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01-11-2009, 11:57 AM
Rest. Rest. Rest in God's love. The only work you are required now to do is to give your most intense attention to His still, small voice within. --Madame Jeanne Guyon
Faith wouldn't be faith without having to trust what is unseen...God wants us to put one foot in front of the other and just step out on faith. --Rebecca St. James
To find real peace we must first find God.
Fortunately, God’s faithfulness, compassion and mercy to us are not limited by our faithfulness to Him.
Follow God, not the crowd.
First things first: God, us, our families, ???
When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Obey His Word
"When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this"(Mark 10:10).
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does"(James 1:22-25).
There are many names we give the Bible such as, the Holy Book, the Good Book, the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, the Holy Scripture and I'm sure you can think of many more. But no matter what we call it the question today is do we obey the Word of God?
Some people only study the Bible to know it better, but not to be more like Christ. They are students of the written text, but not students of the Living Word. Many people in Church hear the Word preached, and attend various Bible Studies and Sunday school clases, but they are mere hearers of the Word, not doers of the Word.
James says we are deceived if we merely listen to the Word of God but do not put it into practice. When we study the Living Word of God with an open heart, with the help of the Holy Spirit it will transform us! It will change us! It will guide us! It will warn us!
In our scripture today, James challenges us not to be mere listeners of the Word (and so deceive ourselves) but doers of the Word. Throughout the 176 verses in Psalm 119 there are so many verses that proclaim the power and promises of the Word of God.
Psalm 119:1 says, "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."
That's almost exactly what James says. James says the one who hears the Word and puts it into practice "he will be blessed in what he does." Make time today, take time to read through Psalm 119 and read all those beautiful references to the power and promises of God's Word.
I want to give you an acronym for: WORD
Wonder of God
Open heart toward God
Redeem back to God
Direction from God
As we read the Word, we stand in awe, in wonder of God. In His Word we read of His glory, His power, His Love!
As we read and meditate upon the Word our heart is opened toward God.
How else could we know of God's redemptive love through His Son Jesus Christ except by reading and hearing it from His Word.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Forgive us when we neglect Your Word. Keep us in the Word every day in Jesus' Mighty Name, AMEN! --David Burns
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God is not necessarily looking for ability, He is looking for availability.
Some doubt that God can use them, because they don't have any great talents or skills. However, God doesn't necessarily look to use people with great talent; He examines the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7).
Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
God often chooses to use lowly or seemingly foolish people so that He can show His greatness through them.
When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won't lean on God--you'll rely on your own strength. But if you know that you can't do something on your own, then you'll rely on God for strength--and that's when God can show His greatness.
Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through.
If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God's help, don't despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He's looking for availability. Author Unknown
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Are you so hungry to own more money that your money owns you?
In Mark 10:17-22, we read the story of a man who asked Jesus, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The man had followed all the commandments; however, Jesus told him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus told him that he lacked "one thing", which is implied to be a relationship with God. The man had followed the commandments; however, he didn't know God. He knew the laws, but not the God who made the laws. Interestingly, that "one thing" is exactly the same as what David wanted (see Psalm 27:4).
In order to inherit eternal life, the man needed a personal relationship with Christ. However, Jesus knew that the man's money was holding him back. When Jesus told him to "sell everything" for the Kingdom, the man went away -- he turned his back on a relationship with God.
The reason that he turned his back on a relationship with God was because he owned so much money that, really, his money owned him. That is, he loved his money more than he loved God. His face fell and he went away sad, because he didn't want to give up his money. So he picked money (wealth and worldly possessions) instead of a relationship with God.
In this man we clearly see the principle that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). His treasure (that is, what he valued) was his money; so, when Jesus asked for his heart, the man refused the offer, and, as a result, he went away sad.
Are you so attached to your money and possessions that they have become more valuable to you than God? Do you want money so much that it dictates how you use your time? If so, God requires that you put Him first, but in exchange you get the most valuable thing in the world -- a relationship with God. Therefore, examine your life and make sure that you're not so hungry to own more money that your money owns you. Author Unknown
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Every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed you sow is a harvest you'll reap.
Have you ever had a thought like this: "Nobody would ever notice"? Or this: "It's just a little thing"? But to God, every action -- big or small -- is important, because every action you take is a seed you sow.
For example, say that you tell your boss you worked eight hours when really you only worked six. But on the other hand, it's only two hours, and "nobody will ever notice." However, you're sowing seeds of dishonesty in your life that will reap a harvest of the very same thing.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8) Don't think that you can lie to someone (i.e. sow a seed of dishonesty), but yet expect to reap a harvest of truth in your life.
Proverbs 22:8 warns that He who sows wickedness reaps trouble.
Therefore, be very careful about how you act in every area of life, because every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed you sow is a harvest you'll reap. Author Unknown
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Things Just Keep Piling Up - ILME
As my friend pushed back the clutter on her kitchen table to make room for my coffee cup, she apologized profusely, and then gestured to the stacks of unopened mail, flyers and newspapers. "I don't know how it happened but things just kept on piling up!" I reassured her that there was no need for an apology. I had no difficulty concentrating on our conversation even as I occasionally dove for a paper or envelope as it slid off the tabletop. I had an educated guess as to what the unopened mail held but I kept my own counsel. Perhaps my friend wondered at my lack of astonishment at the volume of paper but in reality, I had seen it all before.
In my early twenties, I volunteered along with six friends to help clean a bachelor friend's first studio apartment before he moved to new accommodations. Although we were an energetic crew of six, it took us eight hours to clean his tiny two-room suite. We carried box after box of paperwork into his new apartment, as we didn't have the time to sort through it all. A few years later, I shared a townhouse with a single mother and her young teen-aged daughter. Although the daughter tried her best, she couldn't contain her mother's clutter and we would often eat cross-legged on the floor. It was too complicated to try to clear a spot off any vertical surface. At one point, our place was burglarized and my friend was hard-pressed to make a list of items that were misplaced or removed from the dining room. After all, a messy stack of papers on the floor looked much the same as any other pile in the room.
