14 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.It only takes ONE. Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, etc. All changed the world around them. It only takes one person to make a difference. You can make a difference. You can change the world around you. You can change the people around you. This verse holds the key - humble yourself and pray. When you humble yourself, you submit yourself to God. Instead of doing what you want to do you do what God wants you to do. Determine today to do what God wants you to do and stay in prayer. Before you know it you will see the world around you changing right before your eyes.
The devil is trying to get you to doubt God and His Word. The devil wants you to give up on God, to not trust Him, to not expect Him to do what He said in His Word.Do not give up! God can be trusted.Someone who loves you enough to die in your place can betrusted. Someone who created all that you see, and all that you don't see, can be trusted to handle whatever you face.
March 30, 2007
March 28, 2007
Star Light Star Bright
PSALM 147:4-5 4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.Sometimes I wonder how God can be mindful of me when there are so many other people for Him to be concerned about. How can He keep up? Then I am reminded of the scriptures that tell us that God has named all the stars. We don't even know how many stars there are -- scientists say billions and billions -- but God can call them all by name!God is definitely in a different category than anyone else I know. He is mighty. Compared to us, He has no limit to Hisunderstanding or His ability.ISAIAH 40:26 26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.PSALM 8:3-4 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, themoon and the stars, which you have set in place,4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?When we do consider the heavens, it can make us feel small and insignificant. But, according to God's Word -- we are not.
Why does God love you -- and the rest of humanity? The bestanswer we can give is because He created us. He put somethingof Himself into us. We are His children.God doesn't love us because of our great achievements -- but simply because we are His.
March 27, 2007
Riding The Storm Out
“Suddenly, a windstorm struck the lake and waves started splashing the boat and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped and everything was calm.” Mark 4:35-39 In Mark chapter 4 we read about the disciples who were in the boat with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee when a horrible storm suddenly begins. Jesus is in the back of the boat sleeping peacefully while the disciples start to worry and wonder how he could sleep through such a horrible storm. When they awaken him, they ask him why he didn't do something and why he doesn't care what happens to them. Isn't that just like us? Even when we know Jesus is right there with us, we start to panic when things get out of control. We know as Christians that He loves us and cares for us but, we doubt and wonder if he's really there sometimes. It takes a lot of faith to trust in a God you can not see, but we have to stand firm on the truth the Bible tells us. In 1 Peter 4:7, the Bible tells us to "Cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us." We can also stand on the truth we find in Romans 8:28 "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." When the seas of our life get stormy, we may not see Jesus sitting in the back of the boat but we can rest assured that He is there. We can have faith in knowing that He loves us and wants the best for us. When life seems overwhelming and it seems you just can't go through one more trial, hang on! Jesus is the lifeline in the storms of life. He will not let you drown! He's there to hold out his hand and speak "Peace, be still" into your life. He is not sleeping when your world seems to be crashing in around you…he's right there with you. Trust that He will provide for you and wait for Him to calm those stormy seas. He can and He will if you only have faith.
March 26, 2007
For God So Loved The World..........
JOHN 3:16 -16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that every one who believe's in Him may not perish but may have ever lasting live. Do you ever get fed up with the world? Do you just get tired of all the lies and the selfishness?Do you ever deal with people that you think maybe the world would be better off if they just went to hell right away?Well, God never thinks that way. God loves the world -- enough to die for it. He has never changed His mind. Remember this the next time you are having difficulty with someone. You are dealing with someone God loves!No matter how you classify yourself -- God loves you. If you are a sinner or a saint, God loves you. And the good news is that God's love and power will change you into what you should be.
Don't ever forget it: God loves people.
March 24, 2007
Obadiah
It's a little book, the shortest in the Old Testament. Tucked between its more famous neighbors, Amos and Jonah, it is so small you easily miss it. It makes its point briefly in vigorous language, and then it's over. What's more, it is directed to Edom, which most of us can't identify, let alone identify with. Yet as we read the prophecy of Obadiah, the words begin to sound strangely familiar. Pride, exploitation, gloating, justice, deliverance, and hope.
