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10-02-2008, 02:36 PM
Can we honestly say that God, and not money, is our master, one test is to ask ourselves which one occupies more of our thoughts, time, and efforts.
How God answers prayer: yes, no, wait, I have something better in store for you.
Live so that others can see God in you.
God is always present.
God's help is only a prayer away.
God's answers to our prayers often exceed our expectations.
When we stop to count our blessings, we will find many reasons to praise God every day.
Giving to God brings blessings to the giver and to others.
God is concerned with our hearts, our attitudes, and our living "in humble fellowship with our God."
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Miracles For The Mistaken
I'm always struck by this passage. Joshua gives a command to the heavenly bodies, and God rearranges the laws of physics so that they obey him. It's one of the greatest miracles in all of scripture. In its scientific magnitude, it is an even greater miracle than the parting of the Red Sea.
But that isn't the main reason I'm so taken by what happened here. I'm struck by the context. Joshua just blew it. The Gibeonites, posing as distant travelers, deceived Joshua and the other leaders into making a prohibited treaty with them. Joshua was clearly negligent for failing to inquire of the Lord before ratifying the treaty. Now, here in chapter 10, he's dealing with the aftermath of his mistake. The Gibeonites are in trouble; Joshua and all Israel are called upon to save them.
God could have washed His hands of the entire affair. He could have said, "You got yourself into this mess; you get yourself out of it. Don't look to Me to help you defend these wicked Gibeonites."
But He doesn't do anything of the sort. God is a God of people who make mistakes, people who blow it, people who mess up.
I don't like making mistakes, but when I do, God gently reminds me that the work of God isn't about me and how perfect I am; rather, it is about the God who shows up despite our failings.
--Dwight Clough
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My Help Comes From the Lord
Psalms 121 says, 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
If you believe those words...
Admit it. Don't be afraid to acknowledge that you know where your help, your strength for the day, and your energy comes from. It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Talk about it. In a loving and gentle, yet confident way, tell others that you know that He is watching over you, that He will not let your foot slip, and that He is not sleeping through your life.
Remember it. Remember that the Lord is watching over you in the morning when the sun is rising, in the evening when the moon is shining, and at all times in between. Remember it when you are refreshed and protected by the shade of refreshment that the Lord provides.
Live it. Live like the Lord is keeping you from harm. Live with confidence and hope. Live it as you come and go to work, walk into your home, fellowship with your church friends, as you relax, and as you encounter stressful times.
Admit it. The Lord is watching over you. Talk about it. Remind others that He is also watching over them. Remember it. In good days and difficult days take comfort that He is not only conscious of your life, but is going with you as you experience it. Live it. Demonstrate the hope you have in Him and His care for you.
If you do, not only will your days be filled with peace and comfort and hope and confidence, but you may inspire others to live with peace and comfort and hope and confidence as well.
--Tom
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Servants Make Themselves Available by Rick Warren
No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB)
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don’t fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
If you only serve when it’s convenient for you, you’re not a real servant. Real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don’t get to pick and choose when or where you will serve.
Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God’s servant, interruptions won’t frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
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How to Deal with Your Anger by Rick Warren
If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don’t give the Devil a chance. Ephesians 4:26-27 (GNT)
Conflict happens. There’s no avoiding it, and so there’s no avoiding anger in your life.
In fact, ignoring or denying your anger will simply make things worse. When conflict comes up, deal with it head on and quickly. Don’t let it fester. It’s a big mistake to think, “Let’s ignore it and hope it will go away.”
The Bible teaches, in Ephesians 4:26-27 (GNT), “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.”
Some people are surprised by this verse; they ask, “Is it ever right to get angry?” Yes.
How do I know it’s all right to get angry? Well, let me ask you this: Did Jesus ever get angry? Yes!
Did Jesus ever sin? No. Evidently there are times when anger is appropriate.
In Ephesians, we’re told, “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin.” This implies there is an anger that leads you into sin, but there’s also an anger that doesn’t lead you into sin. There’s a right way to get angry and there’s a wrong way to get angry.
How do you know the difference?
The wrong kind of anger is anger that is not resolved quickly. It’s becoming angry, and then just staying angry all day and then the next day and the next. The Phillips translation of this Ephesians verse says, “Never go to bed angry.”