All three of my friends shared common burdens. Not only were they buried in clutter; they were buried in mountains of debt. As I sat at my friend's kitchen table that day, I knew that there were at least a dozen unopened bills there, along with threatening letters from bill collectors. She had been expecting a tidy income tax refund and I half suspected the cheque lay somewhere in the mess as well. In order for her to find that cheque, she'd have to wade through a stack of bills. She'd have to acknowledge, even for the briefest of moments, that the chaos of her life was overwhelming her and she wasn't quite ready to do so. My bachelor friend was in the same boat, he was forced to move to a squalid rooming house due to his debt load.
I am the last to stand in judgement over my three friends, as I know how quickly clutter can accumulate. Due to my disability, I easily trip and fall over even the smallest of items, and must keep my floors clear. Even so, I have a couple of piles of paper that need to be sorted through and decluttered.
In all honesty, I cannot say that 'these things just kept piling up'. I have yet to see a piece of paper wander over and drape itself upon another piece of paper on my coffee table. I have yet to see a dirty sock jump out of my laundry hamper and lead a rebellious march across the room. If the truth were told, things just don't pile up -- I just pile up things.
The piles of unfinished business can overwhelm us. We know there is plenty of clutter that needs our attention. Sinful patterns, addictions, broken relationships, unforgiveness, apologies needed to be given to others, promises not kept - all lie in a tangled mess that only grows larger.
The enemy whispers to us that it is hopeless and it is best that we close the door so no one can see how disgusting our interior life has become. "It's too much; you let it go on far too long. There is no way you can ever deal with all that; you might as well just keep dumping on the pile and move on when you run out of space." In contrast, Jesus guides us into the rooms of our hearts that we have closed off due to shame and guilt.
In his compassion, he sits with us, sorting through the cluttered stacks. In his mercy, he directs us to a specific sin or situation in our lives, providing steps that we can take to walk into freedom and resolution. When the overall mess dismays us, he brings our focus back to his face and to the specific task that he has set before us. Often that task seems insignificant in comparison to the chaos around us. However, he extends his miraculous empowering grace - asking us to remain obedient and patiently trusting in his process. God's conviction and our willing response to his specific conviction will destroy the works of the enemy in our lives and bring freedom from condemnation. Gradually, we will become aware that what was once a dusty, musty claustrophobic room has now become an inviting sanctuary, full of his cleansing light and the refreshing breeze of his Spirit.
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You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Ephesians 4:22
That's a tough one, isn't it?! We each surrendered our heart to God and our old self was crucified with Christ when we became Christians (cf. Rom. 6:6). Jesus reminds us that this surrender is something each of us should do daily (cf. Luke 9:23). We need to put the old sinful life aside every day and choose to live for Jesus in response to God's grace. As we begin this new year, let's make it our spiritual habit to consciously offer ourselves to the lordship of Jesus each day.
PRAYER: Holy and Almighty LORD, my Father in heaven, I want to honor you and ignore the temptations of Satan. Please empower me with your Spirit and capture my heart with your grace as I seek to live each day for you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. http://www.heartlight.org/
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Here are five ways to start fresh this year:
1. Be Honest About Where You Are – Make an honest assessment of where you are at this point in your life. What are your strengths, your weaknesses? What needs immediate attention? Even though there are weaknesses and shortcomings, do not let that be an excuse for inaction. Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
2. Be Honest About How You Got Where You Are – Take responsibility for your life – your choices. Understand that there are many things that are outside the realm of your control, but at the same time, there are many things you have control over. Unless a person understands the paths he has trodden, the choices he has made, or the decisions he has made, he will habitually repeat himself.
3. Change What You Can Than Will Make A Difference – If you do what you have always done, you will go where you have always gone, and be what you have always been. Do not expect a different outcome from the same actions.
4. Do Not Focus On the Past – Focus On the Future – If there are failures in your past, seek God’s forgiveness, remember the lessons, then forget the details. Psalms 103:12 reminds us “How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Father than the distance from east to west!”
5. Do Not Give Up – Even after a fresh start, there are going to be times when you blow it, times when you do again what you promised you would never do. Just because you fall, do not stay down. Pick yourself up, get back into battle and do not quit. True failure is not faltering, true failure is falling and then staying down. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul says, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
It’s a brand new year – make a fresh start with the Lord in 2009!
--First Impressions
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Our Hope for Years to Come by David Jeremiah
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7
This verse provides a happy formula for the New Year. Notice the progression.
First, we realize that the Lord is our strength and shield. No matter what unfolds from day to day or from month to month, He’ll give us sufficient strength, and His presence will surround us as a shield.
Second, our hearts can fully trust Him. We can relax, rest, and lean on Him, knowing He is fully able to do all He has promised.
Third, as we recognize who He is and trust Him, we are helped. There’s no sense of panic as it relates to the uncertain future. He helps us in everything at every time. The past, the present, and the future are His.
Fourth, our heart can therefore rejoice. Today is a day for a joyful and glad attitude. And that leads to a song of praise. We can have a hymn in our hearts today – like this one: “O God our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.”
