Living Forward

Lord, I Need A Pep Talk

2012-01-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

Pulling weeds and planting seeds. That's the story of life. We are individual lots on which either weeds of selfishness or fruit of the Holy Spirit grows and flourishes

Dennis and Barbara Rainey

God designed me to fly like an eagle. If I don't load myself up with burdens, I can soar for my entire life. I will not let the world clip my wings or force me into its mold. I will fly like an eagle.

The Law of Attraction

"The law of attraction is that our thinking creates and brings to us whatever we think about,"

God's Word has gives us that concept and we've been studying it and living it for years

such as

Philippians 4: 8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

You can transform your life by staying positive. Plant seeds of positive thinking, give them a dose of God's living water every day and your life will turn into a flourishing garden of beautiful blooms. But remember to pick the weeds of negatively and toss them away or they will choke out the flowers you have nurtured.

and then, for added pleasure

share the flowers of your garden with everyone you know!

Here I AM Lord Use Me

2012-01-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

A young man who saw all the sin, selfishness, and injustice in the world complained to his pastor that God had made a mess of things. "Why," the boy said, "I could make a better world myself." "Good," said the pastor, "go to it; that is just why you're here!" Unknown

Here I AM Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WRfpQKnzns&feature=related

Lord I AM Faithful, Where Is My Reward

2012-01-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

A certain man had been a faithful builder for an employer for many years. His employer decided to take a world cruise. Before leaving he left with his builder plans for an ideal house. "Build it according to specification, spare no necessary expense. I want this house to be a good house for a special reason."
But the builder thought of the many years he had worked for small wages and decided to make a profit for himself, so he substituted cheap materials wherever it would not show. On his return his employer observed the house with satisfaction and said,
"You have served me well these many years. In reward I have planned this house for you. It is yours, to own, and to live in." Walter Cowen

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians.16:18

Child of the living God … don’t let the devil try to convince you that you have every right to be rewarded NOW – in THIS life - for your faithfulness. Hebrews 10:36-29 is addressing this very issue. We need to KEEP enduring – keep persisting – keep persevering – KEEP ON KEEPING ON, because our rewards are being layed up in heaven for us.Norm Rasmussen

Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters

2012-01-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

As I encourage others, I am encouraged
As I thank others for the things they have done for me, I feel thankful
Do you suppose if I love others as the Lord has loved me, I will feel loved?
I think so too.

I once heard Joni Earechson saying how she thanks God everyday for something. At first it wasn't that easy to say, "Thank you for making me a paraplegic" but I had to start small and thank him for the fact that there was a big window in her room so she could look out even when she couldn't lift her head.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Marnie Pehrson explains, in other words, put out good, help others, and it will return to you in your hour of need. If you have sown good seeds, then in your moment of crisis, it will return to your rescue in the exact moment that you need it.
God takes what we sow and transforms it into abundance. Just as a tiny pea yields a plant laden with peas, so the Lord takes our efforts and multiplies them in our behalf. We can never be certain when, where or what seeds we sow will yield a harvest. Cheerfully do all within your power to lift, to build, to help and to serve from morning until evening, because you never know when or how your blessings shall return.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (The Message)
1 Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. 2 Don't hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night. 3 When the clouds are full of water, it rains. When the wind blows down a tree, it lies where it falls.4 Don't sit there watching the wind. Do your own work. Don't stare at the clouds. Get on with your life. 5 Just as you'll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, So you'll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does. 6 Go to work in the morning and stick to it until evening without watching the clock. You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end.

John 1:16 From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Dear Lord, Forgive

2012-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness is not an elective in the curriculum of servanthood. It is a required course, and the exams are always tough to pass.

thank you Charles Swindoll

Matthew 6:14-15New International Version (NIV)14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:14-15 The Message Translation) It’s not that we earn God’s forgiveness when we forgive…it’s that, if aChrist-follower refuses to forgive he reduces his capacity to receive forgiveness

Evening Prayer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAqUEjP6Lw4

The Choice by Max Lucado

2011-12-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012

We do have choices and for that I am glad. I don't always make the right ones, but I also have the choice to "change". I am never stuck with my first choice, I can repent and start fresh, nothing is held against me, everyday with Jesus is a new beginning. For that I am so very thankful and anticipate the New Year for the outcome of choices I've made, and the new choices to face. Thank you Max, for your words. I look forward to any you offer, in fact I search them out.

God's Blessings to you and yours,
Julie

The Choice
It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
- by Max Lucado, excerpted from When God Whispers Your Name

Notice, Pause and Choose to be Thankful

2011-11-17T05:34:00.000-08:00

And the Peace of God that passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind as you live your life in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7

"A truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person" ...I wonder what might happen if we decide in the midst of our circumstances today to notice, pause and choose something for which we can truly be thankful... Dear Lord. Thank You for the reality that being thankful truly changes eveerything. In Jesus'Name, Amen. Lis TerKeurst

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
A wonderful praise song by Don Moen

Pay Your Gratitude Forward

2011-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Pay it forward cuz it just feels good and benefits so many others.
Go. Invite. Have a banquet for Jesus and invite those who can't pay you back. based on Luke 14: 12-24

Dear Lord,
when I had been knocked down by sin, when I was defenseless to help myself, Jesus stopped and did for me what I could not. For His gracious act of saving me, I am grateful. May my gratitude enable me to help others whenever and wherever I can. This I pray in my savior's Name.
Amen

"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

John Wooden

Self Gratification vs Doing The Right Thing

2011-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

It is a sad time for society, when love of the game and the winning reputation of a college outweigh devastation, heartbreak and horror for a young child. No one should get involved in the situation for a witchhunt, but rather to educate about and pray for wrong decisions made at the time. Support accountability measurements now for the officials who had the opportunity to overturn and make things right at the time. Pray that we may see through the eyes of Jesus, in bringing this nightmare to an end for these victims and others that may be experiencing such torment.

"What we do when no one is watching reveals the type of person we really are" Joyce Meyers

Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his way crooked will be found out.

Matthew 7 13-14
The Narroaw and Wide Gates
13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Our Temporary Home

2011-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Inscription on the grave of Dean Alford

"The Inn of a traveler on the way to Jerusalem".

Boasting About Tomorrow

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if7CZF_ycWQ

Our Temporary Home sung by Carrie Underwood

"Acknowledge Him in All Things"

2011-08-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

"What if you woke up Today

with ONLY the things you THANKED God for

Yesterday?"

I don't know who said this! But I do know I deserve nothing of what I have and except for His unending Grace, I would have nothing.

Thank you Lord, for my life, thank you Oh Lord, for the gifts in my life that I can share with others. Thank you for my family and friends, Lord thank you for encouraging me over and over. I am unique because you made me one of a kind, and I am grateful beyond words, no Thank you are the words, a simple but heart felt
Thank You.

1 Chronicles 16:34

"O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good;for his mercy endureth for ever."

Thank you Lord for saving my soul
Thank you Lord for making me whole
Thank you Lord for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

Life is What We Make of It

2011-05-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

As a knot appears unexpectedly in a thread, so disappointment blocks the smoothness of life.
If a few deft strokes can untangle the skein, life continues evenly; but if it cannot be corrected, then it must be quietly woven into the design. Thus the finished piece can still be beautiful-though not as perfect as planned. unknown

Center Our Lives on Something Beyond

2011-05-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today I have chosen exerpts from Bishop of London, Richard Chartres at the "Royal Wedding" and
Eric Elder http://www.theranch.org/

When someone says something great it's hard not to spread it around, giving them the credit of course, as they deserve.

From Eric as he introduces the actual sermon text from the Royal Wedding:

First, I liked the Bishop's statement that, "In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding..." because as the Royal Couple were enjoying their wedding day, my wife and I were celebrating the 22nd anniversary of ours. And as much as I enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding, I felt like mine was just as royal, for we are all subjects of the King. Or, as my wife said on her Facebook page on Friday, "On this day for Royal Weddings...22 years ago THE KING of all kings gave me the perfect gift in Eric!" That was sweet, and I feel the same about her, that she is a gift from God to me.

