Paul...and you think YOU are stressed???

MAX LUCADO

Loved by a Faithful God
"I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...”
Philippians 3:8
Peer through the small window in the wall of the Roman jail. See the man in chains? The aging fellow with the stooped shoulders and hawkish nose? That’s Paul, the imprisoned apostle. His chains never come off. The guards never leave. And he’s probably wondering if he’ll ever get out. . . .
By the time we find Paul in his cell, he has been beaten, lied about, storm tossed, rejected, and neglected.
Ah, but at least he has the church. At least he can take comfort in the thought of the unified Roman congregation he helped strengthen, right? Hardly. The Roman church is in trouble. . . . Power-hungry preachers occupy the parsonage. You expect such antics out of nonbelievers, but Christians preaching for personal gain? Paul is facing Prozac-level problems. . . .
And who knows what Emperor Nero will do? He feeds disciples to the Colosseum lions for lunch. Does Paul have any guarantee the same won’t happen to him? . . . Paul is not naive. He knows the only thing between him and death is a nod from moody Nero.
Paul has every reason to be stressed out. . . .
But he isn’t. Rather than count the bricks of his prison, he plants a garden within it. He itemizes, not the mistreatments of people, but the faithfulness of God.
“I want you to know, brethren” (Phil. 1:12) “that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (1:12 NIV). He may appear to be bumped off track, but he is actually right on target. Why? One reason. Christ is preached. The mission is being accomplished.
— Every Day Deserves a Chance

Father, earthly stress and struggles remind us of your faithfulness. Help us, Lord, to serve you without grumbling. May we, like the apostle Paul, choose to plant a garden in the bricks of our “prison.” Help plant our thoughts firmly on your faithfulness. All hope comes from you, amen.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
Let your heart therefore be loyal to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.
1 Kings 8:61
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

10 negative words vs. one positive? Let's change that!

Working with kids now.... I really have noticed how true this verse is. It is so important for our kids to feel love and acceptance at school.... but more important.... they should feel it at home!!!!

How do we express our perceptions of people? Primarily by what we say to them. Studies have shown that in the average home, for every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative statements. The school environment is only slightly better; students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for every one positive statement. No wonder so many children are growing up feeling they are losers. Parents and teachers are conveying that perception every day in how they talk to their children.
These studies go on to point out that it takes four positive statements to negate the effect of one negative statement. You probably verify that finding every time you wear a new suit or dress. A number of your friends may say, "Oh, what a good-looking outfit." But it only takes one comment like "It's really not you" to send you scurrying back to the store for a refund. We affect others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say is significantly determined by how we perceive them.

If we could memorize just one verse from the New Testament, put it into practice and never violate it, I believe we would resolve half to three-fourths of the problems in our homes and churches. The verse is Ephesians 4:29. Isn't it amazing that you and I have the power to give grace to others through the proper use of our words? If we said nothing to put others down, and only built up others as Ephesians 4:29 commands, we would be part of God's construction crew in the church instead of members of Satan's wrecking crew.

Prayer: Father, I know my tongue is capable of blessing or cursing others. Guard my words today so I may edify others through what I say.

EASTER IS FOR EVERYONE!!!!

 

Easter is for Everyone

Easter is for everyone, but it is not about bunnies or brightly colored eggs. It is about Jesus, and it is specifically about Jesus crucified and risen again from the dead.

I don't know how you might describe your life this Easter. Maybe you are full of faith and looking forward to joining your family and friends at church and perhaps a special meal later in the day. If everything is going well for you, then praise God for that.

For others, it might be a different story. Easter might be a reminder, like Christmas, of someone who is no longer with them. And with every year that passes, they are remembered and missed. So, for some, Easter is a bittersweet day.

Death can seem so cruel, so harsh, and so final. And that is exactly how the disciples felt when they saw the beaten, bloodied body of their Lord hanging on a Roman cross. Then, in addition to the crucifixion, a Roman soldier took his spear, thrust it into Jesus' side, and out of it came blood and water.

