Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.Psalm 127:3,5
Many parents today feel like kids are a burden. That's not what the Bible calls them. It doesn't say, "Behold, children are a burden of the Lord," or "Burdened is the man whose quiver is full of them.
"Our views have become distorted. What we see as a burden, God sees as a blessing. Some of us need to knock the windows out of our corrupted views and let the Spirit of God come into our homes and refresh our hearts and minds so we can see clearly again that children are a blessing.
We want life to be easy, or at least bearable. And when children make our lives difficult, we begin to feel they are burdens. But we fail to realize what God makes clear-our children are gifts from God. God has given us our children for His glory and our good.
In the same way, you need to receive your children as gifts from God. If you do, your whole attitude will change. No longer will you try to change your kids...no longer will you consider them burdens. Instead, you'll view them as true blessings from God entrusted to you.
June 30, 2007
June 28, 2007
Be Christ-Like
The more Christ-like we are, the more we take on the responsibility of relieving burdens from others. Christ relieved our burden of sin and death. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
To be Christ-like is to be a burden reliever! This week, what measures have you taken to relieve someone’s burden?
Spend some time today, praying and asking the LORD to reveal to you how you might be a burden reliever today. How can you carry someone’s burden? Please don’t become so engrossed in your own pleasure and well-being that you have no concern for those who suffer around you. Be Christ-like!
Here are a few ideas: Call someone and encourage them, pray for them and ask if there is a specific way you can make their day a little better? Consider helping someone who needs financial assistance. Let someone know that you specifically prayed for their burden to be lifted. Give away something you have to someone that needs it worse that you
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
To be Christ-like is to be a burden reliever! This week, what measures have you taken to relieve someone’s burden?
Spend some time today, praying and asking the LORD to reveal to you how you might be a burden reliever today. How can you carry someone’s burden? Please don’t become so engrossed in your own pleasure and well-being that you have no concern for those who suffer around you. Be Christ-like!
Here are a few ideas: Call someone and encourage them, pray for them and ask if there is a specific way you can make their day a little better? Consider helping someone who needs financial assistance. Let someone know that you specifically prayed for their burden to be lifted. Give away something you have to someone that needs it worse that you
June 27, 2007
Go Ye Mean's Go Me
It is possible to be told "Go!" with the speaker's desire to send us away because they simply want us out of there. "Go!" "Get away!" "Get out of here!" Each of these could convey the desire to have us to leave and getaway from them. They may not care where we go or what we do, they just want us gone!
Other times we might be told "Go!" because we are being sent to do something; being sent to fulfill a specific task. Perhaps the "Go!" in that context is easier to accept.
If someone tells us "Go!" -- meaning "Get out of here!" -- AS WE GO we might wonder what we did to make them so mad that they didn't want us around. To be treated in such a way could cause all kinds of things to go through our mind causing us to not feel good about the situation. However,when told "Go!" with a specific task in mind, AS WE GO our mind may begin pouring over ways in which we can fulfill the purpose of our going and our eyes may be watchful for the opportunities that arise to do so.
Jesus told His disciples to ."(19) GO therefore AND MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20 )TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And behold, I amwith you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
When Jesus told His disciples to "Go!" it was not for the purpose of getting rid of them. In the text above He told them He would be with them"always, to the end of the age." (vs.20) Jesus told them "Go!" because He was sending them on a mission. The Greek word "poreuomai" translated "go"(according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) means to go on one's way or proceed from one place to another. Strong's Lexicon meaning being "to pursue the journey on which one has entered" or "to continue on one's journey." The tense in which the word is used in this passage seems to convey the sense of "AS YOU GO."
While going through the journey of life there is to be for us a continuing mission of observing all that the Lord had commanded the disciples to do. That would include making disciples by teaching them of Jesus, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe what Jesus had commanded, and the cycle continues as it began with the Lord's disciples.
AS WE GO may we keep our eyes open and minds prepared for the opportunities along the way.
Other times we might be told "Go!" because we are being sent to do something; being sent to fulfill a specific task. Perhaps the "Go!" in that context is easier to accept.
If someone tells us "Go!" -- meaning "Get out of here!" -- AS WE GO we might wonder what we did to make them so mad that they didn't want us around. To be treated in such a way could cause all kinds of things to go through our mind causing us to not feel good about the situation. However,when told "Go!" with a specific task in mind, AS WE GO our mind may begin pouring over ways in which we can fulfill the purpose of our going and our eyes may be watchful for the opportunities that arise to do so.