Second, I liked the Bishop's warning that if we seek our meaning and happiness in life from each other, rather than God, we put too great a burden on our partner. I believe this applies to all kinds of relationships in life, not just between husband and wife.
The antidote to this problem, the Bishop said, was to center our love on something beyond ourselves, and by offering one another mutual forgiveness.

Third, I liked the way the Bishop closed his sermon, with a prayer written by the couple, which said in part, "In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy."
This prayer was offered "in the Spirit of Jesus Christ," which is the Spirit that I pray that we all offer our prayers, and live our lives.

2011-04-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.

Psalm 38:10

We have two simple options when afflictions strike. We can moan about our fate and give up, or we can face it boldly and make the best of it. God grants us the power to become more than conquerors, if we will only choose to use it

Prayer:

I know there will be times when my strength fails and my will is drained. At those times, fill my heart with Your will and power. Make me a fighter, Lord. Amen

Max Lucado said

"Anybody can preach a sermon on a mount surrounded by daisies. But only one with a gut full of faith can live a sermon on a mountain of pain."

The Will of God

2011-04-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter ; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

Knowing God's Will - The Key to Everything!

Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all!

God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will. Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEBOb-H1NbY

The More you Listen, the More You Hear

That still small voice that makes you feel so uncomfortable is the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

I Kings 19:11-12

God doesn't speak to you in a earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice.

Knowing God's Will in 10 Steps

http://www.amazingchange.org/knowingGodswill.htm

His Strength in My Weakness

2011-03-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Break my willful pride, O Lord, and let me recognize my limitations. Needing guidance is not weakness. Help me to see the strength which can only come from depending on You. Amen "He said to me, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "

Great Statements

2011-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens;

Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.

It is a catalyst, a spark, that creates extraordinary results. (unknown)

Oh What a Friend

2011-02-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.

Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

Think of Others

2011-02-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

great Thoughts for Today

The only people you should try to get even with, are those who have helped you.
John E. Southard

What a pity so many people are living with so few friends when the world is full of lonesome strangers who would give anything just to be somebody's friend.
Milo L. Arnold

I Am a Promise

2011-02-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

“God sends every person into the world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing for others, and a special act of love to bestow. No one else can speak your message, or sing your song, or offer your act of love. These are entrusted only to you.” author unknown

Mother Teresa

"I was not called to be successful but faithful. Each one of us has something beautiful to do for God."

When someone like Mother Teresa suggests that God has something special for each of us to accomplish as a follower of Christ it is our challenge to discern the task God wants you or me to fulfill…

Romans 12 is a good read. Google it and read it. Just a portion, verses 4 through 8 says,

just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

You Ask?

2011-02-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Can I be a Christian without joining other Christians in the church?

Yes, it is something like:
being a soldier without an army,
a seamanwithout a ship,
a business man without a business,
a tuba playerwithout an orchestra,
a football player without a team or
a bee without a hive.

Mrs. William P. Jazen

Rejoice in All Things, I Say Rejoice

2011-01-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Paul wrote these truths of God, and didn't just tell you not to be anxious, but also why you don’t need to be anxious; he doesn’t just tell you not to dwell on your problems, but he tells you what to dwell on instead. Paul wrote these words from a dirty cell, chained after being beaten and flogged. If Paul could feel free from anxiety in a situation like that and write about it, then we could learn from him how to deal with our anxious thoughts as well.
Our Lord is at Hand, and he tells us what to focus on during the trials in our life,

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

As hard as life can be, there are still things in life that are beautiful and full of the glory of God. Paul learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether he had plenty or was in need. Paul continually rejoiced in the Lord, by remembering that God was near, and in everything, he made his requests known to God.

Learn from Paul and put into practice what you learn.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Strength

2011-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Strength Within

"I feel that I am weak,
And prone to every sin;
But Thou who gives to those who seek,
Wilt give me strength within.

I need not fear my foes,
I need not yield to care,
I need not sink beneath my woes,
For Thou wilt answer prayer.

In my Redeemer's Name
I give myself to Thee;
And, all unworthy as I am.
My God will cherish me."
Anne Bronté
(1820-1849)

Psalm 28:6-7
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.　

It is the great challenges in our lives that God can use to teach us to rely on His strength alone.

All things are possible with God. It is His strength that will sustain us and His strength that will help each of us overcome our greatest fears and obstacles through prayer and through our Faith

A testimony to our ability to come to the Lord with all reqests for strength and he will provide. Good for the heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8X65HRF6U8

2011-01-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Each day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbons.

Ruth Ann Schabacher

"As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God."

Everything you have is God's gift to you.

What you do with everything God gives you

is your gift to Him.

Keep On Keeping On

2011-01-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3:13-14

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven

Lamentations 3:22-24

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"

The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. Every day is the day the Lord has made, as Psalm 118:24 states, and “we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

One can make a resolution or promise to oneself any day of the year, and keeping it or breaking it is in their hands. One thing the Bible does say in Ecclesiastes 5:2,4 and 5 is that if one makes promises or vows to God, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.“Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”

Setting a goal or several goals at the beginning of the new year can be stimulating, but it’s the motivation to keep the resolution that is important. One can determine to pray more, read the Bible more, go to church regularly, or volunteer more, but these resolutions can fail without correct motivation.

The incentive must come from within with purpose and a plan. Even though there might be a setback at times, the best thing to do is to immediately start again

Go in Peace and Serve the Lord

2010-12-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Found in James 4:
While selfishness produces conflict, humility produces submission to God.

Selfishness is the foundation for all conflict.
When two hearts want different things - and neither is willing to sacrifice for the sake of the other - conflict arises.
Selfishness is the cause of war, crime, and interpersonal conflict. By looking out for ourselves, we think we can get what we want from life.
In contrast, the Lord teaches us that humility, not selfishness, results in satisfaction in life. Promote yourself, and wars and conflict result. Even God is against you (v. 6).
But live in humility and wars and conflict cease, assuming all parties participate.
And the Lord will lift you up

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q660KO2hTD0&feature=related

From 101 easy ways to make the world a better place:
http://hubpages.com/hub/101-Easy-Ways-You-Can-Make-The-World-A-Better-Place
101. Look for new and better ways every day to make the world a better, happier, and more pleasant place to live for everyone. If we all did just one thing every day, we could really begin to make a positive difference worldwide.

.....the immediate blessing is just seeing that you have made a difference to the benefit of someone other than yourself.

"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:45

Perspective

2010-11-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Give Thanks to God for ALL that HE has done.

Get the right perspective. When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He's so big we can never kill him." David looked at the same giant and thought, "He's so big I can't miss."

A canny Main farmer was approached by a stranger one day and asked how much he thought his prize Jersey cow was worth. The farmer thought for a moment, looked the stranger over, then said: "Are you the tax assessor, or has she been killed by your car?"

Remember the hard times so you can appreciate the good times.

You can always look around and see people who seem to have it easier than you do, people who don't seem to have the same challenges or the same problems that you have. You can see people who appear lucky or who seem to have been born in the right place or the right time, or you can look around yourself and notice many, many people who seem to be worse off than yourself.

If you take the time to put your situation in perspective with others around you, is it easier to be grateful for what you have? I know it helps me.

Perspective makes all the difference in how we handle life. Without perspective, small problems seem insurmountable, and we ignore warning signs. But with perspective, hard situations don't overwhelm, and we can find our way to thankfulness instead of despair.

Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts, and no one to thank. Christina Rossetti

To God Be the Glory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtenFJ6x75k&feature=related

When Good isn't the Best

2010-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

from Love Worth Finding 11/2/10

If you want to be a victor in the race God has for you, you must learn the discipline of laying aside some weights. Many times these weights are good things in our lives. But good things are bad things when they keep us from doing the best things.

Life would be simple if it were a choice between good and bad. But typically it's a choice between good and best

I'd Rather Have Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZO34y1_4BY&feature=related

Calm in the Storm

2010-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

When Jesus told Peter to come to Him on the water, He did not command the impossible. Peter walked on the water, Matt. 14:29.