That will keep a few of us up sometimes! If you said, “In our marriage, we’ll never go to bed angry,” you might resolve problems a little more quickly.
Anger that is not dealt with turns into resentment and then into bitterness. Bitterness is always sin. Resentment is always sin. Those emotions are always wrong.
The Bible says to deal with anger quickly. Don’t let it hang on. Resolve conflict as quickly as possible.
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How to Get Past Regrets by Rick Warren
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG)
How often do you play the “If only” game?
· If only I could do it over again.
· If only I had listened sooner.
· If only I could erase the past.
· If only I could forgive myself.
The thing to remember is that no one is perfect. We all have regrets; we’ve all made bad choices, and said foolish things; we’ve all wasted time, and hurt ourselves and others.
How do you release your regrets? In my experience as a pastor, I’ve seen several strategies we tend to use that simply do not work:
· You try to bury your past. But burying the past will never help you get past your regrets. You can try to minimize (“It wasn’t a big deal”), rationalize (“Everyone does it”), and compromise (lowering standards), but your regrets are still there, and if unresolved, they’ll keep coming back to haunt you over and over again like a creature in a horror movie.
· We blame others. This tactic is as old as Adam and Eve. When Adam sinned, he took it like a man: he blamed his wife!We use blame to balance out our guilt.
· We beat up on ourselves. We try to pay for our guilt unconsciously through illness, depression, setting ourselves up for failure, and other forms of self-punishment. The problem with beating up on yourself is this: your conscience never knows when to stop!Some people spend their entire lives in self-condemnation.
What does God want you to do with your regrets?
· Admit your guilt. Own up to it.Don’t make excuses. “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful.But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance”(Proverbs 28:13 LB).
· Accept Christ’s forgiveness. He’s waiting to clean your slate.Ask him to clear your conscience. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV).
· Forgive yourself and focus on the future. “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands” (Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG).
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How to Handle Conflict by Rick Warren
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)
I’ll tell you how to deal with conflict quickly, but you’re not going to like it. The solution to conflict resolution is one word: confrontation.
If you’re going to resolve conflict, you must confront. But, you don’t have to confront in anger. In fact, you should try not to confront in anger. Lovingly go to the person and, then speaking the truth in love, deal with the problem immediately.
Very few of us enjoy confrontation. The only people who really do are troublemakers who seem to delight in confrontation. They love to go to people and say, “You’re blowing it!” That’s their thrill.
Because it’s risky and uncomfortable, most people don’t like confrontation, but it’s the only way to resolve conflict.
What’s the best way to confront? James 1:19 teaches three rules for confrontation. Everyone should be:
· Quick to listen,
· Slow to speak, and
· Slow to become angry.
If you’re quick to listen and if you’re slow to speak, you’ll automatically be slow to anger.
What are you listening for? You are listening for the hurt in that person. Hurting people always hurt other people. When someone is being a jerk, more than likely it’s because that person is hurting. When you understand their hurt a bit, you have a better understanding of why they do what they do, and you’re a little more patient with them.
Understanding always brings patience. When we don’t understand things, we’re impatient. When we understand them, we’re much more patient.
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How to Face an Uncertain Future by Rick Warren
Do not boast about [what you’re going to do] tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)
The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Let God set your goals. It’s foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future, and he’s eager to guide you through it. The Bible says “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1 GNT). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do?”
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live tomorrow until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time for today! Commit to making the most of each moment of each day. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).
3. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days,” but then “one of these days” turns into “none of these days.” The Bible says, “Do not boast about [what you’re going to do] tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1 NIV). What have you planned to do that you haven’t done yet? When do you intend to start working on it?
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
You are wondering why you feel so weird. I tell you that you are stepping into a new era. The spiritual landscape has been in the process of changing until you can barely recognize where you are. Stand still. Don't be afraid. You will have to make some adjustments in the days ahead to accommodate change, but now do nothing apart from My leading, says the Lord. Exodus 14:13b "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today."