Jesus told His disciples to ."(19) GO therefore AND MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20 )TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And behold, I amwith you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
When Jesus told His disciples to "Go!" it was not for the purpose of getting rid of them. In the text above He told them He would be with them"always, to the end of the age." (vs.20) Jesus told them "Go!" because He was sending them on a mission. The Greek word "poreuomai" translated "go"(according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) means to go on one's way or proceed from one place to another. Strong's Lexicon meaning being "to pursue the journey on which one has entered" or "to continue on one's journey." The tense in which the word is used in this passage seems to convey the sense of "AS YOU GO."
While going through the journey of life there is to be for us a continuing mission of observing all that the Lord had commanded the disciples to do. That would include making disciples by teaching them of Jesus, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe what Jesus had commanded, and the cycle continues as it began with the Lord's disciples.
AS WE GO may we keep our eyes open and minds prepared for the opportunities along the way.
June 26, 2007
The Beauty Of It All
Who is like you, O Lord? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory working wonders. Exodus 15:11
I love the summer time. Everything is beautiful. The beach is my favorite place on earth, I go there as often as I can. Whenever I’m there I really see God’s beauty in His creation. Just watching the waves come in and out, with the sun over the horizon. I really draw closer to the Lord when I’m on the beach. We take so much for granted. The beauty around us on a daily basis. We are always complaining that we never have time to relax and take it all in. The real problem is we don’t take the time. We get so caught up in every day things, that we don’t take the time to look around us and thank God for His amazing creation. Even when we are in the car driving we have a cell phone to our ear, and the radio turned up as loud as possible. God made this beautiful world for us to live on and to enjoy. He shines the most through His creation. Everything He has made works together perfectly. The ocean with all its beauty is world of its own. And every creature under the water has a purpose. Every person has a purpose on this earth and that is to glorify the Lord of all creation. Days go by too fast, we need to take time to enjoy the wonders the Lord has created. One day this week set aside time to watch the sunset. A sunset lasts about 15 minutes. Take that time to glorify the Maker of all! .
I love the summer time. Everything is beautiful. The beach is my favorite place on earth, I go there as often as I can. Whenever I’m there I really see God’s beauty in His creation. Just watching the waves come in and out, with the sun over the horizon. I really draw closer to the Lord when I’m on the beach. We take so much for granted. The beauty around us on a daily basis. We are always complaining that we never have time to relax and take it all in. The real problem is we don’t take the time. We get so caught up in every day things, that we don’t take the time to look around us and thank God for His amazing creation. Even when we are in the car driving we have a cell phone to our ear, and the radio turned up as loud as possible. God made this beautiful world for us to live on and to enjoy. He shines the most through His creation. Everything He has made works together perfectly. The ocean with all its beauty is world of its own. And every creature under the water has a purpose. Every person has a purpose on this earth and that is to glorify the Lord of all creation. Days go by too fast, we need to take time to enjoy the wonders the Lord has created. One day this week set aside time to watch the sunset. A sunset lasts about 15 minutes. Take that time to glorify the Maker of all! .
June 25, 2007
A Snake In The Grass Or Meek As A Lamb
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
Have you ever been in a situation where you were taken advantage of and were left with that sick, 'why did I do that' feeling inside? Or, maybe you were disappointed with yourself for being so gullible and perhaps even felt some anger inside. Well, the Bible has a surefire solution to this all too common situation we sometimes find ourselves in. It is called wisdom, and it is given to us in good measure.
The verse tells us that we are to be 'wise as serpents'. Does this mean we are literally supposed to be like a snake and go around biting people who might want to take advantage of or cause harm to us? The answer is no, at least not in a literal sense. A snake knows when to proceed or not based on the 'vibrations' it feels by activity around it. It knows when to move ahead, stay put, or back away to a safer location. It usually does this without causing harm to anything.
So also, as the snake, Christians should be aware of what is going on around them in the world. We have been provided with wisdom, the equivalency of the snakes "vibration radar', to 'feel out' a given situation wisely and act accordingly. As the second part of the verse instructs us, we should do this with a gentle spirit. As Proverbs 15:1 tells us "A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."
