which is never full, for there is room for all in this particular one. Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly." (John 14:2) What a promise!
There will always be room for you and me or all of God's children in His house. No short supply of places to abide, and it is for eternity. That is the good news, and I am thankful for it! --Marion Smith
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Job 10:1 (KJV) 1 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
My soul is weary of my life The margin here is, Or," cut off while I live." The meaning in the margin is in accordance with the interpretation of Schultens. The Chaldee also renders it in a similar way: my soul is cut off. But the more correct interpretation is that in our common version; and the sense is, that his soul, that is, that he himself was disgusted with life. It was a weary burden, and he wished to die.
I will leave my complaint upon myself – No yes, "I will give myself up to complaint." Dr. Good, "I will let loose from myself my dark thoughts." The literal sense is, "I will leave complaint upon myself;" that is, I will give way to it; I will not restrain it; compare Job 7:11.
Are you weary in your task to serve the Lord? Life can be tough at times and if we are not prepared for the circumstances they can overtake us. Our dependence on Christ makes the difference on how we face tomorrow’s task. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart.
2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV) As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
2 Kings 18:22 (KJV) But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?
Psalms 18:2 (KJV) The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Who do you trust today?????
Learning to Trust
"Dear God, what am I supposed to do?" asked missionary Marge Elam. "I am so worried for my little girl. I am not able to hover over her to protect her."
"The night was warm and quite dark. I could hear several alligators not far from the house calling back and forth in their strange creaky way. Nightbirds, frogs and other night creatures added their sounds as a background to my prayer. I soundlessly left my bed and felt my way to the hammock where my eight-year-old slept.
"'Lord, she has to ride her bicycle alone two miles through the jungle to go to school. There are many wild things out there, and always snakes.'
"While looking down at the faint outline of my sleeping child with her small white face pillowed on her bent arm, a memory went across my mind. It was the other day: her eyes were large with excitement, her voice almost squeaked, 'Mom, it was the biggest, fattest snake. Its body stretched all the way across the road. I did not know what to do, so I just pulled up my legs and rode my bike over it.'"
"I could actually hear the thump of my own heart in the darkness. Then, I heard a voice. It almost seemed to come out of the darkness, but I knew it was inside of me. He said, 'I was able to take care of your daughter in the United States, and I am able to take care of her here as well.'After that, I was able to sleep the night through and every night since for 17 years. I knew that if He was able to take care of one eight-year-old girl, He was able to take care of everything else." --Dr. David N. Smeltz Founder
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The Prayers Are Ended
In the New International Version Verse 20 of Psalm 72 reads: "This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse." The Amplified Bible reads like this: "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended."
In the two previous verses David concludes his prayers with these words: "Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." (Psalms 72:18-19, NIV)
There may be no great significance to the statement, "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended," however it prompts me to ask: How will I conclude my prayers? Not the prayer at the end of the day, or the prayer before a meal, or the prayer before I write an article, or the prayer before I preach a sermon, or the prayer at a graveside, or the prayer at a bedside. How will conclude my prayers. When it's all over and, and as John Ortberg says, "It all goes back in the box," how will I conclude my prayers? [From John Ortberg's When The Game Is Over It All Goes Back In The Box]
Will I be making one more request for some physical need to be met? Will I be asking for one more favor? Will I be pleading my case? Will I be making an excuse for not living the way I should have, or the way I wanted to but didn't? Will I be asking Him a question about why He acted in one way, or why He did not act in another?
I wonder how I will end my prayers.
David had did many wonderful things in his life. He had done some awful things in his life. He had accomplished much. He had seen a lot. He had missed a lot. He had messed up in big and small ways. He had sinned and been forgiven. He had seen God's glory and God's great deeds. So have I.
Yet, when his prayers were concluded (at least those we have recorded for us in Psalms) he did not speak of his deeds, his needs, or make a request to succeed. He concludes with:
"Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen."
I hope I will. I don't know when the prayers of Tom Norvell will end. But I hope that the time between now and then will be lived in such a way that my prayers will conclude with these words: "Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen."
