admin
10-03-2008, 07:52 PM
Today I will ...look for any trace of self-righteousness in my life that keeps me at a distance from God
and unable to experience his joy.
-----
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm
97:12
-----
Jesus is our standard
October 3
His intention was . . . that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of
personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of
the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
—Ephesians 4:12-13
One time I was comparing myself to the way I used to be, and I thought, I am not doing too badly.
Then God said to me, “But Who is your standard? How are you doing compared to Me?” I said,
“Lord, I have a long way to go!”
Refuse to live beneath the standard that Jesus has set for you. Keep your eyes on Him and tell Him,
“Many . . . are the wonderful works which You have done . . . no one can compare with You” (Psalm
40:5).
From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer.
-----
Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for youself. –Harriet Nelson
To Act Let go of old wounds and enjoy today.
To Pray Lord, help me to realize the healing power of forgiveness.
-----
Practice Emptying the Mind.
I have the habit every night of emptying all my pockets. As I do, I'm always sure that the wastebasket
is near. It occurred to me one night to empty my mind as I empty my pockets; for through the day, I
pick up a lot of things that I am better off discarding. Everyone ought to spend at least 15 minutes a
day emptying the mind. You may say, "I can think of some minds that could be emptied in less than
that." Perhaps, but I assure you that it would take much longer to empty out some of the terrible
things in many minds.
No. 77 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
-----
NACR Daily Meditation
Friday 3rd of October 2008
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He
will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28
There are times during our struggle to heal when our emotions become intense
and stay intense for what seems like a very long time. We feel like we rant
and rave and weep for hour after hour, day after day. And we worry that
the people in our lives who love and support us will grow tired and weary.
Will we wear them out? Will they grow tired of the journey?
In those times when we fear the limits of those who love us, we need to
remind ourselves that the Everlasting God does not grow tired or weary.
We can pour our heart out to God over and over again. We can rage and weep.
God listens without hurry or exhaustion. God will not tire of us.
And God understands. Beyond what we can understand or fathom, God sees and
knows and understands.
We need to keep talking to the people who support us, but with an appreciation
for their limits and boundaries. We also need to talk to God. We can speak
our heart freely and fully to our Creator every day, every hour. God will
not tire of us.
It sounds silly when I say it, Lord.
but sometimes I worry that I will wear you out.
Or bore you.
But you are Everlasting God.
Creator of the ends of the earth.
You do not grow weary.
Your understanding cannot be fathomed.
You understand.
You do not tire of me.
Thank you.
Amen.
-----
God’s Work
Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
We may communicate to our fellow human beings the truth that God has touched and changed our
lives, but it is not our responsibility to make them believe. Occasionally I ask a friend to accompany
me to church or Bible study. Several years ago one of my guests looked at her watch at least 20
times during the speaker’s talk. “What is she thinking?” I wondered. Because I cannot read minds or
hearts, I dared not guess. “That is God’s work,” I reminded myself.
Months later she called to tell me that she was in the midst of a crisis and felt that perhaps it was
time to trust God for what she could no longer handle alone.
It is reassuring to know that I do not have to convince another person to believe in God’s son, Jesus.
But it is a great privilege to be myself and share my life and let God do the convincing.
Lord, help me as I talk about what you have done for me.
I’ll allow you to do your work in others’ lives.
2008 Joan C. Webb
-----
Handling Difficult Circumstances
By Charles Stanley
Please open your Bible and read Philippians 1:12-20.
Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi was written during his Roman imprisonment. Chained
continuously to a guard while awaiting trial, he wrote encouraging the Philippians not to worry over
him, because he was learning some valuable lessons.
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” he told them. (Philippians 4:11)
Notice the verse does not say that he was always happy; happiness depends upon
circumstances. Contentment, on the other hand, indicates we are so anchored in God that we can
thank Him in the midst of pain. Paul’s surroundings were among the worst in the world, but he
scarcely mentioned his situation. Instead, his focus never wavered from God. (Philippians 1:20;
3:10)
Paul did not see himself as a victim. He believed that he was under the sovereign hand of the
living Lord - in God’s place at God’s time for God’s purpose. All around him, Paul saw the good result
of his time in prison. The entire Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers who guarded Caesar, had heard
about Jesus, thanks to the apostle’s consistent witnessing. His imprisonment was also having the
opposite effect of what his enemies had planned. Instead of driving Christians into hiding, Paul’s
example of contentment in the face of hardship made them bolder.
