http://annagailaz.tripod.com/currentezine.html
God’s Word says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). It doesn’t say, “When you can’t figure it out yourself, you must pray” nor does it say, “When you find yourself facing a huge problem, you must pray.” Instead, His Word says don’t worry about your problems; just turn them over to the Lord and have faith that He will solve them.
So I would have to say that means you pray about all your problems, because they are not your problems to solve anyway. When you are reborn, you turn your life over to the Lord; that includes all the problems you might have from that point on. If you don’t understand His decision, you don’t worry about it. He will never, ever lead you down the wrong path.
If you pick and choose which problems you are going to let Him handle, you are saying, “Lord, I’ll handle this one, and I’ll let You handle the next one.” Sounds pretty ridiculous, doesn’t it? We might not literally say this to the Lord, but our actions show exactly that.
God’s Word also states to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:14). Therefore, He wants to listen to your prayers. He is never too busy for you. If He wants you to pray nonstop, I think He wants you to include the things you might see as too small.
One reason praying about the small things is important: the small problems we face in our lives usually lead to larger problems in our future.
Have you ever been traveling and taken the wrong turn and became lost for hours? If you have, you know how it feels. You will usually become frustrated, maybe afraid, and sometimes even upset. Then you begin to look for someone or someplace safe to ask for directions.
Don’t let this be an illustration for your life. Don’t wait until you are frustrated and angry before you seek directions for your problem. You are a Christian. Therefore, you have a Problem-Solver in your life. His name is Jesus. God’s Word says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you…” (Psalm 55:22 NIT) so why wouldn’t you try Him? The Lord has asked you so many times in so many different ways throughout the Bible to turn everything over to Him. He has done this because He really wants you to do it. He wants to help you like no one else can.
So I ask you to look back over life, think about a large problem you had that might have taken you forever to solve or was just a huge mistake. Was it started by you making a small decision first, and it just snowballed into something big? It had to start somewhere. It should have started with a simple prayer.
- Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
- Answered Prayer--Guaranteed! The Power of Praying with Faith
- The Hour That Changes the World: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer
Also I found my keys, right where I thought they would be but I couldn't see them the first time I looked there.
The Lord has really blessed us in spite of all the things happening with Cathie. Today we picked up the new lens for her eyeglasses that broke six days after we got them. Didn't cost us anything. Praise the Lord.
Chaplain Dan
1. Shortly before He was crucified, Jesus told His disciples about many things that would happen in the future. What did Jesus say about the Jewish temple at Jerusalem?
- "Heaven and earth will pass away, but this temple shall endure to the end."
- "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred."
- "Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
- "Never again shall the Father bless this place."
2. Jesus told His disciples He would come again someday and usher in a new era that would mean the end of the world as we know it. He told them of many events that would occur before His second coming. Which is NOT one of those events?
- Chariots of fire in the sky
- Earthquakes
- False Messiahs
- Wars and rumors of war
3. What did Jesus say about the time of His second coming?
- "When you see Israel rise again, you will know that I am near, at the very gates."
- "When you see the fires of Sodom burning in the sky, you will know that I am near, at the very gates."
- "About that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
- "About that day or hour no one shall know, until the reaper is at the door."
4. What should we do while we are waiting for Jesus to come again?
- We should interpret the various signs in the Bible so we will know when Jesus will come.
- We should be spiritually prepared for Jesus' return at any time.
- We should work toward making sure the things Jesus prophesied come to pass.
- We should shun worldly activities and wait for Jesus to come.
A Little Something About Christmas...
Greetings Everyone, It is Annie here again.
Not long now and it will be Christmas. It is the one holiday that is celebrated around the entire world and in so many different ways, both religious and secular. For the gift givers...Got your shopping done...you know, the "good ol' Santa thing"? I always dread all that shopping, all that hectic push and shove and hurry up and wait. Oh I love giving the gifts, really enjoy finding that special thing I know someone else will enjoy, watching them open it and seeing the delight on their face but I really dread the shopping. That has gotten just a little out of hand, at least here in the United States, my opinion. It isn't what Christmas is really all about anyhow.
Several years ago I made a genuine attempt to really put Christ back into Christmas. It is a day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Jesus, the Son of God come to Earth, being born of man. He came for a reason, a very special reason, to be the ultimate gift to all humankind, the gift of life. It is because he came, lived, taught, was crucified and died, conquered death and sin and rose again that we may live. It is through Hin, Jesus the Christ that we may attain eternal life. That is the why of Christmas. Jesus Lives. It is Jesus that we celebrate. All the fancy decorations, all the shopping, all the gifts, all the cards, all the parties, all the sugary treats, all the hustle and bustle and scurry and worry and frustration, Santa Claus, reindeer, elves and sugarplum fairies, wooden soldiers stuffed stockings and guilded sleighs have nothing to do with the real reason behind Christmas.
We are celebrating the birth of God's only begotten Son, the greatest gift man will ever know. Do you know Him? I hope and pray you do.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Have you accepted God's most precious and priceless gift? He gave His all for you. Won't you give Him your heart? I know the following story by an unknown author has been around awhile but it is so typical of Christmas today and the ending is so perfect in explaining Christmas, both the religious and secular that it is well worth sharing again. As Christmas looms upon us, lets think about what the season is truely about. Here is the story, one more time...
WHO STARTED THIS "CHRISTMAS" STUFF ANYHOW?
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year - overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened, and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and she stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him."
For the rest of the trip down in the elevator, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. This year, don't forget to keep "the One who started this whole Christmas thing" in your every thought, deed, purchase and words. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.
Jesus Loves you, So do I.
For now, and until next time, I wish you enough...
Love, prayers and blessings, Annie
Got questions? Want to talk about God? Write to me and PLEASE put Annie's Song in the subject line so I will know this is a SPECIAL letter and needs to be opened immediately. I'll be happy to share my Lord and Savior with you. Jesus loves you very much and so do I. My email address is annies_net_mail@.... I hope to hear from you. God bless!
Yesterday was one of those days for me.
My neighbor has been causing trouble. I reached the point of frustration. As much as I have tried to let God handle this situation, things keep escalating. And for some reason, no one wants to believe the truth. They find the lies that she tells so much more interesting.
I have prayed about this situation over and over again...and I wondered why God wasn't working things out.
Have you ever been there?
The devil kept telling me how God wouldn't come through for me, how God didn't care, how this was the way things were going to be.
And then I heard God ask me a question, "Are you going to agree with your circumstances or my Word?"
The Bible says "'Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses'" (Matthew 18:16 and 2 Corinthians 13:1).
See, you and I are the deciding witness in our lives. We can either agree with God and His Word. Or we can agree with the devil and the lies he whispers in our ears.
Matthew 18:19 tells us that "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
Now, if you agree with God's Word and what God says, what He says will happen in your life. If, however, you agree with what the devil says, those things will happen in your life.
The choice really is yours. Do you believe God? Or do you believe the devil?
I don't know about you, but I choose today, and every day, to believe God.