Stand strong in the face of adversity. Be still and know that I am God. I am your God, and I will bring you through every challenge if you will only believe. Refuse to wallow in the depths of despair or stand shaking in your boots about what the future holds, but rather seek Me for strength and guidance. Take one day at a time and take one step at a time in the power of your faith in Me, says the Lord. Luke 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you."
This is not a time to be hasty in your decisions. Nor would it benefit you to react emotionally to the things that require your attention. This is a time to get quiet and to come into My presence to find wisdom and guidance. Your most urgent need at the moment is to find rest for your soul that has been bombarded by stressful demands and expenditures of physical and emotional energy. Come to Me to be refreshed and restored, says the Lord. Psalm 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Take every opportunity to count your blessings and give thanks. Stop as often as possible to enjoy the good things in your life. The tendency at this juncture is to look at all the negatives and to complain about everything that seems to cause your misery, which will only result in more unhappiness, distress and suffering. However, you can make choices that will enhance your life instead of creating more misfortune, says the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Beloved, renew yourself in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stir up the gift that is within you. Allow My Spirit to manifest His fruit through you and to exercise His gifts for ministry in your life. Be available. Focus your energy on spiritual things instead of allowing fear of the future to swallow you up. You cannot walk in faith and have a spirit of fear at the same time. Remove all doubt and fear so that you can actually be free from confusion and hear My instructions, says the Lord. Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
Embrace your destiny, says the Lord. Embrace your destiny, for it is a glorious destiny! It is not a destiny that you have conjured for yourself, and it is not the destiny that others have spoken to you about. It is the destiny that I have for you. It is the destiny that will be fulfilled. Encourage yourself in the Lord, break your bond with the past, and arise to the new season where you will write a new chapter in your life. Determine to make it a chapter of victory and overcoming and of blessings. No longer live according to that which has been, but come now with renewed hope and renewed faith. Receive the anointing that I give to you freely; it is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage and brings you forth into the fullness of that which I have for you. It is the anointing of the revelation of Christ, which will change you, and you will never be the same. Watch and be amazed as I begin to do My work in and through and among My people, says the Lord of Hosts.
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Never Alone
You've always been here with me
Lord and never left my side,
Even when I've doubted you and
given in to my self pride!
You've never turned your back on me
when lack of faith, I've shown;
The love that you have given me
is the truest I have ever known!
How could I ever leave you, Lord
when you've given me your all;
You've held me when I was so weak
and knew that I would fall!
I've never had a friend so real
so faithful and so true;
I know that I would be so lost
if I did not have you!
I know you'll always be with me
through whatever I must face;
I know that I can count upon
your mercy and your grace!
I know you'll never leave me Lord
to walk this road alone;
You promised You'd go with me
for You've claimed me for Your very own!
Helen Johnson
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Love And Compassion
Lord help me to show your love
to others just as you have shown
your love for me;
Help me reach out to those who
are lost and hurting and lift them
up to you lovingly.
Help me not to turn away from
one who needs a helping hand;
To be there for those who are tired
and weary and show them I care
and understand.
To be an example of you my Lord
and reach out in compassion and
in love;
Helping them to see that they too can
receive, when they give themselves
willingly to their Father above.
Help me oh Lord that I'll never
be guilty of biasness or bigotry;
That I'll not forget where
I came from and what a great
price you paid for me.
~Helen Johnson~
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Today
A new day is dawning, the sun's
coming out,
while I'm sitting here wondering
what my life's all about.
Have I made a difference, have
I done all I should?
Or is there something more, I
could do if I would?
Have I made someone happy
just being there?
Have I shown it in action
telling them that I care!
Have I shown someone kindness,
with a touch or a smile,
Taken time to listen for
just a little while?
Have I said that I love you
to someone today,
and taken some time to kneel
down and pray?
Have I reached out to others
with a helping hand
just letting them know that
I understand?
Lord, help me to make
the most of each day
By helping others who
pass my way!
Don't let my self pride
come between you and me
or keep me from listening
and following thee.
You have given to me
this lovely new day;
Help me make the most of it,
for this Lord, I pray!
~Helen Johnson~
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Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6
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
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1
Love for Enemies
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36
Daniel prayed: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." Daniel 2:20-23
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 1 John 4:15
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20
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If you want true life, you must have the Word of Life.
