Good Comes To Those Who Wait

If you are like me, you don't like to wait. My personality is such where I want to do it right now...think about it later. Why plan when you can just start doing it. And sometimes that is the way t o go but usually not.
When we are facing changes or when God is renewing, we must learn to wait, to be patient. Why? If we rush forward without the Lord we will be out of step with His timing.
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently"(Romans 8:25).
Rushing into a huge purchase can foolishly put us under a huge financial burden. Don't rush into things think things out,pray about it.The reason we wait is to purge ourselves of our human, impulsive ways.
Today, someone is rushing into something when they need to slow down and really seek the Lord's Will and see what the scriptures say. Slow down! Seek the Lord. Search the scriptures. Do what is right, not what "feels" right.
Today is the day the Lord has made rejoice and be glad in it.
Good comes to those who wait!!!!!!!

Victory

1 JOHN 5:4 NKJ4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.We all love to win.Victory is sweet. One reason it's so sweet is that it's usually not easy. Victory takes effort -- often great effort.Effort is also required in the spiritual battle of good against evil we are all engaged in. But the effort required of us is to maintain our attitude of faith in God and His Word.We cannot overcome the strategies of the devil by our will power, or by our own strength. We must use the spiritual weapons God has provided for us.As a child of God -- you are a winner! The victory is already yours through what Jesus Christ did on your behalf. Don't let the enemy steal the victory away from you.Your enemy comes to steal your faith. Don't let it happen.

John 14:15 "Do You Love Him?"

15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.Do you love Jesus? When you miss your prayer time do you miss Jesus? Do you long for His presence as you go through your day. When you are tempted do you think about Jesus? When you see that good looking girl/guy do think about what Jesus has done for you? Do you have any limits or boundaries to what you will do for Jesus?Peter loved Jesus. When Jesus said that He was going to go to the cross, Peter stood up and said "I won't let it happen to you." Jesus turned to Peter and said "before the roster crows you will deny me three times."Where do you draw the line. Be honest, be real with yourself. How far are you willing to go for God? Get as specific as you can with where the limit of your love is. Think of something that God asked you to do, but you did not do it. Think of something you did, that you know you should not have done. Think about the last time you reached that boundary and you said, "I won't do that" or "I won't say that" or "I won't go there".

I MAY NEVER SEE TOMORROW

I may never see tomorrow, there's no guarantee,And things that happened yesterday belong to history.I can't predict the future, I can't change the past,I have just the present memories to treat as my last.I must use this moment wisely, for soon it will pass away,And be lost forever as a part of yesterday.I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet,Be a friend unto the friendless, make their life complete.The unkind things I do today, may never be undone,And friendships that I fail to win, may never more be won.I may not have another chance on bended knees to pray,And I thank God with a humble heart for giving me this day! [author unknown]

The apostle Paul declared that we are to be, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16), and "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Col. 4:5). Friends, are we taking advantage of this day - the only day we are guaranteed? Remember, "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 The. 5:2).

John 3:16

You may find it difficult to believe -- but it's true -- God loves you. His love for you is not based on your appearance or your performance -- but on the fact that you are His creation -- His child.Just as a good parent loves their children, so God loves His children -- and even more so. You will not be able to make God stop loving you, no matter what you do or don't do. You can displease Him, you can disappoint Him, you can anger Him -- but you can't make Him stop loving you.What are the practical consequences of God loving you? First,it means you can trust Him. No one who truly loves you will mistreat you. Second, it means God is doing all He can to help you and bless you.

Faith and Fear

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Faith and fear are opposites. Faith creates. Fear destroys. Faith believes. Fear doubts. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Fear is the substance of things you do not want. Faith and fear are powerful forces in the earth. Faith is used by God to do good. Fear is used by Satan to destroy. Faith and fear have the power to change the course of your life. Faith or fear will affect your destiny. Faith will bring about God's will in your life and fear will stop God from working in your life.

