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01-15-2009, 04:10 PM
Few delights can equal the mere presence of One whom we fully trust. --George Macdonald
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it. --Author Unknown
This is the secret of peace and gladness: constant obedience and a harkening spirit that waits to catch the whisper of His will and obey His every word. --A. B. Simpson
The secret of peace within, and power without, is to be always and only occupied with Christ. --E. Schuyler English
Holiness means something more than the sweeping away of the old leaves of sin; it means the life of Jesus developed in us. --Lilias Trotter
Someone has said that if all the stars were to cease shining for a hundred years and then were suddenly to flash on again, there is not an eye on earth but would be lifted heavenward and not a heart but would break forth in praise to God. But the stars were there when we were little children, and they will be shining in the heavens tonight. And to us the spectacle is so familiar that we have lost the wonder of it all. Live 40 years in such a world as this and a certain blindness falls on the eyes. And therefore the need that when the evening falls, the morning breaks, and the summer comes again, we should pray as the psalmist prayed so long ago, "Lord, open my eyes that I may see." --George H. Morrison
Time tells on us! Moods influence us! Circumstances impede us! Satan blows cold blasts on our heart-fires and cools them! Sins pile up their debris between us and God! From all these let us turn once more to Jesus and wait on Him. "My soul, wait thou only upon the Lord, for my expectation is from Him." Look not back, but forward! Not down, but up! Not in, but out! Never to your own heart, but keep looking to Jesus, made near and living by the grace of the Holy Spirit. --F. B. Meyer
What you are after is not that folks shall say at the end of it all, "What an excellent sermon!" That is a measured failure. You are there to have them say, when it is over, "What a great God!" It is something for men not to have been in your presence but in his. --John Henry Jowett
If you're in a difficult place right now, perhaps you need to entrust the problem to the Lord and leave it in His hands awhile. He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbable, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters. --Robert J. Morgan
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SEEK THE LORD’S GUIDANCE
“Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” – Genesis 24:12
In his book “A Thirst for God”, Sherwood Wirt tells of serving briefly as the quartermaster of the Teal, an 80-foot patrol boat belonging to the Alaska Game Commission. Wirt was at the helm when Captain Cole took over briefly and changed their course north toward Juneau. He pointed to the compass reading and told Wirt, "Steady as she goes!"
As the ship cruised along, Wirt noted that they seemed to be edging toward the mainland, so he altered the course slightly and steered the Teal straight up the channel. In a few minutes Captain Cole came on the bridge and snapped: "You're off course! Go back to the reading I gave you." Wirt said, "My dead reckoning had led me to believe one thing, but the chart indicated something else. Following my intuition might have led to shipwreck."
Our own dead reckoning can prove to be dead wrong. Today in prayer, take any decisions you are facing to the Lord asking for His direction.
“It is morally impossible to exercise trust in God while there is a failure to wait upon Him for guidance and direction.” – D.E. Hoste
God’s Word: “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” – Psalm 25:5 --Peter Kennedy
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Times of Waiting
As Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, he already had a sense of where his next journey would lead; "after I have been there, I must visit Rome" (Acts 19:21). But he also knew he was about to face many difficulties; "in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" (Acts 20:23). Paul was arrested less than ten days after arriving in Jerusalem. He probably didn't realize it at the time, but his journey to Rome had just begun.
Paul's journey to Rome would last about two and a half years and include many legal and physical trials - and many opportunities to demonstrate his faith in Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, it also included two long years where Paul had nothing to do but sit in prison and wait for an occasional visit with Governor Felix before being transferred to the courts of Rome.
Acts 24:25 "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'"
This must have been a difficult time for someone accustomed to being so actively involved in ministry. Paul was treated well in this prison; but after receiving specific instructions to minister in Rome, two years must have felt like a painfully long time.
We're never told of God's reason for this waiting period. Many times, waiting is necessary to allow other events to occur and other people to be properly positioned. And many times, waiting is necessary because we need to better learn some of God's truths...or we simply need a good rest.
Paul was about to face his most challenging journey and possibly his most significant ministry opportunity; "Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). On his journey, Paul faced a severe storm, shipwreck, snakebite, and many threats on his life; but Paul was also given the opportunity to minister to the leaders of the Roman Empire.
Much of our own journey involves patience and learning how to trust and wait on God. Almost nothing seems to occur as fast as we would like: difficult situations take longer to resolve, people take longer to mature, and ministries take longer to grow. But our present circumstances always serve a purpose!
If we've earnestly sought God and not received specific direction, it's possible we're simply being told to wait - wait and be refreshed; wait and spend time abiding in His presence; wait... and prepare. Let's continue to rejoice and learn to trust Him even more during our times of waiting. --Steve Troxel
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Good Brakes
My husband and I were walking down a street in downtown Los Angeles. The traffic was a steady flow interrupted now and then by vehicles zooming in and out of the lanes. It made me thankful that I wasn't driving. We were just about to step across an access lane when a car zoomed out and into the traffic. A shiny new BMW slammed on its brakes as the vehicle came within inches of its bumper. My husband shook his head. "Thank God for good brakes," he said. If the BMW had collided with that vehicle we would very likely have been in the middle of the domino effect that would have resulted.