To many people, physical life is deemed to be the measure of whether or not one has life. However, true life—spiritual life—requires more than a beating heart. That's because we are spiritually hungry and thirsty people constantly looking for answers to life's persistent problems. Often, we look to idols like education, money, and success for those answers. However, real solutions for real life come only from the Author of Life—God, himself.
True life—the type so many people hunger and thirst for—can only be found in Christ. In John 6:35, Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Obviously, Jesus isn't talking about physical hunger; instead, He is talking about spiritual hunger.
Not only will Jesus satisfy your spiritual hunger, but He will also quench your spiritual thirst: "To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life" (Revelation 21:6).
That verse refers back to Isaiah 55:1-2, where God says, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
Therefore, stop trying to seek worldly things for satisfaction, because worldly pleasures are temporary. Instead, heed the advice of Isaiah 55:6: "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near."
God is the source of all life, and if you want true life, you must have God's Word of Life. --Weekly Wisdom
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A Conversation With Jesus
Jesus how much do you love me? He stretched his arms and said this much and died.
Why do you love me so much I'm nobody? You are somebody, you are precious diamonds to me... I came for those of humble heart to shame the prideful.
So many people in this world why me? Because you opened your heart and let me in. I'm still Waiting for others to do the same.
But Jesus I'm always messing up and can't stay firm. That's when I glorify myself through your imperfections.
I don't know what to say sometimes and feel alone. Don't worry my child I will put words in your mouth. All you have to do is be obedient to me! You are Never alone because my holy spirit is always with you.
But Jesus I have sinned before you! That's where my precious blood comes and cleans Your inequity's. That sacrifice was not in vain.
What should I do to continue and have victory? Continue seeking me, reading my word and Day by day I will strengthen your walk and faith.
I'm going to try but please don't leave me. I will never leave or forsake you because I LOVE YOU MY CHILD. --Author Unknown
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Table Blessing
God is great! God is good!
Let us thank God for our food.
Amen.
--- Traditional
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 12
Purification After Childbirth
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. 3 On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. 4 Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. 5 If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding. 6 " 'When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. 7 He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. " 'These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl. 8 If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.' "
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For Happy Hearts
We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together.
--- Traditional
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.
How God answers prayer: yes, no, wait, I have something better in store for you.
Live so that others can see God in you.
God is always present.
God's help is only a prayer away.
God's answers to our prayers often exceed our expectations.
When we stop to count our blessings, we will find many reasons to praise God every day.
Giving to God brings blessings to the giver and to others.
God is concerned with our hearts, our attitudes, and our living "in humble fellowship with our God."
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Miracles For The Mistaken
I'm always struck by this passage. Joshua gives a command to the heavenly bodies, and God rearranges the laws of physics so that they obey him. It's one of the greatest miracles in all of scripture. In its scientific magnitude, it is an even greater miracle than the parting of the Red Sea.
But that isn't the main reason I'm so taken by what happened here. I'm struck by the context. Joshua just blew it. The Gibeonites, posing as distant travelers, deceived Joshua and the other leaders into making a prohibited treaty with them. Joshua was clearly negligent for failing to inquire of the Lord before ratifying the treaty. Now, here in chapter 10, he's dealing with the aftermath of his mistake. The Gibeonites are in trouble; Joshua and all Israel are called upon to save them.
God could have washed His hands of the entire affair. He could have said, "You got yourself into this mess; you get yourself out of it. Don't look to Me to help you defend these wicked Gibeonites."
But He doesn't do anything of the sort. God is a God of people who make mistakes, people who blow it, people who mess up.
I don't like making mistakes, but when I do, God gently reminds me that the work of God isn't about me and how perfect I am; rather, it is about the God who shows up despite our failings.
--Dwight Clough
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My Help Comes From the Lord
Psalms 121 says, 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
If you believe those words...
Admit it. Don't be afraid to acknowledge that you know where your help, your strength for the day, and your energy comes from. It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Talk about it. In a loving and gentle, yet confident way, tell others that you know that He is watching over you, that He will not let your foot slip, and that He is not sleeping through your life.
Remember it. Remember that the Lord is watching over you in the morning when the sun is rising, in the evening when the moon is shining, and at all times in between. Remember it when you are refreshed and protected by the shade of refreshment that the Lord provides.
