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10-22-2008, 01:46 PM
Today I will...apply the Word of God to my life, that I may experience the blessings of the Father.
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I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John
12:46
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Why Are There Delays?
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always experience the blessings
promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith. Without faith, we could never please God.
(Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the incentive to do right and refrain from
wrongdoing would only be selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward. God does not test us so that we can fail,
but so that we can overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is for us to press into Him and His Word
and walk in faith until we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot always shield us from problems
without taking away from us the privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with God. His timing is perfect and He is
dependable! We know He promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will end up not lacking anything.
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Be Truthful
October 22
Do not say, I will repay evil; wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue you.
—Proverbs 20:22
God doesn’t mind if you tell Him how you honestly feel. Actually, telling God how you feel will give you
relief. If you repress your feelings and pretend you aren’t angry or hurting, and try to be superspiritual,
you will miss the healing that God can give to you.
Be truthful with God. Don’t carry a grudge all day. Get in touch with what is going on inside of you
and talk to God about it. Truth is the only thing that will set you free to enjoy the rest of your day (See
John 8:32).
From the book Starting Your Day Right
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Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes
the goal. --Ralph Vaull Starr
To Act Look at all of your options before making life-changing decisions.
To Pray Lord, help me to remember, that my accomplishments are not my moments of glory, but
Yours.
-----
Give Your Heart a Break.
Whatever the character of your heartache, one of the first steps is to return again to the normal
course of your life. Take up your old associations. Form new ones. Get busy walking, riding,
swimming, playing—get the blood coursing through your system. Lose yourself in some worthwhile
project. Employ healthy mind-relieving busyness, but be sure that it is of a worthwhile and
constructive nature. Superficial escapism through feverish activity works to deaden pain temporarily
and does not heal.
No. 96 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
-----
God Loves, Part III
October 22nd, 2008 Posted in Hosea, Mark | No Comments »
“…Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?” Mark 8:17 (NIV)
The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is
an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…” Hosea
3:1 (NIV)
God has not given up on me. The world may say I am not enough or lack some essential – but God
so loved me. God loved me before I even loved Him and died for me while I was still a sinner.
(Romans 5:8)
My goodness can not win God.
My badness can not lose God.
I can resist Him. I can choose to pull away. I can pull away from His touch, His comfort, His love. I
can listen to the rejection of man and allow it to dim the extravagant love of God. I do this more from
fear than conviction! Pull back the curtains! Let the truth of God’s voice come through!
One of the hardest concepts to accept as a Christian is grace. God gives love without a cost. Unlike
any other faith concept, it is not what I do that seals my relationship with God. Jesus covered all of
that. God comes close to me because I am covered by Jesus. It is not the number of my prayers or
the ritual with which I do them that pleases God. Before I took a breath, God created me in His image
and marked me as His! And by His grace, I remain His. He gave Jesus as a ransom for my sins and
so with a simple “Yes, I need you” … it is done. I am sealed for God and cannot be plucked out of His
hand! (John 10:28)
And then there is mercy. God forgives because of His great love. The mercy is undeserved and the
price cost Jesus His life.
Let us take some time today and receive the extravagant love of our Father.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And
that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Keep reading this chapter. You will be glad you did!
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NACR Daily Meditation
Wednesday 22nd of October 2008
He who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:32
None of us enjoy it when people point out that we need to change. We
don’t like being told that we have switched from one addiction to another.
Or, that we are allowing someone’s addiction to control our lives. Or that
we are running from intimacy. Or that we are behaving in ways that are destructive
to ourselves or to others. We don’t like hearing these things.
But we need this kind of honesty. We are not ‘wired’ for honest self-assesment.
At the first sight of a problem we experience shame. And our defenses go
up. We put our hands over our ears and stop listening.
We need other people to keep us honest and to help us see what we cannot
see about ourselves. Honest feedback is one of our best hopes for initiating
change. As this text puts it, if we ‘heed correction’, we can gain a lot
of understanding. So, it is good to pay attention to the ‘correction’ and
‘discipline’ we get from others. We are not helped, of course, by judgmentalism
and shame - we have enough of that to last us a lifetime. But we need to
cultivate relationships with people who will - with love and kindness -
tell us the truth about ourselves. This information can be the starting
point for change in our lives.