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
I see your places of weakness, and I am touched with the feeling of your infirmities because you lack the power and resources to accomplish your goals. But, I say that without Me you can do nothing. You have no strength on your own to perfect any area of your life by the flesh. But now, release those things to Me that have become a burden and a source of despair, says the Lord, for I have begun a good work in you and I will bring it to completion. Have faith that I see and know all things about you, and that I will be your very present help in times of trouble. I will extend My mercy and grace to bring you through. Do not be afraid, and do not doubt.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I've been seeing a vision of a chicken turned loose in a house, and I've watched as it flaps around and squawks, making a whirlwind of a mess in the house. What, Lord? And, He said that this is a picture of what happens when we allow our out-of-control emotions to react to situations and circumstances that are disturbing or frightening. He said to put the chicken out of the house and then be very deliberate in responding to life's difficulties by allowing the Holy Spirit to bring wisdom, peace, and direction. Our answer: Yes, Lord! Psalms 131:2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Beloved, I call you out of the whirlwind and into a place of clarity and order, says the Lord. You cannot have the insight necessary to be effective in this season when you stay in that whirlwind of activity and lack of self-control. You will need discernment in the days ahead to know and see the attacks of the enemy coming against you, to be armed for battle, and to wage an effective war. I will direct you and empower you, but you must position yourself to hear and receive from Me.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
You have been crushed and stomped and broken, but I tell you that you are becoming vintage wine. You will be My broken bread and poured out wine that I give to those around you. Do not despair. Rise up in faith that I will use you, says the Lord. Philippians 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Ask for the conviction of My Spirit, says the Lord. It is a most precious gift that compels you to be persuaded of any error and to admit the truth. It will benefit you greatly to seek My face and come into My presence, but when you are hindered it is because something needs to be set right. Ask of Me and I will show you the things that hinder your spiritual progression. Come and see what stands between you and Me, and I will give you the strength to overcome.
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
Anoint the shield and sharpen the sword, for I am with you to bring your enemies to defeat. I will go before you and shall also be your rear guard. Fear not and gird up the loins of your faith. Establish My principles in your life in this time, and you will see the goodness of the Lord, for I am with you to elevate you and bring you above all the works of the enemy. Come to Me in boldness and come with expectation. Lift up your hands that hang down, for you have endured the struggle, but now you must come forth as a warrior. Victory is assured; come and possess it. I am the Lord of Hosts, and I will lead you into battle. The battle is Mine, but you are My battle ax, says the Lord.
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Entering This New Year
I enter this year without burdens,
Freed from a mountain of care,
For last night I gave them to Jesus,
Who promised my burdens to bear.
This year will not be without problems,
There may be many to face,
But I can approach them with courage,
Sustained by God's marvelous grace.
I enter this New Year with gladness,
For Jesus restored my joy.
He filled me with peace and assurance
That Satan cannot destroy.
I left the old year in repentance
For living a life of defeat,
Leaving my fear and my failures
At my Heavenly Father's Feet.
I enter this year with a purpose -
To minister Christian love
To needy souls all around me
And lift them to God above.
Now with eager anticipation,
With faith instead of fear,
And the presence of Christ, my Savior,
I will enter this New Year.
Honoria A. Groves
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His Love Is All
When you give your heart to
Jesus His love on you He'll pour!
He'll fill your life with blessings
and your joy He will restore!
He needs to know you love Him too
with a love that's pure and true!
All the love you've been searching for,
He will give to you!
He's waiting with His arms open wide
longing to hear from you!
The heart that is hurting and broken
He will mend and make it new!
He'll never leave you nor will He
forsake you He'll forever be there
by your side;
Just pour your heart out to Him for
in Him you can always confide.
Jesus Loves You
And so do I.......
"One of God's Kids!"
Author Unknown
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The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16
As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. Job 27:3-4
18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:36-44
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Pearl of Great Price
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46
People are seekers. They always seem to be looking for find something to fill a void in their lives. Some seek honor. Others search for love. Or respect. Or fame. Or money.
Jesus spoke of a merchant seeking pearls. One day this merchant finds a pearl of great price. It must have been the most beautiful pearl he had ever seen. He decides he needs to buy the pearl. Only one problem: He doesn't have enough money. What can be done? He needs the pearl. Finally, he sells all that he has to buy it.
"What a foolish man," we may think. "Selling all he has for a pearl? He can't eat a pearl. He can't live in it. It's just something pretty to look at."
But this man is a merchant, not a jewel collector. He buys and sells things. He's willing to sell all he has to buy the pearl because he knows he can sell it at a much greater price than everything else put together.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like this. When we come to Christ, we are seeking. We need God to fill the void in our lives. People often try to fill the void with everything but God. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. Fame. Career.
Only God can fill the emptiness.
Many see what God offers but are not willing to pay the price. They won't "sell" all they have to "buy" Him. They hold things back when God wants it all. They hold on to their sin. Or their relationships. Or their job.
Others give everything to God because they know He offers so much more than they could ever give Him.
Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Owning the whole world means nothing compared to what Christ offers. Are you willing to sell all to buy this pearl of great price? --Jason Mitchener
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Hope in the Midst of Hassles by Jim Burns
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38, 39
If you read today’s headlines in the newspaper you can get pretty depressed. Yes, at times life looks pretty hopeless. But if we keep our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ we can have hope even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We can be comforted by Paul’s words found in Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God is for you, and through His love you can find hope! Here are four reasons why you can remain hopeful in the midst of confusing circumstances.
1. Jesus will win the final victory.
One day an old janitor was sitting in the gymnasium of a theological seminary reading the book of Revelation. One of the young theologians sat down beside him and asked him, “Do you understand all the symbolism?” The janitor replied, “No, absolutely not, but I have figured out that Jesus wins, and that’s comforting to know because I’m on His side.”
Jesus told these words to the apostle John: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6).
2. Jesus sets you free.
Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” In Christ you can have hope because you have been set free from your sin. You are free to be all that God desires you to be without the constraints of your past. You can know the meaning of abundant life because of what Christ did for you on the cross.