There was no question about it. Christ had died. If the crucifixion hadn't killed him, certainly the spear of the Roman soldier would have. The disciples thought it was over. They thought death had finished it.

If they would have thought back, they would have remembered this was the same Lord who had raised people from the dead. He raised the daughter of Jairus. He raised Lazarus after he already was in the process of decomposition.

And, if they would have thought back, they would have remembered that on the day that Lazarus was raised, Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25 NKJV).

But it is hard to see through eyes that have been blinded by tears. So the disciples were shocked to find an angel waiting for them with the good news: "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him" (Mark 16:6 NKJV).

They thought He was dead. But He was alive again.

Because Jesus has died and has risen again, it means that we as believers do not have to be afraid of death. As 1 Corinthians 15:20 tells us, "But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again" (NLT). Jesus has gone to the other side, He has returned, and He has the keys to death and hell (see Revelation 1:18).

It's hard for us to accept that our bodies are wearing out. Yet the Bible says we will have new bodies one day: "We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us" (Romans 8:23 NLT).

You see, my body is not the real me. The real me is my soul, my spirit. This body will die. But my soul will live on.

One day, you may open up the newspaper and read that Greg Laurie has died. But don't you believe a word of it, because at the moment you read that I have died, I will be more alive than I have ever been before—in the presence of God. And the same can be said for every believer.

Here is the message of Jesus: You are going to see your loved ones again. You will be with them. Not only are they a part of your past, but they are also part of your future.

He is the resurrection and the life, and if we believe in Him, though we were dead, yet shall we live.
-written by Greg Laurie

We could all be a Judas....

We’ve all experienced or witnessed betrayal at some point. And no example in the Bible illustrates the pain, guilt, and shame caused by that sin more clearly than the story of Judas.

Chosen as one of the twelve, Judas was privileged. John 12:6 says that he was even granted the responsibility of maintaining the disciples’ money box. But that same verse reveals an important truth about Judas—he was a thief.
John indicates greed was Judas’ weakness. After Mary had anointed the Lord’s feet, Judas complained, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” (v. 5). The following verse, however, clarifies that he wanted the money only for himself. One can safely assume that if Judas had reached the point of stealing cash from Jesus’ supply, then his greed had gone unchecked for some time. That hidden sin was all Satan needed to interfere with his life. And once the Enemy stepped in, the disciple began “seeking a good opportunity” to betray Jesus (Luke 22:6). 1 Peter 5:8 says the Devil is like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” And in Judas, Satan found a willing victim.

If we’re honest with ourselves, each of us has a natural tendency toward sin.... each of us are susceptible to certain ones. Daily communion with God keeps hidden sins from becoming greater problems. Left unchecked, the “roaring lion” will also come after us, no matter what our  weakness may be. Ask the Lord to reveal any sins you need to confess. Ask His help keeping them in check.  Deal with them today—don’t let sin lead you down the path of Judas.

Jesus was angry...

For the disciples, Palm Sunday must have felt like a dream. As they followed Jesus into the temple grounds, their voices would have been drowned out by all the cheering!

The Court of Gentiles was the only area that non-Jews could enter... and it had become an open-air market. Jesus and His followers pushed through the hordes of customers haggling with merchants and shouting to be heard over livestock and doves used for sacrifices. Others crowded around money changers’ tables, protesting unfair rates of exchange for the temple currency.

Jesus had seen enough. He stormed through the court, upending tables, overturning traders’ chairs, and driving animals toward the gate, past people scrambling for scattered money. Finally, He blocked the way so merchandise couldn’t be carried through the temple (Mark 11:16).

The disciples must have been astounded. They expected the Messiah to judge their oppressors, not His own people and their temple! Finally, Jesus shouted above the din and reminded them of a scripture they’d apparently forgotten. “Is it not written,” He cried, “‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den” (v. 17).
The crowd was amazed. But the religious leaders were offended and began to plan His death (v. 18).