Lord, help me to build relationships that sustain honesty.
Give me friends who will love me enough to tell me the truth.
Help me to pay attention to correction.
Give me the courage to see myself clearly.
Keep me from shame and self-loathing.
Give me the openness to correction that makes change possible.
Amen.
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Accepting Forgiveness
Romans 8:1-2: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (v.1).
“He’s weak. It won’t be long now. said the nurse. Maxine tiptoed to his bedside. “Hi, Grandpa,” she
whispered. “I’ll read you the mail.”
For years Grandpa taught fifth grade Sunday School, praying for each student. Many boys began to
know God’s love from Teacher Parker. His influence rippled over generations. But Grandpa had been
troubled lately. He was ashamed of what he called his “wild days” including three failed marriages.
Now as he neared death, he could not let go. Maxine reached for the greeting cards stacked on the
night stand. She tore the seal on one and read the handwritten message from a former student: “I
just want to thank you for teaching me Romans 8:1: `There is now no condemnation for those who
are in Christ.’ This means a lot to me. Love, Bob.”
A tear trickled down Grandpa’s cheek as he closed his eyes and smiled. During the night he died
peacefully. There was no condemnatory judgement in God’s “welcome home.”
Because God forgives us, surely we can forgive ourselves.
Father, because of Jesus you hold nothing against me. Thanks.
2008 Joan C. Webb
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Answers for Each Day - Oct. 22, 2008
It’s Never Too Late
As we wrap up our series of devotionals on how to break a spiritual drought, I want to focus our
attention on Psalm 72:6. This verse contains a very powerful truth that I want to leave with you. It
says,
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass. (KJV)
I remember when I was first saved and read this passage, I would picture somebody out there with a
lawnmower. But of course, they didn’t have lawnmowers back then!
This verse refers to a field that has been eaten over by locusts, a plague of locusts that has come
through and just devoured a field. And God gives a wonderful promise: He will come down like the
rain on the mown grass, to revive and to restore that which the locusts have eaten.
Today, as you read this devotional, you may feel like a swarm of locusts has come over your life and
eaten your blessing. I think if you seek God and earnestly pray and ask Him to send the rain, you will
have an encounter with God beyond anything you could have imagined.
He can restore what the enemy has stolen in your life. You can indeed experience the freshness
and revival and fruitfulness in your life again. It is never too late to pray for God’s blessing.
No matter the situation, seek God today. Ask, and He will send the rain down on whatever part of
your life has been mowed over by the locusts. And you will experience the blessing God desires for
you.
Remember, it is never too late.
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Devotional For Dieters
October 22
2 Corinthians 11:29-30
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of
the things which concern mine infirmities.
If there was one thing to respect Cynthia for, it was her humility. She was very talented, but she
knew well what she could do and what she couldn't. She was never shy about asking for help when
she needed it, and she never tried to make people think she could do things she could not. It was
nice to see someone who could admit her weaknesses without being defensive or insecure. When
Cynthia had dieted, she openly admitted that she relied heavily on God for strength and
encouragement. It was a real inspiration to others to find someone who gained strength from being
honest about weakness.
Today's thought: It is more important to be strong of heart than strong of body!
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Parenting by Design - Oct. 22, 2008
Encouraging and allowing creativity
Romans 12:4-6: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us (NIV).
As parents, we may insist things be done our way just because we automatically assume our way is the best. In doing so, however, we discourage the development of problem-solving skills and creative thinking in our kids. Inadvertently, we devalue their unique perspective and gifts. It may take more time and effort to try a different approach, but you may be surprised at the solutions your kids come up with. God has gifted each of us differently and every member of our family has something unique to offer. Ask yourself where your kids possess skills and abilities you may not have.
A godly leader has the humility to allow his kids to shine and doesn’t have to be the resident expert.
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Amen
“For no matter how many promises God had made, they are “YES” in Christ. And so through him the “AMEN” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
Who else can say "Amen" to God’s promises than we to whom they are given? To say, "Amen" is like saying “Yes, I believe it.” Oh, that every Christian would say that to all of the promises that God has made to us! The scriptures are filled with hope for each of us, because we are God’s children. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have been given so many promises that we could not possible comprehend them all. From Genesis to Revelation, God has spoken them to us. His promises are sure and waiting for us to take hold of them and to make them our own. Here are a few:
“I am thy shield, and they exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1
“I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Exodus 4:12
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
All these promises and so many more are “Yes” in Christ and we have the privilege of saying "Amen." Let us live this life knowing that God’s promises are true and a reality for each of us.
Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. We thank you that through him we have become your children and have access to all the promises you have made in scripture. Let us take hold of these promises and live our lives as if we were saying, "Amen" to every one of them. Father, so often our faith falters in trouble. Help us to see you then, and to remember how you have led us and will continue to lead us. We pray that we may say, "Amen" with our whole being to your glory. Amen Quiet Waters
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HEART TRUTH
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Psalm 139:1-6
God knows our heart. He just will not stop giving me this message to share. He knows everything about us. He knows every thought we have � and yet He still loves us. Now, that is amazing grace in action.
I'm one of those people that often says things before thinking. You know what I mean � open mouth � insert foot. Such was the case a few days before I got fired from my last job for not calling in right for being out sick. Ha! Anyhow, I answered the phone because the receptionist was busy doing something else and the call was for the boss's wife. Apparently, I didn't screen the call enough and she made some snide remark. When she got off the phone I said, "Well, excuse me. Why don't you just write down on a sheet of paper all the questions you would have me ask? Then, since you don't want me telling the truth just tell me what I am supposed to say." Wow! No wonder I got fired.
Most of us do not want to deal with the truth. We especially don't want to look at the things in our lives that desperately need to change. Like my boss's wife, we want family members and friends to sift through the negatives and accentuate the positive. There were plenty of things in that office, and in her life that needed work. I guess it's okay in the office world to tell little white lies, but if we want genuine spiritual growth we must look at the negatives and face the truth.
Since God knows us so well, wouldn't it make sense to spend some intensive quiet time with Him and allow Him to show us our heart? Makes sense to me. Is it comfortable? No! However, since He knows us anyway, goes before us and behind us, we might as well stop and allow Him to communicate with us. We just might become better people as a result.
Father, I really don't "enjoy" Your pointing out my negative character flaws, but I sure enjoy the results when Your healing comes in those areas. I pray that You will work tenderly with each one of us as we commit our way to You and allow You to deal with the secret parts of us that need to change. I do believe that we are ready to experience Your hand of blessing on our head. Help us not squirm out from under it like a little child, but to surrender to Your touch. Then, help us stand with others while You do the same thing in their lives. That's just one step in allowing You to turn our woes to wows! The Well
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Look forwards not backwards
"BUT FORGET ALL THAT, IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW."
Isaiah 43 :18-19 (NLT)
Has someone stopped you doing something because you messed up the last time? Ever felt like you missed out on something because you weren't trusted? Have you stopped chasing after your dream because you've told yourself you're not good enough, or talented enough? We all make mistakes and it's easy to turn these mistakes into doubting our own ability, especially when other people doubt our ability too. Gods not like that. When He looks at us, all He sees is what we can be; not all that we have been. He wants us to see the same. God doesn't want you to live thinking about all the stuff that's gone wrong.
Have you ever walked into something because you weren't looking where you were going? You feel stupid don't you... and get hurt! It's not the best or safest way to walk is it? That's why God asks us to live our lives looking where we're going, looking at what He is doing. Check out the future God planned for these guys, who chose to look ahead to what God could do with their life: Rahab, a prostitute saves her family from death, (Joshua 6:25); Joseph,a shepherd boy, saves thousands from starvation (Genesis 41:54); Deborah wins a war and brings peace in Israel for 40 years (Judges 5:31). Look forwards not backwards and see what God will do with your life. Word4U2Day
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His Voice will cause love to fill your heart
Listen to the still small Voice of God and He will teach all things mixed with the spiritual qualities of love and joy.
The inspiring words of His Voice will cause a warm glow of love to fill your heart accompanied by feeling of perfect peace.
Seek to study theology sitting at the feet of our God and let Him teach you in person of Heavenly mysteries and Divine truths.
If you draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto you.
If any person lacks wisdom let him ask of God and God will send His Spirit of truth to teach him all things and reveal all things causing the darkness of spiritual ignorance to flee away.