I hope you will too. --Tom
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
You are in a time of recovery when you will have opportunities to retrieve what has been lost or taken from you. Refuse to get discouraged, for this is a process of reclaiming and taking back what the enemy has stolen. Encourage yourself in faith that I am with you and for you, and I will lead you in the way of victory. This is a path that you have not yet traveled, but I will make your steps sure and steadfast. You will neither stumble or fall, says the Lord. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
As spring calls forth new growth, so I am calling you to come forth in new life and strength. Quiet your soul and hear the sound of My voice and the power of My purpose that will be revealed in you. You are about to emerge from the darkness of past days into the light of life and increase. Prepare your heart to truly release yourself from the past and personal history, for this is a necessary prerequisite to your progression, says the Lord. Matthew 5:14-16"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Continue to press through the barrier that stands between the troubles of the past and the door of hope that will usher you into the liberty of a new day. This transitional time may seem at present to be a never-ending battle that takes every ounce of your strength to survive, but I tell you truly that it will be like a spring rain that will stop just as abruptly as it began, says the Lord. And, this time of struggle will become only a distant memory, for you will absolutely see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
I am bringing you up to a high place in the Spirit where you can see beyond where you are, for I am opening new vistas and avenues of understanding. Be open and flexible so that I can give you new prospects for the days ahead. Refuse to allow current stress to overshadow you, to keep you from hearing My voice, or to dull your sensitivity to My Spirit, says the Lord. Quiet your soul so that you can receive the revelations that will be important in the near and far future.
Psalms 131:2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Listen to the sound of the wind of My Spirit as I whisper the direction of your destiny. Be still and shut out the loud, abrasive voices that bring confusion and disarray so that you can indeed hear My still small voice. You are about to take a turn for the better, but you must leave behind the troubles of the past and look forward with anticipation to the things that I have prepared for you, says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
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Figure It Out -Attitude by George Washinton Carver
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had;
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise,
With this equipment they all began--
So start from the top and say, "I CAN."
Look them over, the wise and the great,
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes;
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will;
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have arms and legs and a brain to use;
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place.
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know;
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had;
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say, "I CAN."
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Through The Storms
I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.
I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
my anchor would not hold.
The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.
His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm might wane.
Yet through the aches and endless tears,
my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.
It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,
through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.
And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"
He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.
Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be!
Unknown Author
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I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They're leading me in paths that I must trod.
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
for I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and not of earth can harm me
sheltered safe within the arms of God
Soon I shall hear the call from heavens portals
Come home my child it's the last mile you must trod
I'll fall asleep and wake in God's new heaven
sheltered safe within the arms of God.
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and not of earth can harm me
sheltered safe within the arms of God.
Author Unknown
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Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23
Living to Please God
1Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
The Coming of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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The Harvest
There was once a spider that lived in a cornfield. He was a big spider
And he had spun a beautiful web between the corn stalks.
He got fat eating all the bugs that would get caught in his web.
He liked his home and planned to stay there for the rest of his life.
One day the spider caught a little bug in his web, and just as the spider
Was about to eat him, the bug said, "If you let me go I will Tell you something important that will save your life."
The spider paused for a moment and listened because he was amused.
"You better get out of this cornfield," the little bug said, ..........
"The harvest is coming!"
The spider smiled and said, "What is this harvest you are talking about?
I think you are just telling me a story." But the little bug said,
"Oh no, it is true. The owner of this field is coming to harvest it soon.
All the stalks will be knocked down and the corn will be gathered up.
You will be killed by the giant machines if you stay here."
The spider said, "I don't believe in harvests and giant machines
That knock down corn stalks. How can you prove this?"
The little bug continued, "Just look at the corn. See how it is planted in rows? It proves this field was created by an intelligent designer."
The spider laughed and mockingly said, "This field has evolved and Has nothing to do with a Creator. Corn always grows that way."
The bug went on to explain, "Oh no. This field belongs to the owner
Who planted it, and the harvest is coming soon."
The spider grinned and said to the little bug, "I don't believe you,"
And then the spider ate the little bug for lunch.
A few days later, the spider was laughing about the story
The little bug had told him. He thought to himself, "A harvest!
What a silly idea. I have lived here all of my life and nothing has ever disturbed me. I have been here since these stalks were just a foot
Off the ground, and I'll be here for the rest of my life, because nothing
Is ever going to change in this field. Life is good, and I have it made."
The next day was a beautiful sunny day in the cornfield.
The sky above was clear and there was no wind at all.
That afternoon as the spider was about to take a nap,
He noticed some thick dusty clouds moving toward him.
He could hear the roar of a great engine and he said to himself,
"I wonder what that could be?"