In His wisdom, God has supplied us with another kind of good braking system. It's called a mind. The apostle Paul talks about it in 2 Corinthians chapter 10, verse 5b - "... we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
The trick is to recognize when our thoughts are going in a direction that is not obedient to Christ. Too often we get caught up in thinking negative and even destructive thoughts. But we can change them. We can stop, as quickly as that shiny BMW, avoid disaster and turn our thoughts to things that honour God. It's a matter of training. And it's amazing how well it works.
Paul also told the Philippians "... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Phil. 4:8).
Have you caught yourself being negative lately, or having nasty thoughts about someone? Have you noticed how it affects your whole day? God knew that it would, so he designed our minds with a good braking system - the ability to channel our thoughts toward all that is good. Ultimately that will lead us to Him.
So, how are your brakes working? --Marcia Lee Laycock
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How to Walk Through Life’s Hot Spots
Living through the pressures of life can be compared to walking through fire. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah believed that if you have faith in God, you can walk through fire and not be burned. He didn’t promise that you won’t feel the heat, just that you won’t be burned.
Keep On Walking. - A surefire way to get burned is to stop walking. When you are afraid, or under extreme stress, or hurting — keep going. You will get through if you keep dealing with the everyday tasks at hand to the best of your ability. PERSEVERE
Remember That This Difficult Time Will Pass. - It may feel that you are in a repeating time warp, but realize that pain is time-limited. All problems have a beginning and an end. BE PATIENT
Make Rough Times Work For You. - Not everything is good, but the Bible reminds us that everything can be used for good if you submit your will to God. Look for ways to learn, grow, or cope in your pain or stress. HAVE COURAGE
Take “What Is” And Make The Most Of It. - Make lemonade from your lemons. You are not called upon to create perfection from every situation, only to make the most of it. Don’t waste your time on ceaseless complaining, but look for meaning and joy in all situations. BE CONTENT
Clean Up Your Own Trash. - Stand on your own feet and don’t try to blame others for your problems. You are not a victim. Choose to live the rest of your life with a controlled response to what is happening. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Be True To Your Self. - You will have more strength for dealing with ordeals in life if you have the courage to be true to your own values. Hypocrisy destroys internal energy. MODEL INTEGRITY
Be Gladder Than Madder. - Expressions of gratitude calm the soul and clear the mind. SHOW GRATITUDE
Have As Much Fun As You Can. - Anticipation of fun raises the level of your energy. Learn to laugh through your trials. DISPLAY HUMOR
Determine What Is Within Your Control. - You cannot control what happens to you, but you can choose the frame you put around your experiences. You can choose how you will deal with all situations. EXHIBIT INTERNAL CONTROL
Be Enthusiastic. - Enthusiasm literally means, “God in us.” If He is in you, let your life so shine. Learn to love life. Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire. SHOW YOUR PASSION
Author Unknown
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Battling Selfishness
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV
As citizens of God's Kingdom, we live by a different value system. "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others" (1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV). Now let's be honest; that's hard to do and easy to forget, because selfishness is a battle we fight daily.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross in intense pain, He took time for a condemned criminal hanging next to Him (Luke 23:39-43). When Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for those who were killing him, asking God not to lay the sin to their charge (Acts 7:59-60). Though Paul and Silas were beaten and wrongly imprisoned, they took the time to minister to their jailer. Even after God sent a powerful earthquake that broke their chains and opened their prison doors, they remained there just for the purpose of ministering to their captor. How tempting it must have been to run away while the opportunity was there. How easy it would have been to take care of themselves and not worry about anybody else. But their act of love moved the jailer to ask how he might be saved. As a result, he and his entire family were won to Christ (Acts 16:25-34).
When we begin to win the war against selfishness and walk in love, others will take notice. We'll never win the world by being like them. So here's the question you need to answer: How many of your loved ones might come to know Jesus if you demonstrated that you genuinely loved them, instead of ignoring, judging or rejecting them? It's time to find out! --Bob Gass
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Answered Prayer
When you pray continually about a concern, don't be surprised at how Christ answers.
Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner.
Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely - after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake.
God's way of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When we sincerely pray, God will answer - although in his timing and sometimes in ways we do not expect. --Life Application Study Bible
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Random Thoughts...
1. Do the math... count your blessings.
2. Faith is the ability to not panic.
3. Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging.
4. If you worry, you didn’t pray. If you pray, don’t worry.
5. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.
6. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
7. The most important things in your house are the people.
8. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
9. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
10. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
This is a time of expectancy, but also a time of waiting for the completion of what has been promised. Do not become discouraged in your time of waiting nor turn back when you do not see the fulfillment of your expectations. You will no doubt have to make some adjustments in how you thought things would turn out, but you must also keep the faith that I have begun a good work in you, and I will bring it to completion; keeping in mind that My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and My ways are higher than your ways. If you could see from My vantage point, you would not worry, says the Lord. Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The enemy of your soul has launched an attack to bring confusion, discouragement and hopelessness. This attack will question your integrity and mock your purpose as it brings reproach against you. The lies that come against you will come in such a way that you will be tempted to believe that you have failed and deserve rejection. But, this is the devil! He is a liar. Resist him. These are certainly not the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord. Recognize the source of this attack and forbid it. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Beloved, don't stay where you are. I will impart revelation that is beyond what you could think or believe. This is a time of alignment, when I will align you with kingdom purpose and destiny. But, you have to want it. Reach! Stretch! Come up! Stir up your desire, and put forth the effort to focus on Me and all that I have to give you. Ask and you will receive, says the Lord. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
You are entering a time of sifting and sorting, for I am establishing a standard of righteousness among My people, says the Lord. This standard will make a clear distinction between good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error. Hold what you have with an open hand because even what you hold dear to your heart will also undergo this scrutiny so that what is left will be pure and undefiled by compromise. Daniel 2:41-43 "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay."
I speak to many who are trying to keep your head above water, but you feel like you are going down for the third time. The waves created by the storms of life have overwhelmed you. But, I say to you, do not despair; do not give up hope. I am your very present help in times of trouble, and I will bring you through these times of adversity in triumph. Trust Me, and let Me guide your steps to make your way perfect. Refuse to allow the enemy to make you feel lost or forgotten, for I am with you; I see what you are having to face and endure. Keep your faith in Me, says the Lord, and persevere. James 5:11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord––that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
I have not called you to learn the doctrines of men. I have called you to allow My Spirit to reveal the truth of My Word. Do not be distracted with the trappings of religious exercise, but rather seek to know Me. If you will seek Me with all of your heart, you will find Me, says the Lord. But, it will take some effort on your part to break through and rise above your emotions and thoughts into the realm of the Spirit. John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Jeremiah 24:7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
You have come in this season to a time of elevation. The struggles that you have endured in the past will be quickly overcome. You have a tremendous desire to be found in God's purposes even though you have not seen the manifestation of His purposes in your life. But, now you will begin to see this manifestation in your circumstances. Watch, however, for the devil is going to try to bounce you out of what God is doing. So, it may be like taking three steps forward and one step back, but don't let the one step back stop you. You will still be gaining ground. Come into this new day, forgetting the torments of the past. The Spirit of God will rest upon you and fill you with His presence and give you the determination to go forward, and you will become known as an overcomer, for you will overcome what life's circumstances have thrown at you. You will also need to break the power of generational curses so that you can go forward in divine purpose. As you continue to move ahead your faith will increase.
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Taking Time For God
Have you taken time to open
up the word of God today?
Have you spent some time
down on your knees
and taken time to pray?
If you can't take time for Him
what makes you think He'll hear your prayer?
When the only time you speak to Him
is when trouble comes and you need Him there!
You will find that if you'll take the time
to spend down on your knees;
You will find some blessings you've been missing,
as well as the answers to your pleas.
God wants to hear from His children,
for their praise is music to His ears;
When we come to Him in worship and praise
He will take away our worries and our fears.
When you seek Him in earnest,
in truth, and in love.
The answers will come down to you
from His throne above!
Just listen to the voice
of the Spirit of His dove!
Helen Johnson
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Time For Him
Making Time for Jesus is a must in our lives
we must include Him in all our plans,
If we make time for the Lord, we will have good success,
on Christ the Solid Rock, we can always stand.
All the hours in each day belong to the Savior
He has given each one of us our daily bread,
He will keep us within his love and favor,
each day with Christ, we must be spirit-led.
The pleasures of this world are all fading
they can never replace the things of God in our life,
Do we see the need to put Jesus first?
Only our Lord can restore and take away sin and strife.
Do we take time out to give God thanksgiving?
Are there moments set aside to praise His holy name?
Jesus is our Savior and our reason for living,
When we make time for the Lord, we are never the same.
Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly
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Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2
Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand[g] or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand[h]comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2
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Preparing for a Change
Change is a popular word lately. It was thrown around during the election campaign and was said to be something the country needed. Oddly enough, there was not much in the way of details about the change but that didn’t seem to matter. The word “change” seemed to be equated with the word “good”. This is unusual because most people hate change and feel it is a bad thing. Let’s face it, change requires energy and work. It is typically uncomfortable and out of the ordinary. Change means that you can’t go through your day on auto pilot. You may be required to act differently, think differently, even look different. Still, change seems to be quite popular. Consider all the TV make-over shows. There are shows about changing physical appearance, home décor, even jobs. Everyone seems to want to change into something better or bigger.
The ultimate change of all time is on the horizon. At the time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ you will be changed in the twinkle of an eye. You will be transformed into a new body that will never feel pain or experience death. You and your new body will celebrate and worship in the presence of the Lord forever. Now that is a change worth waiting for! No matter what happens in your day today, keep things in perfect perspective and remember that all of this is just temporary….you are in for a change of your life!