Who was Obadiah? The name means "servant of God," and there are several Obadiahs mentioned in the Bible from around the time of the book's events. All we know for sure is that this Obadiah received a vision (1:1). It was not a vision for the Jews, but for Edom.
The rivalry between Edom and Israel went way back. Abraham's son Isaac had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau had the important right of firstborn, but in a moment of hunger he sold it to the opportunistic Jacob (Ge 25:27-34). Later Jacob tricked Esau out of their father's blessing (Ge 27). Jacob fled when he found out that Esau planned revenge. It was not till years later that they met again (Ge 33). Though the meeting was tearful and emotional, the breach was never entirely healed, and their descendants remained rivals—relatives with an unsettled score.
In these twenty-one verses Obadiah has a lot to say about contemporary issues: greed, broken families, injustice, profit-taking. We are wise to pay attention to his warnings. If we are victims of those sins, we can take comfort that Obadiah ends on a note of hope—not for Edom, but for Israel. God will bring about justice. God sees the human disaster. God will restore what has been robbed. "And the kingdom will be the LORD'S
Esau was called "Edom" as early as Genesis 25:30, and the name is confirmed several times in Genesis 30. There is no doubt that Obadiah was talking about these relatives of Israel when he painted such a grim picture of their fate
Who was Obadiah? The name means "servant of God," and there are several Obadiahs mentioned in the Bible from around the time of the book's events. All we know for sure is that this Obadiah received a vision (1:1). It was not a vision for the Jews, but for Edom.
The rivalry between Edom and Israel went way back. Abraham's son Isaac had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau had the important right of firstborn, but in a moment of hunger he sold it to the opportunistic Jacob (Ge 25:27-34). Later Jacob tricked Esau out of their father's blessing (Ge 27). Jacob fled when he found out that Esau planned revenge. It was not till years later that they met again (Ge 33). Though the meeting was tearful and emotional, the breach was never entirely healed, and their descendants remained rivals—relatives with an unsettled score.
In these twenty-one verses Obadiah has a lot to say about contemporary issues: greed, broken families, injustice, profit-taking. We are wise to pay attention to his warnings. If we are victims of those sins, we can take comfort that Obadiah ends on a note of hope—not for Edom, but for Israel. God will bring about justice. God sees the human disaster. God will restore what has been robbed. "And the kingdom will be the LORD'S
Esau was called "Edom" as early as Genesis 25:30, and the name is confirmed several times in Genesis 30. There is no doubt that Obadiah was talking about these relatives of Israel when he painted such a grim picture of their fate
March 23, 2007
Amos
A Look at the Book of Amos tags, do not change tag content
Amos lived and worked around the period 790-750BCE and was called by the Lord to go to the Northern Kingdom although he lived in the southern kingdom at Tekoa. He had no formal education only a burning desire to serve the Lord and coming from a different part of the country he could look at the problems objectively.* The book itself has 9 chapters most of which are occupied with setting out the transgressions of the Israelites by prophesies, sermons and visions. Very expressive examples are given of the state of the people of the time and the way the Lord works. Locusts and a plumb line appear in Chapter 7 and in the first two chapters a litany of the woes of the times are shown.* Amos could see the evil that prevailed due to self-seeking and self intelligence, idolatry and social injustice and moral and spiritual degradation and the message of the book is repentance or a turning away from wickedness and turning to the Lord.* In Chapters 1 and 2 a list of places is given where evil is rampant and if you look at the Hebrew meaning of the word of each place it can be seen that the qualities that these towns represent are only adhered to very superficially. The people are in external not internal worship because their whole lives are based on self. I am, sure we can reflect on the way our life is barren when we only think of ourselves and not of others.* At the very beginning of the book it says the Lord roars which means that the Lord was in great distress at the state of the people hence His call to Amos. an uneducated man. It is an example to us that we do not have to be educated to serve and minister for the Lord, only commitment love of God and the willingness to serve.*Finding God is about being alive to His presence in our life as we live it. By making the decision to change, the dynamics of our life change. * Towards the end of the last Chapter the whole mood changes to one of hope and the coming of the Lord. It talks about the ëDay of the Lord to comeí and the changes that will occur. In our lives we have visions and hopes for our lives, marriage, careers, friendships etc. If we only think of our needs and not others then these visions will struggle to come to fruition. Even if we are less selfish there are times when we will have to ëhang in thereí against many obstacles.* The last few verses look at a sieve being used and the mountains and hills flowing with wine and the land planted with what is given by the Lord. These are images of how our life can gain if the evil is sifted out and we bring together love and truth into acts of use. How if the seeds of our life are planted in the land given by the Lord then it will be stable, fruitful and satisfying.* The whole book shows the contrast between looking after ourselves and looking after others. Can we not see how governments, professionals etc if they make plans based on their own outlook rather then the needs of others it will not truly serve and be useful. This is the same in our life.