Yes, he panicked. He traded cheer for fear because he looked at the waves instead of the Master. He looked at the water instead of the Man who made the water. He believed the outward, natural symptoms instead of the Word that created the sea. Peter was beginning to sink. He did not sink. He looked back to Jesus. He reached for the hand that controlled all circumstances.

Take your eyes off the circustances. Cast your fears aside. 'Though the storms are on every side, they do not need to be on the inside. Then you will hear His voice, "Peace, be still." You will see that behind the cloud, the "Son" still shines.

Isaiah 26:3, gives us the remedy for dealing with the storms of life.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.”

Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms. Do you want peace in the midst of your storm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the storm to shake your faith. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any storm we will encounter!

Sheltered in the Arms of God, Lynda Randle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxlcMfvSMqI&NR=1

Who Do You Serve?

2010-10-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bottom line: don’t make a theater production out of your faith. “Watch me! Watch me!” is a call used on the playground, not in God’s kingdom. Silence the trumpets. Cancel the parade. Enough with the name-dropping. If accolades come, politely deflect them before you believe them. Slay the desire to be noticed. Stir the desire to serve God.

read more from Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_107242/Outlive_Your_Life_%28Hardback%29

Is it to be Understood, or to Understand?

2010-09-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

When we take our eyes off our fears, our doubts, our struggles and focus on someone else's needs, we somehow forget our own, for a little while. In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well.

Lord, Thank you for the power of Your Words that give me courage to become who You've created me to be - to go to places You're calling me to go and climb spiritual heights that are out of my reach without Your help. Give me Your encouragement today, and help me encourage someone, too. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Encouragement from Renee Swoop

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

Daniel O'Donnell says it very well,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q660KO2hTD0&feature=related

Wisdom from the Psalms
Psalm 110:1
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool
Prayer: Fill me with Your patience, Lord. When I see others receive rewards, help me to rejoice in their benefit rather than be bitter that I did not receive it. Amen.

Praise God in All Things

2010-08-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

Would we appreciate Spring if we had never endured Winter?

Would we be in awe of the Butterfly if we didn't know of his struggle from the catepillar?

My ups and downs help me appreciate our Lord who never changes!

Often we need to have a terrible trial in order to remember what it means to be truly thankful. Our praise is from the heart when we have been in danger or discomfort. Bad situations help us to appreciate how good our lives can be. Even in trial, God reaches through to help us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Praise the Lord for all the good things He has given, and know that He will rescue you from all perils.

Prayer:

In times of darkness, help me not to dwell on what is wrong, but turn my mind to all I have to be thankful for. Amen

Jesus Never Fails

2010-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

A quote from Oz Hillman

Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the
water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the
borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world.

He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that
would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus.

Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next
level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let
God rescue us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-_jkYb1cc

Glory to God - Does Your Life Show It?

2010-08-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Follow my Example as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

*******

A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passer-by leaves a mark.

old chinese proverb

*******

I Want to be Just Like You, Lord

Lord I want to be just like you
'cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
(learning from the father)Help me be a living Bible,
Lord that my little boy can read
I wanna be just like you
'cause he wants to be like me
http://artists.letssingit.com/phillips-craig-and-dean-lyrics-i-want-to-be-just-like-you-r6xf4l1

Thank you

2010-08-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."

Psalm 66:16 (NIV)

This day, I will notice the abundance instead of the lack. I will see the fullness instead of the decrease. I will run my fingers across words that mark His goodness to me and whisper the most important prayer I can offer: "Thank You."

I need this reminder, to come and see what God has done; to take notes on His goodness to me. I am so forgetful.

I also need to be reminded of the people around me that contribute to my wonderful life and never expect a Thank you. The Lord has put them in my life, He knows what I need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzhFyNp3Ja8

Ray Boltz

A Joyful Noise

2010-07-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 95:1

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

The children are lined up on the steps to the altar. Their fresh-scrubbed faces shine in the morning light. Nervously, they swayed, twitched, and squirmed. The music began, and each child in turn joined in at a point of his or her own choosing. Some sang out boldly, others mouthed the words, while a few ignored the songs altogether and just waved and smiled at Mommy and Daddy. To call the presentation music was stretching the point, but to call it a joyful noise was right on target. This spirit of the children was joy and love, and the hearts of all present was captured quickly. The sound rose to the rafters, and beyond. The Lord heard that special choir, smiled, and said, "It is good!"

Prayer: Let the words of my mouth produce a joyful noise, acceptable to the Lord and glorifying Him in all ways. Amen

Your Attitude is Your Choice

2010-07-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.”
Luke 6:45, NIV

*****

A little old lady went to the mirror one morning and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. As she looked into the mirror, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.

The next morning, at the mirror once again, the little old lady noticed that she only had two hairs on her head. Looking herself right in the eye, she said, "Today, I think I'll part my hair down the middle." That's exactly what she did.

And, she had a great day.

The next day, as the little old lady looked into the mirror, there was only one hair on her head. She looked at that one lonely hair and said, "Today I think I'll wear my hair in a pony tail." That's exactly what she did.

And she had a great day.

The following morning the little old lady looked into the mirror and there wasn't a single hair on her head. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Yeah! I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Your attitude is your choice.

taken from Your Attitude Is Your Choice by Michael A. Verdicchio

http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Your-Attitude-Is-Your-Choice/23475

*****

Thought for the Day

Your home can be a place for dying or living, for wilting or blooming, for anxiety or peace, for discouragement or affirmation, for criticism or approval, for profane disregard or reverence, for suspicion or trust, for blame or forgiveness, for alienation or closeness, for violation or respect, for carelessness or caring. By your daily choices, you will make your home what you want it to be.

Carole Sanderson Streeter

*****

The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace,

seek self-pity or seek Christ,

drink human misery or taste God’s mercy

from Max Lucado

http://www.maxlucado.com/

One Day at a Time

2010-06-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

Mark 13:35

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn."

Our lives need to be taken one day at a time. Each day is new and it doesn't really matter what didn't go well yesterday. And if all goes bad tomorrow it still doesn't matter.
What does matter is today.
Too often we get caught up thinking about all the things we haven't done or dreaming of all the things we ought to do, and we have no time to actually do the things we have set before us right now. God's people live in the present.
They learn from the past and hope for the future, but they make the most of every single moment of every day.
Live for today and see the miracles begin.

Matthew 6:34

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own

Lynda Randle says it very well in this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1wtgLAytA

What Lies Beneath the Surface

2010-06-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

There has been a job waiting for me for a long time, and I haven't been overly eager to get to it. We went to a rummage sale and bought a beautiful, antique, maple desk. The only problem with the desk is that a previous owner slapped a bunch of bright yellow paint all over it. Bright enamel yellow. Yellow enamel doesn't go well with our house decor. Because that is so, it is now my unpleasant duty to dig through the paint and get down to the good wood that lies underneath.

That seems to be what the Lord does with people. When our lives are colored with the sin that "doesn't go well" with the faith we have been given in the crucified and risen Redeemer, He often begins to restore us.

It can be a tough job -- tough for the person being transformed and tough for the Lord. We know nobody likes to have trials come into his or her life. And, contrary to popular opinion, it is not pleasant for a father -- even a Heavenly Father -- to discipline His children. Nevertheless, that's sometimes what is necessary to get down to the good wood the Lord knows is underneath.

Heavenly Father, if we have trials and crosses, help us to see those things come so you may bring us into harmony with You. Let us pray as our Savior prayed, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." In Jesus' Name. Amen.
adapted from Lutheran Hour Ministries, Pastor Ken Klaus

Under the Circumstances, I'm Doing Well

2010-06-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

If you ask some Christians, "How are you doing?" They say, "Okay under the circumstances."

Circumstances are like a mattress.

You're supposed to be on it, not under it.

Under the circumstances, you suffocate;

on them you rest pretty well.

The only way you can run the race is to take your eyes off things or people around you and look unto Jesus. He's the author of the race. He's the goal to which you run. If you look unto Jesus to supply your every need for the race, you'll find faith growing in your heart and in your life.

You see, it's not great faith in God;

it is faith in a great God.