So be prepared, because you don't know What day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24: 42
(Author unknown)
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Expectations
Expectations are interesting. Make them too high and we set ourselves up for disappointment. Keep them low and we run the risk living with an attitude of futility.
The college student dreams of a day with no more term papers, no more tests, no more pop quizzes, and no more tuition payments. "Once I get my degree I'll have the world by the tail on a downhill pull." Then, reality sets in. Work becomes an every day all day event. No skipping out on work to "just hang out with friends." No more being able to sleep late every day. Our expectations may exceed our reality.
A couple gets married filled with expectations of what married life will be like. One envisions a quiet dinner by candlelight every night. One imagines frequent leisurely strolls along the beach holding hands as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon with regularity. One dreams of evenings filled with endless meaningful conversation. One fantasizes of constant and amazing sexual experiences...every night. One imagines a bank account that never runs low on funds. Bills are always paid on time or in advance. Our expectations may exceed our reality.
Before the baby is born parent's expectations are plentiful. "Our baby will probably sleep through the night, potty train herself, and never speak a defiant word." "Our child will never throw a fit in the middle of the grocery store." "Our child will be healthy, good looking, and the smartest in the class." Our expectations may exceed our reality.
What was expected to be a long-term relationship ended another disappointment. No explanation. No real reason. It just ended. The relationship did not live up to our expectations.
The job we expected to take us to the top of the corporate ladder led to the destruction of our family and ruined our health. The career did not meet our expectations.
We invest our energy; our time, our hopes, our dreams, and our very selves in what we believe will provide us with fulfillment and a meaningful life. Later we discover that we feel more alone and confused than before.
What does this tell us about expectations? Are there lessons we can learn?
First, try to love people and expect very little in return. Don't expect them to love you in return. Just love them. Don't expect a thank you. Don't demand they respect you or honor you for your deeds. Don't expect to be praised for your good deed. Don't expect to hear from them years later telling you how much your gift of love meant to them. Just love them and expect very little in return.
Second, don't expect things to give meaning to your life. Things don't last. Stuff will wear-out. Life is not always fair, and we don't always get what we think we deserve. Good is not always rewarded. Bad will not always be punished.
Third, put your expectations in the Lord. The Psalmist said, "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (Psalm 5:1-3, NIV) God can handle our expectations. He will come through. God can be trusted. God can fulfill our dreams and our expectations.
Fourth, let God surprise you. He may do more than we expect. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)
Be wise in your expectations. Don't set them too high. Don't keep them low to play it safe. Put your expectations in the One who can handle them. God expects us to lay our requests before Him, and He expects us to wait in expectation for Him to act.
I expect you will be pleased with the results. --Tom
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Dear Lord, Thank you for opportunities to help others and to strengthen our faith. You promise never to leave us or forsake us. Whatever today brings, help us to realize that you are close beside us. May your Spirit, like the wind, power us to do your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 28
The Priestly Garments
1 "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
The Ephod
6 "Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9 "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
The Breastpiece
15 "Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22 "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod. 29 "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
Other Priestly Garments
31 "Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar [d] around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.
36 "Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal:HOLY TO THE LORD. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. 39 "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron's sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 42 "Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. "This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.
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Dear God, Remind us to offer up to you everything we do. Give us a heart of reconciliation so that we may be ambassadors of your reconciliation in the world. Help us to obey Christ's command to share the gospel with those around us. In Jesus' name. 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.
Nothing we do for God is ever wasted.
What is God doing in your life? He is making you into the image of Jesus Christ. God has predestined you to be like Jesus. That's a long road for most of us. Along the way tragedies come and there are many setbacks. But God is determined and will not be set aside. --Ray Stedman
One act of kindness may teach more about the love of God than many sermons.
Only God can bring true peace.
Pray not for a life free from trouble, but for triumph over trouble.
Pray that our will be laid aside and that God's will direct us.
Pray that we may trust God to answer our prayers as He sees fit and that we may be content with whatever form that answer takes.
Only God can give us a change of heart.
Only God really knows what path is best for each of us as we go through the storms of life.
God calls us to care for others.
God's unfailing power is available to us when we choose to give ourselves to God's purposes.
God wants to be part of our lives every day, in our small and large concerns.
Be patient. God is not finished with any of us yet.
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Ideas for How To Start Your Day
Spend some time with God in the morning, at least for five or ten minutes, first thing. You'll find you haven't spent time but that you've "invested" your time. That little investment everyday will bring you get great returns. If you do this, your time will be multiplied. Ideas you might not normally have... will now be available to you.