God takes great delight in teaching those who draw nigh unto Him with open hearts and minds, and God will pour His Spirit of love and truth without measure upon them.
Amen.
©10/22/2001 Jim Welch
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Learning From Mistakes
As many people have learned by experience, "There is no failure except in no
longer trying."
A young man had just been appointed President of the bank. He had never dreamed he would be President, much less at such a young age. So he approached the distinguished Chairman of the Board and said, "You know, I've just been appointed President. I was wondering if you could give me some advice."
The old man came back with just two words: "Right decisions!"
The young man had hoped for more than that, so he said, "That's really helpful, and I appreciate it, but can you be more specific? How do I make right decisions?"
The wise old man simply responded, "Experience!"
The young man said, "Well, that's just the point of my being here. I don't have the kind of experience I need. How do I get it?"
Came the terse reply, "Wrong decisions!"
How Does This Apply to Our Lives?
Wrong decisions, mistakes--we all make them. Do you learn from your mistakes, and then move on to new challenges? Or do you take mistakes personally, and form a negative attitude toward yourself and life?
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently." Those words are from Henry Ford, the famous automobile maker. Most people don't know it today, but Ford saw his plans collapse around him, and he went broke, five times before finally succeeding.
Are there failures in your life that bother you? Ford refused to let failures make him a failure--remember his approach. Also remember the Apostle Peter, who denied Christ three times but, through faith, was restored by Jesus and went on to serve God in many effective ways.
There is something else to remember. Don't try to carry life's burdens or face disappointments alone. Find a someone you can trust, and lean on them---even if it is just someone to whom you can talk. There is strength in numbers.
Most importantly, ask God what He wants for your life. Then obey what you learn. You see, when all is said and done, it is not your plans, but God's purpose, that is going to prevail.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Psalm 19:21 Daily Wisdom
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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I Will Drink it New
Then Jesus said, "This wine is my blood. My blood (death)
begins the new agreement {from God to his people}. This blood
is given for many people. I tell you the truth. I will not
drink this wine again until that day when I drink it in the
kingdom of God and the wine is new." All the followers sang a
song. Then they went out to the Mount of Olives.
-- Mark 14:24-26 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Some debate what Jesus means when he says, "I will drink it new in the
Kingdom of God." Some believe he is referring to sharing in the Lord's
Supper with those who believe in him -- in other words, when we share
in the Lord's Supper as his Church, he joins us in this meal. Others
think he is referring to the great reunion meal in heaven. I personally
believe that his reference is all encompassing because the Lord's
Supper meal we celebrate as his Church is anticipatory: we remember his
death until he comes. He joins us in that meal just as he joined his
followers on the road to Emmaus and shared that meal with them (Luke
24). However, we realize that as we celebrate the Lord's Supper here on
earth, we do so in anticipation of the great meal in heaven with all of
God's redeemed. What a great reminder! What a great way to anticipate
the future! What a great way to pledge ourselves to each other and
commit to help one another see that glorious day of victorious
celebration with our Lord!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Almighty God and eternal LORD, thank you for the presence of your Son
as we share in the Lord's Supper. Thank you even more for the promise
that we will share the victorious meal with our Savior when he returns
and takes us home to you. In Jesus' name I thank you for all of your
blessings. Amen.
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GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS
“It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 566, Appendix I
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10
For what it's worth: A deep-seated feeling of inadequacy reinforced my drinking for years. Fortunately, I found Alcoholics Anonymous, the only free program I know to build a decent self-image. And AA starts its construction with a solid foundation of humility. AA taught me to give rather than get; to serve more than be served; to be concerned about others rather than be self-absorbed; to treat others as I want to be treated; and, to never think of myself better or worse than anyone. As significant as those lessons are to my well being, even more important is the fact that AA introduced me to a Higher Power that loves me just as I am. So, surely, I am a work of art. At times, it may be hard to tell what type of art. Nevertheless, I am God’s work in progress, and I can tell that He places a bright stroke of color on His art work whenever I humble myself by putting someone else first.
God bless you!
Joe W.
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I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John
12:46
------
Why Are There Delays?
JAMES 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Why are prayers not all answered instantly? Why don't we always experience the blessings
promised in the Bible immediately?