Adapted from Love Worth Living by Adrian Rogers http://www.lwf.org/site

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His Wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4uIyz_d90

Always Remember

2010-05-29T05:12:00.001-07:00

Wave the flag proudly this weekend for all those who have given of themselves for you and your Freedom. In God We Trust.

Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Romans 13:7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/always-remember/6ff94c21083c2d4ef79d6ff94c21083c2d4ef79d-70055755936

Worry, What is its Worth

2010-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:27-29
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

Philippians: 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Eugene Peterson, in his paraphrase of the New Testament entitled The Message, translates Philippians 4:6, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers . . . Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

Let's not waste time worrying about what we cannot change but move full speed ahead to the places we can make a difference.

Do you remember these great words in song?
Why worry, when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He'll show you the way;
Don't be a doubting Thomas,
Rest fully on His promise,
Why worry, worry, worry, worry,
When you can pray?

Life is a voyage in which we choose neither vessel nor weather, but much can be done in the management of the sails and the guidance of the helm.
Unknown
Taken from This Day's Thought.org

Let us set aside the worries and cares of life, and grasp onto the promises of a loving Saviour and God

Your Life is a Message to Others

2010-05-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

The way we live our everyday lives communicates a "life message" to others. When we live for the Lord, that message is a beacon of light to others

Do you remember this song from Donna Fargo many years ago?
You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine
You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine
There's a little light in all of us by God's design
But you can't be a beacon if your light don't shine

How can you ask for truth when you do not truthful live
How can you ask forgiveness when you don't forgive
I don't mean to bring you down or speak to you unkind
But you can't be a beacon if your light don't shine

How can you ask a child to be honest and true
When he can only judge what's right by what he sees in you
How can you offer vision yet walk around blind
No you can't see a beacon if it's light don't shine

And another message in song from Phillips Craig & Dean

Lord, I want to be just like You'
Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You'
Cause he wants to be like me

What message are you giving to those around you?

Together We Can Do It

2010-05-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Pick me up, Lord, and hold me in Your loving arms. Protect me from the pressures of the day, and remove the heaviness from my heart. Inspire me with the knowledge that You and I together can handle anything. Amen.

Move That Mountain

2010-05-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, 'Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, +Remove hence to yonder place;' and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.'

Too often we miss the point of the mustard seed. We think quantity of faith is the determining factor in getting our hearts' desires. Quantity has nothing to do with it. Jesus used the mustard seed to show that we all have at least that much faith, and if we will learn to employ it, we will see miraculous things happen in our lives. Because of Christ in our lives, nothing is impossible for us.

taken from Devotion for Dieters

My Help in Trouble

2010-04-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The cross I wear around my neck is not there for show,
nor is it the object of my worship.
I would not be lost without it, though I do like it.
I do not believe it has some mystical power,
nor does it protect me.
The cross that I wear reminds me of the great love that God has for me. Christ's gift of eternal life is made real to me each time I look down at the cross or feel it lightly resting on my chest. In difficult times, I look at the cross and feel warmth and comfort. From its gentle reminder I draw strength when I am weary, refuge when I need to rest. Whether I wear my cross or not, God is with me, but sometimes it is nice to have a small reminder.

Prayer: I run to You when I need rest, Lord. You take me in Your arms and protect me from the pressures of the day. In every time of trial, You are the source of my help. Thank You. Amen

Wisdom from the Psalms

2010-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

The tiny lighthouse sat out upon the rocky shore. Without fail, its bright beacon pierced the night, and its bellowing horn echoed from the rocks, warning ships of dangers and perils. Countless boats strayed off course in dense fog, to be steered from danger by the tiny lighthouse.

True light, sent out through the clouds and darkness, can save lives. A voice speaking the truth of Christ has real power behind it; the power of salvation. Be proud of who you are and all that Christ has done for you. It matters little whether you are big, strong, smart, or powerful. What matters is that you have the truth of Christ to share, and there is no greater force in all creation.

Prayer: May my light shine in the darkness until all darkness ceases to be. Let me reflect Your divine light, Lord, clearing away the fog and helping others come into the safety of Your love. Amen.

*****************************************

(Proverbs 9:10).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

****************************************

Max Lucado

Focus on giants—you stumble. Focus on God—your giants tumble.

Hopeless to Hope- Filled

2010-04-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

The angel looked at the women, and spoke words that transformed them from hopeless to hope-filled: "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee" (Matthew 28:5-7a, NIV). Can you even imagine the celebration? It had only looked like failure. Instead, it was glorious victory! Hope wasn't dead. Jesus was alive! The disciples learned a lesson they would never forget: When God is involved, things aren't always what they seem. Today we see problems and failures with the same eyes as the disciples. Even knowing that God is able to do things beyond what we can imagine, when we look at a "failure," we often only see an ending. God, however, sees an opportunity for a new beginning.

As we celebrate Easter, may that truth nestle itself into our heart. With God all things are possible.

He is risen!

Excerpt from Encouragement for Today Glynnis Witwer follow the link to read more.

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/

This is Love

2010-03-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

John 3:16

****************

It wasn't nails that held Him to the tree. It was the silver cords of love and the golden bonds of redemption that held Jesus Christ to that cross

excerpt from Love Worth Living, Adrian Rogers

************************

You can love your fellow man without loving Christ, but you cannot love Christ without loving your fellow man. Whether you are worshiping the Lord or washing the feet of a bum on skid row, it is sacred and holy work if it is done out of love for the Lord

excerpt from Quiet Walk, Crosswalk.com

**********************

1 John 4:10 - This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

*************

For I remember it is Easter morn, And life and love and peace are all new born.

~Alice Freeman Palmer

***************

Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness. ~Floyd W. Tomkins

God's Cake

2010-03-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

Romans 8:28

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter. 'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!' 'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?' 'Mom, those are all yucky!' To which the mother replies: 'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!' God works the same way.
Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

2010-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Take a walk this week enjoying the beauty of God's creation and ask Him to give you the patience and faith that can turn a little acorn into a mighty oak.

Love Worth Finding,

Adrian Rogers www.lwf.org

Fresh Starts

2010-03-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Each day is a storehouse given you

Fresh every morn from God's hand;

Do you stop to think of this

When at its door you stand?

Twenty-four empty, waiting hours,

All ready for you to fill with

Worthwhile thoughts and worthwhile deeds

And service, if you will.

You're given a chance to store

Away treasures of love and joy,

And satisfaction of work well done

That time cannot destroy.

So put your best into all your day

With eyes opened wide to see, and

Eager hands stretched out to grasp

Each opportunity.

Unknown

***********************

God knows we need fresh starts. He gently (and frequently) reminds us throughout Scripture to take things one day at a time. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble,” says Matthew 6:34. Fretting doesn’t accomplish anything anyway (aside from deepening those frown lines).

God commands us to give others fresh starts, too. We’re to forgive our fellow human beings when they hurt us, not seven times, but seventy times seven. And when we forgive, we don’t keep track of the count, so the idea is to keep forgiving, just like God keeps forgiving us.

Whatever You Do

2010-02-24T03:58:00.000-08:00

Understanding your work life purpose is key to receiving your inheritance. Paul said no matter what kind of work you do, if God has called you to do it, you will receive an inheritance for doing it. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-25). From TGIF Today God is First, Os Hillman

God ensures - through the Bible, His followers, and His Spirit within us - that we each have what we need to do our best as well. He equips us to follow hard after Him. No money is necessary to be well-heeled in God's kingdom. Whether we're wearing nursing shoes, work boots, high heels, hand-me-downs, or flip-flops, we can walk securely by walking wisely.

Dear Lord, grant me wisdom and sure footing as I follow after You. I trust You to equip me with all I need. Whatever my path, I believe Your principals can keep me from slipping. You lead, I'll follow. In Jesus' Name, Amen. from Rachel Olsen Proverbs 31 Women

Proverbs 4:7, "Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment." (NLT)

Your God Given Talent

2010-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Psalm 18:33

He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

We have been given many wonderful gifts and talents. When we affirm the talents we have been given, then God will surely bless us, and we will be a sign to others of His goodness. God has given us hinds' feet, wings to fly, power, grace, and a multitude of other gifts. Embrace them and know that the Lord is good.