About The Author: Learn more about Annagail Lynes' ebooks, e-publications, e-novels, read her blog or find out about her Internet radio broadcast by visiting http://annagaillynes.latest-info.com/
- Overcoming Frustration & Anger
- If Not for the Grace of God Learning to Live Independent of Frustrations & Struggle
- When God Takes Too Long: Learning to Thrive During Life's Delays
Remember His strength is made perfect in weakness, do you really know what that means, that means when you have exhausted yourself in trying to fix it, when you have truly taken your hands off of the situation, and you are at your wit's end, when you have no where to turn, that means you are truly at your weakest point, and that's when you can call on Jesus and it's amazing, but at that particular time, when you call on Him, your mind doesn't even have the ability to say "but", you simply surrender all, and in that momemnt His strength is made perfect in weakness. Hallelujah!
You’re reading this for a reason; you didn’t happen on this article by chance. God knows what you’re going through, He hears your prayers, but you have got to trust him. There are no “buts” following that statement. Simply trust him.
Some people have no idea what that means, trust him how, trust him with what? Trust his word. When you trust the word of God, you are trusting God, his son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When you trust the word of God, you are trusting the promises of God.
As a Christian if you truly believe the word of God, then you believe that the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. That word that was made flesh came in the form of Jesus Christ, so we believe in Jesus Christ, and we speak the word of God. What is the word of God, the word of God are the scriptures that you read, the word of God are the promises our Heavenly Father makes in his word.
One of those promise is, “Trust in the Lord and lean not to your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” This is one of the most difficult scriptures to stand on, because we feel that we wouldn’t hurt ourselves or lead ourselves astray, so it’s comfortable and familiar for us to lean to our own understanding. But as the bible says, “our thoughts are not his thoughts and our ways are not his ways.”
That’s why we can not lean to our own understanding, for one thing, God is so much bigger than our circumstance or even the dreams we can dream. God is so much bigger than our menial request that we take to God in prayer, and it’s almost as if I can hear God saying, “Is that all they need?” Because he is so much larger than that problem that you can’t see past. God is bigger than a mortgage payment, car note, family member gone astray, lost job, sickness, disease, pain, despair, depression, grief, calamity, and being overwhelmed. Jesus has overcome the world. My beloved brothers and sisters, what you see in front of you, the problem that you see in front of you is small in comparison to what’s coming around the corner. God knows what’s coming around the corner, that’s why he needs you to trust him in the situation as it stands, right now.
If you can’t trust him enough to know the money will come, the illness will loose it’s hold, the fear will subside and your family will come back together, what happens when all of those calamities are one hundred times worse, trust him in the small things, even if in your mind they are not small to you, because the Lord knows what’s coming around the corner, and he needs your faith in tact in order to be able to stand.
Please do not hear yourself say, “yeah I know I need to trust in God, but.” “I know he’s a very present help in the time of trouble, but.” “I’m sure he’s going to come through for me, but”. The bible says, “You shall have whatsoever you say.” Think about that, just let that marinate in your mind, now think, what have you been saying. Trust him. I dare you to trust him. Let the Lord show you just how big he is, in every circumstance there is a scripture that can cast out that circumstance, find the scripture, say it out loud, trust the word of God and the promises of God and lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.
All things work for the good for those who are the called according to his purpose. May my Heavenly Father the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit be blessed and honored through words given by the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
What Happens When You Choose to Play God?
I read a quote recently that said, “You can never be a follower of Christ and think that you are doing a great job”. Someone I talked to said that you should take pride in the fact that God used you. I disagree with that. We should not be prideful that God chose to use us. Instead we should be eternally grateful and completely awestruck that God chose to use someone as screwed up as we all are. What the quote I mentioned says to me is that we need to remember to be humble. It is God who is choosing to work through us, not us working under our own power.
So, what is the outcome of my taking the reigns instead of letting God work in His own time. I have not spoken to my friend in several months. He has all but shut me out of his life. There is none of the comfortable friendship that used to be there. And what hurts the most is that it was through my own doing. He respected my beliefs and my stand on how he is choosing to live until I started beating him over the head with it. Instead of loving him where he was at, I expected him to change on my terms, through my direction. I was not relying on God, but my own power. And because of that I hurt more than myself and it might have cost more than a friend.
BD - December 12, 1981 “I really love reading books, playing piano, listening to music, traveling and of course correspondence.” Swaps photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - bondslive22@...
TAMI
BD - 4/12/1986 Pentecostal Enjoys music, trumpet, trucks, engineering. Swaps Gospel Tracts, stationery and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - tlm_fox_32@...
DONNA
BD - 11/22/63 Christian “ like to read, knit, watch television, helping others and spending time with my teenage daughter.” Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write short letters once a month.
Email - djackson@...
BD - 08/27/1970 WA - 09/04/1993 Non-Denominational “My interest and hobbies are football (Go Cowboys!), music (jazz), crochet, and counted cross-stitch. Well, I am a woman so shopping is one of favs too. I also love to cook. I mainly read the Bible. I do not spend my spare time on anything else. I believe God has a call on my life that I am not living up to. My biggest challenge is letting go and letting God, raising my son on my own. My dislikes are rude, snobbish people. I like to keep it real myself. I collect watches, pens, trouser socks, bookmarks, Cowboys stuff and stationery.” Swaps recipes. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - crissyo1000@...
RENEE
BD - July 14, 1964 WA - Oct. 31, 2004 “I enjoy spending time with family friends, poetry, music, the computer, baking, the out doors, & more. I am interested in long or short letter pen pals.” Swaps friendship books, recipes and photos. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - rpanda64@...
BERNIE
BD - March 1, 1974 Baptist “I like church, movies, internet, dinner parties, people.” Swaps Gospel Tracts and photos Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write short letters more than once a month.
Email - prayertime5@...
ASHLEY
BD - April 3, 1990 Pentecostal “I love music and horseback riding. I play the flute and the drums. I also love to read.” Seeking pen pals worldwide only who write short letters more than once a month.
Email - shortypantz08@...
MERCY
BD - April 1,1980 “I like swimming, reading, music, having fun and I like traveling. Swaps photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write short letters more than once a month.
Email - samira_babygirl2006@...
OLUWASEGUN
BD - 07.03.1966 WA - Nov.20 Pentecostal "I love traveling and meeting new friends. I like to share Jesus. Singing and Bike ride." Swaps friendship books, Gospel Tracts and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - ofwopower@...
EMMANUEL
"Peace, I am a missionary in Ghana who would to pen pal any one who wants a missionary friend. Thanks very much."
Email - homedakrom@...
WALTER
BD - 11-11-1965 Pentecostal “I like hiking, riding Bikes, walking the beaches. But most of all playing with me son. I do love children and family life. Just need to find the right lady. Please write to pass my lonely days.” Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - my4andmore@...
PHYLLIS
BD - 9-21-50 WA - 2-13-98 “I like to write letters.” Swaps friendship books, slams, Gospel Tracts, recipes, stationery and photos. Also seeking heavy swappers. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - virginiamyangel@...
MICHELE
BD - March 6, 1967 WA - June 30, 2001 Christian Enjoys reading, crafts, swimming, cross stitch, fund raising. Swaps friendship books, recipes and stationery. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals worldwide only who write short letters once a month.
Email - michele_ellis1967@...