Like Paul, we must choose our response to pain and hardship. We can become resentful and
bitter, consequently allowing a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth to defeat us. Or we can turn
to God, cry out for help, and be victorious.
-----
Mwa and mm-Hum
When I kiss my 4-month-old son, Justin, I usually may a little noise as I kiss him. I guess that lip smack noise could best be spelled M-W-A. When I hold him to get him to go to sleep, I often pull him close to my face and softly whisper "mm hum" to him. This is a lot like the mouth closed lazy way of saying yes; at least in the neck of the woods I live in it is.
About a week ago when I held him to my cheek to get a good slobbery kiss, he went "mwa" back to me. Since then we've made it a little "mwa" trading game where we do it back and forth a few times. It so delights me. I just cannot tell you how my heart melts when he mwa's me back.
To top it off, he also makes mm-hum noises when he is getting sleepy. He has evidently been doing that a bit longer but I first found out about it a few days ago when I was holding him late at night. Old news to my wife but it still thrilled me.
Those things really made this verse in Ephesians come alive to me.
Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Just as my dear son imitates me, we are to imitate God. Sure when any child imitates their parent it may not be quite right but Paul did not say, "Be a mini-me for God". He also didn't say, "Be an exact copy of God." He did say, "Observe God and do your best impression of him."
Just as it thrills me when either of my boys tries to be like me, don't you just know it must delight our Father in heaven? Be God's delight - imitate him.
Adam
-----
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Thoughts for Today
God never promised us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain … but he did promise strength to get through each day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. As you provide care and support for an aging parent, a spouse or friend, turn to God for strength and hope.
The Bible has a great deal to say about aging and caregiving concerns. Take time to meditate on God's Word. You will find guidance, strength and hope. Open your Bible and spend quiet time with God every day. No matter how busy you are, determine to set aside that special time with him. And remember that he is with you every moment of the day.
Consider this…
While at times you might not understand why you and your family are facing these challenging times, if you seek God, you will find him. He promises to hear your prayers and meet your needs. He is your source. He is the one who will make the impossible, possible.
Too often we exhaust ourselves with our own efforts before we ask God for his help and provision for our needs. We focus on the need and become overwhelmed by it. He will help us, and he wants us to pray to him for the strength, wisdom and resources to accomplish his will.
Prayer
Father, at times I get so weary, physically and emotionally. And sometimes I find myself turning everywhere else for help before coming to you. Help me to remember to always come to you first. I know that you are truly my source of strength. In Jesus' name …
-----
Devotional For Dieters
October 3
Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
Mort juggled his folder of papers, his coffee, and his sweet roll. It seemed as though Mort couldn't go anywhere without his hands full of food. Even now, as he rushed toward an important meeting, he fed his face. As he rounded the corner, a great gust of wind took him by surprise, ripping the folder from his hands. The sheets of his report flew off in many directions as he watched helplessly, sweet roll in hand. Looking at the messy roll clutched in his fingers, he silently swore to cut out all the snacks. Not only were they ruining his body, but now they jeopardized his job. It just wasn't worth it.
Today's thought: I don't want my greatest skill to be my ability to eat!
-----
"Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.
—Luke 8:22
What is your favorite verse of scripture?
It is a simple enough question. One would think it is asked all the time. But surprisingly enough, the response given often harks back to the scripture of the day, or the theme of the church year. We know a favorite passage is there, we're just not sure exactly which verse, or even which story has claimed our heart.
When we do let the question linger, and begin to answer it, we realize we are mapping the course of our lives. There is a reason those verses became personal, a reason God lodged them in our heart, and a reason we keep returning to them. There is a reason they shed light on our lives.