If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith. Without faith, we could never please God.
(Hebrews 11:6)
If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the incentive to do right and refrain from
wrongdoing would only be selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required.
During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we really love God, and trust Him, or not.
A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward. God does not test us so that we can fail,
but so that we can overcome. He believes we will make it with His help.
We desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is for us to press into Him and His Word
and walk in faith until we see victory.
To overcome there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot always shield us from problems
without taking away from us the privilege of overcoming.
Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.
If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with God. His timing is perfect and He is
dependable! We know He promised, and can never fail -- and that is enough.
SAY THIS: I will persevere in faith, and the Bible says I will end up not lacking anything.
-----
Be Truthful
October 22
Do not say, I will repay evil; wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue you.
—Proverbs 20:22
God doesn’t mind if you tell Him how you honestly feel. Actually, telling God how you feel will give you
relief. If you repress your feelings and pretend you aren’t angry or hurting, and try to be superspiritual,
you will miss the healing that God can give to you.
Be truthful with God. Don’t carry a grudge all day. Get in touch with what is going on inside of you
and talk to God about it. Truth is the only thing that will set you free to enjoy the rest of your day (See
John 8:32).
From the book Starting Your Day Right
-----
Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes
the goal. --Ralph Vaull Starr
To Act Look at all of your options before making life-changing decisions.
To Pray Lord, help me to remember, that my accomplishments are not my moments of glory, but
Yours.
-----
Give Your Heart a Break.
Whatever the character of your heartache, one of the first steps is to return again to the normal
course of your life. Take up your old associations. Form new ones. Get busy walking, riding,
swimming, playing—get the blood coursing through your system. Lose yourself in some worthwhile
project. Employ healthy mind-relieving busyness, but be sure that it is of a worthwhile and
constructive nature. Superficial escapism through feverish activity works to deaden pain temporarily
and does not heal.
No. 96 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
-----
God Loves, Part III
October 22nd, 2008 Posted in Hosea, Mark | No Comments »
“…Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?” Mark 8:17 (NIV)
The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is
an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…” Hosea
3:1 (NIV)
God has not given up on me. The world may say I am not enough or lack some essential – but God
so loved me. God loved me before I even loved Him and died for me while I was still a sinner.
(Romans 5:8)
My goodness can not win God.
My badness can not lose God.
I can resist Him. I can choose to pull away. I can pull away from His touch, His comfort, His love. I
can listen to the rejection of man and allow it to dim the extravagant love of God. I do this more from
fear than conviction! Pull back the curtains! Let the truth of God’s voice come through!
One of the hardest concepts to accept as a Christian is grace. God gives love without a cost. Unlike
any other faith concept, it is not what I do that seals my relationship with God. Jesus covered all of
that. God comes close to me because I am covered by Jesus. It is not the number of my prayers or
the ritual with which I do them that pleases God. Before I took a breath, God created me in His image
and marked me as His! And by His grace, I remain His. He gave Jesus as a ransom for my sins and
so with a simple “Yes, I need you” … it is done. I am sealed for God and cannot be plucked out of His
hand! (John 10:28)
And then there is mercy. God forgives because of His great love. The mercy is undeserved and the
price cost Jesus His life.
Let us take some time today and receive the extravagant love of our Father.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And
that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Keep reading this chapter. You will be glad you did!
-----
NACR Daily Meditation
Wednesday 22nd of October 2008
He who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:32
None of us enjoy it when people point out that we need to change. We
don’t like being told that we have switched from one addiction to another.
Or, that we are allowing someone’s addiction to control our lives. Or that
we are running from intimacy. Or that we are behaving in ways that are destructive
to ourselves or to others. We don’t like hearing these things.
But we need this kind of honesty. We are not ‘wired’ for honest self-assesment.
At the first sight of a problem we experience shame. And our defenses go
up. We put our hands over our ears and stop listening.
We need other people to keep us honest and to help us see what we cannot
see about ourselves. Honest feedback is one of our best hopes for initiating
change. As this text puts it, if we ‘heed correction’, we can gain a lot
of understanding. So, it is good to pay attention to the ‘correction’ and
‘discipline’ we get from others. We are not helped, of course, by judgmentalism
and shame - we have enough of that to last us a lifetime. But we need to
cultivate relationships with people who will - with love and kindness -
tell us the truth about ourselves. This information can be the starting
point for change in our lives.