JULIE
BD - August 12, 1990 Roman Catholic "My religion- reading the Bible, praying, reading other religious books, going to youth groups, etc. I also enjoy taking pictures, learning German and French. I really love music, and also animals and watching movies. I'm interested in other cultures and languages, and meeting new friends." Swaps stationery and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - Julesandiamonds@...
DANA
BD - 08-01-1972 “I am a mama of 3. I enjoy spending time with my children & husband, reading, spending time outdoors, quilting, cooking, would love to travel, having guests.” Swaps recipes. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters once a month.
Email - dpelz01@...
ASRAT
BD - May 11,1969 Protestant Enjoys reading, listening spiritual song, traveling. Swaps friendship books, slams, Gospel Tracts, stationery and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters once a month.
Email - atereda@...
AYESHA
BD - 09/08/1996 Christian “My hobbies are to browse the net, draw pictures and make designs, read comic books, see my mom cook food so that I can cook too. I’m keenly interested in learning culture, traditions and customs of different countries. I also started collecting stamps, coins, and postcards, phone cards and stickers.” Swaps friendship books, slams, recipes, stationery and photos. Seeking pen pals worldwide only who write short letters once a month.
Email - keira029@...
CHARLIE
BD - 11/20/92 Baptist Enjoys pen-pals, making new friends, camping, NASCAR and playing the play station. Swaps Gospel Tracts. Prefers male pals only. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write short letters once a month.
Email - J4Christ70@...
TANISHA
BD - January 24,1993 Enjoys dancing, school, cheerleading, different cultures, traveling and singing. Swaps photos. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - dancingbabygurl663@...
RUDOLF
BD - 02/06/1978 Christian Enjoys writing, reading Bible, going to church meetings, music, gardening, volunteer work, driving, hiking, bowling, and many more. Swaps friendship books, Gospel Tracts and stationery. Also seeking heavy swappers. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - naknatvent@...
ERNESTINE
BD - October 19, 1976 “I enjoy watching tv, watching movies, reading books, writing letters, etc.” Swaps friendship books, recipes and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - ernestinelockyer@...
ERNESTINE
BD - October 19, 1976 Salvation Army “I enjoy reading all kinds of Christian books. I also enjoy watching all kinds of movies, going for walks with my dog Luckie.” Swaps recipes and photos. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - ernestinelockyer@...
SARAH ANN
BD - 4-28-70 WA - July 22 Baptist Enjoys walking, hiking fishing, reading writing letters. so much more. Swaps friendship books, recipes and photos. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write long letters once a month.
Email - kewlbabe2299@...
LEIGH
BD - June 22, 1973 WA - Sept. 27, 1997 Enjoys yoga, shopping, flea markets and yard sales, babysitting, reading, watching TV and movies, collecting things. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - leighwaters@...
TONYA
BD - 01-22 Baptist “I love Jesus Bible Reading making new friends spending time with family writing and a lot more.” Swaps Friendship Books, recipes, stationery and photos. Also seeking heavy swappers. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - tonya_rennee@...
PATTY
BD - 12-19-75 Catholic Enjoys playing computer video games, watching movies, listening
to music , read the bible when I feel sad or unhappy, my shyness / serious looks has caused BAD LUCK in my life when I read the bible or pray to God of Jesus Christ I feel alive and watched over . I love art galleries and amusement parks to escape from depression mood swings. I seek for female and male friend pen pals 23-40 who are single as I am .I am single to. I like Christian Karaoke at a Christian churches it makes me cry but its worth it . It feels good to sing to Christian songs.” Swaps friendship books and recipes. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write short letters more than once a month.
Email - pd_olortegui@...
PAUL
BD - 9/21/1985 Catholic "I love soccer, watching international news, church programs etc." Swaps friendship books, Gospel Tracts and stationery. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - philippreirra@...
DONNA
BD - 12-07-1957 Mormon Enjoys cooking, crafts, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, knitting, leather working, movies, reading, singing, swimming, learning other languages, talking on the phone, and on cassette tapes, watching TV, listening to music, collecting recipes, cookbooks, craft patterns. Swaps friendship books, Gospel Tracts, recipes, stationery and photos. Seeking pen pals worldwide only who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - donnawebb121@...
JOANNA
BD - 8-13-1985 WA - 3-5-2005 Baptist Enjoys photography, animals, reading, writing, pen palling, anything relaxing and peaceful, spending time with family and friends. Swaps photos. Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals in the USA only who write long letters more than once a month.
Email - imparisthatshot@...
TAMSYN
BD - 7 January 1979 "My 2 year old daughter, scrap booking, reading, researching on the internet." Prefers female pals only. Seeking pen pals USA and worldwide who write short letters once a month.
Email - t79@...
Let Dr. Winston help you start walking out your faith in miraculous ways. You already have a power within you that is supernatural and flies in the face of the world's arrogant---but ultimately inadequate---self-reliance on human effort. With the faith of a child, even as small as a mustard seed, you can unleash God's provision and power in your life!
Christmas Box - A ski-shop owner and his wife and daughter move in with an elderly widow who needs help; he suffers recurring dreams.
Timepiece - Set in the 1940's, James Earl Jones as an an old clockmaker faces racism and is tried for murder when the racist is killed. However, Kevin Kilner comes forward and claims to have commmitted the crime in self defense. All the while, Kilner's family life is in disarray with various crises including his daughter catching meningitis.
Trish Thompson
I pour a cup of coffee at sit at the computer, and think of all I have to do, but first of all, I want to pray and thank God so much for you.
Funny that having these small routines even though they're the same, they feel new, and the joy in my world because God loves me, I see every day when I see you.
God loved me enough to rescue me when all my days were sad and blue, then He gifted me with the desire of my heart, the day He gave me to you.
Every day I give Him thanks for all the discoveries yet to be, I know this day will be filled with them, all the blessings He's reserved just for me.
I feel so blessed when I see your face, and hear your voice talking to me, filling my heart with the joy of our love, God has put me where I was meant to be.
Every day is filled with wonder some are great, some are quiet and small, but I am filled with gratitude for I know for sure, without Jesus, I wouldn't have them at all.
So every day I treasure each moment, the riches in my day fresh and new, and I fill my arms with bouquets of flowers that all say, how very much I love you!!
We Must Be Careful
Luke 9:49-56
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
Not everyone will receive Jesus! Not everyone will turn to Him when the message is preached! So, how do you handle this? How do you respond to people that seem unreceptive to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Look at what the disciples said:
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
They were waiting and perhaps hoping that judgment would fall from heaven on these people who did not receive Christ. Do you want us to command fire from heaven and consume them?
Before you shake your head at these men, I think it would do us all good to take a step back and evaluate our own approach. There was a time in my life when I was ready to command fire from heaven and consume those around me, simply because I felt like I’d received a Word from God, and was on the right path and others didn’t seem to get it!
Our approach must not be one of commanding fire from heaven, or calling judgment down on lives, or condemning those around us because they don’t see it the way we think they should!
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Look with me at verse 49 of this same chapter:
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
We can read these verses and shake our head at these men and wonder how in the world could they be like this; yet, we have all been there at some point. No doubt with passion and zeal, filled with good intentions, nevertheless, we tend to want people to conform to what we believe to be the right way!