3. There is no condemnation for those in Christ.
In Christ you are a new creation. Romans 8:1-2 puts it best: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Even though we deserve death and spiritual separation from God, we have now beginnings and eternal life in Jesus Christ. Talk about a reason for hope!
4. God’s love transcends human understanding.
Because God loves us, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37) through Christ. God loves you and wants the best for you. His love will give you hope even in the bleakest of circumstances. There is a light always shining, and the light is the love of God. In Him YOU can find hope.
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It Is Time For A New Start!
If you had the opportunity to start over with your life would you take it? If you could erase the past mistakes and begin with a clean slate would you do it? If you had the chance to move forward with a fresh outlook and do things differently would you go for it? If you were given the option of carrying your sins with you the rest of your life, or you could unload them and leave them behind, which would you choose?
A few days ago a new year was placed in our hands. With the simple tick of the clock we bid farewell to last year, and we embraced a brand new year. At the midnight hour we were invited to do things differently than we did last year, we were offered a chance to start fresh, leave 2008 behind us and move into 2009 with boldness, confidence, and hope. That's what is great about a New Year's Day...we get to start over.
Everyday we are given a similar opportunity. Of course, there are obligations and commitments that are always waiting for us when we wake up in the morning, but for the most part how we live the day is up to us. There will be challenges and problems and blessings and joys just like we experienced yesterday, but we are given the option of how we'll handle them. Everyday we are invited by the One who created the world, and us, to live by His power. We are invited to live under His caring hand. We are invited to live knowing that He has washed us clean by His grace and mercy. We are invited to live with the assurance that He is walking with us as we take every step of every day.
Even more than being given a new year, and a new day, we are offered a new life. God is giving us a chance to start over in life. Through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of His Son Jesus, God is giving us the opportunity to erase all the sins of our past. God is inviting us to put the past where it belongs - in His hands - and He is inviting us to live a new life of freedom, and joy, and peace, and salvation. He is inviting us to enjoy a new life: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:16-20, New International Version)
Maybe it's time you accepted the invitation to start over. You have lived life your way. You have done church your way. You have walked through life your way. You have made your demands and received your results. You have talked about the value letting God rule your heart, but you have not allowed Him to take control. You are certain that He can do a better job than you have done, but you have not yet been willing to let Him be in charge. It's time for a new start!
It is time to begin doing things differently...to allow God to do things differently in your life. It is a new year. It's time for a new start!
God invites you to join Him on a new journey that begins today. The journey will involve challenges. The journey will involve sacrifice. The journey will involve giving up your way of doing things. The journey will involve listening to God more than you listen to your own voice. The journey will involve surrender.
It's a new year. It's time for a new start! --Tom
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"Thanks From A Rebellious Daughter" ` by Natalie Hinde `
You are so good to me Lord, You love me despite what I have done. I challenge, rebel, whine and plead; I demand, question and turn away And still You call me to Yourself. I can't understand why. Why go through all the heartache of loving me? You have more obedient, compliant children, Why spend so much on me? I am grateful Lord. When I emerge from my selfishness I praise You, love You. You are so much more Than I could ever ask for. Thank you Lord. You are so good to me.
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 26
Reward for Obedience
1 " 'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. 2 " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. 3 " 'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. 6 " 'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. 7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. 9 " 'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place [a] among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Punishment for Disobedience
14 " 'But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. 18 " 'If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. 20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of the land yield their fruit. 21 " 'If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve. 22 I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted. 23 " 'If in spite of these things you do not accept my correction but continue to be hostile toward me, 24 I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over. 25 And I will bring the sword upon you to avenge the breaking of the covenant. When you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be given into enemy hands. 26 When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will be able to bake your bread in one oven, and they will dole out the bread by weight. You will eat, but you will not be satisfied. 27 " 'If in spite of this you still do not listen to me but continue to be hostile toward me, 28 then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over. 29 You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters. 30 I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you. 31 I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings. 32 I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. 33 I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out my sword and pursue you. Your land will be laid waste, and your cities will lie in ruins. 34 Then the land will enjoy its sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you are in the country of your enemies; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it. 36 " 'As for those of you who are left, I will make their hearts so fearful in the lands of their enemies that the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. They will run as though fleeing from the sword, and they will fall, even though no one is pursuing them. 37 They will stumble over one another as though fleeing from the sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you will not be able to stand before your enemies. 38 You will perish among the nations; the land of your enemies will devour you. 39 Those of you who are left will waste away in the lands of their enemies because of their sins; also because of their fathers' sins they will waste away. 40 " 'But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers—their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, 41 which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, 42 I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. 43 For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws and abhorred my decrees. 44 Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the LORD their God. 45 But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD.' " 46 These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.
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A New Years Blessing for You
Purpose – As you complete your daily tasks, may you understand how they contribute to the larger purpose of your life. May you experience deep satisfaction as you discover and carry out your unique role. (Psalms 25:12, 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11)
Fulfilling Work – May you take pleasure in all your work. May every task you undertake succeed, and may you enjoy the good things your labor supplies. (Ecclesiastes 1:24; Psalms 41:3)
Physical Health – May you and those you love remain strong in body and free from disease. May those who suffer from injury or illness recover quickly and completely. (3 John 1:2; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalms 41:3)
Peace of Mind – May you mind and heart always be at rest. May gratitude and peace replace every anxious, fearful thought. (2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:6)
Good Relationships – May you be surrounded by loving, faithful, and supportive friends. Where relationships have been broken, may you find reconciliation and forgiveness. (Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Matthew 5:23-24)
Sufficient Resources – May you have exactly what you need for each day. May you become rich in every way so that you can share generously with others. (Proverbs 20:8-9; Luke 11:3; 2 Corinthians 9:11
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.