In any given situation, especially when sharing the Gospel with unbelievers, we always want to leave the door open to return at a time when the individual might be more willing to hearing what we have to say. So, just as Jesus did, use your gifts, talents and opportunities wisely, while at the same time, be aware of using gentleness to either defuse or proceed in a given situation.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were taken advantage of and were left with that sick, 'why did I do that' feeling inside? Or, maybe you were disappointed with yourself for being so gullible and perhaps even felt some anger inside. Well, the Bible has a surefire solution to this all too common situation we sometimes find ourselves in. It is called wisdom, and it is given to us in good measure.
The verse tells us that we are to be 'wise as serpents'. Does this mean we are literally supposed to be like a snake and go around biting people who might want to take advantage of or cause harm to us? The answer is no, at least not in a literal sense. A snake knows when to proceed or not based on the 'vibrations' it feels by activity around it. It knows when to move ahead, stay put, or back away to a safer location. It usually does this without causing harm to anything.
So also, as the snake, Christians should be aware of what is going on around them in the world. We have been provided with wisdom, the equivalency of the snakes "vibration radar', to 'feel out' a given situation wisely and act accordingly. As the second part of the verse instructs us, we should do this with a gentle spirit. As Proverbs 15:1 tells us "A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."
In any given situation, especially when sharing the Gospel with unbelievers, we always want to leave the door open to return at a time when the individual might be more willing to hearing what we have to say. So, just as Jesus did, use your gifts, talents and opportunities wisely, while at the same time, be aware of using gentleness to either defuse or proceed in a given situation.
June 22, 2007
Pride And Selfishness
PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NKJ3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Pride and selfishness always go together. A truly humble person cannot be selfish.
Pride is self-importance and self-focus -- which leads to selfishness which is selfish thinking and selfish acting -- the opposite of Jesus' command of agape love in John 13:34.
Pride produces selfishness. All selfishness is a manifestation of pride -- thinking you are better, or more important, than others.Pride is the root of selfishness -- and thus the root of all evil. Pride is hidden but manifests as selfish acts.
JAMES 3:16 TEV16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil.Selfishness causes all evil. All evil proceeds from selfish actions. Selfishness is the only manifest problem, but pride feeds it. Dealing with the root cause of the problem is the only lasting solution.
Pride and selfishness always go together. A truly humble person cannot be selfish.
Pride is self-importance and self-focus -- which leads to selfishness which is selfish thinking and selfish acting -- the opposite of Jesus' command of agape love in John 13:34.
Pride produces selfishness. All selfishness is a manifestation of pride -- thinking you are better, or more important, than others.Pride is the root of selfishness -- and thus the root of all evil. Pride is hidden but manifests as selfish acts.
JAMES 3:16 TEV16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil.Selfishness causes all evil. All evil proceeds from selfish actions. Selfishness is the only manifest problem, but pride feeds it. Dealing with the root cause of the problem is the only lasting solution.
June 21, 2007
Is Everybody Happy?
What are you waiting for?
Most people are waiting for something -- something "special"that will make their life great, so they can be happy.
Ask yourself: have others had this, and are they all happy? No,they're not, and it won't give you lasting happiness, either.
Happiness is not determined by external circumstances, but by internal circumstances.
Everyone chooses how happy they are by what they choose tothink about.
Your attitude is determined by your perspective, which is determined by what you think about -- your focus. You choose your focus, so ultimately, you are the one who chooses whetherto be happy, or not.
Perspective is what the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) are about.Seeing a bigger picture than just this one small moment of time. (The Beatitudes are where Jesus explained how some areblessed, or happy -- even in difficult situations.)(The word we translate as "happy" in the New Testament is usually translated as "blessed.")
You won't get happiness by chasing what the world has to offer.It has already been tried and found wanting.And, you will never be happy as long as you are self-centered.A focus on self is guaranteed to prevent happiness.
You will be happy if you help others. If you take your focus off yourself. That's what Jesus taught.
Most people are waiting for something -- something "special"that will make their life great, so they can be happy.
Ask yourself: have others had this, and are they all happy? No,they're not, and it won't give you lasting happiness, either.
Happiness is not determined by external circumstances, but by internal circumstances.
Everyone chooses how happy they are by what they choose tothink about.
Your attitude is determined by your perspective, which is determined by what you think about -- your focus. You choose your focus, so ultimately, you are the one who chooses whetherto be happy, or not.
Perspective is what the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) are about.Seeing a bigger picture than just this one small moment of time. (The Beatitudes are where Jesus explained how some areblessed, or happy -- even in difficult situations.)(The word we translate as "happy" in the New Testament is usually translated as "blessed.")