For me, Jesus' invitation to go to the “other side” is a centering call. I sense what he is asking. We are born; we age; and we cross to the other side. All kinds of things happen along the way. There are storms. There are winds. There is fear. And, in the boat, right beside us, there is Jesus traveling with us as we all make our way to the other side.
I have seen that boat in stained glass windows. I have seen it in paintings. I have seen it in my imagination. And I have seen it in the course of my life. When a heart attack almost ended the journey, God said, “Let's keep traveling.” When it happened again, we kept traveling. When events seemed to conspire against me, I knew they were no more than a mid-passage storm, and that I hadn't been invited to travel only half-way across the lake.
Time after time I return to that simple invitation: “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” I am thankful that I do not have to make the passage alone. I am thankful for the boat, which I realize is the church, for I know I could not swim the distance. Today, and tomorrow, Jesus' words ring true. I am thankful for their presence in my life.
Gracious God, help us accept your invitation. When we are afraid give us strength to keep traveling, lift fear from us, and thank you for traveling with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The Signposts
-----
Be Trans4med!
"DON'T LET THE WORLD...SQUEEZE YOU INTO ITS OWN MOULD."
ROMANS 12:2 PHP
Do you ever feel like a square peg in a round hole? It can be a frustratingly familiar feeling for Christians living in today's world. But listen: Don't let the world...squeeze you into its own mould.' If you're feeling 'squeezed,' here's what to do: Be transformed: The Bible says, 'Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think.' (Rom 12:2 CEV). Instead be transformed into the faith-driven person God meant you to be. But how? By renewing your mind: Instead of struggling to change the stuff around you, change how you think. 'Renewing' means to line up your thoughts with God's. Kick out those self-defeating thoughts that tell you 'you're not, you can't, and you'll never be able to.' God says: 'You are, you can and you will be able to,' because of His power that lives in you! John writes, 'Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory' (1 John 5:4 CEV). Go to God's Word! Find out what He says about the things that hassle you, then pull the plug on them. The Word for you today is: 'don't be afraid...I am your God. I will make you strong...I will support you' (Isaiah 41:10 NCV). How cool is that? You've got the big cheese on your side and He's got your back, forever! Word4U2Day
-----
A day of great rejoicing shall break forth
The days of the consummation as spoken by the prophets is near at hand and even now the storm clouds are gathering.
Prepare ye! Prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the day, the great day of the Lord is near at hand.
He shall come with a multitude of His Holy Angels and He shall subdue all things under His feet and His Kingdom, His Everlasting Kingdom shall be established.
The great oppressor shall be cast down into the pit, the deceiver of the nations shall no longer inflict his painful acts upon the saints.
A day of great rejoicing shall break forth throughout the whole earth and a calamitous roar of a great celebration will be heard in the heavens.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
©10/03/2001 Jim Welch
-----
-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, October 3, 2008
Stay Alert
"Be careful! Always be ready! You don't know when that time
will be."
-- Mark 13:33 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Since we cannot know for sure the exact time of the Lord's return, our
approach should be clear and without distraction. We are to stay alert
and keep watch so that we are ready for the Lord's return -- ready with
constant vigilance ... constant anticipation ... and constant moral
preparedness.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O Father, I want to be ready when Jesus comes. Keep my eyes open, my
heart pure, and my hands ready to do your will as I expect the glorious
arrival of my victorious Lord. In his name, the mighty name of Jesus
Christ, I pray. Amen.
-----
SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak” Psalm 6:2
For what it's worth: Most of my early life was spent drinking or fighting. I was usually fighting reality, stubbornly trying to force it to be what I wanted it to be rather than accepting it as it was. Of course, I always lost. And that fueled my drinking, so the two go hand in hand. That is why I need to be careful when I start fighting reality today. It is a simple truth that some days I am weak. My weakness can show itself in many ways - and the older I grow, the more I experience. It seems that spiritual weakness is the hardest to accept. I mistakenly believe that, after all I have gone through to grow spiritually, I should not suffer any spiritual downtime. But that is not only arrogant, it is stupid. Of course, on any given day, my best can be no more than human, and some days my best is a weak human. On those days, I need not to fight it, but gently, softly accept it.