Jesus’ actions in the temple emphasized how money becomes so important to people that it can hinder His work! How could anyone enter the temple through the mess and chaos? How can anyone feel comfortable entering God's church when all they see is mess, chaos, and money grubbing. Or are they seeing it even in your lives and heart?

Easy to have misconceptions....Palm Sunday

Hindsight is always 20/20. Yet while we are in a particular situation, we tend to make things out to be what they aren’t and infer wrong meanings. We kick ourselves, thinking, If only I had known then what I know now!

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem must have been one of those moments for His disciples. It had appeared to be such a wonderful day for them.... and it was, but for different reasons than they realized. They thought the Messiah had come to reestablish Israel’s power in the world. But God had something else in mind.

The disciples weren’t the only ones who had misconceptions about Jesus. Many Jews of the day expected Him to be an earthly king. When the crowds heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they cheered, “Hosanna! ” which means, “Save now!” They saw Him as their new King, come to bring salvation from political and societal oppression. He raised the dead—no doubt he could also restore the kingdom of David and free them from Roman rule.
Seated upon a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler returning to his city in peacetime, loyal subjects lining his path with coats and palm fronds. Even the Pharisees were there watching in indignation, saying, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).

This week, think back to those times when circumstances looked one way but turned out to be something else entirely. Remember when you realized God was different than you imagined and saw His will unfold in surprising ways. Look for an opportunity to share your insight with a friend or loved one.
CHARLES STANLEY

Why would He do this????

Romans 5:6-8
At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Thoughts on today's verse

Jesus died for us, but not because he had some high hopes for who we are or what we would be. No, he died for us because he knew exactly who we are and what we would be without him. But praise be to God, we are now God's righteousness because he took our sin and gave us God's grace (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

Prayer:

Holy God, thank you for Jesus, my Savior. No words are adequate to express my love and devotion to you for such an incredible gift! Through him I give and live my thanks to you. Amen.

Every moment of the day... it is the right time!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
What did the apostle Paul mean when he wrote, “pray continually”? For one, he was indicating that we can live in an attitude of prayer even though we are engaged in everyday activity. This does not mean we walk around mumbling prayers to God, though there will be days when we pray much more than in others.
Instead, the indication here leans to one of opportunity. We can have a natural attitude of prayer surrounding our lives. Prayerfulness is a sign that we are dependent on the Lord and not on ourselves. Should you pray about trivial matters? Yes. God listens to every prayer. Prayers to find lost glasses or to mentally retrieve forgotten information are worthy requests.
God has called us to be people of prayer. Communication on this level is one of intimate fellowship with the Savior. It is through prayer that we discover the goodness and personal devotion of God. Though taking time to be alone with God is the ideal, we don’t have to limit ourselves. God hears our prayers no matter where we pray.
-Charles Stanley

I want to add the lyrics of a song Maddie loved by Steven Curtis Chapman called Let Us Pray:

I hear you say your heart is aching
You've got trouble in the making
And you ask if I'll be praying for you please
And in keeping with conviction
I'll say yes with good intentions
To pray later making mention of your needs
But since we have this moment here at heaven's door
We should start knocking now, what are we waiting for?


CHORUS:
Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
For the Father above, He is listening with love
And He wants to answer us, so let us pray


So when we feel the Spirit moving
Prompting, prodding and behooving
There is no time to be losing, let us pray
Let the Father hear us saying
What we need to be conveying
Even while this song is playing, let us pray
And just because we say the word, "Amen"
It doesn't mean this conversation needs to end


Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray


Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence
As our prayers draw us near
To the One who knows our needs
Before we even call His name


Let us pray everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray

The measure of our Love!

 
The Measure of Our Love: John 14:15-24


Sometimes I felt convicted about falling short of Jesus’ expectations. It’s easy to say, “Lord, I love You,” but there have been times when I’ve used those words while resisting something He was trying to impress upon my heart. The old adage is true: actions do speak louder than words.
The measure of our love is obedience to God’s commands and principles.
Halfhearted commitment can look pretty good to others, but the Lord knows the difference. We may lift our hands in worship, serve vigorously, support missionaries, teach Sunday school, and even say all the right words.... but unless we’re following God’s commands from His holy Word... the most we’re showing Him is lukewarm affection. Works don’t prove anything. Loving the Lord means obeying Him.
This is gonna sting but it is God's Word: if you do not obey the Word, you do not love God.
The Lord told Joshua to meditate on Scripture day and night (Josh. 1:8). I need to be in the Bible.