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 --Weekly Daily Journey
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The ABC's of Starting Over
Is your life predictable? Do you do the same thing, day after day? Do you feel as though 2009 will be just as dull and monotonous as 2008? There is a wonderful passage that gives you a practical example of how one man changed his life. It outlines for you the ABC's of how to change your life.
Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.
A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!
v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.
Teenagers blame their parents. Parents blame their children. Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.
Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.
Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.
Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.
1. He didn't blame someone else.
He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.
2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.
B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).
[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.
He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.
So often people pray...
"God, if you'll just change my employer, if you'll just change my husband or my wife, if you'll just change my children or my Friend, if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative.
God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.
C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need
[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"
Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.
How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife will tell me, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."
Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."
We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.
Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was Beggar. Yet, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.
D - Decide to Stop Worrying
1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say
(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.
What were they telling him?
Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!
This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...
Nobody's ever done it that way before...
You can't do that - just be quiet
We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everyone else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be denied.
Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet? Keep on calling out to God.
Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet? Keep on calling out to God.
Are you hurting and don't have an answer? Keep on calling out to God.
Are people telling you to give up? Are people telling you to quit? Are people telling you that God doesn't care? Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say? Are you concerned about how it might look? Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?
Stop worrying. Don't quit. Don't give up. JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER
One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, he answers desperate prayer.
2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances
v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.
Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.
We have to quit waiting for just the right time. We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen. We have to do something now.
E - Exercise Your Faith
[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Sometimes, we have to do something different. We can't do the same old thing. If we're really going to change, if we want life to be different, we have to do something bold and dramatic.
Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.
We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.
F - Follow Jesus
[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"
2009 can be totally different from 2008 if you'll...
A - Assume responsibility for your own life
B - Believe you can change
C - Clarify what it is you really need.
D - Decide to stop worrying
1. Stop worrying what other people will say
2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances
E - Exercise Your Faith
F - Follow Jesus!
--David Langerfeld
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O God, when my faith gets overladen with dust, blow it clean with the wind of your Spirit. When my habits of obedience get stiff and rusty, anoint them with the oil of your Spirit. Restore the enthusiasm of my first love for you. --Eugene Peterson
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 27
Redeeming What Is the LORD's
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate persons to the LORD by giving equivalent values, 3 set the value of a male between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel ; 4 and if it is a female, set her value at thirty shekels. 5 If it is a person between the ages of five and twenty, set the value of a male at twenty shekels and of a female at ten shekels. 6 If it is a person between one month and five years, set the value of a male at five shekels of silver and that of a female at three shekels of silver. 7 If it is a person sixty years old or more, set the value of a male at fifteen shekels and of a female at ten shekels. 8 If anyone making the vow is too poor to pay the specified amount, he is to present the person to the priest, who will set the value for him according to what the man making the vow can afford. 9 " 'If what he vowed is an animal that is acceptable as an offering to the LORD, such an animal given to the LORD becomes holy. 10 He must not exchange it or substitute a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good one; if he should substitute one animal for another, both it and the substitute become holy. 11 If what he vowed is a ceremonially unclean animal—one that is not acceptable as an offering to the LORD -the animal must be presented to the priest, 12 who will judge its quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, that is what it will be. 13 If the owner wishes to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value. 14 " 'If a man dedicates his house as something holy to the LORD, the priest will judge its quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, so it will remain. 15 If the man who dedicates his house redeems it, he must add a fifth to its value, and the house will again become his. 16 " 'If a man dedicates to the LORD part of his family land, its value is to be set according to the amount of seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver to a homer of barley seed. 17 If he dedicates his field during the Year of Jubilee, the value that has been set remains. 18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, the priest will determine the value according to the number of years that remain until the next Year of Jubilee, and its set value will be reduced. 19 If the man who dedicates the field wishes to redeem it, he must add a fifth to its value, and the field will again become his. 20 If, however, he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to someone else, it can never be redeemed. 21 When the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the LORD; it will become the property of the priests. 22 " 'If a man dedicates to the LORD a field he has bought, which is not part of his family land, 23 the priest will determine its value up to the Year of Jubilee, and the man must pay its value on that day as something holy to the LORD. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field will revert to the person from whom he bought it, the one whose land it was. 25 Every value is to be set according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel. 26 " 'No one, however, may dedicate the firstborn of an animal, since the firstborn already belongs to the LORD; whether an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD's. 27 If it is one of the unclean animals, he may buy it back at its set value, adding a fifth of the value to it. If he does not redeem it, it is to be sold at its set value. 28 " 'But nothing that a man owns and devotes to the LORD -whether man or animal or family land—may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. 29 " 'No person devoted to destruction may be ransomed; he must be put to death. 30 " 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. 31 If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. 32 The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD. 33 He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.' " 34 These are the commands the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
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May There Be Peace Within
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be...
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you...
May you be content knowing you are a child of God...
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to
sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you...
--Author Unknown
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.