Amos lived and worked around the period 790-750BCE and was called by the Lord to go to the Northern Kingdom although he lived in the southern kingdom at Tekoa. He had no formal education only a burning desire to serve the Lord and coming from a different part of the country he could look at the problems objectively.* The book itself has 9 chapters most of which are occupied with setting out the transgressions of the Israelites by prophesies, sermons and visions. Very expressive examples are given of the state of the people of the time and the way the Lord works. Locusts and a plumb line appear in Chapter 7 and in the first two chapters a litany of the woes of the times are shown.* Amos could see the evil that prevailed due to self-seeking and self intelligence, idolatry and social injustice and moral and spiritual degradation and the message of the book is repentance or a turning away from wickedness and turning to the Lord.* In Chapters 1 and 2 a list of places is given where evil is rampant and if you look at the Hebrew meaning of the word of each place it can be seen that the qualities that these towns represent are only adhered to very superficially. The people are in external not internal worship because their whole lives are based on self. I am, sure we can reflect on the way our life is barren when we only think of ourselves and not of others.* At the very beginning of the book it says the Lord roars which means that the Lord was in great distress at the state of the people hence His call to Amos. an uneducated man. It is an example to us that we do not have to be educated to serve and minister for the Lord, only commitment love of God and the willingness to serve.*Finding God is about being alive to His presence in our life as we live it. By making the decision to change, the dynamics of our life change. * Towards the end of the last Chapter the whole mood changes to one of hope and the coming of the Lord. It talks about the ëDay of the Lord to comeí and the changes that will occur. In our lives we have visions and hopes for our lives, marriage, careers, friendships etc. If we only think of our needs and not others then these visions will struggle to come to fruition. Even if we are less selfish there are times when we will have to ëhang in thereí against many obstacles.* The last few verses look at a sieve being used and the mountains and hills flowing with wine and the land planted with what is given by the Lord. These are images of how our life can gain if the evil is sifted out and we bring together love and truth into acts of use. How if the seeds of our life are planted in the land given by the Lord then it will be stable, fruitful and satisfying.* The whole book shows the contrast between looking after ourselves and looking after others. Can we not see how governments, professionals etc if they make plans based on their own outlook rather then the needs of others it will not truly serve and be useful. This is the same in our life.
March 22, 2007
Joel
Author: The name Joel literally means, "Jehovah is GOD". This is a very common name in Israel, and it says Joel the Prophet is the son of Pethuel. Nothing is known of him or of the circumstances that surrounded his life. It seems that he lived in Judah and prophesied in Jerusalem.
Date: There is no way to date the book of Joel with complete exactitude and the experts vary in their opinions to that respect. Joel contains references that also appear in Isaiah and Amos (Compare Amos 1:2 with Joel 3:16 and Is. 13:6 with Joel 1:15). The predominant opinion in conservative circles is that Amos and Isaiah lean on Joel, which would make him one of the first minor prophets.
Content: The Book of Joel is divided into two parts. The first (1:1-2:27), that brings GOD's judgment, contains a calling to repentance and a promise of restoration.
The second section (2:28-3:21) explains that this plague, as horrible as it was, is nothing compared to the divine judgment that is approaching. This will be a time when not only Judah, but all the nations of the earth must appear before GOD. On that occasion, when the sound of the locusts will be silenced, "Jehovah will roar from Zion, and will utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and earth will shake..." (3:16).