Devil's accusations or Spirit's conviction?

"How can I tell the difference between the devil's accusations and the Holy Spirit's conviction?"

Every Christians is faced with the choice of walking by the Spirit or by the flesh on a daily basis. The moment you choose to walk according to the flesh, the Holy Spirit brings conviction because what you have just chosen to do is not compatible with who you really are. If you continue in the flesh, you will feel the sorrow of conviction.

"How do I know which kind of sorrow I'm experiencing?" you may ask.

"The devil's accusation and the Spirit's conviction both make me feel sorrowful." Determine whether your feelings reflect thoughts of truth or error, and you will identify their source. Do you feel guilty, worthless, stupid, or inept? That's a sorrow provoked by accusation because those feelings don't reflect truth. Judicially, you are no longer guilty; you have been justified through your faith in Christ, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. You are not worthless; Jesus gave His life for you. You are not stupid or inept; you can do all things through Christ. When you find lies lurking beneath your feelings of sorrow--especially if your feelings persistently drive you into the ground--you are being falsely accused. To disarm the sorrow of accusation you must submit yourself to God and resist the devil and his lies.

But if you are sorrowful because your behavior doesn't reflect your true identity in Christ, that's the sorrow according to the will of God which is designed to produce repentance. It's the Holy Spirit calling you to admit on the basis of 1 John 1:9, "Dear Lord, I was wrong." As soon as you confess and repent, God says, "I'm glad you shared that with Me. You're cleansed; now get on with life." And you walk away from that confrontation free. The sorrow is gone, and you have a positive new resolve to obey God in the area of your failure.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the "tough love" of Your Holy Spirit in bringing me to repentance when I sin.

Walk in the Spirit... is it easy? Welllll... let's see!

John 3:8
The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit

What does it take to be the selfless, loving Christian we desire to be? What do we need to do to stop our selfish, worldly pursuits to do deeds of loving service to God and others?

I think you have to KNOW your identity in Christ. You can't love like Jesus loved until you accept you are in Christ, His divine nature is united with your spirit.

Second, you must begin to crucify daily the old sin-trained flesh and walk in step with who you are: a child of God whose spirit is filled with God's Spirit.

The fact that the Holy Spirit lives in us and that we can live according to His leading is an awesome... but many people don't get it. The problem isn't new. Nicodemus was a lsmart man, but he couldn't understand life in the Spirit. So Jesus told him, "the wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Trying to reduce life in the Spirit to a formula is like trying to capture the wind.

Someone said of walking by the Spirit: "I think we need to pull in the oars and put up the sail!" I like that. When we walk by the Spirit, we stop striving and struggling. We are no longer driven; we are led. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). When we come to the end of our resources, we discover His.

Prayer: Father, help me to set aside human and worldly resources today so I may walk in the strength and adequacy of Your Spirit.

Don't worry... be happy!

"Worry is an act of rebellion:  doubting GOD'S promises to care for you.  whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to GOD.  HE will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.  Relax and enjoy the journey in HIS presence, trusting HIM to open up the way before you as you go.”

Introduce me to someone who hasn’t/doesn’t worry about the future. It’s our human nature to wonder/plan/worry and try to make things happen.  At least it’s MY nature….maybe you are one of those amazing people who don’t struggle with that.
It struck me that it said “worry….is an act of rebellion.”  It’s true, but i never have thought about it that way. If we worry, we are not BELIEVING the promises we have been given.

- A POSTING FROM JOANNE'S SISTER

I read this from her blog.... I thought it was very important to post.  It says it all... Joyce

A work in Progress!!!!