You won't get happiness by chasing what the world has to offer.It has already been tried and found wanting.And, you will never be happy as long as you are self-centered.A focus on self is guaranteed to prevent happiness.
You will be happy if you help others. If you take your focus off yourself. That's what Jesus taught.
June 20, 2007
Faithful In Little Thing's
"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."Luke 16:10
Are you trustworthy?
Can others count on you?
Do you want to know how to be original in a culture of copycats?Do you want to be a part of a vanishing breed in today's generation?
If so, then become a person who is faithful. You know, a person who follows through. One whom others can count on whether things are rough or smooth. His word is good on the little stuff, as well as the big stuff. He's the kind of person who promises to call-and does so-on time. He says he'll do it and he does-exactly like you have asked for it to be done.
Are you known as a faithful person? If you are, then here are a few of the words that can be used to describe you: Trustworthy, dependable, reliable, true-blue and responsible. All of the names are saturated with one recurring theme, character. Character quietly, yet convincingly, says, "You can count on me-at any cost!"
Faithfulness. Strange, isn't it, that such a simple thing would be in such short supply?
Today, our oatmeal is ready to eat in 60 seconds, our pictures can be developed in 60 minutes and our houses can be built in 60 days. We are a culture that is used to getting what we want instantly. We aren't accustomed to working patiently, or waiting on anything-even a hamburger.
Are you trustworthy?
Can others count on you?
Do you want to know how to be original in a culture of copycats?Do you want to be a part of a vanishing breed in today's generation?
If so, then become a person who is faithful. You know, a person who follows through. One whom others can count on whether things are rough or smooth. His word is good on the little stuff, as well as the big stuff. He's the kind of person who promises to call-and does so-on time. He says he'll do it and he does-exactly like you have asked for it to be done.
Are you known as a faithful person? If you are, then here are a few of the words that can be used to describe you: Trustworthy, dependable, reliable, true-blue and responsible. All of the names are saturated with one recurring theme, character. Character quietly, yet convincingly, says, "You can count on me-at any cost!"
Faithfulness. Strange, isn't it, that such a simple thing would be in such short supply?
Today, our oatmeal is ready to eat in 60 seconds, our pictures can be developed in 60 minutes and our houses can be built in 60 days. We are a culture that is used to getting what we want instantly. We aren't accustomed to working patiently, or waiting on anything-even a hamburger.
June 19, 2007
Be Thankful For What You Have
COLOSSIANS 3:15 CEV15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comesfrom Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people who would trade places with you. They envy you and would bevery grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always takecare of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. Forreal life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
If you are reading this, there are literally millions of people who would trade places with you. They envy you and would bevery grateful to enjoy all that you do.
Usually the more someone has, the less thankful they become.So how can you overcome ingratitude? Only by changing your beliefs. As long as you believe you're getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person.
An attitude of gratitude is the result of what we focus on.Remember, you deserved punishment. Instead, God gave you what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- every breath -- is a gift. Keep this in focus and you will become a thankful person.
(An extra bonus is that a thankful person is a happy person.)
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
What could be greater? Almighty God promises to always takecare of you! Never will you be forsaken! Never will you be left facing life all alone! (You may feel forsaken, but it's a lie.)A rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling life does not depend on being rich. Jesus is the one who told us, and He knows.
LUKE 12:15 LB15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. Forreal life and real living are not related to how rich we are."
June 18, 2007
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day, May you all enjoy your day.
What Makes A Dad.
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author unknown
What Makes A Dad.
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author unknown
June 14, 2007
36 Christian Way's To Reduce Stress
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.
"1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps,! etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
"1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps,! etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
June 13, 2007
The Holy Man And The Lord
A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord
one day and said, Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table.In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew
which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished.
They were holding spoons with very long handles
that were strapped to their arms and each found
it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful,
but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."
They went to the next room and opened the door.
It was exactly the same as the first one.
There was the large round table with the large pot of stew
which made the holy man's mouth water.
The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons,
but here the people were well nourished and plump,
laughing and talking.The holy man said, "I don't understand."
It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill.
You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves." When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!
one day and said, Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table.In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew
which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished.
They were holding spoons with very long handles
that were strapped to their arms and each found
it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful,
but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."
They went to the next room and opened the door.
It was exactly the same as the first one.
There was the large round table with the large pot of stew
which made the holy man's mouth water.
The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons,
but here the people were well nourished and plump,
laughing and talking.The holy man said, "I don't understand."