Prayer: Teach me to use the gifts I have been given. Aid me as I test my wings and struggle to get my footing. Be patient with me, Lord, and touch me with Your touch of peace and grace. Amen

*******************

The Lord gave you a talent,

But it is not yours alone;

For someday He will call you

To stand before the throne.

He’ll say, “Where is that treasure

I gave to you that day?

Did you use it for My purpose?

Or is it stored away?”

God does not say, “See what you can do with what I gave given you.” He says, “I will hold you accountable for what I have given you.”

by Helen Dowd

************************************

God gives people different gifts.

It is not your talent, which matters; what matters is how you use it.

Everyone is not equal in talent; but every person can be equal in effort.

God expects creative use of our opportunities and talents.

Don't worry about failure, rather, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.

If someone has a talent and exercises it, they are progressively able to do more with it, but, if one has a talent and fails to exercise it, they will inevitably lose it

We are to use our time, talents, and treasures diligently, faithfully, and continually in order to serve God completely in whatever we do.

God does expect, and reward, creative use of the opportunities for service, which are open to us. We are to use His gifts responsibly, but also adventurously.

We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.

God is generous and merciful, and if we examine our hearts and our lives and see where we fall short, the Holy Spirit will help us invest in those things He has so confidently entrusted to us.

What God Expects from Us

Matthew 25:14-30

http://www.mooreschapel.org/pastor/koo-sermons/what-god-expects-of-us.html

Great is Your Reward in Heaven

2010-02-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don’t ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied. "Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman’s son.
*************************************

Matthew 5

The Beatitudes
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Treasures of Today

2010-01-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it

Proverbs 22:6

*******

Another great excerpt from This Day's Thought 1/29/2010

One Sunday I was entertained in a farm home of a member of a rural church. I was impressed by the intelligence and unusually good behavior of the only child in the home, a little four-year-old boy. Then I discovered one reason for the child's charm. The mother was at the kitchen sink, washing the intricate parts of the cream separator when the little fellow came to her with a magazine. "Mother," he asked, "what is this man in the picture doing?" To my surprise she dried her hands, sat down on a chair and taking the boy in her lap she spent ten minutes answering his questions. After the child had left I commented on her having interrupted her chores to answer the boy's questions, saying, "Most mothers wouldn't have bothered." "I expect to be washing cream separators for the rest of my life," she told me, "But never again will my son ask me that question!"

Unknown

This is the Day that the Lord Hath Made

2010-01-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11

Excerpt from This Day's Thought, January 25th

Our five-year-old Jeanie took to rising at 5:30 each morning and puttering around just long enough to wake the rest of us before climbing back into bed. Her reason was always the same- she had to see if there was a surprise. Finally we told her firmly that she must stop and that there wouldn't be any surprises until Christmas, which was months away. "I wasn't talking about living-room surprises," she said through her tears. "I was talking about like yesterday morning it was raining, and this morning real summer's here, and tomorrow morning I'll probably find some pink in the rosebuds." Jeanie still gets up each morning at 5:30.
Mrs. Roy F. Carter

This Day's Thought is a wonderful message to receive in your email every day. In conjuction with The Ranch these great inspirations bring a great start to every day. Click on the link to your right and experience this for yourself.

Be Doers of the Word

2010-01-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from today's,

A Word With You

by Ron Hutchcraft

..................."It's easy to complain about how things are in your family, or how they are at work or how they are at church or at school. But complaining won't change a thing. Neither will condemning or criticizing or preaching. What is needed where you are is someone who will be what they wish others would be - to lead by contagious example. To step out from a climate that is negative or nasty or stressed or prideful or selfish, and to challenge it, not by their words, but by their actions. Decide how you wish everyone would be in your situation, and then start being it yourself!"............. Read more by selecting his link on the side panel.

But the Lord Directs My Steps

2010-01-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

I can hardly recollect a single plan of mine, of which I have not since seen reason to be satisfied that , had it taken place in season and circumstance just as I proposed, it would , humanly speaking, have proved my ruin; or at least it would have deprived me of the greater good the Lord had designed for me.

John Newton

*************************

Some defeats are only installments to victory. Jacob Riis

And How Is That My Problem?

2010-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galations 6:9

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered -

He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning.

"There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.... That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. However, his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral; the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Use Your God Given Talents

2010-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Todays devotional, Hoarding What You Have, from Proverbs 31 Ministry is so good. Many of us live in fear of making a mistake so instead do nothing at all. If we don't use our special gifts we remain the same. We gain nothing from the experience of sharing ourselves with others, as God intended.

"I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back." Matthew 25:25 (NLT)

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/

Living Forward

2010-01-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

I had to hold fast to the reality that nothing can touch us without passing through God's sifter. He allows only that which is necessary to touch us. And if it does, it has a purpose. But we may not know it for a while. (excerpt from TGIF, Today God is First 1-10-10, Os Hillman)

https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/1261724021a5a022

*****************************

Wisdom is using knowledge rightly. Why do we need wisdom when we are going through our trials? It is popular in charismatic circles to want to pray for more power or strength or deliverance. We need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey So he invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed, as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off! Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up! Don’t waste the opportunities God gives you to prove Himself. (Excerpt from The Truth About Trials by Ralph Juthman 1/10/10)

"Living A Transformed Life in 2010"

2010-01-01T04:35:00.000-08:00

(Wisdom for the Psalms)

Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A time for starting over. A new beginning. A wonderful time to take stock of life and look for ways to improve and grow. Too often, careless resolutions are made that are never kept, and so one year blends into the next with little change. The fact is, all of us have areas in our lives that could stand some improvement. As this new year begins, let us look at our lives with honesty and candor. Let us approach change with a positive spirit, and work toward finding ways to become the people that god wants us to be. Most importantly, ask the Lord to guide and strengthen, for it is through His power that we are able to conquer our failings and turn them into strengths. God is able to see us both as we are and as we can be, and we need that sight in order to truly change. He will steer us away from the ungodly. He will liberate us from the way of sin. He will lead us from scorn to joy. The Lord will do all this and more because of His great and abiding love for His children. Rejoice i n the love of God. he has given us a new year, and desires to give us a new life.
Prayer:
O Lord, cleanse my soul of all wrong. Help me grow in the light of Your love. Lift me above what I have been, and set me onto a new path of righteousness and grace. Amen.
********************
A Vision for Your Life in the New Year

(Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding)

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Proverbs 29:18

Do you have a vision for your life at the threshold of a new year?

We Begin Again in 2010

2009-12-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

One ship drives east and another drives west

With the self-same wind that blows.

‘Tis the set of the sail and not the gale

That tells us which way it goes.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,

As we journey along through life;

‘Tis the set of the soul that determines the goal

And neither the calm nor the strife.

Unknown

************************

LHM advent devotion

SIMEON AND ANNA
December 31, 2009
Luke 2:25 and 36: "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout ... There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher."
We don't know if Simeon or Anna every traveled to Bethlehem. We do know they regularly entered the temple as they did when Mary and Joseph went there to fulfill the obligations according to the Law for Jesus' presentation and Mary's purification. It was their first trip outside Bethlehem since Jesus' birth. It would not be their last trip to the temple. They and Jesus would return often.
This trip was significant and left a lasting impression on Mary and Joseph. In the temple courts, an old man named Simeon took Jesus in his arms and prayed one of those prayers the Church continues to pray to this very day:
"Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to Your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)
Simeon said more. He prophesied about the significant role Jesus would play in His ministry as Savior of the world. He had barely finished when Anna approached Mary and Joseph. She, too, gave thanks for the birth of Jesus, and spoke of what lay ahead for Him.
It is appropriate on this New Year's Eve that we reflect upon Mary and Joseph's experience in the temple. Simeon's prayer might well be our prayer as we complete year 2009. The prophecies of both Simeon and Anna are the promises of the Christ for us as we anticipate 2010. We, too, have seen the Christ and know He promises to be with us every day with His redeeming love.
THE PRAYER: We are so grateful for the words and witness of Simeon and Anna. May our words and witness reflect such a strong faith and such great confidence. Amen

The Best Messages Bear Repeating

2009-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

"May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph,the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, thedetermination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. AlmightyGod, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever."