Date: There is no way to date the book of Joel with complete exactitude and the experts vary in their opinions to that respect. Joel contains references that also appear in Isaiah and Amos (Compare Amos 1:2 with Joel 3:16 and Is. 13:6 with Joel 1:15). The predominant opinion in conservative circles is that Amos and Isaiah lean on Joel, which would make him one of the first minor prophets.
Content: The Book of Joel is divided into two parts. The first (1:1-2:27), that brings GOD's judgment, contains a calling to repentance and a promise of restoration.
The second section (2:28-3:21) explains that this plague, as horrible as it was, is nothing compared to the divine judgment that is approaching. This will be a time when not only Judah, but all the nations of the earth must appear before GOD. On that occasion, when the sound of the locusts will be silenced, "Jehovah will roar from Zion, and will utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and earth will shake..." (3:16).
March 21, 2007
A Bright Future
Most people I know think about the future. Some worry about their future, whether or not they’ll lose their job or how their children will turn out or if their health will fail. I know some people who worry so much about their future they practically write their own disastrous outcome.Those abiding in Christ are most certain to enjoy abundant living which, according to my understanding of the Word, means living a life of contentment. No one can have a more promising future than those who abide in Christ. Certainly our ultimate future is living in the glory of the LORD in Heaven. Who has a more promising future than that?God has a plan for each of our lives. The LORD has a vision for us to follow. When we live for the LORD and abide in Him according to that which He has planned for us, we are content. When we disregard His plan and pursue our own, we become discontented, misguided, frustrated, worried and unhappy.
Are you really doing what the LORD has called you to do? Are you living out what the LORD has planned for you? Are you walking in the steps the LORD has specifically ordered for your life? Life in Christ is a glorious adventure! Or are you playing it safe? Are you putting your trust in how you can plan your future or accepting the plan God has for you?
The devil will seek to back us into a corner and fill our minds with fear, doubt and worry. In this state, we are quick to abandon our God-given vision and set our own course to save ourselves! Has the enemy forced you into such a state of concern that you can no longer hold on to God’s vision?
You have the most promising future in Christ! Don’t waste your life in pursuit of godless goals. Seek the LORD and be filled will joy and happiness as you pursue His vision!
Are you really doing what the LORD has called you to do? Are you living out what the LORD has planned for you? Are you walking in the steps the LORD has specifically ordered for your life? Life in Christ is a glorious adventure! Or are you playing it safe? Are you putting your trust in how you can plan your future or accepting the plan God has for you?
The devil will seek to back us into a corner and fill our minds with fear, doubt and worry. In this state, we are quick to abandon our God-given vision and set our own course to save ourselves! Has the enemy forced you into such a state of concern that you can no longer hold on to God’s vision?
You have the most promising future in Christ! Don’t waste your life in pursuit of godless goals. Seek the LORD and be filled will joy and happiness as you pursue His vision!
March 19, 2007
A.S.A.P.
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way
There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry-ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,"Quality time" is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest-ASAP -ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries.Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is;He wants to ease our cares,And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry-ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,"Quality time" is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest-ASAP -ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries.Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is;He wants to ease our cares,And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
March 16, 2007
Seek God Continually
Lately, I have been really stressed I just recieved my lay off notice at work and have asked God for help.And have been waiting for an answer.Why is it that we seem to call on God only in times of stress? Jesus wants us to have a continual relationship with Him. He wants to be involved in everything we do, from the first time we open our eyes in the morning, through the day as we go about our responsibilities, right to the moment when we close our eyes at bedtime.
When we seek God continually, we will start to feel more peace in our hearts and minds, while at the same time noticing that our prayers are being answered. We will have a sense of His presence always with us, and we will learn to put our trust in Him. We will know that God is listening to us. So, we should remember to include God in every part of our lives and watch for the blessings He will bestow upon us.