Something To Think About

All though this might not be your devotional type. It is the thought for today. I found this to be kinda funny. I recieved it in my e-mail today and thought I would change things alittle. Sometimes we need alittle cheering up when we are down. Hope you enjoy it.

An article from 'The Active Senior' NewspaperThis is a true story.

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her voice, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"
The four men didn't wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat. She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why. A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down in the same row. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly wonman described as white, less then five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair and carrying a large handgun.
No charges were filed.JUST REMEMBER: IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A SENIOR MOMENT, MAKE IT A MEMORABLE ONE.

2 kings

Writer: Jeremiah
This book continues the history of the kingdoms to the captivities. It includes the translation of Elijah and the ministry of Elisha. During this period Amos and Hosea prophesied in Israel, and Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah in Judah.
Second Kings is in seven parts:
1.The last ministry and translation of Elijah, 1:1-2:11.
2.The ministry of Elisha from the translation of Elijah to the anointing of Jehu, 2:12-9:10.
3.The reign of Jehu over Israel, 9:11-10:36.
4.The reigns of Athaliah and Jehoash over Judah, 11:1-12:21.
The reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash over Israel,
5.the last ministry of Elisha, 13:1-25.
6.From the death of Elisha to the captivity of Israel, 14:1-17:41.
7.From the accession of Hezekiah to the captivity of Judah, 18:1-25:30.
The events recorded in Second Kings cover a period of 308 years.

1 Kings

Book Introduction - 1 Kings
Writer: Believed to be Jeremiah
First Kings records the death of David, the reign of Solomon, the building of the temple, death of Solomon, division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and the history of the two kingdoms to the reign of Jehoram over Judah, and Ahaziah over Samaria. Includes the mighty ministry of Elijah.
The book is in seven parts:
1.From the rebellion of Adonijah to the death of David, 1:1-2:11.
2.From the accession of Solomon to the dedication of the temple, 2:12-8:66.
3.From the division of the kingdom to the death of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, 12:1-14:31.
4.The kingdoms to the accession of Ahab, 15:1-16:28.
5.Accession of Ahab to his death, 16:29-22:40.
6.From the reign of Jehoshaphat to the accession of Jehoram over Judah, 7.Ahaziah over Samaria, 22:41-53.
The events recorded in First Kings cover a period of 118 years

Invest Your Life Wisely

PHILIPPIANS 3:14 KJV14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling ofGod in Christ Jesus.What will really matter at the end of your life on earth?Will what you are giving attention to now still be importantthen?Or, will you be filled with regret for what you did -- or didn't do?Distractions abound. TV, phone calls, web sites, books, movies.It might be a good idea to stop and evaluate how you areinvesting your time.1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 NIV24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but onlyone gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.Run to win. Win what?The true prize is to know God intimately and be His friend.2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 NIV18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what isunseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen iseternal.One day, possibly soon, you will stand before God. Why notorder your life now based on that "final reckoning?"A wise person would not invest everything in somethingtemporary. A wise person invests in something that will last.Invest your life wisely!

Fingers of Prayer

The "Fingers of Prayer" will help us remember who to pray for:1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is a "sweet duty."2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, ministers, and our elders. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our secular leaders. Pray for our President, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in. [author unknown]

Something To Think About

few weeks ago a woman was killed in an auto accident. She was very, very well liked, so the office shut down for her funeral and it was on the news and so on. On the day the workers came back to work, they found this poem in their e-mail that the deceased woman had sent on Friday before she left for home:

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me

"If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I! know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind,
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way,
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven,
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand,
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right! here, in your heart."