Faith wouldn't be faith without having to trust what is unseen...God wants us to put one foot in front of the other and just step out on faith. --Rebecca St. James
To find real peace we must first find God.
Fortunately, God’s faithfulness, compassion and mercy to us are not limited by our faithfulness to Him.
Follow God, not the crowd.
First things first: God, us, our families, ???
When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Obey His Word
"When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this"(Mark 10:10).
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does"(James 1:22-25).
There are many names we give the Bible such as, the Holy Book, the Good Book, the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, the Holy Scripture and I'm sure you can think of many more. But no matter what we call it the question today is do we obey the Word of God?
Some people only study the Bible to know it better, but not to be more like Christ. They are students of the written text, but not students of the Living Word. Many people in Church hear the Word preached, and attend various Bible Studies and Sunday school clases, but they are mere hearers of the Word, not doers of the Word.
James says we are deceived if we merely listen to the Word of God but do not put it into practice. When we study the Living Word of God with an open heart, with the help of the Holy Spirit it will transform us! It will change us! It will guide us! It will warn us!
In our scripture today, James challenges us not to be mere listeners of the Word (and so deceive ourselves) but doers of the Word. Throughout the 176 verses in Psalm 119 there are so many verses that proclaim the power and promises of the Word of God.
Psalm 119:1 says, "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord."
That's almost exactly what James says. James says the one who hears the Word and puts it into practice "he will be blessed in what he does." Make time today, take time to read through Psalm 119 and read all those beautiful references to the power and promises of God's Word.
I want to give you an acronym for: WORD
Wonder of God
Open heart toward God
Redeem back to God
Direction from God
As we read the Word, we stand in awe, in wonder of God. In His Word we read of His glory, His power, His Love!
As we read and meditate upon the Word our heart is opened toward God.
How else could we know of God's redemptive love through His Son Jesus Christ except by reading and hearing it from His Word.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Forgive us when we neglect Your Word. Keep us in the Word every day in Jesus' Mighty Name, AMEN! --David Burns
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God is not necessarily looking for ability, He is looking for availability.
Some doubt that God can use them, because they don't have any great talents or skills. However, God doesn't necessarily look to use people with great talent; He examines the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7).
Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
God often chooses to use lowly or seemingly foolish people so that He can show His greatness through them.
When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won't lean on God--you'll rely on your own strength. But if you know that you can't do something on your own, then you'll rely on God for strength--and that's when God can show His greatness.
Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through.
If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God's help, don't despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He's looking for availability. Author Unknown
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Are you so hungry to own more money that your money owns you?
In Mark 10:17-22, we read the story of a man who asked Jesus, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The man had followed all the commandments; however, Jesus told him, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus told him that he lacked "one thing", which is implied to be a relationship with God. The man had followed the commandments; however, he didn't know God. He knew the laws, but not the God who made the laws. Interestingly, that "one thing" is exactly the same as what David wanted (see Psalm 27:4).
In order to inherit eternal life, the man needed a personal relationship with Christ. However, Jesus knew that the man's money was holding him back. When Jesus told him to "sell everything" for the Kingdom, the man went away -- he turned his back on a relationship with God.
The reason that he turned his back on a relationship with God was because he owned so much money that, really, his money owned him. That is, he loved his money more than he loved God. His face fell and he went away sad, because he didn't want to give up his money. So he picked money (wealth and worldly possessions) instead of a relationship with God.
In this man we clearly see the principle that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). His treasure (that is, what he valued) was his money; so, when Jesus asked for his heart, the man refused the offer, and, as a result, he went away sad.
Are you so attached to your money and possessions that they have become more valuable to you than God? Do you want money so much that it dictates how you use your time? If so, God requires that you put Him first, but in exchange you get the most valuable thing in the world -- a relationship with God. Therefore, examine your life and make sure that you're not so hungry to own more money that your money owns you. Author Unknown
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Every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed you sow is a harvest you'll reap.
Have you ever had a thought like this: "Nobody would ever notice"? Or this: "It's just a little thing"? But to God, every action -- big or small -- is important, because every action you take is a seed you sow.
For example, say that you tell your boss you worked eight hours when really you only worked six. But on the other hand, it's only two hours, and "nobody will ever notice." However, you're sowing seeds of dishonesty in your life that will reap a harvest of the very same thing.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8) Don't think that you can lie to someone (i.e. sow a seed of dishonesty), but yet expect to reap a harvest of truth in your life.
Proverbs 22:8 warns that He who sows wickedness reaps trouble.
Therefore, be very careful about how you act in every area of life, because every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed you sow is a harvest you'll reap. Author Unknown
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Things Just Keep Piling Up - ILME
As my friend pushed back the clutter on her kitchen table to make room for my coffee cup, she apologized profusely, and then gestured to the stacks of unopened mail, flyers and newspapers. "I don't know how it happened but things just kept on piling up!" I reassured her that there was no need for an apology. I had no difficulty concentrating on our conversation even as I occasionally dove for a paper or envelope as it slid off the tabletop. I had an educated guess as to what the unopened mail held but I kept my own counsel. Perhaps my friend wondered at my lack of astonishment at the volume of paper but in reality, I had seen it all before.
In my early twenties, I volunteered along with six friends to help clean a bachelor friend's first studio apartment before he moved to new accommodations. Although we were an energetic crew of six, it took us eight hours to clean his tiny two-room suite. We carried box after box of paperwork into his new apartment, as we didn't have the time to sort through it all. A few years later, I shared a townhouse with a single mother and her young teen-aged daughter. Although the daughter tried her best, she couldn't contain her mother's clutter and we would often eat cross-legged on the floor. It was too complicated to try to clear a spot off any vertical surface. At one point, our place was burglarized and my friend was hard-pressed to make a list of items that were misplaced or removed from the dining room. After all, a messy stack of papers on the floor looked much the same as any other pile in the room.