God bless you!
Joe W.
and unable to experience his joy.
-----
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm
97:12
-----
Jesus is our standard
October 3
His intention was . . . that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of
personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of
the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
—Ephesians 4:12-13
One time I was comparing myself to the way I used to be, and I thought, I am not doing too badly.
Then God said to me, “But Who is your standard? How are you doing compared to Me?” I said,
“Lord, I have a long way to go!”
Refuse to live beneath the standard that Jesus has set for you. Keep your eyes on Him and tell Him,
“Many . . . are the wonderful works which You have done . . . no one can compare with You” (Psalm
40:5).
From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer.
-----
Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for youself. –Harriet Nelson
To Act Let go of old wounds and enjoy today.
To Pray Lord, help me to realize the healing power of forgiveness.
-----
Practice Emptying the Mind.
I have the habit every night of emptying all my pockets. As I do, I'm always sure that the wastebasket
is near. It occurred to me one night to empty my mind as I empty my pockets; for through the day, I
pick up a lot of things that I am better off discarding. Everyone ought to spend at least 15 minutes a
day emptying the mind. You may say, "I can think of some minds that could be emptied in less than
that." Perhaps, but I assure you that it would take much longer to empty out some of the terrible
things in many minds.
No. 77 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
-----
NACR Daily Meditation
Friday 3rd of October 2008
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He
will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28
There are times during our struggle to heal when our emotions become intense
and stay intense for what seems like a very long time. We feel like we rant
and rave and weep for hour after hour, day after day. And we worry that
the people in our lives who love and support us will grow tired and weary.
Will we wear them out? Will they grow tired of the journey?
In those times when we fear the limits of those who love us, we need to
remind ourselves that the Everlasting God does not grow tired or weary.
We can pour our heart out to God over and over again. We can rage and weep.
God listens without hurry or exhaustion. God will not tire of us.
And God understands. Beyond what we can understand or fathom, God sees and
knows and understands.
We need to keep talking to the people who support us, but with an appreciation
for their limits and boundaries. We also need to talk to God. We can speak
our heart freely and fully to our Creator every day, every hour. God will
not tire of us.
It sounds silly when I say it, Lord.
but sometimes I worry that I will wear you out.
Or bore you.
But you are Everlasting God.
Creator of the ends of the earth.
You do not grow weary.
Your understanding cannot be fathomed.
You understand.
You do not tire of me.
Thank you.
Amen.
-----
God’s Work
Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
We may communicate to our fellow human beings the truth that God has touched and changed our
lives, but it is not our responsibility to make them believe. Occasionally I ask a friend to accompany
me to church or Bible study. Several years ago one of my guests looked at her watch at least 20
times during the speaker’s talk. “What is she thinking?” I wondered. Because I cannot read minds or
hearts, I dared not guess. “That is God’s work,” I reminded myself.
Months later she called to tell me that she was in the midst of a crisis and felt that perhaps it was
time to trust God for what she could no longer handle alone.
It is reassuring to know that I do not have to convince another person to believe in God’s son, Jesus.
But it is a great privilege to be myself and share my life and let God do the convincing.
Lord, help me as I talk about what you have done for me.
I’ll allow you to do your work in others’ lives.
2008 Joan C. Webb
-----
Handling Difficult Circumstances
By Charles Stanley
Please open your Bible and read Philippians 1:12-20.
Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi was written during his Roman imprisonment. Chained
continuously to a guard while awaiting trial, he wrote encouraging the Philippians not to worry over
him, because he was learning some valuable lessons.
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” he told them. (Philippians 4:11)
Notice the verse does not say that he was always happy; happiness depends upon
circumstances. Contentment, on the other hand, indicates we are so anchored in God that we can
thank Him in the midst of pain. Paul’s surroundings were among the worst in the world, but he
scarcely mentioned his situation. Instead, his focus never wavered from God. (Philippians 1:20;
3:10)
Paul did not see himself as a victim. He believed that he was under the sovereign hand of the
living Lord - in God’s place at God’s time for God’s purpose. All around him, Paul saw the good result
of his time in prison. The entire Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers who guarded Caesar, had heard
about Jesus, thanks to the apostle’s consistent witnessing. His imprisonment was also having the
opposite effect of what his enemies had planned. Instead of driving Christians into hiding, Paul’s
example of contentment in the face of hardship made them bolder.