Most of my great stories and ideas (like today's) come to me during this time in the morning.
You can pray. Pray for a great day, a great attitude and a growing faith. Then thank God for a great day, a great attitude and HIS gift of love for you. Honor God and God will honor you. Take 5 minutes, grab the book that you keep next to your bed (your Bible) and read some scripture.
Turn On The Lights. A Harvard study concluded that there is a link between light exposure and the part of the brain that is thought to control attention, focus and energy production. So, turn on the lights… all of them: Bedroom, bathroom, hall, kitchen, and living room lights, turn them on. Wake up and energize your mind.
Get at least five minutes of physical activity. Jump start your body, mind and metabolism with a few minutes of activity.
If you don't have the time in the morning, make the time. Get up earlier. Develop discipline. To wake up earlier is a pattern that will soon enrich you, your life and your faith. You'll be less tired than if you had hit the snooze button!
In the morning, God is especially close to you, in those quiet moments, in those moments before your day has begun, this is the time when God desires to be with us. In your solitude you can reach out and feel HIS love in the adventure that we call life. --Tim’s Inspiration
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His Calm Within The Storm
Waiting for God's direction and blessing can be a great test of our faith, but waiting on God for our rescue can be an even greater challenge.
There are three great storms detailed in the New Testament. The first occurred when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples. Jesus was asleep when the storm began, and the disciples became afraid and woke Him: "Lord save us! We're going to drown!" (Matthew 8:25). Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear and proceeded to calm the storm; "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).
The second storm occurred immediately after the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. This time, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea by themselves. When the storm rose up, Jesus went out to meet them...walking on the water. As Jesus again calmed the storm, He spoke the same message against fear; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).
The last storm occurred about thirty years after Jesus was crucified. Paul had proclaimed the gospel through much of the Roman empire and was being transported by boat to stand trial in Rome. A storm arose which blew the ship terribly off course. The ship was battered and tossed for several days; "We finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20).
It must have been difficult to trust God's timing as the storm continued through the many long days and sleepless nights. But as hope was fading away, God sent an angel to Paul with a familiar message.
"Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid.'" (Acts 27:23-24)
There may be times when our ability to trust is severely tested. But our faith in God - in His ability to hold us secure - must be independent of the force of the wind. Though the winds may blow, we remain in His hands and must not fear; "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, but even if He does not..." (Daniel 3:17-18).
Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm. Have a Christ Centered Day! --Steve Troxel
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Nothing But Goodness Comes From The Lord
"The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him." Psalm 92:15 (NLT)
Difficult times come, right? We all have them, sometimes we cause them and sometimes they are merely circumstances the Lord, in His providence and wisdom, has ordained that we should endure and by which we might bless others. When those times come, the Christ-follower, looks to Him and closes ranks with the Lord. Soldiers in a dangerous place take strategic positions where each can see the other and all can see the leader without the slightest possibility of mistaking a command.
When doubts are attacking you, prayer is the source of power that will draw you closer to the Savior. When fears begin creeping into your perimeter, then you can shed the light of God's peace and unconditional love as you ask God to fill you with both to shine out in His name. Since God is filled with goodness, then THAT is exactly what He will fill you with when the need arises.
No matter what the difficulty, no matter how stressful the trial, no matter how painful the heartache you may be experiencing, take it to the Lord just now and receive, in exchange, enough peace to get you through the moment, the hour, the day.
When the resource runs low, go back for more, there will always be plenty. "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you (Matt. 7:7).
"Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united with the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace." Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT --Dan Elliott
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CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
It was a particularly tough football game, and nerves were on edge. The home team had been the victim of three or four close calls, and they were now trailing the visitors by a touchdown and a field goal. When the official called yet another close one in the visitors' favor, the home quarterback blew his top.
"How many times can you do this to us in a single game?" he screamed. "You were wrong on the out-of-bounds call, you were wrong on that last holding call, and you failed to say anything about a late hit in the first quarter."
The official just stared. The quarterback seethed, but he tried to suppress language that might get him tossed out of the game. "What it comes down to," he bellowed, "is that YOU STINK!"
The official stared a few more seconds. Then he bent down, picked up the ball, paced off 15 yards, and put the ball down. He turned to face the steaming quarterback. "And how do I smell from here?" he asked.