Psalm 116:1-2 - I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
When we seek God continually, we will start to feel more peace in our hearts and minds, while at the same time noticing that our prayers are being answered. We will have a sense of His presence always with us, and we will learn to put our trust in Him. We will know that God is listening to us. So, we should remember to include God in every part of our lives and watch for the blessings He will bestow upon us.
Psalm 116:1-2 - I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
March 15, 2007
He Will Never let You Down
Everything that is going wrong in your life today shall be well with you this year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, "they will not" succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the remaining months of this year (2007), all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance.
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY.
He will never let you down.I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me... My child! What can I do for you? And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message"... God smiled and answered... Request granted.
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY.
He will never let you down.I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me... My child! What can I do for you? And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message"... God smiled and answered... Request granted.
March 14, 2007
God Wanted Me To Tell You
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To give of one's self; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed withenthusiasm and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — This is to have succeeded." ~
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
March 13, 2007
Rules From God For 2007
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3 Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!... To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3 Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!... To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
March 10, 2007
Do You Hear What I Hear ?
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
An Indian was walking in downtown New York City alongside a resident friend. As they approached a busy street corner in the center of Manhattan, the Indian seized his friend's arm and whispered, "Wait. I hear a cricket." "Come on!", the city boy sneered, "This is downtown New York -- how could you possibly hear a cricket?" His friend persisted however, "No - seriously, I do!"
As cars were roaring, horns honking, people shouting, brakes screeching, cash registers clanging, subway clamoring and people bustling about, the Indian began leading his friend along slowly, every now and again stopping and turning his ear toward the seemingly noiseless sound. At last, the Indian insisted they were near and proceeded to follow the sound across the street and toward a small dark corner next to a graffiti covered wall. There, he bent down to a patch of grass and pulled out the cricket. "I told, you", he said, "I heard a cricket."
Astounded, the New Yorker marveled "How could you have heard that cricket in the middle of all this noise?" "Well", said his foreign friend, "My ears are different from yours. It simply depends on what you're listening to. Here, let me show you what I mean." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of change --a couple of quarters, three or four nickels, and a dime and a few pennies. "Now," he said, "watch this." He held the coins waist high and dropped them to the sidewalk. At once, every head within nearly a block turned around and looked in the direction of the Indian.
"You see, It all depends on what you're listening to."
To what sounds are our ears trained to listen? Are they trained to hear the sound of money, of gossip, of complaining, of worldly things or are they trained to hear the still small voice of the Most High, directing and advising us in the way we should go?
Let's ask the Lord to train our ears to hear the things of God today. We need to be listening for His direction in the hustle and bustle of this noisy and influential world or we will surely go astray!
An Indian was walking in downtown New York City alongside a resident friend. As they approached a busy street corner in the center of Manhattan, the Indian seized his friend's arm and whispered, "Wait. I hear a cricket." "Come on!", the city boy sneered, "This is downtown New York -- how could you possibly hear a cricket?" His friend persisted however, "No - seriously, I do!"
As cars were roaring, horns honking, people shouting, brakes screeching, cash registers clanging, subway clamoring and people bustling about, the Indian began leading his friend along slowly, every now and again stopping and turning his ear toward the seemingly noiseless sound. At last, the Indian insisted they were near and proceeded to follow the sound across the street and toward a small dark corner next to a graffiti covered wall. There, he bent down to a patch of grass and pulled out the cricket. "I told, you", he said, "I heard a cricket."
Astounded, the New Yorker marveled "How could you have heard that cricket in the middle of all this noise?" "Well", said his foreign friend, "My ears are different from yours. It simply depends on what you're listening to. Here, let me show you what I mean." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of change --a couple of quarters, three or four nickels, and a dime and a few pennies. "Now," he said, "watch this." He held the coins waist high and dropped them to the sidewalk. At once, every head within nearly a block turned around and looked in the direction of the Indian.
"You see, It all depends on what you're listening to."
To what sounds are our ears trained to listen? Are they trained to hear the sound of money, of gossip, of complaining, of worldly things or are they trained to hear the still small voice of the Most High, directing and advising us in the way we should go?