Like Paul, we must choose our response to pain and hardship. We can become resentful and
bitter, consequently allowing a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth to defeat us. Or we can turn
to God, cry out for help, and be victorious.
-----
Mwa and mm-Hum
When I kiss my 4-month-old son, Justin, I usually may a little noise as I kiss him. I guess that lip smack noise could best be spelled M-W-A. When I hold him to get him to go to sleep, I often pull him close to my face and softly whisper "mm hum" to him. This is a lot like the mouth closed lazy way of saying yes; at least in the neck of the woods I live in it is.
About a week ago when I held him to my cheek to get a good slobbery kiss, he went "mwa" back to me. Since then we've made it a little "mwa" trading game where we do it back and forth a few times. It so delights me. I just cannot tell you how my heart melts when he mwa's me back.
To top it off, he also makes mm-hum noises when he is getting sleepy. He has evidently been doing that a bit longer but I first found out about it a few days ago when I was holding him late at night. Old news to my wife but it still thrilled me.
Those things really made this verse in Ephesians come alive to me.
Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Just as my dear son imitates me, we are to imitate God. Sure when any child imitates their parent it may not be quite right but Paul did not say, "Be a mini-me for God". He also didn't say, "Be an exact copy of God." He did say, "Observe God and do your best impression of him."
Just as it thrills me when either of my boys tries to be like me, don't you just know it must delight our Father in heaven? Be God's delight - imitate him.
Adam
-----
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Thoughts for Today
God never promised us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain … but he did promise strength to get through each day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. As you provide care and support for an aging parent, a spouse or friend, turn to God for strength and hope.
The Bible has a great deal to say about aging and caregiving concerns. Take time to meditate on God's Word. You will find guidance, strength and hope. Open your Bible and spend quiet time with God every day. No matter how busy you are, determine to set aside that special time with him. And remember that he is with you every moment of the day.
Consider this…
While at times you might not understand why you and your family are facing these challenging times, if you seek God, you will find him. He promises to hear your prayers and meet your needs. He is your source. He is the one who will make the impossible, possible.
Too often we exhaust ourselves with our own efforts before we ask God for his help and provision for our needs. We focus on the need and become overwhelmed by it. He will help us, and he wants us to pray to him for the strength, wisdom and resources to accomplish his will.
Prayer
Father, at times I get so weary, physically and emotionally. And sometimes I find myself turning everywhere else for help before coming to you. Help me to remember to always come to you first. I know that you are truly my source of strength. In Jesus' name …
-----
Devotional For Dieters
October 3
Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
Mort juggled his folder of papers, his coffee, and his sweet roll. It seemed as though Mort couldn't go anywhere without his hands full of food. Even now, as he rushed toward an important meeting, he fed his face. As he rounded the corner, a great gust of wind took him by surprise, ripping the folder from his hands. The sheets of his report flew off in many directions as he watched helplessly, sweet roll in hand. Looking at the messy roll clutched in his fingers, he silently swore to cut out all the snacks. Not only were they ruining his body, but now they jeopardized his job. It just wasn't worth it.
Today's thought: I don't want my greatest skill to be my ability to eat!
-----
"Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.
—Luke 8:22
What is your favorite verse of scripture?
It is a simple enough question. One would think it is asked all the time. But surprisingly enough, the response given often harks back to the scripture of the day, or the theme of the church year. We know a favorite passage is there, we're just not sure exactly which verse, or even which story has claimed our heart.
When we do let the question linger, and begin to answer it, we realize we are mapping the course of our lives. There is a reason those verses became personal, a reason God lodged them in our heart, and a reason we keep returning to them. There is a reason they shed light on our lives.