There are so many times when it is hard to "bite the tongue" and say nothing. The urge to say "something" seems so overpowering that the words sometimes erupt before we have a chance to think them through.
Unfortunately, those words have consequences. The minor offenses result in 15-yard penalties. The more serious offenses result in years of regret and heartache, or perhaps broken relationships that take years to rebuild. No wonder James had such strong words of praise concerning the person who is always able to control what he says (James 3:2).
"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." (Prov. 17:27-28)
May your words today be few, calm, and carefully thought out. --Alan Smith
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Full House
There are many rooms in my Father's house. -John 14:2
Each perch at the birdfeeder was full as I glanced out my window this morning. "Full house", I thought... glad I filled it up!
Some restaurants also experience a full house, especially on weekends. "Sorry," they will say, "reservations are full." This can be a discouraging situation, especially if you are planning a celebration. Football stadiums may have a full house for game weekends, though it is referred to as a sell out crowd. Being turned away at the gate can be an disappointing situation.
There is a house which is never full, for there is room for all in this particular one. Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly." (John 14:2) What a promise!
There will always be room for you and me or all of God's children in His house. No short supply of places to abide, and it is for eternity. That is the good news, and I am thankful for it! --Marion Smith
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Job 10:1 (KJV) 1 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
My soul is weary of my life The margin here is, Or," cut off while I live." The meaning in the margin is in accordance with the interpretation of Schultens. The Chaldee also renders it in a similar way: my soul is cut off. But the more correct interpretation is that in our common version; and the sense is, that his soul, that is, that he himself was disgusted with life. It was a weary burden, and he wished to die.
I will leave my complaint upon myself – No yes, "I will give myself up to complaint." Dr. Good, "I will let loose from myself my dark thoughts." The literal sense is, "I will leave complaint upon myself;" that is, I will give way to it; I will not restrain it; compare Job 7:11.
Are you weary in your task to serve the Lord? Life can be tough at times and if we are not prepared for the circumstances they can overtake us. Our dependence on Christ makes the difference on how we face tomorrow’s task. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart.
2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV) As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
2 Kings 18:22 (KJV) But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?
Psalms 18:2 (KJV) The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Who do you trust today?????
Learning to Trust
"Dear God, what am I supposed to do?" asked missionary Marge Elam. "I am so worried for my little girl. I am not able to hover over her to protect her."
"The night was warm and quite dark. I could hear several alligators not far from the house calling back and forth in their strange creaky way. Nightbirds, frogs and other night creatures added their sounds as a background to my prayer. I soundlessly left my bed and felt my way to the hammock where my eight-year-old slept.
"'Lord, she has to ride her bicycle alone two miles through the jungle to go to school. There are many wild things out there, and always snakes.'
"While looking down at the faint outline of my sleeping child with her small white face pillowed on her bent arm, a memory went across my mind. It was the other day: her eyes were large with excitement, her voice almost squeaked, 'Mom, it was the biggest, fattest snake. Its body stretched all the way across the road. I did not know what to do, so I just pulled up my legs and rode my bike over it.'"
"I could actually hear the thump of my own heart in the darkness. Then, I heard a voice. It almost seemed to come out of the darkness, but I knew it was inside of me. He said, 'I was able to take care of your daughter in the United States, and I am able to take care of her here as well.'After that, I was able to sleep the night through and every night since for 17 years. I knew that if He was able to take care of one eight-year-old girl, He was able to take care of everything else." --Dr. David N. Smeltz Founder
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The Prayers Are Ended
In the New International Version Verse 20 of Psalm 72 reads: "This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse." The Amplified Bible reads like this: "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended."
In the two previous verses David concludes his prayers with these words: "Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." (Psalms 72:18-19, NIV)
There may be no great significance to the statement, "The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended," however it prompts me to ask: How will I conclude my prayers? Not the prayer at the end of the day, or the prayer before a meal, or the prayer before I write an article, or the prayer before I preach a sermon, or the prayer at a graveside, or the prayer at a bedside. How will conclude my prayers. When it's all over and, and as John Ortberg says, "It all goes back in the box," how will I conclude my prayers? [From John Ortberg's When The Game Is Over It All Goes Back In The Box]
Will I be making one more request for some physical need to be met? Will I be asking for one more favor? Will I be pleading my case? Will I be making an excuse for not living the way I should have, or the way I wanted to but didn't? Will I be asking Him a question about why He acted in one way, or why He did not act in another?