**************************

The Greatest Gift of Love

By Adrian Rogers
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Christmas is spelled L-O-V-E. What is the Christmas message? It is John 3:16.
God gave us the gift of love on Christmas Day. It is truly said, "What the world needs now is love." I need it. You need it. Your spouse needs it. Your child needs it. An elderly man or woman sitting alone in a nursing home today needs it. A child abandoned and alone in a children's home needs it, too.
God sent His one and only Son as the Savior. He knew we couldn't save ourselves. So He sent His Son to be born in a manger, to die on a cross, to rise again into glory, and to come again to redeem His church.
Where are you spending your Christmas day? Maybe you can spare a few minutes with your family and friends to share His gift of love with someone who is all alone today.

Amidst all the materialism that sometimes chokes out the true meaning of Christmas, take some time to share this Good News with someone today

****************************

Dealing with Difficult Relatives
by Max Lucado
Does Jesus have anything to say about dealing with difficult relatives? Is there an example of Jesus bringing peace to a painful family? Yes, there is.
His own.
It may surprise you to know that Jesus had a difficult family. If your family doesn't appreciate you, take heart, neither did Jesus'.
"His family … went to get him because they thought he was out of his mind" (Mark 3:21).
Jesus' siblings thought their brother was a lunatic. They weren't proud—they were embarrassed!
It's worth noting that he didn't try to control his family's behavior, nor did he let their behavior control his. He didn't demand that they agree with him. He didn't sulk when they insulted him. He didn't make it his mission to try to please them.
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn't have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: "My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants" (Mark 3:35).
When Jesus' brothers didn't share his convictions, he didn't try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn't. If Jesus himself couldn't force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours?
Having your family's approval is desirable but not necessary for happiness and not always possible. Jesus did not let the difficult dynamic of his family overshadow his call from God. And because he didn't, this chapter has a happy ending.
What happened to Jesus' family?
Mine with me a golden nugget hidden in a vein of the Book of Acts. "Then [the disciples] went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.… They all continued praying together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus' brothers" (Acts 1:12, 14, emphasis added).
What a change! The ones who mocked him now worship him. The ones who pitied him now pray for him. What if Jesus had disowned them? Or worse still, what if he'd suffocated his family with his demand for change?
He didn't. He instead gave them space, time, and grace. And because he did, they changed. How much did they change? One brother became an apostle (Gal. 1:19) and others became missionaries (1 Cor. 9:5).
So don't lose heart. God still changes families.
From He Still Moves Stones

Strength for Tomorrow

2009-12-19T05:04:00.000-08:00

Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.

Max Lucado

A verse from the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

*****

Don't borrow tomorrow's troubles until you've finished today, as tomorrow they may not look as big.

"you can do all things through Him who gives you strength" Phillipians 4:13

*****

Tiny Frogs

Tiny Frogs story is about a bunch of tiny little frogs who were going to have a race to the top of a big building. It was a daunting task for these little frogs but they all knew they could do it. There was a huge crowd at the bottom of the building initially cheering them on as they went forth to conquer this building. However, after a while many of the frogs got very tired, and then the crowd started to turn, telling them things like "You'll never make it! Turn back! You're gonna fall!" and on and on. Eventually one by one all the frogs dropped out except one little frog who never wavered but kept his eye on the goal and he made it all the way to the top. When he was later interviewed he was asked why he was able to make it but not the others. He went "what? can't hear you". He was deaf! He couldn't hear the naysayers so he just kept on going!!

Moral of the story is, when it is God's will for us to accomplish His purpose for our lives and His voice is the only one we listen to while on that purposeful mission, we'll accomplish that goal upon the strength and power of our Savior Jesus!

quoted from an article by Dr. Kim Bloomer http://ezinearticles.com/?I-Can-Do-All-Things-Through-Christ-Jesus-Who-Gives-Me-Strength&id=26957

*****
State of Mind Poem
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you won’t;
If you like to win, but don’t think you can,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in a state of mind.
For many a game is lost
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work is begun.
Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you’ll fall behind;
Think that you can and you will;
It’s all in a state of mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of your self before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fellow who thinks he can.

*****

.............................Our strength and power come from God alone and yet we try to go upon our own strength so often.

William A. Robinson, 48, Pennsylvania, USA…
"I thank God for His grace, which is more than enough for each new day!"

Go and Sin No More

2009-12-18T08:41:00.001-08:00

John 8:1-11 - Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Nothing Can Top the Lord our God

2009-12-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145:3
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable

Four children were engaged in the timeless "My Dad" argument.

Tim said, "My dad works for the largest computer company in the world, and he travels everywhere."
Kip replied, "Well, my father owns a shipping business with hundreds of boats, and even airplanes. I get to ride on boats and planes whenever I want."
Darryl chipped in, "My father works for the government, and he even gets to talk to the president sometimes. We have security men at our house all the time."
Stanley stood quietly for a moment, because his father had died not long before. Finally, he said, "My dad is in Heaven, and gets to see God every day."
The other boys tried to think of something to say that could top that, but nothing came to mind.

Nothing can top the Lord our God! He is above all else. Nothing compares to Him. Therefore, nothing else in this world is more worthy of our worship and devotion. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. His glory endures forever

taken from the Wisdom of the Psalms devotional

Our God is an Awesome God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b1iwLIMmRQ&feature=related

When He rolls up His sleeves

He ain't just puttin' on the ritz(our God is an awesome God)

There is thunder in His footsteps

And lightning in His fist(our God is an awesome God)

Well, the Lord wasn't joking

When He kicked 'em out of Eden

It wasn't for no reason that He shed his blood

His return is very close and so you better be believing

that our God is an awesome God

REFRAIN

Our God(our God) is an awesome GodHe reigns(He reigns) from heaven above

With wisdom(with wisdom) pow'r and love

our God is an awesome God

And when the sky was starless in the void of the night (our God is an awesome God)

He spoke into the darkness and created the light(our God is an awesome God)

Judgment and wrath he poured out on Sodom

Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross

I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten

thatour God is an awesome God

Live by Faith, Not Sight

2009-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 5:7
"We live by faith, not by sight." In other words, we grow in faith as we make decisions which seem illogical in that they have little if any basis in reality.

Times of Trial
"I asked the Lord for a bunch of fresh flowers but instead
He gave me an ugly cactus with many thorns.
I asked the Lord for some beautiful butterflies but instead
He gave me many ugly and dreadful worms.
I was threatened,I was disappointed,I mourned,
But after many days,Suddenly, I saw the cactus bloomwith many beautiful flowers,
and those worms became beautiful butterflies flying in the spring wind.
God's way is the best way." (Chun-Ming Kao) Written from Prison

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

"From our perspective, we think something that happens is a disappointing failure - only to find out later God was looking out for us, maybe protecting us from a situation that could have caused us a great deal of pain." (Dorothy Valcarcel)

and THEN we understand God's plan.

Faith leans heavy on the Lord. It knows that the Bible is so and can be trusted and that we can live by it and all of our needs will be supplied. (Lester Roloof)

A Sinner Saved by Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcMeUqPDypo

A Good Read

2009-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this is legal or not, but when I read something that is so good, I just can't help but want to pass it on.