It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill.
You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves." When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!
June 8, 2007
Knock,Knock Who's There?
Heard any good "Knock, Knock" jokes lately? Or have you recently had someone special knock at your door? When someone knocks do you ask, "Who's there?" and listen to see if you recognize the voice? Or do you just run tothe door, swing it open, and hope it is not someone you don't want in.
Why do people knock rather than walk right in? Well, it's the polite thing to do. Also, if they are INVITED IN they know they are WELCOME. How would you feel if you knocked on a friend's door, were asked "who's there?",told them who you were, and then they either ignored you or told you to goaway? You would know you weren't WELCOME, wouldn't you? You would also wonder about that friendship.
Do we treat everyone who knocks at our door the same? Salesmen may be treated politely, but they don't get a quick WELCOME like our friends do.Also, when relatives drop by we might jump up and down, hug them, and even drag them inside. It all depends on the relationship or who it is that is doing the knocking.
In Revelation we read of one who comes knocking: "Behold, I stand at the door AND KNOCK. If anyone HEARS MY VOICE AND OPENS the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."(Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Have you let Jesus in? He wants in! But He is not going to just walk into your life. He knocks. He speaks. He's ready. He's eager. But you have to OPEN THE DOOR to let Him into your life. He wants to feast with you. He wants to share the refreshing Holy Spirit with you. He wants to nourish you with His words. He wants to give you water that you will never thirst. He wants to give you Himself, the Bread of Life. How will He feel if you ignore Him or tell Him to go away? He loves you. That's why He died for you. He is the GUEST YOU DON'T WANT TO NEGLECT INVITING IN. In fact, once you let Him in He'll want to remain and live with you. What an opportunity His knock brings. What blessing His residency with us provides.
Why do people knock rather than walk right in? Well, it's the polite thing to do. Also, if they are INVITED IN they know they are WELCOME. How would you feel if you knocked on a friend's door, were asked "who's there?",told them who you were, and then they either ignored you or told you to goaway? You would know you weren't WELCOME, wouldn't you? You would also wonder about that friendship.
Do we treat everyone who knocks at our door the same? Salesmen may be treated politely, but they don't get a quick WELCOME like our friends do.Also, when relatives drop by we might jump up and down, hug them, and even drag them inside. It all depends on the relationship or who it is that is doing the knocking.
In Revelation we read of one who comes knocking: "Behold, I stand at the door AND KNOCK. If anyone HEARS MY VOICE AND OPENS the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."(Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Have you let Jesus in? He wants in! But He is not going to just walk into your life. He knocks. He speaks. He's ready. He's eager. But you have to OPEN THE DOOR to let Him into your life. He wants to feast with you. He wants to share the refreshing Holy Spirit with you. He wants to nourish you with His words. He wants to give you water that you will never thirst. He wants to give you Himself, the Bread of Life. How will He feel if you ignore Him or tell Him to go away? He loves you. That's why He died for you. He is the GUEST YOU DON'T WANT TO NEGLECT INVITING IN. In fact, once you let Him in He'll want to remain and live with you. What an opportunity His knock brings. What blessing His residency with us provides.
June 7, 2007
A Cure For Weak Faith
MARK 6:6 NIV6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus wentaround teaching from village to village.
Don't despair if your faith is weak. Everyone starts out withweak faith.Your faith can be fed and grow strong.Faith requires evidence to rest upon. The Bible provides theevidence that your faith needs.
ROMANS 10:l7 New Life17 So then, faith comes to us by hearing the Good News. And the Good News comes by someone preaching it.
Correct teaching on a subject produces faith in your heart.
But it is not enough just to hear teaching on a subject. To keep your faith strong you must feed on scriptures pertaining to that subject, by reading, speaking, and thinking about those scriptures.
And you must exercise your faith for it to grow strong. That is: act on what you learn from Scripture.
Your faith can be strong in one area while being weak in another. For example, most Christians have strong faith concerning the new birth, but weak faith concerning healing,because they have never heard much teaching on the subject of healing.
It is true, as Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, that we need every word that God has spoken -- not just some of them.So, if you want your faith to grow in any area, listen to the anointed teaching on that subject, then continue to read,speak, meditate, and act on those scriptures.
Don't despair if your faith is weak. Everyone starts out withweak faith.Your faith can be fed and grow strong.Faith requires evidence to rest upon. The Bible provides theevidence that your faith needs.