I wonder how I will end my prayers.
David had did many wonderful things in his life. He had done some awful things in his life. He had accomplished much. He had seen a lot. He had missed a lot. He had messed up in big and small ways. He had sinned and been forgiven. He had seen God's glory and God's great deeds. So have I.
Yet, when his prayers were concluded (at least those we have recorded for us in Psalms) he did not speak of his deeds, his needs, or make a request to succeed. He concludes with:
"Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen."
I hope I will. I don't know when the prayers of Tom Norvell will end. But I hope that the time between now and then will be lived in such a way that my prayers will conclude with these words: "Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen."
I hope you will too. --Tom
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
You are in a time of recovery when you will have opportunities to retrieve what has been lost or taken from you. Refuse to get discouraged, for this is a process of reclaiming and taking back what the enemy has stolen. Encourage yourself in faith that I am with you and for you, and I will lead you in the way of victory. This is a path that you have not yet traveled, but I will make your steps sure and steadfast. You will neither stumble or fall, says the Lord. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
As spring calls forth new growth, so I am calling you to come forth in new life and strength. Quiet your soul and hear the sound of My voice and the power of My purpose that will be revealed in you. You are about to emerge from the darkness of past days into the light of life and increase. Prepare your heart to truly release yourself from the past and personal history, for this is a necessary prerequisite to your progression, says the Lord. Matthew 5:14-16"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Continue to press through the barrier that stands between the troubles of the past and the door of hope that will usher you into the liberty of a new day. This transitional time may seem at present to be a never-ending battle that takes every ounce of your strength to survive, but I tell you truly that it will be like a spring rain that will stop just as abruptly as it began, says the Lord. And, this time of struggle will become only a distant memory, for you will absolutely see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
I am bringing you up to a high place in the Spirit where you can see beyond where you are, for I am opening new vistas and avenues of understanding. Be open and flexible so that I can give you new prospects for the days ahead. Refuse to allow current stress to overshadow you, to keep you from hearing My voice, or to dull your sensitivity to My Spirit, says the Lord. Quiet your soul so that you can receive the revelations that will be important in the near and far future.
Psalms 131:2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Listen to the sound of the wind of My Spirit as I whisper the direction of your destiny. Be still and shut out the loud, abrasive voices that bring confusion and disarray so that you can indeed hear My still small voice. You are about to take a turn for the better, but you must leave behind the troubles of the past and look forward with anticipation to the things that I have prepared for you, says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
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Figure It Out -Attitude by George Washinton Carver
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had;
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise,
With this equipment they all began--
So start from the top and say, "I CAN."
Look them over, the wise and the great,
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes;
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will;
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have arms and legs and a brain to use;
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place.
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know;
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had;
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say, "I CAN."
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Through The Storms
I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.
I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
my anchor would not hold.
The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.
His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm might wane.
Yet through the aches and endless tears,
my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.
It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,
through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.
And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"
He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.
Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be!
Unknown Author
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I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They're leading me in paths that I must trod.
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
for I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and not of earth can harm me
sheltered safe within the arms of God
Soon I shall hear the call from heavens portals
Come home my child it's the last mile you must trod
I'll fall asleep and wake in God's new heaven
sheltered safe within the arms of God.
So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They won't worry me
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God
He walks with me and not of earth can harm me
sheltered safe within the arms of God.
Author Unknown
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Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23
Living to Please God
1Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
The Coming of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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The Harvest
There was once a spider that lived in a cornfield. He was a big spider
And he had spun a beautiful web between the corn stalks.
He got fat eating all the bugs that would get caught in his web.
He liked his home and planned to stay there for the rest of his life.
One day the spider caught a little bug in his web, and just as the spider
Was about to eat him, the bug said, "If you let me go I will Tell you something important that will save your life."
The spider paused for a moment and listened because he was amused.
"You better get out of this cornfield," the little bug said, ..........
"The harvest is coming!"
The spider smiled and said, "What is this harvest you are talking about?
I think you are just telling me a story." But the little bug said,
"Oh no, it is true. The owner of this field is coming to harvest it soon.
All the stalks will be knocked down and the corn will be gathered up.
You will be killed by the giant machines if you stay here."
The spider said, "I don't believe in harvests and giant machines
That knock down corn stalks. How can you prove this?"
The little bug continued, "Just look at the corn. See how it is planted in rows? It proves this field was created by an intelligent designer."