Pursue the Virtue of Contentment by Max Lucado
A businessman bought popcorn from an old street vendor each day after lunch. He once arrived to find the peddler closing up his stand at noon. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
A smile wrinkled the seller’s leathery face. “By no means. All is well.”
“Then why are you closing your popcorn stand?”
“So I can go to my house, sit on my porch, and sip tea with my wife.”
The man of commerce objected. “But the day is still young. You can still sell.”
“No need to,” the stand owner replied. “I’ve made enough money for today.”
“Enough? Absurd. You should keep working.”
The spry old man stopped and stared at his well-dressed visitor. “And why should I keep working?”
“To sell more popcorn.”
“And why sell more popcorn?”
“Because the more popcorn you sell, the more money you make. The more money you make, the richer you are. The richer you are, the more popcorn stands you can buy. The more popcorn stands you buy, the more peddlers sell your product, and the richer you become. And when you have enough, you can stop working, sell your popcorn stands, stay home, and sit on the porch with your wife and drink tea.”
The popcorn man smiled. “I can do that today. I guess I have enough.”
Wise was the one who wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Eccles. 5:10 NIV).
Don’t heed greed.Greed makes a poor job counselor.Greed has a growling stomach. Feed it, and you risk more than budget-busting debt. You risk losing purpose. Greed can seduce you out of your sweet spot.Before you change your job title, examine your perspective toward life. Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best.Parents, give that counsel to your kids. Tell them to do what they love to do so well that someone pays them to do it. Spouses, urge your mate to choose satisfaction over salary. Better to be married to a happy person who has a thin wallet than a miserable person with a thick one. Besides, “a pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life” (Prov. 13:7 MSG).
Pursue the virtue of contentment. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6 NIV). When choosing or changing jobs, be careful. Consult your design. Consult your Designer. But never consult your greed.
From Cure for the Common LifeCopyright (Thomas Nelson, 2006) Max Lucado

Do Unto Others

2009-11-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Taken from Encouragement Today, by Renee Swoop
When we take our eyes off our fears, our doubts, our struggles and focus on someone else's needs, we somehow forget our own, for a little while. In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well.

Lord, Thank you for the power of Your Words that give me courage to become who You've created me to be - to go to places You're calling me to go and climb spiritual heights that are out of my reach without Your help. Give me Your encouragement today, and help me encourage someone, too. In Jesus Name, Amen.
*******************************
In the words of Joyce Meyers:

It is only after we realize it is not us doing good works, but rather the Lord, that we can even begin to serve Him as we should. Someone has said, "It remains to be seen what God can do through a man or woman who will give Him all the glory." If we press on and are sincere about spiritual maturity, we will all eventually be empty of ourselves and ready to be used by God to fill other empty people.

Fill My Cup Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4l2yY2r95g

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Message)
The Rescue 3-5

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.

A Prayer of Encouragement
The hands of the father uphold you
The hands of the Saviour enfold you
The hands of the Spirit surround you
And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Uphold you evermore
Amen

God's Peace

2009-10-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

Phillipians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus

The word "peace" in the Bible, from the Greek word (eireinei), refers to a mental attitude of tranquillity based on a relationship with God in the Christian Way of Life. It is a word which describes the result of a person's correct response to God's Grace

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Peace, or tranquillity, precedes the enjoyment of prosperity. One must have Peace to have the capacity for prosperity.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Thank you Tracie Miles for this wonderful prayer,

Dear Lord,
Please fill me with a peace that surpasses all understanding in the situations I am facing. Grant me spiritual healing, and help me see You working in and through me. Thank You for always being available and on call. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It Is Well With My Soul
http://www.biblestudycharts.com/A_Daily_Hymn.html

He Doesn't Deserve to go to Heaven

2009-10-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

"He doesn't deserve to go to heaven, and neither do I. It's just a gift. Jesus paid the price for us all, all we have to do is accept it, believe in Jesus Christ and our sins are forgiven." These words were spoken at a funeral I attended yesterday. It was a very personal , family centered service and made me feel things I'd like to leave unrevealed most of the time.

Ephesians 2: 8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

It is not easy to just accept gifts, especially large gifts because we feel unworthy or that we'll never be able to repay. I have a hard time ordering my $4 prescription pills from Walmart and then asking to have them sent out in the mail, which they will do at no charge if you request it. I'd feel better if I could just pay the postage fee, so I was not "putting them out" or asking too much. If you go out to dinner with another couple, who's going to pay the check becomes a big part of the evening discussion. It is difficult to just give in and say, "Thank you," without adding, "We'll pay next time."

The following article came to me in an email and didn't give credit to any author. What a visual message it is of God's gift to us all.

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the Western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.
"How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know... I've never done 300 at a time."
"Do you think you could?" Dr. Christianson asked again.
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.
Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."
Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
"Sure."
Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut.
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut. And down the second aisle, till Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.
When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?"
Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."
Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."
Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten pushups.
Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.
Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "No."
Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more pushups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten, Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten pushups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row.
During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room.
He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your pushups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" Jason didn't know what was going on.
Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him?"
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut"
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"
Jason, new to the room hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."
"Steve, will you do ten pushups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each pushup in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was profusely dropping off of his face and, by this time, there was no sound except his heavy breathing, there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda.
Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve, here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes. Steve, would you do ten pushups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, said to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant" said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who spared not the only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid. Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it laying on the desk?"

Seeing Problems as Potentialities

2009-10-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

The following was from "Love Worth Living" Pastor Adrian Rogers email devotion for today. It reminded me of the post from a few days ago, Thank you for the Inconveniences of My LIfe. When I find something that helps me, I like to pass it on.

Do you have any problems today? You do? Well, I just have one word for you:

"Congratulations!"

I don't want to sound flippant, but I am very serious about my comment. You see, a problem really is an opportunity in disguise. You need to learn that God wants you to see your problems as potentialities and your adversaries as opportunities. A Christian is not someone who sees a difficulty in every opportunity, but to the contrary, he's one who sees an opportunity in every difficulty. Think of a problem you are struggling through today. Now, get on your knees. Ask God to show you the opportunity hidden away in your struggle that will bring Him glory.

If you'd like to receive daily email devotions from Pastor Rogers, you can find information by clicking here http://www.lwf.org/.

If That Isn't Love

2009-10-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

The following is taken from a devotional written by Ann Spangler entitled Praying the Names of God,

There is a story told of a young boy whose sister was suffering from a rare disease. Her only chance of recovery was to receive a blood transfusion from someone who had recovered from the disease. Her five-year-old brother was the perfect candidate. When the doctor explained the situation to the boy and asked him if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister, the boy hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and then said yes. During the transfusion, while lying in bed next to his sister, the boy smiled as he saw the color returning to her cheeks. Then, his face paled and he asked in a trembling voice, “Will I start dying right away?”

The story makes you want to smile and cry at the same time because you realize the boy’s generosity and his mistake. He had been willing to give his last drop of blood if that meant his sister would live.

When we pray to Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are praying to the One who voluntarily laid down his life to take in his own body the punishment for our sins and for the sins of the entire world.

Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.

Jesus died for our sins, we are loved.

If That Isn't Love
words and music by Dottie Rambo
http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/isntlove.html
He left the splendor of heaven,
Knowing His destiny,
Was the lonely hill of Golgatha,
There to lay down His life for me.

If that isn't love;The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,If that isn't love!

Even in death He remembered,
The thief hanging by His side;
There He spoke with love and compassion,
Then He took him to paradise.

A Good Read

2009-10-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Do for Others What God Does For You
by Max Lucado

You and I have the privilege to do for others what God does for us. How do we show people that we believe in them?
Show up.
Nothing takes the place of your presence. Letters are nice. Phone calls are special, but being there in the flesh sends a message. Do you believe in your kids? Then show up. Show up at their games. Show up at their plays. Show up at their recitals. It may not be possible to make each one, but it’s sure worth the effort. Do you believe in your friends? Then show up. Show up at their graduations and weddings. Spend time with them. You want to bring out the best in someone? Then show up.
Listen up.
You don’t have to speak to encourage. The Bible says, “It is best to listen much, speak little” (James 1:19 TLB). We tend to speak much and listen little. There is a time to speak. But there is also a time to be quiet. That’s what my father did. Dropping a fly ball may not be a big deal to most people, but if you are thirteen years old and have aspirations of the big leagues, it is a big deal. Not only was it my second error of the game, it allowed the winning run to score. I didn’t even go back to the dugout. I turned around in the middle of left field and climbed over the fence. I was halfway home when my dad found me. He didn’t say a word. Just pulled over to the side of the road, leaned across the seat, and opened the passenger door. We didn’t speak. We didn’t need to. We both knew the world had come to an end. When we got home, I went straight to my room, and he went straight to the kitchen. Presently he appeared in front of me with cookies and milk. He took a seat on the bed, and we broke bread together. Somewhere in the dunking of the cookies I began to realize that life and my father’s love would go on. In the economy of male adolescence, if you love the guy who drops the ball, then you really love him. My skill as a baseball player didn’t improve, but my confidence in Dad’s love did. Dad never said a word. But he did show up. He did listen up. To bring out the best in others, do the same, and then, when appropriate:
Speak up.
You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words that you speak. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21 NKJV). That’s why Paul urges you and me to be careful. “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger” (Eph. 4:29).Earlier I gave you a test for love. There’s also a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger. Your words are to their soul what a vitamin is to their body. If you had food and saw someone starving, would you not share it? If you had water and saw someone dying of thirst, would you not give it? Of course you would.
Then won’t you do the same for their hearts? Your words are food and water! Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you.