Let's ask the Lord to train our ears to hear the things of God today. We need to be listening for His direction in the hustle and bustle of this noisy and influential world or we will surely go astray!
"OOPS"
Imagine lying on an operating table undergoing surgery. What would gothrough our mind if we heard the surgeon suddenly say, "Oops!"? It would bea bit unsettling to say the least. Since we know what we mean when we say"Oops!", that is not what we would want to hear from the doctor who iscutting into our body. To hear "Oops!" would not be very comforting. I would dare say that "Oops!" is one word we won't hear from the mouthof God. We should be encouraged that nothing with God is an accident. Hedoes not make mistakes. We may struggle in understanding His Ways and Histimeline at times, but they will inevitably prove to be right. The realityabout each of us is that "we all stumble in many ways." (James 3:2)
The more we accept GOD'S WAYS and follow in them, the less "Oops!" willcome from our lips with regard to our spiritual walk. Faithfully striving tolive in accordance with His Will we will instead speak more praise andthanksgiving for His Wisdom guiding us. Let us also be thankful for Hisability to deliver us from even the messes we create.
The more we accept GOD'S WAYS and follow in them, the less "Oops!" willcome from our lips with regard to our spiritual walk. Faithfully striving tolive in accordance with His Will we will instead speak more praise andthanksgiving for His Wisdom guiding us. Let us also be thankful for Hisability to deliver us from even the messes we create.
March 9, 2007
Resist The Devil
You can't do it. You are going to fail. It will not work out. You are a failure. The devil is going to pound away. The Devil wants to plant thoughts in your head. Thoughts that go against what God has said about you. You have the mind of Christ (the one who removes burdens and the power to remove burdens) (1 Cor 2:16). Walk in love and you will never fail (1 Cor 13:4-8). You are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37). I can do all things through Christ (the one who removes burdens and the power to remove burdens), which strengthens me (Phil 4:13). God supplies all of my needs (Phil 4:19). I always triumph in Christ (the one who removes burdens and the power to remove burdens) (2 Cor 2:14).It is our job to resist the devil. Resist the devil by thinking and talking about what God has said. Stop giving time to what the devil is saying. Do not pay attention to what the devil has to say. Focus your mind and mouth on what God has said in the Word. Keep your mind on what God has said and you will get God's results in your life.
March 8, 2007
Remember The Lord
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9).
No doubt your life is complex, full of activities, appointments, deadlines and things to do. The busier our lives are the more we forget. With so much going on it’s just hard to remember everything.
The LORD knew we would be a forgetful people. Have you noticed the many times in the Bible where the LORD establishes a safeguard against our forgetfulness?
The Bible teaches that we are to gather around the LORD’S table each week, to remember His death, burial and resurrection. We partake of the wine and the bread, to remind us of His Body and Blood given for us on Calvary.“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy Today, you’ll be going out, doing things, working, playing, and dealing with real life issues. Some will be enjoyable and some will be stressful. Please do not forget the things of the LORD. Pray, recite memorized Scriptures, sing unto the LORD and thank Him for what He has done in your life! He will go with You.sons, and thy sons' sons” (Deuteronomy 4:9).We must not become so engrossed by the daily activities of life that we forget to honor the LORD with our lives, to live our lives in such a way that gives Him glory.
No doubt your life is complex, full of activities, appointments, deadlines and things to do. The busier our lives are the more we forget. With so much going on it’s just hard to remember everything.
The LORD knew we would be a forgetful people. Have you noticed the many times in the Bible where the LORD establishes a safeguard against our forgetfulness?
The Bible teaches that we are to gather around the LORD’S table each week, to remember His death, burial and resurrection. We partake of the wine and the bread, to remind us of His Body and Blood given for us on Calvary.“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy Today, you’ll be going out, doing things, working, playing, and dealing with real life issues. Some will be enjoyable and some will be stressful. Please do not forget the things of the LORD. Pray, recite memorized Scriptures, sing unto the LORD and thank Him for what He has done in your life! He will go with You.sons, and thy sons' sons” (Deuteronomy 4:9).We must not become so engrossed by the daily activities of life that we forget to honor the LORD with our lives, to live our lives in such a way that gives Him glory.