“Look to Me, not to people. If you look to people, you will be disappointed. My followers are faulty just as you are faulty. All of you are in the process of growing and maturing. See to it, that nobody stumbles over your life.”

Haven't we all wanted a life of victory over sin and of fruitful work? Naturally, we looked to other  Christians. They will help me and lead me to the right way!
I expected that they would love one another and build each other up. Instead... I heard them gossiping and talking about each other. I saw some were being selfish and greedy. Some were mean and judgmental. They acted like everyone else! They were just as bad as I was!!!! What a let-down! If that’s the best Christianity can do, I thought, who needs it?

I needed guidance from God's Word, His Spirit, and to look to Christ...not man. The Bible spoke of a Savior who valued sinful persons enough to die for them. Could I, like Christ, look beyond a fault to the same value God puts on each person? Was I willing to let the Holy Spirit work in my heart and my life? Could I keep my eyes on the Lord and not on people?

It is still a work in process. I work on it daily! I don't know if I can ever be who God wants me to be... but it is my joy to strive to be her! It brings me and God joy!!!! My biggest desire is to please the Lord! Then to be a good witness to everyone watching me. When people look to me... I pray my example stirs others to want to know Christ.... and to look into His Word.

Have people in church hurt you?  Maybe your focus is in the wrong place.  

God is ALWAYS thinking about us!

Charles Spurgeon once wrote: God is always thinking about us, never turns aside His mind from us, and always has us before His eyes. This is precisely what we want and need, because it would be dreadful to exist for a moment beyond the observation of our heavenly Father.
His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, sensible, and far-reaching. And He will always think about them, and this will result in their final perseverance by which they will be brought safely to their final rest.
In all our wanderings the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is always fixed on us, and we never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye. In our sorrows He observes us incessantly, and no painful moment escapes Him. In our trials He perceives all our weariness. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for. All the little ones of our world are in the thoughts of the great God.
Is this precious to you? Then hold to it. Never be led astray by those philosophic fools who preach about an impersonal God (deism) or talk of self-existent, self-governing matter (naturalism). The Lord lives and thinks about us, this is a truth far too precious for us to ever abandon.
Catching the attention of an important person is valued so highly that those who have it counts their blessings. But if that is so, how much more valuable is it to be constantly in the thoughts of the King of kings! If the Lord’s thoughts are on me, all is well, and we may rejoice evermore.

Personally this causes me such comfort. He watches me and loves me much more than I can grasp!  He also watches when I fall... which causes me sadness, embarrassment and guilt. I am thankful He is loves me, helps me up, and forgives!!!! Arent' you?

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

Who do you love?

The original message - love one another. The enduring message - love one another. The most convicting message - love one another. The most difficult message - love one another. 

Why is it so easy to love others.... yet so difficult?  Besides salvation I think this is the biggest theme in the Bible.  

It is easy to love a baby! As shown in the picture....Dylan loved his little sister when she was born. It was easy for him! He still loves her ... very much. But I don't think he likes how she acts at times. I guess we are all that way with the people in our lives.  They hurt our feelings. They disappoint us the way they behave or with the choices they make. Sometimes they make us downright angry!!!!  Those are the times it seems hard to love them.  But we need to keep it in perspective.  We still love them. 


We hurt Jesus.  We disappoint him with our behavior and choices. But He loves us with a love that never ends. He would do anything for us.... even die.  Would you die for someone you love?  Of course you would.  Would you die for someone you dislike? Is Christs' love living in you?

Something to memorize and practice in our lives....

WHY DO we often struggle when we try to practice this model of unselfish affection?

One reason is that it doesn't come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self first (v. 5).


A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That's not what our Lord did...He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).


Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else's unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps someone has spoken impatiently to us and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out her mistake, but how hard to admit our own.


We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We've received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.


Experiencing God's affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys. Take time to memorize this verse on biblical love... and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.
-Charles Stanley  

Do evil spirits interfere in our lives????

 This is the best illustration I have read regarding this subject... written by Neil Anderson. I hope you read it all....