Thank you for the Inconveniences of My Life

2009-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

My computer crashed last week, and it is more than a little inconvenient.

It has become my coworker in so many ways. All my finances are done on line, and I'm not sure I can even find snail mail addresses for any of them anymore. With on line banking who remembers how to reconcile a bank statement manually? My list of passwords is stored safely in My Documents, so I can't even conveniently call them up and use another computer. I have my personal address book organized to perfection in a spreadsheet, I can't get to. Now isn't that convenient.

Many evening suppers are "googled' for ingredients and a quick trip to the store. And I find I can google away many hours and accomplish nothing of importance. The real point is it is just more convenient to do everything you can on line to save time and hassles. My brother once told me he used to order items on line from Wal*mart and have them delivered, even though he only lived a short distance from the store.

On line devotions are great and they are delivered right to my in box. My daily Bible Reading plan is outlined on a site and with one click I'm on the right page. Modern conveninces are all great when they work, and when they don't it's very inconvenient and aggrivating!

So this week,

I stopped at the City Office to pay my utility bill in person, and had a wonderful conversation with the clerk, face to face, no email address needed.
I sat in the living room with my husband and found that watching some of the programs he finds interesting, gave us new topics to talk about. No lost hours on google and I found it very rewarding.
I enjoyed leafing through the many cookbooks I have and came upon a couple old recipes for supper, that reminded me of my mother, and I had all the ingredients on hand in my pantry.
In passing conversation, a friend offered her extra laptop to me to tide me over till mine is up and running. When I went to pick it up, we spent some good quality hours together.
I love the smell of my Bible and I have missed the feel of the pages as I took my time to read the verses. And the Holy Bible will never crash and leave me without His words to treasure.

So Lord, thank you for the inconveninces of my life.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

2009-10-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

My morning is very routine: up for meds, into the shower, then a bowl of cheerios with sliced bananas in it to be eaten during my devotions in front of the computer. One day last week, without any organizing on my part, there was one slice of banana left to eat with the last spoon of cheerios. That doesn't happen very often or ever that I could remember. If I don't consciously think to eat conservatively on the bananas and remember the two textures taste best together, I'm left with just plain old cheerios.

This reminded me of the balance in our lives and how it can really get off course if we just leave it to chance.If we put too much emphasis on one aspect of our life, other areas suffer neglect or go completely by the wayside. Finding the right blueprint for your life is not what is the best plan for others. So set your own goals and plan each step, don't gamble on the outcome. Elder Ballard says: “When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily. Do the best you can. No one’s life is in perfect balance for any length of time. You will always need to be reevaluating and prioritizing. When things get out of balance, don’t get discouraged but rely on the Lord to help you and try again. “Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you

Job 31:6 -
"Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity."

Joy

2009-09-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have the Joy, Joy, Joy Joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
I have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Remember that one from Sunday School? The melody hung with you all day.

This past summer my classmate's mother passed away and one of the songs chosen to celebrate her life was Joy to the World.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come,
let earth receive her king.
Let every heart, prepare him room
And heav'n and nature sing
And heav'n and nature sing
Let heaven and heaven and nature sing.

There is joy deep in my heart to know the Lord has come to reign here on earth. A joy that is eternal not just fleeting happiness. And let us not put those songs away but sing them every day.

"No human being ever finds rest and joy until he finds it in the heart of God. A person who experiences joy is not one who has an absence of troubles, but one who has learned to live abundantly in spite of circumstances"

Author unknown

Psalm 126: 3 3

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy

Think of Joy in this way

J esus, then

O thers, then

Y ourself

In a search for happiness the individual focuses upon himself, but joy moves a person out of a self-centered preoccupation and provides an orientation towards others. If we are willing to give up the search for happiness, we may find joy.

Second Chances

2009-09-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Recently my sister had a heart attack at the young age of 55. It might be said that she has several bad habits that contributed to her condition, namely the lethal cigarette and the love of fried food. But in her defense; she gets plenty of exercise gathering wood, hauling water and other physical tasks as she has chosen to reside without the modern comforts of electricity, running water and "turn up the thermostat" heat.
Feeling discomfort, sometimes severe, she continued to stockpile her wood for the winter, taking aspirin to relieve the pain. For ten days she was aware that it was her heart, but with no insurance and no money what options are available to her. Finally the pain will not be subsided, all alone with no means of communication, she started the generator to charge her otherwise useless, dead cell phone and called the ambulance. Later that day an operation was performed to place a stint in her 99% blocked artery, and modern medicine had just put a bandaid on her sick body.
Being so close to death my brother asked if she was afraid, "No, I've had a wonderful life, I have everything I've ever wanted, and I love everything I have." What a statement! My first thought was, you have nothing, but she isn't me and her words humble me.
To press on in this life, my dear sister has many obstacles to overcome and bad habits to break, but the Lord gives us all second chances when we call upon his name. He arranged the circumstances of that morning because he has a purpose for her, and I am excited to think what that might be.
http://www.maxlucado.com/email/2008/05.16.html

Edward Joseph says:
God won’t extend your life if you don’t have a purpose to fulfill. As you start your day, ask God what words of wisdom he gives you. Then desperately look for a person who you will give encouragement to.

Let's Just Praise the Lord

2009-09-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Let's just Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Let's just lift our hearts toward heaven
and Praise the Lord
Let's just praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Let's just Lift our hearts to heaven
and Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord for music, and the talent God gives to spread the word. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote this song, and several hundred more. It's hard to feel downhearted or discouraged when you are praising the Lord with a song.

Gloria Gaither "Sometimes we just go on praising the Lord, when there’s nothing else to do.”
http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/letsjustpraisethelord.htm

Welcome

2009-09-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Every morning brings a new day of choices to be made. The great thing is we are in charge and can do with this day, as we choose.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.

For over a year, my day has started with the Lord and it is a habit I'll not be changing anytime soon. I am almost finished with a second round of reading through the Bible and this time I chose the Chronological order. http://www.biblegateway.com/ is my choice for early morning reading. There I also have a number of options to select versions or translations of the Bible which help my understanding toggling back and forth during a session if I want.

BibleGateway has also put me in touch with so many great sites that start their day giving me encouragement through scripture, verse and story of application. Max Lucado, Kenneth R. Klaus at Lutheran Hour, Joyce Meyers, Phil Ware, Encouragement for Today from Proverbs 31 Women, Dorothy Valcarcel writing Transformation Garden, The Upper Room, TGIF with Os Hillman, Living Free Every Day (LFED), Miriam Woolbert, Greg Laurie, This Days Thoughts.org, Quiet Walk, Love Worth Finding by Pastor Adrian Rogers and the list goes on and on. I will always give credit for quotes that originate from these sites that you might read on this blog.

"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."
John Andrew Holmer.

When I find an especially good verse, quote, topic or song, I can't wait to pass it on to someone in hopes it will set the tone of their day, or lift them up from a valley they find hard to climb out of on their own.

As I read through the scriptures, I am encouraged as I hear in my heart the songs that were inspired by these words. Songs of hope, faith, praise, worship, and comfort in times of trouble, that let us feel the timeless and eternal message of the Holy Bible.

The Lord is my strength and my song. He has given me victory. Psalm 118:14