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
The thought for today is this: be careful! We will meet many people on this journey who do not dress or appear the way we ‘think’ they should. Let me give you an example. Several years ago the girls came home from school excited about this new teacher. Over dinner I learned about this man who was covered in tattoos, not pretty butterflies and fairies, but rather gang related tattoos. For days all I heard about was this man who, in their words, rocked!
Before I ever met him I was concerned, just by hearing about his appearance. I was no less concerned the day I met him. I know the look on my face said a thousand words, but he didn’t appear to let my reaction get to him. He looked like a gangster, and he was teaching my children!
Then one day the kids and I were invited to a friend’s church because the youth pastor was going to be preaching! You could’ve picked me up off the floor when I realized who the youth pastor was! It was the gangster, but I was broken and humbled when he poured forth from his soul the Word of God!
This young man had a testimony of deliverance from drugs and gangs! He was reaching a generation I would never reach and these kids were reaching back! It so happened that under his ministry my children accepted Christ!
My point is this: God uses all kinds of people! You and I may be the one to enter a community and plant the seeds. Someone else may come along behind and water! If the message isn’t received, we must not become angry and judgmental! We must control the urge to command fire from heaven! Someone else may come long behind us and accomplish the work of Christ!
God has specific people for specific places! His plan is strategic and we must follow His example of mercy and grace! Bringing forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love!
Dear Jesus, Your Word humbles us today! Time and again you gave us examples of love, mercy and grace! You pointed out so clearly how You came to save us, and you lived it out so dramatically on Calvary! Lord, help us to be living examples of Your love and grace! Help us to cast aside judgment and to see through eyes of compassion! Help us to reach out even when it seems rejection is commonplace! Help us to realize You have a strategic plan and our responsibility is to love others as we love ourselves! Lord help us to not see outward appearances but rather to simply love!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance November 26, 2006
Signs of Emotional Abuse in Recovery - How to Heal Yukio Phillips
The Most Important Building block for your recovery foundation is Validation and Self Approval.
Are these words foreign to you? They were to me. The only validation you may have received came from your abuser in the words- you are not enough and why can't you just do what I ask. Are those words familiar?
In order to feel that you are worthy of being in recovery and break the cycle of entering into another abusive relationship, learning to sense your own value and approving yourself becomes priority.
How do you learn to validate yourself?
1. Detach from needing the approval of others. When you concentrate on approving yourself from your own set of guidelines, you will be able to see and praise your own progress of recovery. It gives you a great sense of hope and confidence that you took a step to do something differently.
2. Baby steps, Baby Steps. Okay Ladies, let's have fun with this one. Is it hard for you to feel a sense of accomplishment unless you solve world hunger? And even with that you want people there to tell you how wonderful you are. In my own experience of recovery, this was and still is a work in progress. Even though you were expected to be an unpaid mind reader in your relationship, you can now relax and enjoy your own victories no matter what it is. This time you set the rules. This will help you to develop confidence in enjoying yourself without needing the opinions of others.
3. Believe that You are fabulous. Just because.
You were created by God and his life is in you, you are enough. Everyday you take a step to apply this truth, you will start to believe it. By habit, your mood may be determined by the reactions of others. Don't be surprised if this step may seem a little uncomfortable at first. Whatever you do, just do your personal best and know that is all anyone can do.
If you apply these three steps in your life consistently at your own pace of validating and approving yourself, you will be on your way to living the life of your dreams.
You are a Bold Woman Worthy of the Life you want to live!
As founder of http://www.boldandworthy.com, her passion is to empower women to identify and shatter false beliefs that keep them in abusive relationships.
Her special area of focus is raising awareness of spousal abuse in Church Communities across the world.
Her Powerful Ezine, Bold and Worthy, will inspire people to rise above limitations that past experiences have left on today. You can sign up for her ezine and free 7 day Mini-Course at http://www.boldandworthy.com where you will find more resources for healing wounds of emotional abuse.
Michael Tummillo
I am of the opinion that far too many Christians do not possess an intimate relationship with God. Certainly, most of us would admit that we could go "deeper" wth God than we are now. Once we recognize how close to us God actually is, I believe the Church will find themselves better able to appropriate the power that is at the disposal of every Believer.
Speaking of "power," when we speak of powerful preachers and ministers, we often use terms such as "He has such a strong anointing" or "I could feel the anointing!" Bear in mind that the ONLY One who is anointed is Jesus, the Christ, the Head of the Body to which we belong. The word "Christ" actually means "the Anointed One." As Believers in Jesus, we are carriers of Christ, God Himself. We are, essentially, quite literally, the Ark of the New Covenant. 1 Corinthians 3:16 states: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within us (Romans 8:9-11). Jesus gave us, "all power and authority over all the powers of the devil." (Luke 10:18).
There it is. The Anointed One dwells IN us and if we would only learn to DECREASE, He will actually INCREASE and do amazing things through each of us - things that will serve to advance His Kingdom.
I recently heard a minister tell of a time when he was in India. He was standing outside a church with several ministers when a woman approached him holding a baby. She asked him to pray for the child saying that, at five days old, her baby was not sucking, crying and, for all intents and purposes, was not showing any signs of life. He added that he did not know if the baby was dead. He listened to the Spirit and simply held the child. He did not pray, he did not anoint with oil or cast out a demon. He merely held the baby close to himself and handed it back to its mother after allowing God to minister to the child. The next morning, the woman contacted the church and reported that the baby was fine.
What happened there? That man DECREASED and allowed Jesus to live large THROUGH him, resisting the urge to do anything that he normally would have done in order to minister to the child. "He must increase, and I must decrease." (John 3:20)
Why don't we do that more often? Do we REALLY believe that God lives WITHIN us? I don't believe most of us do. Jesus assures us in John 15:4-7: "Abide in me, and I in you..."
When we consider how often we hear and read and pray what we refer to as "The Lord's Prayer" or "The Our Father," how can we help but believe that "Our Father" is way up there "in Heaven"? Other verses such as Isaiah 66:1 portray an impersonal, distant God as well: "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool." Popular songs such as Better Midler's "From a distance" declare that God is watching us from far away.
From an Old Covenant perspective, it's true, God WAS "out there" somewhere. But Ezekiel 36:24-27 reveals God's program through prophecy: "I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments, and do them."
When Jesus taught His Disciples how to pray the words, "Our Father, who art in Heaven...," at that point in history, God WAS in Heaven, not yet abiding in His people. Jesus said, "Abide in me as I abide in you." (John 15:4) God is not merely "out there." God is also, here, within us; in you and me. The Spirit of Jesus lives within us. We have become the dwelling place of God. Jesus was called "Immanuel" which means 'God with us." God is here. Wherever we are, God is. There is no place, there can be no place, where He is not.
GOD'S NEW ADDRESS
Paul makes it clear, in his letter to the Ephesians, that through Jesus Christ, God has established a new order. He says, "But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace...and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us...He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace." Paul is referring here to the breaking down of traditional walls that separated Jew and Gentile.