Lord, help me to build relationships that sustain honesty.
Give me friends who will love me enough to tell me the truth.
Help me to pay attention to correction.
Give me the courage to see myself clearly.
Keep me from shame and self-loathing.
Give me the openness to correction that makes change possible.
Amen.
-----
Accepting Forgiveness
Romans 8:1-2: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (v.1).
“He’s weak. It won’t be long now. said the nurse. Maxine tiptoed to his bedside. “Hi, Grandpa,” she
whispered. “I’ll read you the mail.”
For years Grandpa taught fifth grade Sunday School, praying for each student. Many boys began to
know God’s love from Teacher Parker. His influence rippled over generations. But Grandpa had been
troubled lately. He was ashamed of what he called his “wild days” including three failed marriages.
Now as he neared death, he could not let go. Maxine reached for the greeting cards stacked on the
night stand. She tore the seal on one and read the handwritten message from a former student: “I
just want to thank you for teaching me Romans 8:1: `There is now no condemnation for those who
are in Christ.’ This means a lot to me. Love, Bob.”
A tear trickled down Grandpa’s cheek as he closed his eyes and smiled. During the night he died
peacefully. There was no condemnatory judgement in God’s “welcome home.”
Because God forgives us, surely we can forgive ourselves.
Father, because of Jesus you hold nothing against me. Thanks.
2008 Joan C. Webb
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Answers for Each Day - Oct. 22, 2008
It’s Never Too Late
As we wrap up our series of devotionals on how to break a spiritual drought, I want to focus our
attention on Psalm 72:6. This verse contains a very powerful truth that I want to leave with you. It
says,
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass. (KJV)
I remember when I was first saved and read this passage, I would picture somebody out there with a
lawnmower. But of course, they didn’t have lawnmowers back then!
This verse refers to a field that has been eaten over by locusts, a plague of locusts that has come
through and just devoured a field. And God gives a wonderful promise: He will come down like the
rain on the mown grass, to revive and to restore that which the locusts have eaten.
Today, as you read this devotional, you may feel like a swarm of locusts has come over your life and
eaten your blessing. I think if you seek God and earnestly pray and ask Him to send the rain, you will
have an encounter with God beyond anything you could have imagined.
He can restore what the enemy has stolen in your life. You can indeed experience the freshness
and revival and fruitfulness in your life again. It is never too late to pray for God’s blessing.
No matter the situation, seek God today. Ask, and He will send the rain down on whatever part of
your life has been mowed over by the locusts. And you will experience the blessing God desires for
you.
Remember, it is never too late.
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Devotional For Dieters
October 22
2 Corinthians 11:29-30
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of
the things which concern mine infirmities.
If there was one thing to respect Cynthia for, it was her humility. She was very talented, but she
knew well what she could do and what she couldn't. She was never shy about asking for help when
she needed it, and she never tried to make people think she could do things she could not. It was
nice to see someone who could admit her weaknesses without being defensive or insecure. When
Cynthia had dieted, she openly admitted that she relied heavily on God for strength and
encouragement. It was a real inspiration to others to find someone who gained strength from being
honest about weakness.
Today's thought: It is more important to be strong of heart than strong of body!
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Parenting by Design - Oct. 22, 2008
Encouraging and allowing creativity
Romans 12:4-6: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us (NIV).
As parents, we may insist things be done our way just because we automatically assume our way is the best. In doing so, however, we discourage the development of problem-solving skills and creative thinking in our kids. Inadvertently, we devalue their unique perspective and gifts. It may take more time and effort to try a different approach, but you may be surprised at the solutions your kids come up with. God has gifted each of us differently and every member of our family has something unique to offer. Ask yourself where your kids possess skills and abilities you may not have.
A godly leader has the humility to allow his kids to shine and doesn’t have to be the resident expert.