Live it. Live like the Lord is keeping you from harm. Live with confidence and hope. Live it as you come and go to work, walk into your home, fellowship with your church friends, as you relax, and as you encounter stressful times.
Admit it. The Lord is watching over you. Talk about it. Remind others that He is also watching over them. Remember it. In good days and difficult days take comfort that He is not only conscious of your life, but is going with you as you experience it. Live it. Demonstrate the hope you have in Him and His care for you.
If you do, not only will your days be filled with peace and comfort and hope and confidence, but you may inspire others to live with peace and comfort and hope and confidence as well.
--Tom
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Servants Make Themselves Available by Rick Warren
No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB)
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don’t fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
If you only serve when it’s convenient for you, you’re not a real servant. Real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don’t get to pick and choose when or where you will serve.
Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God’s servant, interruptions won’t frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
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How to Deal with Your Anger by Rick Warren
If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don’t give the Devil a chance. Ephesians 4:26-27 (GNT)
Conflict happens. There’s no avoiding it, and so there’s no avoiding anger in your life.
In fact, ignoring or denying your anger will simply make things worse. When conflict comes up, deal with it head on and quickly. Don’t let it fester. It’s a big mistake to think, “Let’s ignore it and hope it will go away.”
The Bible teaches, in Ephesians 4:26-27 (GNT), “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.”
Some people are surprised by this verse; they ask, “Is it ever right to get angry?” Yes.
How do I know it’s all right to get angry? Well, let me ask you this: Did Jesus ever get angry? Yes!
Did Jesus ever sin? No. Evidently there are times when anger is appropriate.
In Ephesians, we’re told, “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin.” This implies there is an anger that leads you into sin, but there’s also an anger that doesn’t lead you into sin. There’s a right way to get angry and there’s a wrong way to get angry.
How do you know the difference?
The wrong kind of anger is anger that is not resolved quickly. It’s becoming angry, and then just staying angry all day and then the next day and the next. The Phillips translation of this Ephesians verse says, “Never go to bed angry.”
That will keep a few of us up sometimes! If you said, “In our marriage, we’ll never go to bed angry,” you might resolve problems a little more quickly.
Anger that is not dealt with turns into resentment and then into bitterness. Bitterness is always sin. Resentment is always sin. Those emotions are always wrong.
The Bible says to deal with anger quickly. Don’t let it hang on. Resolve conflict as quickly as possible.
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How to Get Past Regrets by Rick Warren
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG)
How often do you play the “If only” game?
· If only I could do it over again.
· If only I had listened sooner.
· If only I could erase the past.
· If only I could forgive myself.
The thing to remember is that no one is perfect. We all have regrets; we’ve all made bad choices, and said foolish things; we’ve all wasted time, and hurt ourselves and others.
How do you release your regrets? In my experience as a pastor, I’ve seen several strategies we tend to use that simply do not work:
· You try to bury your past. But burying the past will never help you get past your regrets. You can try to minimize (“It wasn’t a big deal”), rationalize (“Everyone does it”), and compromise (lowering standards), but your regrets are still there, and if unresolved, they’ll keep coming back to haunt you over and over again like a creature in a horror movie.
· We blame others. This tactic is as old as Adam and Eve. When Adam sinned, he took it like a man: he blamed his wife!We use blame to balance out our guilt.
· We beat up on ourselves. We try to pay for our guilt unconsciously through illness, depression, setting ourselves up for failure, and other forms of self-punishment. The problem with beating up on yourself is this: your conscience never knows when to stop!Some people spend their entire lives in self-condemnation.
What does God want you to do with your regrets?
· Admit your guilt. Own up to it.Don’t make excuses. “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful.But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance”(Proverbs 28:13 LB).
· Accept Christ’s forgiveness. He’s waiting to clean your slate.Ask him to clear your conscience. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV).
· Forgive yourself and focus on the future. “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands” (Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG).
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How to Handle Conflict by Rick Warren
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)
I’ll tell you how to deal with conflict quickly, but you’re not going to like it. The solution to conflict resolution is one word: confrontation.