Paul proclaims that the two communities, Jews and Gentiles, have been made one through the body and blood of Jesus. Those who were outsiders, aliens, far-removed from the covenants and promises of God, now have full and free access to God through Jesus Christ. Note that there was no attempt to force anyone to conform to the manner and customs of anybody else; no one "lording" over another. Through intimacy with Christ, peace, unity and reconciliation will occur as we join together to become members of one family, the household of God. Rival gangs, Israelis and Palestinians, can all become one when Jesus is the Lord of all their members.
Peace and reconciliation are the very heart of the Gospel. Love, compassion and respect are modeled as the very essence of human community. When we fully and completely love the Lord and submit to His will, then we will also love one another. Only when love becomes the operative principle in human relationships will the walls and barriers of our world come tumbling down. We're not talking here about erotic love, not even about brotherly or sisterly love, but about agape love, that unselfish and self-giving love which is grounded in respect and esteem for another person. Agape is love which values human life; it is love which builds up rather than tears down; it is love which opens doors and invites, love which includes rather than excludes, love which reflects the God who dwells within us as we submit to Him and allow Him to work THROUGH us. many Christians have heard that we are to love God first; people second. I disagree for how can we be lovers of God if we do not love people in whom He dwells? 1 John 4:15 declares: "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
In 2 Samuel, we read the story of David's desire to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. David had just built himself a fine house of cedar and wanted God - whose presence was within the Ark of the Covenant - to have a nice place as well. God was not agreeable to David's notion and told the prophet Nathan to tell David, "Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle." Through Nathan the Lord reminded David that He had been with him wherever he went, protecting him from his enemies, and was making of him a great nation. Nathan said to David, "Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he shall be a son to me."
God remains disinterested in a house or temple built of stone, but seeks instead a people within whom he can live and dwell, a people who will make themselves available and obey Him as He leads. As God has led Israel in the past, so also will God desires to lead His people today.
David sought to build a temple, desiring to assure God's presence nearby. He had it all wrong.
A LESSON FOR THE CHURCH
The very essence of Church is Christian family -- those people around the world who follow Christ and commit themselves to the King, to His cause and to each other. Buildings are useful as gathering places but a building will never contain God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" The indwelling spirit of God can be found within each Believer, and those who recognize God's presence within seek to make love and reconciliation the operative principles in their lives..
Reconciliation is a key part of the Christian message; reconciliation between man and God and mankind with one another. Jesus sought, throughout His ministry, to break down those barriers which separate us from each other and from God. Think about the many ways in which He reached out to the marginalized of His day: the leper, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Syro-Phoenician woman, the sinners with whom he dined. He went out on a limb, even risked his reputation by including women and healing on the Sabbath women, making it very plain that ALL were to be both hearers and bearers of His Word. I wonder sometimes for whom we would go out on a limb or risk our reputation in order to spread the Word of God. Jesus lived the Gospel that He preached, namely that the King's love is for everyone and that we are called to be channels for that love as sons of that Kingdom.
Because God dwells within us, we are the Ark of the New Covenant, carrying with us the Presence of God wherever we go. We bring God into each relationship and experience. Think of it! Can we consciously do that - enough so that we really CAN decrease and allow Him to INCREASE and impact our culture? I suspect that many days we go speeding onward, checking off our to-do-lists, totally forgetting that we are the dwelling place for God. We fail to see God in the "small stuff," in the phone calls or hugs, in the illnesses cured, in the birth of a baby, in death which comes as release from pain and suffering, in a gentle touch or a listening ear. God dwells not in churches or temples but in people. We too often limit our encounters with God to church services or through music produced with God-given gifts and talents, through small group discussion and sharing. We must NOT forget that God dwells within each of us 24/7...at work and at play.
When we limit His power we limit our experiences with Him.
THE SECRET REVEALED
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
Learning to decrease is the secret to certain spiritual growth. This sort of decrease can best be described as learning to make room for Christ. "Practicing His Presence," as one friend refers to it. When our self-importance shrinks, it is then that we can grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. It is when we are full of ourselves - self-opinionated, self-centered, self-seeking - serving the unholy trinity of Me, Myself and I, Christ is literally ignored as King. Mind you, He is STILL the King. But WE are in rebellion. Such was the deadliness of Phariseeism.
The Pharisee lifestyle was loaded with self. One could not go near a Pharisee without running into his ego (EGO stands for "Edging God Out"). They were "I doctors" and their pride could be found in everything, including his prayers. "I thank Thee that I am not as other men; I fast twice in the week, I give tithes" [Luke 18:11]. There was no room for the Holy Spirit to operate. The house was too full, crammed with swelling self-conceit.
The Pharisee would not learn to decrease and they were loaded with spiritual pride. He would not become poor in spirit. With that in mind, the Spirit of the Pharisee is alive and kicking even today. We might say that increase in the Christian life consists in making room for Christ the King in us, "the hope of Glory," (Col 1:27) In this one thing, we have the secret of everything! For even as Christians, we burden ourselves with SO many things.That seems to have been the way of the Apostle Paul, a self-confessed "Pharisee of Pharisees." Here's Paul's secret to living an overcoming lifestyle: "For to me to live is Christ" [Phil. 1:21]. What can that be but making room for Christ in everything, allowing Him to be Lord (Lord comes from the Greek word "kyrios" which means "Owner" - apply THAT word wherever we see "Lord" in Scripture or sing it in praise). Paul revealed his secret again when he wrote: "I live, yet not I, Christ liveth in me." Self must decrease to the point of extinction; we must make that conscious decision to cease to exist. It's in this way that we will see ourselves used by God time and again too advance His Kingdom as He expresses Himself though His people time and again.
As I always say, "The only good Christian is a DEAD Christian: "...dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11)
Is God everywhere at once? Certainly, and that INCLUDES within YOU! "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" (Ps. 139:7). Paul assured the Athenians that `God is not far from any one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being.' (Acts 17:27-28). Jesus said, John 14:23: "...If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
Make Jesus the Lord - the OWNER - of your life today!
Forward this message NOW as someone you know needs to be reminded of the awesome truth of this message.
Every blessing,
Michael
A servant of God
P.O. Box 633
Stephenville, TX 76401
www.YourTown4Jesus.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: His mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Since '99, he has broadcast over 600 inspirational articles and a dozen booklets on subjects sure to interest the thinking Christian and accelerate the process of spiritual development. He is the founder of t.e.a.m. ministries. An Author, Pastoral Counselor and Teacher, his eMail broadcasts, known as "Your Town for Jesus" are read around the globe. Subscribe at team1min@... A licensed/ordained minister, a Certified Workplace Chaplain, and a Professional Member of NIBIC, he has ministered in Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, College and Cowboy churches. He is the Workplace Chaplain for a Texas firm, overseeing the Spiritual Development of over 500 employees at ten facilities throughout the state. He is a strong advocate for the House Church Movement, readily available to assist Christians feeling that same inclination. A Speaker on the Christian Speaker Network, he may be available to speak to your church or Christian group.
Judy Sauer
Grace … it is such a soothing word that elicits varying emotions and feelings. I find grace to be an unbelievable gift from God. At the same time I find that the gift of grace is overwhelming: a mix of joy, relief, and real acceptance. The mere sound of the word grace from my lips reminds me that I am not worthy of such a priceless gift from Christ.
Yet in Ephesians 2:8-9 it clearly indicates the source and strength of grace freely given to us. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God – not by our works, so that no one can boast.