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Amen
“For no matter how many promises God had made, they are “YES” in Christ. And so through him the “AMEN” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
Who else can say "Amen" to God’s promises than we to whom they are given? To say, "Amen" is like saying “Yes, I believe it.” Oh, that every Christian would say that to all of the promises that God has made to us! The scriptures are filled with hope for each of us, because we are God’s children. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have been given so many promises that we could not possible comprehend them all. From Genesis to Revelation, God has spoken them to us. His promises are sure and waiting for us to take hold of them and to make them our own. Here are a few:
“I am thy shield, and they exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1
“I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Exodus 4:12
“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
All these promises and so many more are “Yes” in Christ and we have the privilege of saying "Amen." Let us live this life knowing that God’s promises are true and a reality for each of us.
Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. We thank you that through him we have become your children and have access to all the promises you have made in scripture. Let us take hold of these promises and live our lives as if we were saying, "Amen" to every one of them. Father, so often our faith falters in trouble. Help us to see you then, and to remember how you have led us and will continue to lead us. We pray that we may say, "Amen" with our whole being to your glory. Amen Quiet Waters
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HEART TRUTH
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Psalm 139:1-6
God knows our heart. He just will not stop giving me this message to share. He knows everything about us. He knows every thought we have � and yet He still loves us. Now, that is amazing grace in action.
I'm one of those people that often says things before thinking. You know what I mean � open mouth � insert foot. Such was the case a few days before I got fired from my last job for not calling in right for being out sick. Ha! Anyhow, I answered the phone because the receptionist was busy doing something else and the call was for the boss's wife. Apparently, I didn't screen the call enough and she made some snide remark. When she got off the phone I said, "Well, excuse me. Why don't you just write down on a sheet of paper all the questions you would have me ask? Then, since you don't want me telling the truth just tell me what I am supposed to say." Wow! No wonder I got fired.
Most of us do not want to deal with the truth. We especially don't want to look at the things in our lives that desperately need to change. Like my boss's wife, we want family members and friends to sift through the negatives and accentuate the positive. There were plenty of things in that office, and in her life that needed work. I guess it's okay in the office world to tell little white lies, but if we want genuine spiritual growth we must look at the negatives and face the truth.
Since God knows us so well, wouldn't it make sense to spend some intensive quiet time with Him and allow Him to show us our heart? Makes sense to me. Is it comfortable? No! However, since He knows us anyway, goes before us and behind us, we might as well stop and allow Him to communicate with us. We just might become better people as a result.
Father, I really don't "enjoy" Your pointing out my negative character flaws, but I sure enjoy the results when Your healing comes in those areas. I pray that You will work tenderly with each one of us as we commit our way to You and allow You to deal with the secret parts of us that need to change. I do believe that we are ready to experience Your hand of blessing on our head. Help us not squirm out from under it like a little child, but to surrender to Your touch. Then, help us stand with others while You do the same thing in their lives. That's just one step in allowing You to turn our woes to wows! The Well
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Look forwards not backwards
"BUT FORGET ALL THAT, IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW."
Isaiah 43 :18-19 (NLT)
Has someone stopped you doing something because you messed up the last time? Ever felt like you missed out on something because you weren't trusted? Have you stopped chasing after your dream because you've told yourself you're not good enough, or talented enough? We all make mistakes and it's easy to turn these mistakes into doubting our own ability, especially when other people doubt our ability too. Gods not like that. When He looks at us, all He sees is what we can be; not all that we have been. He wants us to see the same. God doesn't want you to live thinking about all the stuff that's gone wrong.
Have you ever walked into something because you weren't looking where you were going? You feel stupid don't you... and get hurt! It's not the best or safest way to walk is it? That's why God asks us to live our lives looking where we're going, looking at what He is doing. Check out the future God planned for these guys, who chose to look ahead to what God could do with their life: Rahab, a prostitute saves her family from death, (Joshua 6:25); Joseph,a shepherd boy, saves thousands from starvation (Genesis 41:54); Deborah wins a war and brings peace in Israel for 40 years (Judges 5:31). Look forwards not backwards and see what God will do with your life. Word4U2Day
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His Voice will cause love to fill your heart
Listen to the still small Voice of God and He will teach all things mixed with the spiritual qualities of love and joy.
The inspiring words of His Voice will cause a warm glow of love to fill your heart accompanied by feeling of perfect peace.
Seek to study theology sitting at the feet of our God and let Him teach you in person of Heavenly mysteries and Divine truths.