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it. --Author Unknown
This is the secret of peace and gladness: constant obedience and a harkening spirit that waits to catch the whisper of His will and obey His every word. --A. B. Simpson
The secret of peace within, and power without, is to be always and only occupied with Christ. --E. Schuyler English
Holiness means something more than the sweeping away of the old leaves of sin; it means the life of Jesus developed in us. --Lilias Trotter
Someone has said that if all the stars were to cease shining for a hundred years and then were suddenly to flash on again, there is not an eye on earth but would be lifted heavenward and not a heart but would break forth in praise to God. But the stars were there when we were little children, and they will be shining in the heavens tonight. And to us the spectacle is so familiar that we have lost the wonder of it all. Live 40 years in such a world as this and a certain blindness falls on the eyes. And therefore the need that when the evening falls, the morning breaks, and the summer comes again, we should pray as the psalmist prayed so long ago, "Lord, open my eyes that I may see." --George H. Morrison
Time tells on us! Moods influence us! Circumstances impede us! Satan blows cold blasts on our heart-fires and cools them! Sins pile up their debris between us and God! From all these let us turn once more to Jesus and wait on Him. "My soul, wait thou only upon the Lord, for my expectation is from Him." Look not back, but forward! Not down, but up! Not in, but out! Never to your own heart, but keep looking to Jesus, made near and living by the grace of the Holy Spirit. --F. B. Meyer
What you are after is not that folks shall say at the end of it all, "What an excellent sermon!" That is a measured failure. You are there to have them say, when it is over, "What a great God!" It is something for men not to have been in your presence but in his. --John Henry Jowett
If you're in a difficult place right now, perhaps you need to entrust the problem to the Lord and leave it in His hands awhile. He alone can storm the impregnable, devise the improbable, and perform the impossible. He alone can part the waters. --Robert J. Morgan
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SEEK THE LORD’S GUIDANCE
“Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” – Genesis 24:12
In his book “A Thirst for God”, Sherwood Wirt tells of serving briefly as the quartermaster of the Teal, an 80-foot patrol boat belonging to the Alaska Game Commission. Wirt was at the helm when Captain Cole took over briefly and changed their course north toward Juneau. He pointed to the compass reading and told Wirt, "Steady as she goes!"
As the ship cruised along, Wirt noted that they seemed to be edging toward the mainland, so he altered the course slightly and steered the Teal straight up the channel. In a few minutes Captain Cole came on the bridge and snapped: "You're off course! Go back to the reading I gave you." Wirt said, "My dead reckoning had led me to believe one thing, but the chart indicated something else. Following my intuition might have led to shipwreck."
Our own dead reckoning can prove to be dead wrong. Today in prayer, take any decisions you are facing to the Lord asking for His direction.
“It is morally impossible to exercise trust in God while there is a failure to wait upon Him for guidance and direction.” – D.E. Hoste
God’s Word: “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” – Psalm 25:5 --Peter Kennedy
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Times of Waiting
As Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, he already had a sense of where his next journey would lead; "after I have been there, I must visit Rome" (Acts 19:21). But he also knew he was about to face many difficulties; "in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" (Acts 20:23). Paul was arrested less than ten days after arriving in Jerusalem. He probably didn't realize it at the time, but his journey to Rome had just begun.
Paul's journey to Rome would last about two and a half years and include many legal and physical trials - and many opportunities to demonstrate his faith in Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, it also included two long years where Paul had nothing to do but sit in prison and wait for an occasional visit with Governor Felix before being transferred to the courts of Rome.
Acts 24:25 "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'"
This must have been a difficult time for someone accustomed to being so actively involved in ministry. Paul was treated well in this prison; but after receiving specific instructions to minister in Rome, two years must have felt like a painfully long time.
We're never told of God's reason for this waiting period. Many times, waiting is necessary to allow other events to occur and other people to be properly positioned. And many times, waiting is necessary because we need to better learn some of God's truths...or we simply need a good rest.
Paul was about to face his most challenging journey and possibly his most significant ministry opportunity; "Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). On his journey, Paul faced a severe storm, shipwreck, snakebite, and many threats on his life; but Paul was also given the opportunity to minister to the leaders of the Roman Empire.
Much of our own journey involves patience and learning how to trust and wait on God. Almost nothing seems to occur as fast as we would like: difficult situations take longer to resolve, people take longer to mature, and ministries take longer to grow. But our present circumstances always serve a purpose!
If we've earnestly sought God and not received specific direction, it's possible we're simply being told to wait - wait and be refreshed; wait and spend time abiding in His presence; wait... and prepare. Let's continue to rejoice and learn to trust Him even more during our times of waiting. --Steve Troxel
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Good Brakes
My husband and I were walking down a street in downtown Los Angeles. The traffic was a steady flow interrupted now and then by vehicles zooming in and out of the lanes. It made me thankful that I wasn't driving. We were just about to step across an access lane when a car zoomed out and into the traffic. A shiny new BMW slammed on its brakes as the vehicle came within inches of its bumper. My husband shook his head. "Thank God for good brakes," he said. If the BMW had collided with that vehicle we would very likely have been in the middle of the domino effect that would have resulted.