As I think of the word grace it also appears to be an acronym. Several meanings come to mind:
God
Redeems
All
Christians
Everywhere
God
Redeems
And
Cares
Eternally
WOW! What an awesome reality – Christ, through his Father’s divinity, redeems us of all our sins. We are accepted wholly – that means flaws and all. No blemish is too big, no mistake too grave.
By his grace we have been saved.
By his grace we are his children.
Even if a mother forgets her child, God will not abandon us. (Isaiah 49:15). And he proves this unfailing love by his actions.
When reading Isaiah 49:16 “I have carved you in the palm of my hand” for years I had envisioned my name was literally engraved into the palm of Christ’s hand. Yet over time that visual evolved into a much deeper, richer, and realistic image that takes my breath away.
Where I once saw my name etched into his palm has since been replaced with the graphic hole of the enormous marks of a nail. The nail symbolizes how far Christ has gone to prove his love – to demonstrate the depths of sacrifice and acceptance for me and you.
By his grace we have been saved.
By his grace we are children of God.
By his grace we can continue on the path of life.
Even if the day is filled with turmoil, pain, suffering, or rejection, there is one who will never leave our side … God. He is our forever friend; our constant companion. How blessed are we to have this magnificent gift regardless of how unworthy we may feel. There is nothing we can do to make God not love us. He freely gives his love, acceptance, and forgiveness. All we must do is open our hearts and minds to the gracious gift of his grace.
Discernment questions:
1. When you hear the word grace, what visual scenarios run through your mind?
2. How do you feel knowing nothing you do can turn God away from loving you with his grace-filled heart?
3. If you were to write a thank you letter to Christ for this blessed gift of grace, what would you say?
Feel free to share your responses to the above discernment questions with me by email at jmsauer@...
May you have a blessed day!
Copyright 2006 Judith M. Sauer
Trudy Belle
This scripture starts with a strict word. “Be alert and think straight”. It’s as if a voice speaks to us and says “There is no time to waste or to be off guard. Satan is always around to entrap you - so do not allow your mind to be warped or carried away in false imaginings."
"Be alert children, be on 'high alert' and walk on the straight and narrow. Don’t wander, off your path to God. Yes it is often hard and it has rules you must obey, but they are for your own benefit. The blessings of heaven are far beyond your wildest imagination, you have to pay the price for entering it”.
“The path of the world is full of lures and seductions, pleasure adorns it’s footpath but it will destroy your soul. It will lead you into darkness, do you want to enter into such a road?"
"Child think about it, each time you are about to make a decision. Ask yourself – do I want to loose my soul and be filled with pleasure? At what cost is this pleasure? If I had to die tonight, after receiving the arms of evil, where would I go? Is this temporary enticement worth it?”
“Be alert often and think straight!”
“Think of the happiness you will receive, on the day when Jesus will appear and reward you with eternal life. Keep your hope on that glorious day and trust that you will get your just rewards, because of your faithfulness to Him. Behave as obedient children. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the voice of Wisdom when she speaks to you”.
“So be alert, think straight and be obedient”.
“Don’t continue living as you did before, allowing your desires to control you. You know better now, desires steal away the riches of God’s plan for your life. Make Him your desire, also long to be holy and pure in mind, body and spirit”.
“Come along, be alert, think straight, be obedient and be holy”.
“Remember, God is holy and His people have to be holy too. Dig deeper into His mercy and aid. Ask Him constantly for grace in your journey to heaven. He knows all the battles you face, He knows the struggles that plague your mind."
"Don’t be discouraged, run to the Father and run to the Son. They are waiting to walk with you, talk to you and lead you into your heavenly destination”.
“Finally remember, God has chosen you. You have a purpose in His Kingdom. He has plans for your life. Spend time with Him and find out what is His plan for you. Seek His Face, He is waiting for you.”
© Trudy Belle 26th Nov'06
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Within My Heart and Up In The Sky |
However, I went ahead to print using the usual printer. Lo and behold, the printout showed a length of dots spaced at regular interval. I had forgotten that I had encountered the same problem yesterday and earlier in the morning, and there was no sign of the repairman having come to service it.
It was a nice touch of the Holy Spirit prompting me and a timely reminder for me to be more attuned to Him so as to experience the divine graces of God when the next opportunities present themselves. Truly, the Kingdom of God is within us.
Later on, a colleague informed me that she had recovered her building access pass. Yesterday, when she told me about it, I had a deep sense in my spirit that she will be able to recover it. So, when I e-mailed to her the pass number for reporting to the building management office, I added: “Trust that you will be able to recover it.”, by faith; I did not debate with what the Holy Spirit has prompted. Thanks be to God for the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
Then, around 5:00 PM, my room was alighted brightly by the golden rays of the setting sun. I kept working on my computer and told the LORD in my heart that the rays are indeed glorious and that I will work unperturbed. Very soon after, the rays dimmed and I did not bother to turn aside to see whether the sun has set beyond the horizon so suddenly.
After a while I sensed something looming on my left and turned to look. Right up there in the sky there was this enormous and dark mass of cottony clouds covering the sun from shining towards my direction. For a moment I felt like Jonah, sitting under the shade of the plant which God had provided.
The divine graces of God are bountiful. As we walk with JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT will lead us, and our FATHER in heaven makes His face to shine upon us and gives us Peace. Glory be to God!
Making a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is the most important thing that you can do in life. This is the first step in your ongoing process of spiritual growth and development. One must commence to study and embrace the Truth of God’s Word. This is a crucial path in order to foster an internal environment within oneself where the fruit of His Spirit can flourish. There is much security in Salvation. Salvation is not based on works. But it is important to know that whenever you decide to really live your life for the Lord you also become an open target for spiritual warfare. This will come not only from the world and or non believers but from those who say they believe as well. If you closely study the life of Jesus you will see that a majority of His struggles was with the established religious leaders as well as the local and civil authorities. They totally misconstrued His earnest intentions. They rejected Him because they felt that He was a threat to their positions and way of life. Little did they know that He came to enrich their lives. Jesus came that we might have “life and have it more abundantly.” Not just in a superficial material way. He wanted them as well as us to really know that “He was the way the Truth and the life”. That when you truly have Him you have everything you need or will need! If you are serious about enhancing your walk with the Lord I strongly recommend the Book of Romans. It thoroughly explains the major doctrines of the Christian faith and the benefits of having an intimate relationship with the Lord.
God will never direct you to do anything that goes against His principles. But how would you really know this if you do not study His Word? Someone else could have told you this; but it’s not the same. It is vital to know the Lord and His Word firsthand. When I say study I do not mean in a mechanical rote fashion. You can read and or expound upon the Word of God all the time and its contents will remain simply as mere lifeless words. You must be sincerely motivated by your desire to know Him! God’s Word is alive! It encompasses a plethora of spiritual nutrients that are absolutely necessary to sustain us. This opportunity is not only designated expressly for a select few. But it is necessary to posture yourself in a position where you are willing to relinquish whatever hinders your spiritual connection to Him. You must take the necessary time to invoke His presence. When you approach God’s Word you must approach it like no other. God knows right where you are. He knows every single one of your wants, needs and desires. His Holy Spirit is the necessary credible teacher. His Holy Spirit will open your understanding and illuminate your path as you journey together through His marvelous Word. In His written Word you will find the true essence of life! You can stand firmly on all the promises of the Lord.