If you’re going to resolve conflict, you must confront. But, you don’t have to confront in anger. In fact, you should try not to confront in anger. Lovingly go to the person and, then speaking the truth in love, deal with the problem immediately.
Very few of us enjoy confrontation. The only people who really do are troublemakers who seem to delight in confrontation. They love to go to people and say, “You’re blowing it!” That’s their thrill.
Because it’s risky and uncomfortable, most people don’t like confrontation, but it’s the only way to resolve conflict.
What’s the best way to confront? James 1:19 teaches three rules for confrontation. Everyone should be:
· Quick to listen,
· Slow to speak, and
· Slow to become angry.
If you’re quick to listen and if you’re slow to speak, you’ll automatically be slow to anger.
What are you listening for? You are listening for the hurt in that person. Hurting people always hurt other people. When someone is being a jerk, more than likely it’s because that person is hurting. When you understand their hurt a bit, you have a better understanding of why they do what they do, and you’re a little more patient with them.
Understanding always brings patience. When we don’t understand things, we’re impatient. When we understand them, we’re much more patient.
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How to Face an Uncertain Future by Rick Warren
Do not boast about [what you’re going to do] tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)
The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Let God set your goals. It’s foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future, and he’s eager to guide you through it. The Bible says “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1 GNT). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do?”
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live tomorrow until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time for today! Commit to making the most of each moment of each day. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).
3. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days,” but then “one of these days” turns into “none of these days.” The Bible says, “Do not boast about [what you’re going to do] tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1 NIV). What have you planned to do that you haven’t done yet? When do you intend to start working on it?
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
You are wondering why you feel so weird. I tell you that you are stepping into a new era. The spiritual landscape has been in the process of changing until you can barely recognize where you are. Stand still. Don't be afraid. You will have to make some adjustments in the days ahead to accommodate change, but now do nothing apart from My leading, says the Lord. Exodus 14:13b "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today."
Stand strong in the face of adversity. Be still and know that I am God. I am your God, and I will bring you through every challenge if you will only believe. Refuse to wallow in the depths of despair or stand shaking in your boots about what the future holds, but rather seek Me for strength and guidance. Take one day at a time and take one step at a time in the power of your faith in Me, says the Lord. Luke 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you."
This is not a time to be hasty in your decisions. Nor would it benefit you to react emotionally to the things that require your attention. This is a time to get quiet and to come into My presence to find wisdom and guidance. Your most urgent need at the moment is to find rest for your soul that has been bombarded by stressful demands and expenditures of physical and emotional energy. Come to Me to be refreshed and restored, says the Lord. Psalm 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Take every opportunity to count your blessings and give thanks. Stop as often as possible to enjoy the good things in your life. The tendency at this juncture is to look at all the negatives and to complain about everything that seems to cause your misery, which will only result in more unhappiness, distress and suffering. However, you can make choices that will enhance your life instead of creating more misfortune, says the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Beloved, renew yourself in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stir up the gift that is within you. Allow My Spirit to manifest His fruit through you and to exercise His gifts for ministry in your life. Be available. Focus your energy on spiritual things instead of allowing fear of the future to swallow you up. You cannot walk in faith and have a spirit of fear at the same time. Remove all doubt and fear so that you can actually be free from confusion and hear My instructions, says the Lord. Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
Embrace your destiny, says the Lord. Embrace your destiny, for it is a glorious destiny! It is not a destiny that you have conjured for yourself, and it is not the destiny that others have spoken to you about. It is the destiny that I have for you. It is the destiny that will be fulfilled. Encourage yourself in the Lord, break your bond with the past, and arise to the new season where you will write a new chapter in your life. Determine to make it a chapter of victory and overcoming and of blessings. No longer live according to that which has been, but come now with renewed hope and renewed faith. Receive the anointing that I give to you freely; it is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage and brings you forth into the fullness of that which I have for you. It is the anointing of the revelation of Christ, which will change you, and you will never be the same. Watch and be amazed as I begin to do My work in and through and among My people, says the Lord of Hosts.
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Never Alone
You've always been here with me
Lord and never left my side,
Even when I've doubted you and
given in to my self pride!
You've never turned your back on me
when lack of faith, I've shown;
The love that you have given me
is the truest I have ever known!