All three of my friends shared common burdens. Not only were they buried in clutter; they were buried in mountains of debt. As I sat at my friend's kitchen table that day, I knew that there were at least a dozen unopened bills there, along with threatening letters from bill collectors. She had been expecting a tidy income tax refund and I half suspected the cheque lay somewhere in the mess as well. In order for her to find that cheque, she'd have to wade through a stack of bills. She'd have to acknowledge, even for the briefest of moments, that the chaos of her life was overwhelming her and she wasn't quite ready to do so. My bachelor friend was in the same boat, he was forced to move to a squalid rooming house due to his debt load.
I am the last to stand in judgement over my three friends, as I know how quickly clutter can accumulate. Due to my disability, I easily trip and fall over even the smallest of items, and must keep my floors clear. Even so, I have a couple of piles of paper that need to be sorted through and decluttered.
In all honesty, I cannot say that 'these things just kept piling up'. I have yet to see a piece of paper wander over and drape itself upon another piece of paper on my coffee table. I have yet to see a dirty sock jump out of my laundry hamper and lead a rebellious march across the room. If the truth were told, things just don't pile up -- I just pile up things.
The piles of unfinished business can overwhelm us. We know there is plenty of clutter that needs our attention. Sinful patterns, addictions, broken relationships, unforgiveness, apologies needed to be given to others, promises not kept - all lie in a tangled mess that only grows larger.
The enemy whispers to us that it is hopeless and it is best that we close the door so no one can see how disgusting our interior life has become. "It's too much; you let it go on far too long. There is no way you can ever deal with all that; you might as well just keep dumping on the pile and move on when you run out of space." In contrast, Jesus guides us into the rooms of our hearts that we have closed off due to shame and guilt.
In his compassion, he sits with us, sorting through the cluttered stacks. In his mercy, he directs us to a specific sin or situation in our lives, providing steps that we can take to walk into freedom and resolution. When the overall mess dismays us, he brings our focus back to his face and to the specific task that he has set before us. Often that task seems insignificant in comparison to the chaos around us. However, he extends his miraculous empowering grace - asking us to remain obedient and patiently trusting in his process. God's conviction and our willing response to his specific conviction will destroy the works of the enemy in our lives and bring freedom from condemnation. Gradually, we will become aware that what was once a dusty, musty claustrophobic room has now become an inviting sanctuary, full of his cleansing light and the refreshing breeze of his Spirit.
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You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Ephesians 4:22
That's a tough one, isn't it?! We each surrendered our heart to God and our old self was crucified with Christ when we became Christians (cf. Rom. 6:6). Jesus reminds us that this surrender is something each of us should do daily (cf. Luke 9:23). We need to put the old sinful life aside every day and choose to live for Jesus in response to God's grace. As we begin this new year, let's make it our spiritual habit to consciously offer ourselves to the lordship of Jesus each day.
PRAYER: Holy and Almighty LORD, my Father in heaven, I want to honor you and ignore the temptations of Satan. Please empower me with your Spirit and capture my heart with your grace as I seek to live each day for you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. http://www.heartlight.org/
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Here are five ways to start fresh this year:
1. Be Honest About Where You Are – Make an honest assessment of where you are at this point in your life. What are your strengths, your weaknesses? What needs immediate attention? Even though there are weaknesses and shortcomings, do not let that be an excuse for inaction. Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
2. Be Honest About How You Got Where You Are – Take responsibility for your life – your choices. Understand that there are many things that are outside the realm of your control, but at the same time, there are many things you have control over. Unless a person understands the paths he has trodden, the choices he has made, or the decisions he has made, he will habitually repeat himself.
3. Change What You Can Than Will Make A Difference – If you do what you have always done, you will go where you have always gone, and be what you have always been. Do not expect a different outcome from the same actions.
4. Do Not Focus On the Past – Focus On the Future – If there are failures in your past, seek God’s forgiveness, remember the lessons, then forget the details. Psalms 103:12 reminds us “How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Father than the distance from east to west!”
5. Do Not Give Up – Even after a fresh start, there are going to be times when you blow it, times when you do again what you promised you would never do. Just because you fall, do not stay down. Pick yourself up, get back into battle and do not quit. True failure is not faltering, true failure is falling and then staying down. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul says, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
It’s a brand new year – make a fresh start with the Lord in 2009!
--First Impressions
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Our Hope for Years to Come by David Jeremiah
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7
This verse provides a happy formula for the New Year. Notice the progression.
First, we realize that the Lord is our strength and shield. No matter what unfolds from day to day or from month to month, He’ll give us sufficient strength, and His presence will surround us as a shield.
Second, our hearts can fully trust Him. We can relax, rest, and lean on Him, knowing He is fully able to do all He has promised.
Third, as we recognize who He is and trust Him, we are helped. There’s no sense of panic as it relates to the uncertain future. He helps us in everything at every time. The past, the present, and the future are His.
Fourth, our heart can therefore rejoice. Today is a day for a joyful and glad attitude. And that leads to a song of praise. We can have a hymn in our hearts today – like this one: “O God our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.”