In His wisdom, God has supplied us with another kind of good braking system. It's called a mind. The apostle Paul talks about it in 2 Corinthians chapter 10, verse 5b - "... we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
The trick is to recognize when our thoughts are going in a direction that is not obedient to Christ. Too often we get caught up in thinking negative and even destructive thoughts. But we can change them. We can stop, as quickly as that shiny BMW, avoid disaster and turn our thoughts to things that honour God. It's a matter of training. And it's amazing how well it works.
Paul also told the Philippians "... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Phil. 4:8).
Have you caught yourself being negative lately, or having nasty thoughts about someone? Have you noticed how it affects your whole day? God knew that it would, so he designed our minds with a good braking system - the ability to channel our thoughts toward all that is good. Ultimately that will lead us to Him.
So, how are your brakes working? --Marcia Lee Laycock
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How to Walk Through Life’s Hot Spots
Living through the pressures of life can be compared to walking through fire. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah believed that if you have faith in God, you can walk through fire and not be burned. He didn’t promise that you won’t feel the heat, just that you won’t be burned.
Keep On Walking. - A surefire way to get burned is to stop walking. When you are afraid, or under extreme stress, or hurting — keep going. You will get through if you keep dealing with the everyday tasks at hand to the best of your ability. PERSEVERE
Remember That This Difficult Time Will Pass. - It may feel that you are in a repeating time warp, but realize that pain is time-limited. All problems have a beginning and an end. BE PATIENT
Make Rough Times Work For You. - Not everything is good, but the Bible reminds us that everything can be used for good if you submit your will to God. Look for ways to learn, grow, or cope in your pain or stress. HAVE COURAGE
Take “What Is” And Make The Most Of It. - Make lemonade from your lemons. You are not called upon to create perfection from every situation, only to make the most of it. Don’t waste your time on ceaseless complaining, but look for meaning and joy in all situations. BE CONTENT
Clean Up Your Own Trash. - Stand on your own feet and don’t try to blame others for your problems. You are not a victim. Choose to live the rest of your life with a controlled response to what is happening. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Be True To Your Self. - You will have more strength for dealing with ordeals in life if you have the courage to be true to your own values. Hypocrisy destroys internal energy. MODEL INTEGRITY
Be Gladder Than Madder. - Expressions of gratitude calm the soul and clear the mind. SHOW GRATITUDE
Have As Much Fun As You Can. - Anticipation of fun raises the level of your energy. Learn to laugh through your trials. DISPLAY HUMOR
Determine What Is Within Your Control. - You cannot control what happens to you, but you can choose the frame you put around your experiences. You can choose how you will deal with all situations. EXHIBIT INTERNAL CONTROL
Be Enthusiastic. - Enthusiasm literally means, “God in us.” If He is in you, let your life so shine. Learn to love life. Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire. SHOW YOUR PASSION
Author Unknown
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Battling Selfishness
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV
As citizens of God's Kingdom, we live by a different value system. "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others" (1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV). Now let's be honest; that's hard to do and easy to forget, because selfishness is a battle we fight daily.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross in intense pain, He took time for a condemned criminal hanging next to Him (Luke 23:39-43). When Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for those who were killing him, asking God not to lay the sin to their charge (Acts 7:59-60). Though Paul and Silas were beaten and wrongly imprisoned, they took the time to minister to their jailer. Even after God sent a powerful earthquake that broke their chains and opened their prison doors, they remained there just for the purpose of ministering to their captor. How tempting it must have been to run away while the opportunity was there. How easy it would have been to take care of themselves and not worry about anybody else. But their act of love moved the jailer to ask how he might be saved. As a result, he and his entire family were won to Christ (Acts 16:25-34).
When we begin to win the war against selfishness and walk in love, others will take notice. We'll never win the world by being like them. So here's the question you need to answer: How many of your loved ones might come to know Jesus if you demonstrated that you genuinely loved them, instead of ignoring, judging or rejecting them? It's time to find out! --Bob Gass
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Answered Prayer
When you pray continually about a concern, don't be surprised at how Christ answers.
Paul prayed to visit Rome so he could teach the Christians there. When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner.
Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he did arrive safely - after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake.
God's way of answering our prayers are often far from what we expect. When we sincerely pray, God will answer - although in his timing and sometimes in ways we do not expect. --Life Application Study Bible
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Random Thoughts...
1. Do the math... count your blessings.
2. Faith is the ability to not panic.
3. Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging.
4. If you worry, you didn’t pray. If you pray, don’t worry.
5. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.
6. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
7. The most important things in your house are the people.
8. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
9. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
10. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
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Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns
This is a time of expectancy, but also a time of waiting for the completion of what has been promised. Do not become discouraged in your time of waiting nor turn back when you do not see the fulfillment of your expectations. You will no doubt have to make some adjustments in how you thought things would turn out, but you must also keep the faith that I have begun a good work in you, and I will bring it to completion; keeping in mind that My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and My ways are higher than your ways. If you could see from My vantage point, you would not worry, says the Lord. Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The enemy of your soul has launched an attack to bring confusion, discouragement and hopelessness. This attack will question your integrity and mock your purpose as it brings reproach against you. The lies that come against you will come in such a way that you will be tempted to believe that you have failed and deserve rejection. But, this is the devil! He is a liar. Resist him. These are certainly not the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord. Recognize the source of this attack and forbid it. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Beloved, don't stay where you are. I will impart revelation that is beyond what you could think or believe. This is a time of alignment, when I will align you with kingdom purpose and destiny. But, you have to want it. Reach! Stretch! Come up! Stir up your desire, and put forth the effort to focus on Me and all that I have to give you. Ask and you will receive, says the Lord. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
You are entering a time of sifting and sorting, for I am establishing a standard of righteousness among My people, says the Lord. This standard will make a clear distinction between good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error. Hold what you have with an open hand because even what you hold dear to your heart will also undergo this scrutiny so that what is left will be pure and undefiled by compromise. Daniel 2:41-43 "Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay."
I speak to many who are trying to keep your head above water, but you feel like you are going down for the third time. The waves created by the storms of life have overwhelmed you. But, I say to you, do not despair; do not give up hope. I am your very present help in times of trouble, and I will bring you through these times of adversity in triumph. Trust Me, and let Me guide your steps to make your way perfect. Refuse to allow the enemy to make you feel lost or forgotten, for I am with you; I see what you are having to face and endure. Keep your faith in Me, says the Lord, and persevere. James 5:11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord––that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
I have not called you to learn the doctrines of men. I have called you to allow My Spirit to reveal the truth of My Word. Do not be distracted with the trappings of religious exercise, but rather seek to know Me. If you will seek Me with all of your heart, you will find Me, says the Lord. But, it will take some effort on your part to break through and rise above your emotions and thoughts into the realm of the Spirit. John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Jeremiah 24:7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.
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The Trumpet by Bill Burns
"Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1
You have come in this season to a time of elevation. The struggles that you have endured in the past will be quickly overcome. You have a tremendous desire to be found in God's purposes even though you have not seen the manifestation of His purposes in your life. But, now you will begin to see this manifestation in your circumstances. Watch, however, for the devil is going to try to bounce you out of what God is doing. So, it may be like taking three steps forward and one step back, but don't let the one step back stop you. You will still be gaining ground. Come into this new day, forgetting the torments of the past. The Spirit of God will rest upon you and fill you with His presence and give you the determination to go forward, and you will become known as an overcomer, for you will overcome what life's circumstances have thrown at you. You will also need to break the power of generational curses so that you can go forward in divine purpose. As you continue to move ahead your faith will increase.
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Taking Time For God
Have you taken time to open
up the word of God today?
Have you spent some time
down on your knees
and taken time to pray?
If you can't take time for Him
what makes you think He'll hear your prayer?
When the only time you speak to Him
is when trouble comes and you need Him there!
You will find that if you'll take the time
to spend down on your knees;
You will find some blessings you've been missing,
as well as the answers to your pleas.
God wants to hear from His children,
for their praise is music to His ears;
When we come to Him in worship and praise
He will take away our worries and our fears.
When you seek Him in earnest,
in truth, and in love.
The answers will come down to you
from His throne above!
Just listen to the voice
of the Spirit of His dove!
Helen Johnson
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Time For Him
Making Time for Jesus is a must in our lives
we must include Him in all our plans,
If we make time for the Lord, we will have good success,
on Christ the Solid Rock, we can always stand.
All the hours in each day belong to the Savior
He has given each one of us our daily bread,
He will keep us within his love and favor,
each day with Christ, we must be spirit-led.
The pleasures of this world are all fading
they can never replace the things of God in our life,
Do we see the need to put Jesus first?
Only our Lord can restore and take away sin and strife.
Do we take time out to give God thanksgiving?
Are there moments set aside to praise His holy name?
Jesus is our Savior and our reason for living,
When we make time for the Lord, we are never the same.
Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly
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Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2
Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand[g] or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand[h]comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2
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Preparing for a Change
Change is a popular word lately. It was thrown around during the election campaign and was said to be something the country needed. Oddly enough, there was not much in the way of details about the change but that didn’t seem to matter. The word “change” seemed to be equated with the word “good”. This is unusual because most people hate change and feel it is a bad thing. Let’s face it, change requires energy and work. It is typically uncomfortable and out of the ordinary. Change means that you can’t go through your day on auto pilot. You may be required to act differently, think differently, even look different. Still, change seems to be quite popular. Consider all the TV make-over shows. There are shows about changing physical appearance, home décor, even jobs. Everyone seems to want to change into something better or bigger.
The ultimate change of all time is on the horizon. At the time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ you will be changed in the twinkle of an eye. You will be transformed into a new body that will never feel pain or experience death. You and your new body will celebrate and worship in the presence of the Lord forever. Now that is a change worth waiting for! No matter what happens in your day today, keep things in perfect perspective and remember that all of this is just temporary….you are in for a change of your life!