ROMANS 10:l7 New Life17 So then, faith comes to us by hearing the Good News. And the Good News comes by someone preaching it.
Correct teaching on a subject produces faith in your heart.
But it is not enough just to hear teaching on a subject. To keep your faith strong you must feed on scriptures pertaining to that subject, by reading, speaking, and thinking about those scriptures.
And you must exercise your faith for it to grow strong. That is: act on what you learn from Scripture.
Your faith can be strong in one area while being weak in another. For example, most Christians have strong faith concerning the new birth, but weak faith concerning healing,because they have never heard much teaching on the subject of healing.
It is true, as Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, that we need every word that God has spoken -- not just some of them.So, if you want your faith to grow in any area, listen to the anointed teaching on that subject, then continue to read,speak, meditate, and act on those scriptures.
June 6, 2007
Don't Get Mad,Get Glad
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”(James 1:19-20).
Do you have a handle on your anger? Are you a slow fuse or do you blow up at the drop of a hat?
We are told in scripture not to sin in our anger and not to let the sun go down on our anger(Ephesians 4:26-27) because it can be used as a foothold for the devil in our lives.
Don’t ever go to bed mad because satan will use it to fester more anger and hatred in your heart. Resolve it each day.
We are told in Ephesians 4:31 and in Colossians 3:8 to get rid of all anger. We are told in I Timothy 2:8 that when we pray we are to lift up our hands, holy hands without any anger in our hearts.
Are you humbly accepting the Word of God in your life today. The next time you get mad, get into the Word and get glad. Better yet, stay in the Word so you can avoid much anger.
Do you have a handle on your anger? Are you a slow fuse or do you blow up at the drop of a hat?
We are told in scripture not to sin in our anger and not to let the sun go down on our anger(Ephesians 4:26-27) because it can be used as a foothold for the devil in our lives.
Don’t ever go to bed mad because satan will use it to fester more anger and hatred in your heart. Resolve it each day.
We are told in Ephesians 4:31 and in Colossians 3:8 to get rid of all anger. We are told in I Timothy 2:8 that when we pray we are to lift up our hands, holy hands without any anger in our hearts.
Are you humbly accepting the Word of God in your life today. The next time you get mad, get into the Word and get glad. Better yet, stay in the Word so you can avoid much anger.
June 4, 2007
I know The Lord Will Find A Way For Me, How About You?
Sometimes we may also realize that we took a wrong step and need to get on the right path again. In those cases the first thing to do is to admit our sin and wrongdoing and ask God to bring us on the right path again. Don’t make another move in the wrong direction, and just wait for God to nudge you on the right path! God is more than willing to do this over and over again because He loves us and wants to use our mistakes to draw us closer and closer to Him. He will help us learn from our mistakes! It’s like walking: If you find out the hard way, without thinking, that a path is muddy and impossible to walk after the rain, then you won’t go walking on that path or any similar paths directly after the rain again! In the same way we need to wait for God’s direction with decisions, yes, but when we mess things up, we can be cleaned and next time will gain more of a desire to wait and take the right path.
June 3, 2007
God Knows Your Name
I have written your name on my hand. Isaiah 49:16
Your name is special to you. When someone calls you by your name, don't you feel good inside? Think of that award you won in school...they printed your name in bold letters or maybe even did it in calligraphy. It's pretty neat to see your name in print, isn't it? Can you even imagine what it's like to know that God loves you so much and considers you to be so special that He has placed your very name on his hand? That's an awesome thought isn't it? God knows you by name. He knows you inside and out. You are precious to him.
Maybe you don't always hear people say your name with kindness. Perhaps your name isn't used until you're being called down for being in trouble. Even so, just remember that God, the almighty creator of the universe, has your name engraved on the palm of His hand...your name and it's encompassed with His almighty, unfailing love.
Your name is special to you. When someone calls you by your name, don't you feel good inside? Think of that award you won in school...they printed your name in bold letters or maybe even did it in calligraphy. It's pretty neat to see your name in print, isn't it? Can you even imagine what it's like to know that God loves you so much and considers you to be so special that He has placed your very name on his hand? That's an awesome thought isn't it? God knows you by name. He knows you inside and out. You are precious to him.
Maybe you don't always hear people say your name with kindness. Perhaps your name isn't used until you're being called down for being in trouble. Even so, just remember that God, the almighty creator of the universe, has your name engraved on the palm of His hand...your name and it's encompassed with His almighty, unfailing love.
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