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
I see your places of weakness, and I am touched with the feeling of your infirmities because you lack the power and resources to accomplish your goals. But, I say that without Me you can do nothing. You have no strength on your own to perfect any area of your life by the flesh. But now, release those things to Me that have become a burden and a source of despair, says the Lord, for I have begun a good work in you and I will bring it to completion. Have faith that I see and know all things about you, and that I will be your very present help in times of trouble. I will extend My mercy and grace to bring you through. Do not be afraid, and do not doubt.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I've been seeing a vision of a chicken turned loose in a house, and I've watched as it flaps around and squawks, making a whirlwind of a mess in the house. What, Lord? And, He said that this is a picture of what happens when we allow our out-of-control emotions to react to situations and circumstances that are disturbing or frightening. He said to put the chicken out of the house and then be very deliberate in responding to life's difficulties by allowing the Holy Spirit to bring wisdom, peace, and direction. Our answer: Yes, Lord! Psalms 131:2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Beloved, I call you out of the whirlwind and into a place of clarity and order, says the Lord. You cannot have the insight necessary to be effective in this season when you stay in that whirlwind of activity and lack of self-control. You will need discernment in the days ahead to know and see the attacks of the enemy coming against you, to be armed for battle, and to wage an effective war. I will direct you and empower you, but you must position yourself to hear and receive from Me.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
You have been crushed and stomped and broken, but I tell you that you are becoming vintage wine. You will be My broken bread and poured out wine that I give to those around you. Do not despair. Rise up in faith that I will use you, says the Lord. Philippians 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Ask for the conviction of My Spirit, says the Lord. It is a most precious gift that compels you to be persuaded of any error and to admit the truth. It will benefit you greatly to seek My face and come into My presence, but when you are hindered it is because something needs to be set right. Ask of Me and I will show you the things that hinder your spiritual progression. Come and see what stands between you and Me, and I will give you the strength to overcome.
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
Anoint the shield and sharpen the sword, for I am with you to bring your enemies to defeat. I will go before you and shall also be your rear guard. Fear not and gird up the loins of your faith. Establish My principles in your life in this time, and you will see the goodness of the Lord, for I am with you to elevate you and bring you above all the works of the enemy. Come to Me in boldness and come with expectation. Lift up your hands that hang down, for you have endured the struggle, but now you must come forth as a warrior. Victory is assured; come and possess it. I am the Lord of Hosts, and I will lead you into battle. The battle is Mine, but you are My battle ax, says the Lord.
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Entering This New Year
I enter this year without burdens,
Freed from a mountain of care,
For last night I gave them to Jesus,
Who promised my burdens to bear.
This year will not be without problems,
There may be many to face,
But I can approach them with courage,
Sustained by God's marvelous grace.
I enter this New Year with gladness,
For Jesus restored my joy.
He filled me with peace and assurance
That Satan cannot destroy.
I left the old year in repentance
For living a life of defeat,
Leaving my fear and my failures
At my Heavenly Father's Feet.
I enter this year with a purpose -
To minister Christian love
To needy souls all around me
And lift them to God above.
Now with eager anticipation,
With faith instead of fear,
And the presence of Christ, my Savior,
I will enter this New Year.
Honoria A. Groves
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His Love Is All
When you give your heart to
Jesus His love on you He'll pour!
He'll fill your life with blessings
and your joy He will restore!
He needs to know you love Him too
with a love that's pure and true!
All the love you've been searching for,
He will give to you!
He's waiting with His arms open wide
longing to hear from you!
The heart that is hurting and broken
He will mend and make it new!
He'll never leave you nor will He
forsake you He'll forever be there
by your side;
Just pour your heart out to Him for
in Him you can always confide.
Jesus Loves You
And so do I.......
"One of God's Kids!"
Author Unknown
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The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16
As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. Job 27:3-4
18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:36-44
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Pearl of Great Price
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46
People are seekers. They always seem to be looking for find something to fill a void in their lives. Some seek honor. Others search for love. Or respect. Or fame. Or money.
Jesus spoke of a merchant seeking pearls. One day this merchant finds a pearl of great price. It must have been the most beautiful pearl he had ever seen. He decides he needs to buy the pearl. Only one problem: He doesn't have enough money. What can be done? He needs the pearl. Finally, he sells all that he has to buy it.
"What a foolish man," we may think. "Selling all he has for a pearl? He can't eat a pearl. He can't live in it. It's just something pretty to look at."
But this man is a merchant, not a jewel collector. He buys and sells things. He's willing to sell all he has to buy the pearl because he knows he can sell it at a much greater price than everything else put together.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like this. When we come to Christ, we are seeking. We need God to fill the void in our lives. People often try to fill the void with everything but God. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. Fame. Career.
Only God can fill the emptiness.
Many see what God offers but are not willing to pay the price. They won't "sell" all they have to "buy" Him. They hold things back when God wants it all. They hold on to their sin. Or their relationships. Or their job.
Others give everything to God because they know He offers so much more than they could ever give Him.
Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Owning the whole world means nothing compared to what Christ offers. Are you willing to sell all to buy this pearl of great price? --Jason Mitchener
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Hope in the Midst of Hassles by Jim Burns
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38, 39
If you read today’s headlines in the newspaper you can get pretty depressed. Yes, at times life looks pretty hopeless. But if we keep our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ we can have hope even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We can be comforted by Paul’s words found in Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God is for you, and through His love you can find hope! Here are four reasons why you can remain hopeful in the midst of confusing circumstances.
1. Jesus will win the final victory.
One day an old janitor was sitting in the gymnasium of a theological seminary reading the book of Revelation. One of the young theologians sat down beside him and asked him, “Do you understand all the symbolism?” The janitor replied, “No, absolutely not, but I have figured out that Jesus wins, and that’s comforting to know because I’m on His side.”
Jesus told these words to the apostle John: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6).
2. Jesus sets you free.
Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” In Christ you can have hope because you have been set free from your sin. You are free to be all that God desires you to be without the constraints of your past. You can know the meaning of abundant life because of what Christ did for you on the cross.