How could I ever leave you, Lord
when you've given me your all;
You've held me when I was so weak
and knew that I would fall!
I've never had a friend so real
so faithful and so true;
I know that I would be so lost
if I did not have you!
I know you'll always be with me
through whatever I must face;
I know that I can count upon
your mercy and your grace!
I know you'll never leave me Lord
to walk this road alone;
You promised You'd go with me
for You've claimed me for Your very own!
Helen Johnson
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Love And Compassion
Lord help me to show your love
to others just as you have shown
your love for me;
Help me reach out to those who
are lost and hurting and lift them
up to you lovingly.
Help me not to turn away from
one who needs a helping hand;
To be there for those who are tired
and weary and show them I care
and understand.
To be an example of you my Lord
and reach out in compassion and
in love;
Helping them to see that they too can
receive, when they give themselves
willingly to their Father above.
Help me oh Lord that I'll never
be guilty of biasness or bigotry;
That I'll not forget where
I came from and what a great
price you paid for me.
~Helen Johnson~
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Today
A new day is dawning, the sun's
coming out,
while I'm sitting here wondering
what my life's all about.
Have I made a difference, have
I done all I should?
Or is there something more, I
could do if I would?
Have I made someone happy
just being there?
Have I shown it in action
telling them that I care!
Have I shown someone kindness,
with a touch or a smile,
Taken time to listen for
just a little while?
Have I said that I love you
to someone today,
and taken some time to kneel
down and pray?
Have I reached out to others
with a helping hand
just letting them know that
I understand?
Lord, help me to make
the most of each day
By helping others who
pass my way!
Don't let my self pride
come between you and me
or keep me from listening
and following thee.
You have given to me
this lovely new day;
Help me make the most of it,
for this Lord, I pray!
~Helen Johnson~
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Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6
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
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1
Love for Enemies
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36
Daniel prayed: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." Daniel 2:20-23
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 1 John 4:15
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20
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If you want true life, you must have the Word of Life.
To many people, physical life is deemed to be the measure of whether or not one has life. However, true life—spiritual life—requires more than a beating heart. That's because we are spiritually hungry and thirsty people constantly looking for answers to life's persistent problems. Often, we look to idols like education, money, and success for those answers. However, real solutions for real life come only from the Author of Life—God, himself.
True life—the type so many people hunger and thirst for—can only be found in Christ. In John 6:35, Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Obviously, Jesus isn't talking about physical hunger; instead, He is talking about spiritual hunger.
Not only will Jesus satisfy your spiritual hunger, but He will also quench your spiritual thirst: "To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life" (Revelation 21:6).
That verse refers back to Isaiah 55:1-2, where God says, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
Therefore, stop trying to seek worldly things for satisfaction, because worldly pleasures are temporary. Instead, heed the advice of Isaiah 55:6: "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near."
God is the source of all life, and if you want true life, you must have God's Word of Life. --Weekly Wisdom
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A Conversation With Jesus
Jesus how much do you love me? He stretched his arms and said this much and died.
Why do you love me so much I'm nobody? You are somebody, you are precious diamonds to me... I came for those of humble heart to shame the prideful.
So many people in this world why me? Because you opened your heart and let me in. I'm still Waiting for others to do the same.
But Jesus I'm always messing up and can't stay firm. That's when I glorify myself through your imperfections.
I don't know what to say sometimes and feel alone. Don't worry my child I will put words in your mouth. All you have to do is be obedient to me! You are Never alone because my holy spirit is always with you.
But Jesus I have sinned before you! That's where my precious blood comes and cleans Your inequity's. That sacrifice was not in vain.
What should I do to continue and have victory? Continue seeking me, reading my word and Day by day I will strengthen your walk and faith.
I'm going to try but please don't leave me. I will never leave or forsake you because I LOVE YOU MY CHILD. --Author Unknown
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Table Blessing
God is great! God is good!
Let us thank God for our food.
Amen.
--- Traditional
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 12
Purification After Childbirth
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. 3 On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. 4 Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. 5 If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding. 6 " 'When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. 7 He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. " 'These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl. 8 If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.' "
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For Happy Hearts
We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together.
--- Traditional
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.