March 7, 2007
Facing Difficulties
I JOHN 5:4 NIV4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.Yes, we do face difficulties in life, but they only give us an opportunity to trust the Lord and overcome. Without problems we would have nothing to overcome, and thus not be able to receive all the blessings promised to those who do overcome.There are seven promises given to overcomers in the second and third chapters of Revelation. Here is the last one:REVELATION 3:21 NIV21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with meon my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.As you face the problems of life, keep your eyes on your destination, just as Jesus did. Walk close to God and depend on Him. He will not fail you.
March 5, 2007
"Wishes"
Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Three men were marooned on a desert island. As the days slowly went by, they dreamed of what it would be like to be at home with their friends and family, to be back at their jobs doing the things they loved. One day one of the men found a bottle. When he opened it, a genie came out and announced that he would grant each of them one wish.
"Really?" one of the men said, "Boy, I sure would love to be back in Seattle with my wife and kids." POOF! -- in an instant he was gone. Seeing that, the second man immediately gave his request," I want to be back in New York with my fiancé!" And in a flash, POOF! -- he was gone too.
The third man was left all alone sitting on the sandy beach and said, "Wow, it's lonely here with my friends gone. I sure wish they'd come back. And POOF.
Merriam Webster defines "wish" as "to have a desire for, as something unattainable";. We use that word all too often, don't you think? We're always wishing for something, always yearning for something, always "needing" that one more thing. It seems we can never be satisfied! There is only one thing we should truly desire, that is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives.
He is the only One who can truly satisfy our longings. Let's give our hearts and desires to Him once again today.
Three men were marooned on a desert island. As the days slowly went by, they dreamed of what it would be like to be at home with their friends and family, to be back at their jobs doing the things they loved. One day one of the men found a bottle. When he opened it, a genie came out and announced that he would grant each of them one wish.
"Really?" one of the men said, "Boy, I sure would love to be back in Seattle with my wife and kids." POOF! -- in an instant he was gone. Seeing that, the second man immediately gave his request," I want to be back in New York with my fiancé!" And in a flash, POOF! -- he was gone too.
The third man was left all alone sitting on the sandy beach and said, "Wow, it's lonely here with my friends gone. I sure wish they'd come back. And POOF.
Merriam Webster defines "wish" as "to have a desire for, as something unattainable";. We use that word all too often, don't you think? We're always wishing for something, always yearning for something, always "needing" that one more thing. It seems we can never be satisfied! There is only one thing we should truly desire, that is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives.
He is the only One who can truly satisfy our longings. Let's give our hearts and desires to Him once again today.
March 3, 2007
The Vine And The Branches
John 15:5 New International Version (NIV)5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
We all have those area's in our life where we find our self doing the very things we do not want to do. In Romans 7:7-25 Paul talks about how he wants to do good but does something bad instead. We know the good things we should do. It seems like we just don't have enough control to do the right thing. You can change that! You can grow out of those issues. The answer is right here in this verse. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. A vine supplies the sap, nutrition, and life for the branch. When the branch does not have that life giving sap flowing through it the branch will wither and die. Christians are the same way. When we abide in Jesus (spend time in prayer and the Word) we receive life and nutrition from Jesus. We get stronger and stronger. As you grow in your relationship with Jesus you will look back and realize "Wow those things no longer bother me."If you started working out regularly you would become stronger. At first you might be out of breath, but over time the work out would get easier. You would be stronger, healthier, and able to do more. Christianity is the same way. As you spend time with Jesus you will get stronger, healthier, and able to do more for God than you could when you started. So, get in the flow and let Jesus change your life.