3. There is no condemnation for those in Christ.
In Christ you are a new creation. Romans 8:1-2 puts it best: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Even though we deserve death and spiritual separation from God, we have now beginnings and eternal life in Jesus Christ. Talk about a reason for hope!
4. God’s love transcends human understanding.
Because God loves us, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37) through Christ. God loves you and wants the best for you. His love will give you hope even in the bleakest of circumstances. There is a light always shining, and the light is the love of God. In Him YOU can find hope.
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It Is Time For A New Start!
If you had the opportunity to start over with your life would you take it? If you could erase the past mistakes and begin with a clean slate would you do it? If you had the chance to move forward with a fresh outlook and do things differently would you go for it? If you were given the option of carrying your sins with you the rest of your life, or you could unload them and leave them behind, which would you choose?
A few days ago a new year was placed in our hands. With the simple tick of the clock we bid farewell to last year, and we embraced a brand new year. At the midnight hour we were invited to do things differently than we did last year, we were offered a chance to start fresh, leave 2008 behind us and move into 2009 with boldness, confidence, and hope. That's what is great about a New Year's Day...we get to start over.
Everyday we are given a similar opportunity. Of course, there are obligations and commitments that are always waiting for us when we wake up in the morning, but for the most part how we live the day is up to us. There will be challenges and problems and blessings and joys just like we experienced yesterday, but we are given the option of how we'll handle them. Everyday we are invited by the One who created the world, and us, to live by His power. We are invited to live under His caring hand. We are invited to live knowing that He has washed us clean by His grace and mercy. We are invited to live with the assurance that He is walking with us as we take every step of every day.
Even more than being given a new year, and a new day, we are offered a new life. God is giving us a chance to start over in life. Through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of His Son Jesus, God is giving us the opportunity to erase all the sins of our past. God is inviting us to put the past where it belongs - in His hands - and He is inviting us to live a new life of freedom, and joy, and peace, and salvation. He is inviting us to enjoy a new life: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:16-20, New International Version)
Maybe it's time you accepted the invitation to start over. You have lived life your way. You have done church your way. You have walked through life your way. You have made your demands and received your results. You have talked about the value letting God rule your heart, but you have not allowed Him to take control. You are certain that He can do a better job than you have done, but you have not yet been willing to let Him be in charge. It's time for a new start!
It is time to begin doing things differently...to allow God to do things differently in your life. It is a new year. It's time for a new start!
God invites you to join Him on a new journey that begins today. The journey will involve challenges. The journey will involve sacrifice. The journey will involve giving up your way of doing things. The journey will involve listening to God more than you listen to your own voice. The journey will involve surrender.
It's a new year. It's time for a new start! --Tom
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"Thanks From A Rebellious Daughter" ` by Natalie Hinde `
You are so good to me Lord, You love me despite what I have done. I challenge, rebel, whine and plead; I demand, question and turn away And still You call me to Yourself. I can't understand why. Why go through all the heartache of loving me? You have more obedient, compliant children, Why spend so much on me? I am grateful Lord. When I emerge from my selfishness I praise You, love You. You are so much more Than I could ever ask for. Thank you Lord. You are so good to me.
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 26
Reward for Obedience
1 " 'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God. 2 " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. 3 " 'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. 6 " 'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. 7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. 9 " 'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place [a] among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Punishment for Disobedience
14 " 'But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. 18 " 'If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. 20 Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil will not yield its crops, nor will the trees of the land yield their fruit. 21 " 'If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve. 22 I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted. 23 " 'If in spite of these things you do not accept my correction but continue to be hostile toward me, 24 I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over. 25 And I will bring the sword upon you to avenge the breaking of the covenant. When you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be given into enemy hands. 26 When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will be able to bake your bread in one oven, and they will dole out the bread by weight. You will eat, but you will not be satisfied. 27 " 'If in spite of this you still do not listen to me but continue to be hostile toward me, 28 then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over. 29 You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters. 30 I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you. 31 I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings. 32 I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. 33 I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out my sword and pursue you. Your land will be laid waste, and your cities will lie in ruins. 34 Then the land will enjoy its sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you are in the country of your enemies; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it. 36 " 'As for those of you who are left, I will make their hearts so fearful in the lands of their enemies that the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. They will run as though fleeing from the sword, and they will fall, even though no one is pursuing them. 37 They will stumble over one another as though fleeing from the sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you will not be able to stand before your enemies. 38 You will perish among the nations; the land of your enemies will devour you. 39 Those of you who are left will waste away in the lands of their enemies because of their sins; also because of their fathers' sins they will waste away. 40 " 'But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers—their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, 41 which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, 42 I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. 43 For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws and abhorred my decrees. 44 Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the LORD their God. 45 But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD.' " 46 These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.
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A New Years Blessing for You
Purpose – As you complete your daily tasks, may you understand how they contribute to the larger purpose of your life. May you experience deep satisfaction as you discover and carry out your unique role. (Psalms 25:12, 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11)
Fulfilling Work – May you take pleasure in all your work. May every task you undertake succeed, and may you enjoy the good things your labor supplies. (Ecclesiastes 1:24; Psalms 41:3)
Physical Health – May you and those you love remain strong in body and free from disease. May those who suffer from injury or illness recover quickly and completely. (3 John 1:2; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalms 41:3)
Peace of Mind – May you mind and heart always be at rest. May gratitude and peace replace every anxious, fearful thought. (2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:6)
Good Relationships – May you be surrounded by loving, faithful, and supportive friends. Where relationships have been broken, may you find reconciliation and forgiveness. (Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Matthew 5:23-24)
Sufficient Resources – May you have exactly what you need for each day. May you become rich in every way so that you can share generously with others. (Proverbs 20:8-9; Luke 11:3; 2 Corinthians 9:11
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.