The spider laughed and mockingly said, "This field has evolved and Has nothing to do with a Creator. Corn always grows that way."
The bug went on to explain, "Oh no. This field belongs to the owner
Who planted it, and the harvest is coming soon."
The spider grinned and said to the little bug, "I don't believe you,"
And then the spider ate the little bug for lunch.
A few days later, the spider was laughing about the story
The little bug had told him. He thought to himself, "A harvest!
What a silly idea. I have lived here all of my life and nothing has ever disturbed me. I have been here since these stalks were just a foot
Off the ground, and I'll be here for the rest of my life, because nothing
Is ever going to change in this field. Life is good, and I have it made."
The next day was a beautiful sunny day in the cornfield.
The sky above was clear and there was no wind at all.
That afternoon as the spider was about to take a nap,
He noticed some thick dusty clouds moving toward him.
He could hear the roar of a great engine and he said to himself,
"I wonder what that could be?"
So be prepared, because you don't know What day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24: 42
(Author unknown)
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Expectations
Expectations are interesting. Make them too high and we set ourselves up for disappointment. Keep them low and we run the risk living with an attitude of futility.
The college student dreams of a day with no more term papers, no more tests, no more pop quizzes, and no more tuition payments. "Once I get my degree I'll have the world by the tail on a downhill pull." Then, reality sets in. Work becomes an every day all day event. No skipping out on work to "just hang out with friends." No more being able to sleep late every day. Our expectations may exceed our reality.
A couple gets married filled with expectations of what married life will be like. One envisions a quiet dinner by candlelight every night. One imagines frequent leisurely strolls along the beach holding hands as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon with regularity. One dreams of evenings filled with endless meaningful conversation. One fantasizes of constant and amazing sexual experiences...every night. One imagines a bank account that never runs low on funds. Bills are always paid on time or in advance. Our expectations may exceed our reality.
Before the baby is born parent's expectations are plentiful. "Our baby will probably sleep through the night, potty train herself, and never speak a defiant word." "Our child will never throw a fit in the middle of the grocery store." "Our child will be healthy, good looking, and the smartest in the class." Our expectations may exceed our reality.
What was expected to be a long-term relationship ended another disappointment. No explanation. No real reason. It just ended. The relationship did not live up to our expectations.
The job we expected to take us to the top of the corporate ladder led to the destruction of our family and ruined our health. The career did not meet our expectations.
We invest our energy; our time, our hopes, our dreams, and our very selves in what we believe will provide us with fulfillment and a meaningful life. Later we discover that we feel more alone and confused than before.
What does this tell us about expectations? Are there lessons we can learn?
First, try to love people and expect very little in return. Don't expect them to love you in return. Just love them. Don't expect a thank you. Don't demand they respect you or honor you for your deeds. Don't expect to be praised for your good deed. Don't expect to hear from them years later telling you how much your gift of love meant to them. Just love them and expect very little in return.
Second, don't expect things to give meaning to your life. Things don't last. Stuff will wear-out. Life is not always fair, and we don't always get what we think we deserve. Good is not always rewarded. Bad will not always be punished.
Third, put your expectations in the Lord. The Psalmist said, "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (Psalm 5:1-3, NIV) God can handle our expectations. He will come through. God can be trusted. God can fulfill our dreams and our expectations.
Fourth, let God surprise you. He may do more than we expect. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)
Be wise in your expectations. Don't set them too high. Don't keep them low to play it safe. Put your expectations in the One who can handle them. God expects us to lay our requests before Him, and He expects us to wait in expectation for Him to act.
I expect you will be pleased with the results. --Tom
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Dear Lord, Thank you for opportunities to help others and to strengthen our faith. You promise never to leave us or forsake us. Whatever today brings, help us to realize that you are close beside us. May your Spirit, like the wind, power us to do your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Read Through The Bible
Exodus 28
The Priestly Garments
1 "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
The Ephod
6 "Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9 "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
The Breastpiece
15 "Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22 "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod. 29 "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
Other Priestly Garments
31 "Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar [d] around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.
36 "Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal:HOLY TO THE LORD. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. 39 "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and headbands for Aaron's sons, to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 42 "Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. "This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.
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Dear God, Remind us to offer up to you everything we do. Give us a heart of reconciliation so that we may be ambassadors of your reconciliation in the world. Help us to obey Christ's command to share the gospel with those around us. In Jesus' name. 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.