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 --Weekly Daily Journey
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The ABC's of Starting Over
Is your life predictable? Do you do the same thing, day after day? Do you feel as though 2009 will be just as dull and monotonous as 2008? There is a wonderful passage that gives you a practical example of how one man changed his life. It outlines for you the ABC's of how to change your life.
Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.
A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!
v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.
Teenagers blame their parents. Parents blame their children. Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.
Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.
Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.
Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.
1. He didn't blame someone else.
He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.
2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.
B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).
[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.
He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.
So often people pray...
"God, if you'll just change my employer, if you'll just change my husband or my wife, if you'll just change my children or my Friend, if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative.
God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.
C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need
[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"
Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.
How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife will tell me, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."
Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."
We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.
Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was Beggar. Yet, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.
D - Decide to Stop Worrying
1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say
(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.
What were they telling him?
Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!
This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...
Nobody's ever done it that way before...
You can't do that - just be quiet
We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everyone else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be denied.
Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet? Keep on calling out to God.
Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet? Keep on calling out to God.
Are you hurting and don't have an answer? Keep on calling out to God.
Are people telling you to give up? Are people telling you to quit? Are people telling you that God doesn't care? Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say? Are you concerned about how it might look? Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?
Stop worrying. Don't quit. Don't give up. JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER
One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, he answers desperate prayer.
2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances
v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.
Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.
We have to quit waiting for just the right time. We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen. We have to do something now.
E - Exercise Your Faith
[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Sometimes, we have to do something different. We can't do the same old thing. If we're really going to change, if we want life to be different, we have to do something bold and dramatic.
Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.
We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.
F - Follow Jesus
[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"
2009 can be totally different from 2008 if you'll...
A - Assume responsibility for your own life
B - Believe you can change
C - Clarify what it is you really need.
D - Decide to stop worrying
1. Stop worrying what other people will say
2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances
E - Exercise Your Faith
F - Follow Jesus!
--David Langerfeld
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O God, when my faith gets overladen with dust, blow it clean with the wind of your Spirit. When my habits of obedience get stiff and rusty, anoint them with the oil of your Spirit. Restore the enthusiasm of my first love for you. --Eugene Peterson
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Read Through The Bible
Leviticus 27
Redeeming What Is the LORD's
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate persons to the LORD by giving equivalent values, 3 set the value of a male between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel ; 4 and if it is a female, set her value at thirty shekels. 5 If it is a person between the ages of five and twenty, set the value of a male at twenty shekels and of a female at ten shekels. 6 If it is a person between one month and five years, set the value of a male at five shekels of silver and that of a female at three shekels of silver. 7 If it is a person sixty years old or more, set the value of a male at fifteen shekels and of a female at ten shekels. 8 If anyone making the vow is too poor to pay the specified amount, he is to present the person to the priest, who will set the value for him according to what the man making the vow can afford. 9 " 'If what he vowed is an animal that is acceptable as an offering to the LORD, such an animal given to the LORD becomes holy. 10 He must not exchange it or substitute a good one for a bad one, or a bad one for a good one; if he should substitute one animal for another, both it and the substitute become holy. 11 If what he vowed is a ceremonially unclean animal—one that is not acceptable as an offering to the LORD -the animal must be presented to the priest, 12 who will judge its quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, that is what it will be. 13 If the owner wishes to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value. 14 " 'If a man dedicates his house as something holy to the LORD, the priest will judge its quality as good or bad. Whatever value the priest then sets, so it will remain. 15 If the man who dedicates his house redeems it, he must add a fifth to its value, and the house will again become his. 16 " 'If a man dedicates to the LORD part of his family land, its value is to be set according to the amount of seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver to a homer of barley seed. 17 If he dedicates his field during the Year of Jubilee, the value that has been set remains. 18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, the priest will determine the value according to the number of years that remain until the next Year of Jubilee, and its set value will be reduced. 19 If the man who dedicates the field wishes to redeem it, he must add a fifth to its value, and the field will again become his. 20 If, however, he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to someone else, it can never be redeemed. 21 When the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the LORD; it will become the property of the priests. 22 " 'If a man dedicates to the LORD a field he has bought, which is not part of his family land, 23 the priest will determine its value up to the Year of Jubilee, and the man must pay its value on that day as something holy to the LORD. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field will revert to the person from whom he bought it, the one whose land it was. 25 Every value is to be set according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel. 26 " 'No one, however, may dedicate the firstborn of an animal, since the firstborn already belongs to the LORD; whether an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD's. 27 If it is one of the unclean animals, he may buy it back at its set value, adding a fifth of the value to it. If he does not redeem it, it is to be sold at its set value. 28 " 'But nothing that a man owns and devotes to the LORD -whether man or animal or family land—may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. 29 " 'No person devoted to destruction may be ransomed; he must be put to death. 30 " 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. 31 If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. 32 The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD. 33 He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.' " 34 These are the commands the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
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May There Be Peace Within
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be...
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you...
May you be content knowing you are a child of God...
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to
sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you...
--Author Unknown
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.