Once you claim to be a believer you must really become rooted and grounded in His Word. If you are not, life will just tow you right along. You will also have a tendency to adapt and conform to the world and embrace its liberality as far as immorality or anything goes mentality. God tells us just the opposite. God is love. So if God is love how can you really love without him? To really know what love is you need to know how God defines love. Love goes far beyond “intoxicating affections”. God tells us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It is by the Word of God your mind in renewed. You can become enlightened to what life is really all about. It is not just about your problems or what is going on with you. It is about our relationship to Him as Creator. The Lord is constant. Remember it is in His Word you will find life. There is nothing that is new under the sun. There is nothing that God is not aware of past, present or future. That in itself should give you all the motivation you need to live your life for Him. Life can and will present many challenges. But when you know that your life is in the hands of the Lord you can rise to the occasion. Knowing that we have been created in the Lord’s image to worship Him gives life meaning. Each day becomes a quest. Good, bad or indifferent each experience is an opportunity to grow and spiritually mature. It is easy to become sidetracked by whatever is going on about you. But you must always keep in mind that nothing happens in life that gets by God!
The Old Testament is rich and saturated with a wealth of rich History. There are numerous invaluable accounts of situations and scenarios that took place. It tells you of what happened; when they obeyed or disobeyed and the results. It even tells you how when they even walked uprightly spiritual warfare abounded. Yet God was there for them. They knew as we can know now that you can stand firmly on all the promises of God. This is why it is so important when anything is going on to know that “God always has everything under His control.” His Word says “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” It did not say that evil would not try to disrupt, divide, discredit, or entrap you. It does say that you do not have to fear because you know that God will comfort you and see you through! As a matter of fact the Word says to “overcome evil with good.” You can have peace knowing that Truth is on your side. God is a Spirit of Truth! God is so awesome! God always has a remnant of His people that truly desire to live His way. When spiritual warfare is about you it is important to readily allow the Lord to take the reigns in your life. It is really better to not wait until you are presented with a challenge to put your trust in Him. God wants you to seek Him daily. “If you trust in Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding He will direct your path.” God knows any seen and unforeseen danger. The Lord does not want you tossed to and fro. He has a plan for your life. Always keep in mind that time belongs to God. In His time He will bring to pass whatever He has created us for and whatever He wants us to do. Always remember the victory is in the praise.
Life brings about many lessons. When things get off track God has a remedy. But most of the time pride prohibits one from admitting that something is wrong or they were wrong or something needs to be different. The Bible is full of wisdom. Solomon was one of the wisest men to ever live. When He built the temple after much prayer he earnestly and sincerely prayed to the Lord. David his father who was a man after God’s own heart wanted to build the Temple for the Lord. He was very intelligent and insightful. David even composed many of the Psalms. But since he was a man of war the Lord had him only just provide many of the provisions to build the Temple. He told David that it would be his son Solomon that would actually build the temple. Although David was undefeated in war and the affairs of the land he had much chaos at home. This is another example why it is so important to instill godly principles in your children. The greatest gift you can give them is to have reverence for the Lord. Solomon humbled himself before the Lord and asked the Lord to give him wisdom and a discerning heart. He had a stalwart desire to distinguish between right and wrong. God wants us too to be discerning. Discernment is a fruit of His Spirit. Spending time with God will truly enhance your spiritual discernment. The Bible tells us that there will never be another like Solomon. (read I Kings). God does not want us to be like any one else. But He does want us to continue to grow and walk in His ways.
Prayer is essential in order to communicate with God. Prayer can be uttered orally, or unspoken. God’s Word tells us to pray unceasingly. This form of prayer is a state of being that God has said is possible. While you are going about your accustomed duties you continue to commune with the Lord; yet you remain focused on what is at hand. Although difficult to achieve; to the degree you implement this principle it increasingly becomes feasible. No, this is not some incoherent state. In actuality you are learning to be mindful of your thoughts. You practice intentionally shifting your focus to Him. Whenever you are inspired to pray one should approach God with a respectful, gracious reverence. Although we can go boldly before His presence God is not to be commanded of anything. Prayer is also a time to commune and give thanks to Him. A repentant and contrite heart is of great significance in the eyes of the Lord. Prayer is a special time to earnestly pour out our heart and supplications for ourselves as well as others. A time to ask and seek His direction for your path forward. It is not so much in the tone or cadence which we speak; but the posture of our heart. God cannot be manipulated. It is always most beneficial to keep in mind that God is all wise and all knowing. He knows before we approach Him who we are, what are our requests and desires as well as our motives. We can now pray graciously and thankfully knowing because of Jesus and His love for us that we now have direct access to our Father. Therefore one should ask daily for His abiding infilling presence.
We must be willing to relinquish anything that hinders our communication with the Lord. God really does know what is best for us. He wants us to discipline ourselves by walking in the Light of His Word. This is why it is important to know His Word for your self. It is never too late to start and develop your very own personal study and prayer time. Remember you don’t even have to utter a word. God instilled within Solomon much wisdom. It was after over four hundred years the children of Israel came out of Egypt that Solomon actually begun to build the Temple. Please just take some time and read about the discipline, all the work and dedication that took place in building the Temple and its furnishings. The Lord kept and still does keep His promises. We have so much to learn from God’s Word about life and living. When Solomon dedicated the Temple there was so much sincerity in His prayer that the priests could not enter to minister. The glory of the Lord filled the temple in a cloud. They worshipped and praised the Lord saying; He is good; His love endures forever.” The love of God does last forever! God wants us to walk in His ways so much that He allowed His Son to come in a body of flesh. To live a sinless life and overcome sin in the flesh for us. To even be crucified on that shameful cross. But we must remember He rose with all power! We now have the privilege of having His Holy Spirit reside within us.
We need to organize our lives with the Lord at the center. In the midst of a standardless society having Jesus as Lord and Savior will give you joy and peace. By faith we know that God has promised to “never leave or forsake us”. When the Lord appeared to Solomon long ago he told him what we need to do when things are not going right. The world today in many ways has begun to entangle its principles and ways with the people of God. Look around and see the signs of time, all the phenomenon and various types of storms, earthquakes, pestilence, varied diseases, famines and………….. The Lord really is going to return someday. Solomon knew the benefits of discernment. The Lord told Solomon; "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” Our sacrifice today is supposed to be our sincere praise! God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. God does not live in a temple made by hands. His Word tells us now our body is the temple where His Holy Spirit resides. God is awesome! When we come together in the Sanctuary that is dedicated to Him should it not be the most important reason to worship and give Him praise? No, it’s to take an offering or raise money.….. Do we not trust Him to supply all of our needs? Making the decision to accept Jesus as your personal Savior is one of the most important things that you can do. It is at this point you invite Him into your heart. Whatever comes your way in life He will be there for you! Begin to genuinely, diligently study, embrace and implement the Lord’s Word in your life. When you really learn to “Trust in the Lord and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him.” He will surely direct your path! To God Be the Glory!