If you draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto you.
If any person lacks wisdom let him ask of God and God will send His Spirit of truth to teach him all things and reveal all things causing the darkness of spiritual ignorance to flee away.
God takes great delight in teaching those who draw nigh unto Him with open hearts and minds, and God will pour His Spirit of love and truth without measure upon them.
Amen.
©10/22/2001 Jim Welch
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Learning From Mistakes
As many people have learned by experience, "There is no failure except in no
longer trying."
A young man had just been appointed President of the bank. He had never dreamed he would be President, much less at such a young age. So he approached the distinguished Chairman of the Board and said, "You know, I've just been appointed President. I was wondering if you could give me some advice."
The old man came back with just two words: "Right decisions!"
The young man had hoped for more than that, so he said, "That's really helpful, and I appreciate it, but can you be more specific? How do I make right decisions?"
The wise old man simply responded, "Experience!"
The young man said, "Well, that's just the point of my being here. I don't have the kind of experience I need. How do I get it?"
Came the terse reply, "Wrong decisions!"
How Does This Apply to Our Lives?
Wrong decisions, mistakes--we all make them. Do you learn from your mistakes, and then move on to new challenges? Or do you take mistakes personally, and form a negative attitude toward yourself and life?
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently." Those words are from Henry Ford, the famous automobile maker. Most people don't know it today, but Ford saw his plans collapse around him, and he went broke, five times before finally succeeding.
Are there failures in your life that bother you? Ford refused to let failures make him a failure--remember his approach. Also remember the Apostle Peter, who denied Christ three times but, through faith, was restored by Jesus and went on to serve God in many effective ways.
There is something else to remember. Don't try to carry life's burdens or face disappointments alone. Find a someone you can trust, and lean on them---even if it is just someone to whom you can talk. There is strength in numbers.
Most importantly, ask God what He wants for your life. Then obey what you learn. You see, when all is said and done, it is not your plans, but God's purpose, that is going to prevail.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Psalm 19:21 Daily Wisdom
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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I Will Drink it New
Then Jesus said, "This wine is my blood. My blood (death)
begins the new agreement {from God to his people}. This blood
is given for many people. I tell you the truth. I will not
drink this wine again until that day when I drink it in the
kingdom of God and the wine is new." All the followers sang a
song. Then they went out to the Mount of Olives.
-- Mark 14:24-26 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Some debate what Jesus means when he says, "I will drink it new in the
Kingdom of God." Some believe he is referring to sharing in the Lord's
Supper with those who believe in him -- in other words, when we share
in the Lord's Supper as his Church, he joins us in this meal. Others
think he is referring to the great reunion meal in heaven. I personally
believe that his reference is all encompassing because the Lord's
Supper meal we celebrate as his Church is anticipatory: we remember his
death until he comes. He joins us in that meal just as he joined his
followers on the road to Emmaus and shared that meal with them (Luke
24). However, we realize that as we celebrate the Lord's Supper here on
earth, we do so in anticipation of the great meal in heaven with all of
God's redeemed. What a great reminder! What a great way to anticipate
the future! What a great way to pledge ourselves to each other and
commit to help one another see that glorious day of victorious
celebration with our Lord!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Almighty God and eternal LORD, thank you for the presence of your Son
as we share in the Lord's Supper. Thank you even more for the promise
that we will share the victorious meal with our Savior when he returns
and takes us home to you. In Jesus' name I thank you for all of your
blessings. Amen.
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GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS
“It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 566, Appendix I
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10
For what it's worth: A deep-seated feeling of inadequacy reinforced my drinking for years. Fortunately, I found Alcoholics Anonymous, the only free program I know to build a decent self-image. And AA starts its construction with a solid foundation of humility. AA taught me to give rather than get; to serve more than be served; to be concerned about others rather than be self-absorbed; to treat others as I want to be treated; and, to never think of myself better or worse than anyone. As significant as those lessons are to my well being, even more important is the fact that AA introduced me to a Higher Power that loves me just as I am. So, surely, I am a work of art. At times, it may be hard to tell what type of art. Nevertheless, I am God’s work in progress, and I can tell that He places a bright stroke of color on His art work whenever I humble myself by putting someone else first.
God bless you!
Joe W.