For me, Jesus' invitation to go to the “other side” is a centering call. I sense what he is asking. We are born; we age; and we cross to the other side. All kinds of things happen along the way. There are storms. There are winds. There is fear. And, in the boat, right beside us, there is Jesus traveling with us as we all make our way to the other side.
I have seen that boat in stained glass windows. I have seen it in paintings. I have seen it in my imagination. And I have seen it in the course of my life. When a heart attack almost ended the journey, God said, “Let's keep traveling.” When it happened again, we kept traveling. When events seemed to conspire against me, I knew they were no more than a mid-passage storm, and that I hadn't been invited to travel only half-way across the lake.
Time after time I return to that simple invitation: “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” I am thankful that I do not have to make the passage alone. I am thankful for the boat, which I realize is the church, for I know I could not swim the distance. Today, and tomorrow, Jesus' words ring true. I am thankful for their presence in my life.
Gracious God, help us accept your invitation. When we are afraid give us strength to keep traveling, lift fear from us, and thank you for traveling with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The Signposts
-----
Be Trans4med!
"DON'T LET THE WORLD...SQUEEZE YOU INTO ITS OWN MOULD."
ROMANS 12:2 PHP
Do you ever feel like a square peg in a round hole? It can be a frustratingly familiar feeling for Christians living in today's world. But listen: Don't let the world...squeeze you into its own mould.' If you're feeling 'squeezed,' here's what to do: Be transformed: The Bible says, 'Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think.' (Rom 12:2 CEV). Instead be transformed into the faith-driven person God meant you to be. But how? By renewing your mind: Instead of struggling to change the stuff around you, change how you think. 'Renewing' means to line up your thoughts with God's. Kick out those self-defeating thoughts that tell you 'you're not, you can't, and you'll never be able to.' God says: 'You are, you can and you will be able to,' because of His power that lives in you! John writes, 'Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory' (1 John 5:4 CEV). Go to God's Word! Find out what He says about the things that hassle you, then pull the plug on them. The Word for you today is: 'don't be afraid...I am your God. I will make you strong...I will support you' (Isaiah 41:10 NCV). How cool is that? You've got the big cheese on your side and He's got your back, forever! Word4U2Day
-----
A day of great rejoicing shall break forth
The days of the consummation as spoken by the prophets is near at hand and even now the storm clouds are gathering.
Prepare ye! Prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the day, the great day of the Lord is near at hand.
He shall come with a multitude of His Holy Angels and He shall subdue all things under His feet and His Kingdom, His Everlasting Kingdom shall be established.
The great oppressor shall be cast down into the pit, the deceiver of the nations shall no longer inflict his painful acts upon the saints.
A day of great rejoicing shall break forth throughout the whole earth and a calamitous roar of a great celebration will be heard in the heavens.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
©10/03/2001 Jim Welch
-----
-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, October 3, 2008
Stay Alert
"Be careful! Always be ready! You don't know when that time
will be."
-- Mark 13:33 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Since we cannot know for sure the exact time of the Lord's return, our
approach should be clear and without distraction. We are to stay alert
and keep watch so that we are ready for the Lord's return -- ready with
constant vigilance ... constant anticipation ... and constant moral
preparedness.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O Father, I want to be ready when Jesus comes. Keep my eyes open, my
heart pure, and my hands ready to do your will as I expect the glorious
arrival of my victorious Lord. In his name, the mighty name of Jesus
Christ, I pray. Amen.
-----
SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak” Psalm 6:2
For what it's worth: Most of my early life was spent drinking or fighting. I was usually fighting reality, stubbornly trying to force it to be what I wanted it to be rather than accepting it as it was. Of course, I always lost. And that fueled my drinking, so the two go hand in hand. That is why I need to be careful when I start fighting reality today. It is a simple truth that some days I am weak. My weakness can show itself in many ways - and the older I grow, the more I experience. It seems that spiritual weakness is the hardest to accept. I mistakenly believe that, after all I have gone through to grow spiritually, I should not suffer any spiritual downtime. But that is not only arrogant, it is stupid. Of course, on any given day, my best can be no more than human, and some days my best is a weak human. On those days, I need not to fight it, but gently, softly accept it.
God bless you!
Joe W.