Melissa Buckley
‘He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’ ’ NIV
A little baby is fed milk. That’s all a baby has to start with. The milk is good for the baby, anything else would be too much for the little body. However if later in life, your age, all you had was milk, that would not be sufficient.
Let’s just pretend for a moment that we enjoyed school (I actually did though not the learning part). If we were allowed to continue going to school, there would soon be nothing new to learn. We could never move on, never get anywhere in life. It seems silly me mentioning that, who would want to stay on at school? But this is sometimes the attitude we have towards other things.
We are in a place, or are with someone, or are doing something that seems so right. It is a good situation we are in, so we can’t see why it had to end. Why is God leading us to other things, or why did it just end? It isn’t easy, especially when it seems we really are living for God, like doing some kind of missionary work then for some unknown reason bankruptcy occurs or something like that. We just do not understand. But like the baby with the milk, some things are right, and for a time it was good, but that is no longer what God wants for you. God has something more planned. He was just setting you up for something greater, it was a time for learning, for growing. The new situation may not seem greater but who knows better than God?
Sometimes you just have to let things go and follow the creator.
Dear Father,
Thank You that You have a plan for each of our lives. We are sorry when we try to fight against it. Help us Lord to follow You to wherever it is You want us.
Thank You for Your love,
Amen.
The path may not look inviting to us, but God has the bird’s eye view.
Call Me! Call Me!
I was a summer missionary while I was in college. Even though a relatively new Southern Baptist, I knew the mission motto was “Here I am Send me!” I always pictured a brave soul standing up with military stiffness reporting for duty. When I studied Isaiah’s call indepth, I soon discovered that God was nto even talking to Isaiah when He asked someone, “Who can we send out?” Isaiah was eavesdropping on a conversation between the Father and someone else in this heavenly scene. Instead of standing at attention...Isaiah was just picking himself off the floor after the angel cleansed his lips. I picture Isaiah like an enthusiastic child in a classroom trying to get his teachers attention, “Oh Oh Call on me...please call on me!” God took him up on his offer.
Then what happens next would discourage any new mission recruit. Imagine going down front in your church and surrendering to the call and the pastor saying, “Great! But you are going to fail. I will see to it.” Sounds cruel, but that is exactly what God said to Isaiah. Isaiah 6:9 records God telling him to go but they won’t hear you and they won’t see because I am going to make them blind and dumb to you—they won’t get it—count on it.” I don’t know about you, I would have quit right then. Maybe that is why God doesn't give us too many answers to our questions—we really don’t want to know.
There is a seriousness about surrendering the call to full time ministry. I was at a youth camp a few years ago when my son was a freshman in High School. Everyone knew John was called into the music ministry, but he had yet to make a formal decision. The young man who was to preach the service that was to call forward the youth who felt God leading them into ministry asked the leaders to pray. He said he had to deliver a hard message and did not expect many takers. He was to tell these youth that if they surrendered to th call to ministry at this time in history, they would likely have to suffer for their faith and possible be martyred. He had a message from God. Usually less than ten teen come forward and they expected fewer because of this message.
We prayed and at the invitation, I went to my counseling position in the foyer. After a long time—my son came to me and not the male counselor. He sat there shaking and told me he needed to go up front. He is a man of few words—but his body spoke volumes. The other youth knew he was supposed to go down...he was literally shaking so hard the other chairs in the row were rocking before he finally went forward.
After we talked we went back into the auditorium while the preacher called the names of those who went forward. Most of the teens bounded down the stairs and up on stage—obviously excited about what they decided. Not John, he was one of the last to go up front. He went down those stairs painfully slow, almost stumbling as he went. He was terrified. I wanted to say, “Bold the side doors—here comes Jonah!” He made it up there with 40 other teens
Breaking It Down
Read Isaiah 6:1
WHO WERE THE INFLUENCES IN ISAIAH'S LIFE?
Think about the fact that Isaiah grew up with Uzziah as king. He was likely someone he looked up to. He could have been his great uncle as well. Understandably Isaiah would have been grieving.
What is the first thing Isaiah sees while he is in the temple?
Read Isaiah 6:2-9.
Notice what happens as soon as Isaiah’s lips are cleansed. What does he hear? You may even circle the word “Then” in verse 8.
Isaiah did not hear God speaking until his lips were cleansed. What did God say and who was He talking to?
After Isaiah’s enthusiastic surrender—what was God’s charge to Isaiah? List God’s points below:
Building it Up
After giving Isaiah the bad news, God lets him know that there will be a 10th who remain faithful.
What is the significance of this fact? (Read 6:13)
What does it mean that the “holy seed is in the stump”?
Evangelists claim that there may be only 5% of the people in the pews of the average church who are believers. The rest are playing church.
A wise old man asked me the other day why I think churches have so much turmoil. I think this is the reason—the enemy plants a lot of weeds among the wheat. The weeds look like the ones in my yard. The weeds look just like the good stuff.
A prophets calling is not a fun one—they can’t help themselves—they have to speak truth and they hate hypocrisy. Prophets call it as they see it. Prophets are not popular. Isaiah spoke woes to Judah while they we experiencing wealth and prosperity as a nation. They did not see what Isaiah saw coming beyond their lifetime. Wicked King Manassah hated Isaiah’s message so much, tradition tells us that he chased Isaiah into a hollow log an Manassah order it sawn in two. (Hebrews 11)
It is not fun to feel what a prophet feels. They often feel isolated and are certain they are crazy. A real prophet is never the life of the party and often stand alone as they offer their opinions. They are called names or just avoided. But they need the body of Christ—so befriend a prophet. They need you. If you know a REAL prophet—pray for them right now. They need you.
Do You Know Jesus?
According to Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." All of us have sinned at one time or another--whether it be by disobeying your mother by sneaking out, lying to your teacher about why you didn’t do your homework or having pre-marital sex. I John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU.
In John 3:16, it states "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God sent His Son Jesus to earth, and Jesus was crucified. He took thirty-nine stripes on his back with a whip and was spit upon. His hands and feet were nailed to a wooden cross while a crown of thorns dug into his head. His blood was shed on that cross, so your sins could be forgiven. The Bible says "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). Since the price for sin was death, only God’s sinless Son could die in your stead. Three days later, though, He rose from the dead. Now instead of going to hell when you die, you have the chance to live eternally with Jesus Christ in heaven. And all He asks in return is that you "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31).
CONFESS YOUR SIN AND FORSAKE IT
I John 1:9 tells you how to accept Jesus as your Personal Saviour, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Bible also says "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9). Below you will find a sample prayer that you may follow. Confess your sins to God and ask Him to forgive you. Acknowledge that He died for your sin and rose from the dead. Ask Him to come into your heart as your Personal Lord and Saviour and dedicate your life to Him from this day forward.
Dear Jesus,
I come to you today as a sinner. Your Word says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. I admit that I have fallen short of Your glory. I know that You are the Son of God and that You came to this earth to die for my sins and rose from the dead. I repent of all my sins, and I ask You to forgive me and wash me thoroughly in Your cleansing blood that was shed on the cross. Please come into my heart as my Personal Lord and Saviour. I dedicate my life to You from this day forward. I accept Your forgiveness and cleansing through Your blood and ask You to transform me into Your image. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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