Psalms 23

One of my favorite scriptures is the 23 Psalms. When my dad passed away 4 years ago this was put on his card at the funeral home. It is good to know that the Lord is our Shepherd and will lead us.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

God and the Devil

There is a big difference between Christ and the devil.
Jesus cares and loves you very much. So very much that he died for you and me. His desire is for you to have life in its fullness, life as God planned it to be. Both now and for eternity.
The devil on the other hand, wants you to mess up, the devil is against you. He wants you in his grip. He’s selfish and does not care about you, he just wants you to think he cares.
Can you trust the devil? Yes……. To be the devil.. He’s always lying and always trying to deceive you, he wants to pull you away from God and his word.
Can you trust Jesus, the answer should be obvious. Anyone who can die for us. “ While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Jesus will never quit loving you. Jesus promised he would never forsake us.
The trouble is, too many people hinder
Jesus from helping them. They believe and follow what

the devil says, and turn away from Jesus and the word of God.
You need to invite and
welcome Jesus into your life, in every area. You may have heard the song Into My Heart. It Goes Something like this “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come into stay come in today come into my heart Lord Jesus.” His he in your heart?
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.”

Mission Not Impossible

2 TIMOTHY 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, notaccording to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,You have a purpose in life, a job to do, a mission to fulfill.You are here for a reason.What is it?Ask God. He knows.EPHESIANS 1:11 NIV11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestinedaccording to the plan of him who works out everything inconformity with the purpose of his will,Of course, I can only answer that question in general terms.If you are a parent, raising your child is important. Helping a friend is important. You never know how your actions may affect the world -- even through helping just one person.Don't just wait around for some "big purpose" -- for with God all the details are important -- even the "small" ones.If you don't know your purpose, just do whatever you can to help the people around you.You will accomplish your purpose.

Don't worry what other people think and say

Do others think you are crazy for being a follower of Jesus? Do they think you are too extreme for believing the Bible literally? Well, don't feel lonely. Jesus faced the same type of problem. When we believe what Jesus said, there may be times when others think we are crazy. They may laugh at us. They may even mock us for believing God's Word. That is nothing new. But why should you let it affect you?Often we are too concerned about what other people think. After all, they are not our Judge. Nor are they our Provider. But God is, and we should care what He thinks.We must remember that we are not in a popularity contest. Yes,to some people the message we have to share will be received with gladness and thankfulness. But to others we are often not understood.That really is the root of the problem. People are in darkness.They do not understand what is really happening. They don't understand there is a spiritual side of life. They do not understand that the words we speak are important and carry authority. They do not understand that with faith in God,nothing is impossible. And people generally mistrust what they do not understand.So we must walk in love and be patient with people, knowing that they are in darkness -- but someday they will see the light. If we continue to walk in the light ourselves, we can be the means of God's light beginning to shine into their lives and bring understanding.

Something To Think About

A farmer made a sign advertising some puppies he had for sale. As he was nailing the sign to the post in his yard, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down and saw a little boy with a big grin and something in his hand. "Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."The farmer replied, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a great deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment, looked back up at the farmer, and said, "I've got 39 cents. Is that enough to take a look?""Sure," said the farmer. Then he whistled and called out: "Dolly! Come here, Dolly!"Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly, followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy's eyes lit up with glee. Then out from the doghouse came another little furry ball, but this one was much smaller. Down the ramp it slipped in a feeble attempt to catch up with the others. It hobbled because it was born with two badly deformed hind legs.The little boy looked at the puppy and said, "I want that puppy."The farmer knelt down and said: "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play like the other little dogs."The little boy reached down and slowly pulled up one leg of his pants. He revealed a steel brace attached to a specially made shoe. He looked up at the farmer and said, "Mister, I'll never be able to run with the other boys either, and that little puppy will need somebody who understands."

Beloved, in like manner we have someone who understands how life can very difficult for us at time. We have one who knows the struggles we go through. The Hebrew writer declared, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:15-16).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ
and
the American G. I.
One died for your soul;
the other for your freedom.

Can you find all 17

Here’s a real challenge. I want to see how good you really are. I have faith in you. See how many books of the bible you can find in the text below, there are 17. There was a preacher who tried this and found 16 in 20 minutes. It took him 3 weeks to find the 17th one.

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts, and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers and readers. To others, it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of the 17, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are the names of 17 books of the bible in these sentences.