We all have those area's in our life where we find our self doing the very things we do not want to do. In Romans 7:7-25 Paul talks about how he wants to do good but does something bad instead. We know the good things we should do. It seems like we just don't have enough control to do the right thing. You can change that! You can grow out of those issues. The answer is right here in this verse. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. A vine supplies the sap, nutrition, and life for the branch. When the branch does not have that life giving sap flowing through it the branch will wither and die. Christians are the same way. When we abide in Jesus (spend time in prayer and the Word) we receive life and nutrition from Jesus. We get stronger and stronger. As you grow in your relationship with Jesus you will look back and realize "Wow those things no longer bother me."If you started working out regularly you would become stronger. At first you might be out of breath, but over time the work out would get easier. You would be stronger, healthier, and able to do more. Christianity is the same way. As you spend time with Jesus you will get stronger, healthier, and able to do more for God than you could when you started. So, get in the flow and let Jesus change your life.
A Perfect Friend
PROVERBS 18:24 24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Would you like to have a perfect friend?
A friend who loved you no matter what you did.
A friend who would always be there when you needed them.
A friend who knew you intimately yet still loved you.
A friend who always encouraged you and never put you down.
A friend who was smart but not conceited.
A friend who had no personal problems to distract them.
A friend who was powerful and famous, yet down-to-earth and approachable.
A friend who is righteous yet merciful to others.
A friend who never makes a mistake.
A friend who enjoyed having a good time and sharing a laugh with you.
A friend who had the knowledge and ability to help you with everything.
A friend who is not too good to wash your feet and talented enough to be the best at everything.
A friend who puts your interests ahead of their own.
A friend who loves you more than you love yourself.
A friend who would be willing to die for you.
There is only one. His name is Jesus, and He wants to be your
friend.
SAY THIS: Jesus is my friend
Would you like to have a perfect friend?
A friend who loved you no matter what you did.
A friend who would always be there when you needed them.
A friend who knew you intimately yet still loved you.
A friend who always encouraged you and never put you down.
A friend who was smart but not conceited.
A friend who had no personal problems to distract them.
A friend who was powerful and famous, yet down-to-earth and approachable.
A friend who is righteous yet merciful to others.
A friend who never makes a mistake.
A friend who enjoyed having a good time and sharing a laugh with you.
A friend who had the knowledge and ability to help you with everything.
A friend who is not too good to wash your feet and talented enough to be the best at everything.
A friend who puts your interests ahead of their own.
A friend who loves you more than you love yourself.
A friend who would be willing to die for you.
There is only one. His name is Jesus, and He wants to be your
friend.
SAY THIS: Jesus is my friend
March 2, 2007
How Long Will You be Waiting
Do you ever feel that you waste time trying to decide what to do? Of course it is not always good to rush into something without prayer and counsel. But, sometimes we spend so much time pondering and wondering that we miss out on God’s preferred timing.When Jacob’s sons were discussing having to go back to Joseph and take their younger son, Judah spoke up and said that had they not delayed, they could have gone and returned twice. (Genesis 43:10).
Often, the pain, mistakes and experiences of our past is what keeps us locked in decision mode. We don’t want to make the same mistake or experience the same pain so we keep hashing it over and over in our mind. But the LORD says this in Isaiah 43:18-19: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”Are you missing out on the new things of the LORD because you are deadlocked and can’t make up your mind? Certainly it is good to wait upon the LORD, but it is unhealthy to refuse to embrace the new things of the LORD and claim it is waiting on the LORD. Delayed obedience is sin!“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).Deadlocked in indecisiveness is not living in victory! Faith is the victory that enables us to take action, to be bold and courageous and do what needs done. Hear from the LORD today and stop swaying with the wind, and move forward!
Often, the pain, mistakes and experiences of our past is what keeps us locked in decision mode. We don’t want to make the same mistake or experience the same pain so we keep hashing it over and over in our mind. But the LORD says this in Isaiah 43:18-19: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”Are you missing out on the new things of the LORD because you are deadlocked and can’t make up your mind? Certainly it is good to wait upon the LORD, but it is unhealthy to refuse to embrace the new things of the LORD and claim it is waiting on the LORD. Delayed obedience is sin!“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).Deadlocked in indecisiveness is not living in victory! Faith is the victory that enables us to take action, to be bold and courageous and do what needs done. Hear from the LORD today and stop swaying with the wind, and move forward!
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