How do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.

But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.
What is the enemy's goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18, 19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.

If I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Everyone has faith in something!

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

The fact that you claim to believe is not the issue of faith. It's what you believe or in whom you believe that will determine whether or not your faith will be rewarded.

Everybody walks by faith every day. Every time you drive on the highway, you do so by faith. Are the objects of your faith on the highway reliable? Most of the time they are because most drivers drive safely. But you may have been involved in an accident because you placed your faith in another driver who proved to be untrustworthy.
What happens when the object of your faith fails you? When I was in a wreck... I trusted no one behind me!!!! 

Once faith is damaged or lost, it is very difficult to regain. Your belief isn't the problem; it's the object of your belief that destroys your faith. If your marriage partner has been unfaithful to you or a friend or relative has hurt you badly... your faith in that person is weak because he or she did not live up to your trust. When faith in a person is shattered, it may take months to rebuild it... if ever.

Some faith-objects are solid. You set your watch, plan your calendar, and schedule your day believing that the earth will continue to revolve on its axis and rotate around the sun at its current speed. If the earth's orbit shifted just a few degrees, our lives would be turned to chaos. But so far it's been among the most trusted faith-objects we have.

The ultimate faith-object, of course, is not the sun, but the Son. It is the fact that He never changes that makes Him trustworthy (Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6). He has never failed to be and do all that He said He would be and do. He is eternally faithful.

Prayer: All I have needed Your hand has provided. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

I'm sorry... I was wrong... again. Forgive me!

1 Corinthians 10:13

Today is my dad's birthday... he would have turned 88 today. All of us agree the verse above was my dad.  I need to strive to be that way... to please my God above else.

I have been feeling kind of ashamed of myself since yesterday. I ranted on my blog about being ignored by my family.... my kids.  About how much it hurts.  Which is all true.  I always wanted a closer relationship with them and they are so hot and cold with me and I find myself questioning what I did to make them this way to me. Part of me wants to turn away from them, put up my wall so I won't hurt. I feel like I give so much and get nothing back.

The problem with this thought process... it is all about me.  Not good.  This was my devotion today.  I have refocused before and will try again!!!

Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others of value and not just self. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!"

Prayer:

Holy God and Sacrificial Father, teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Without faith... what do you have????

Faith! What do people do without it???  Toben writes exactly how I felt when I went through Lanny's crisis... and I want to share...

Joanne had a stroke a month ago .... here are her husband, Toben's thoughts:

But I can also tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has provided a peace that passes understanding. Sometimes I think some people expect me to be a train wreck and that somehow I must be really stuffing it all in order to keep it together for Joanne and the girls and the family. But that's not the case. Yes, I have struggled with anxiety, fear, doubt, shock and exhaustion. I have cried, I have felt tightness in my chest like I can't breath, I have felt like I am outside my body looking in at a situation that is so bad that it can't possibly be real. But there is a peace there too and I know that it can only be coming from one place, because I know for a fact that I would be that train wreck without my relationship with Jesus.
A dear friend of mine when through an equally difficult time over a year ago and I remember him saying that it was so bad, he probably wouldn't have lived through it if it weren't for his faith. Now I know exactly what he means. The pain is too much to bear without faith. Simple as that.

I know that faith. I know that peace. I remember when Lanny was in crisis... my mom told me she was so proud of me... but I knew the praise went to Jesus!  For those that don't know... in the summer of 2007... Lanny had a heart attack (which we didn't know he was having until I drove him into the hospital.. and he still denied). He was in the hospital 3 weeks. He had 2 more heart attacks in the hospital and one was having more on his way to his final surgery. They tried stints 3 times which all failed. They thought about drilling and breaking the stint they put in that wasn't working...  but then it could go to the brain and cause a stroke or kill him. They were giving him heperin which they found out he was allergic to after a week and his platelet count went so low he almost died! Each heart attack he could have almost died!  So they did bypass... his heart was so angry they thought he wouldn't make it. 

He went through sooooo much.  As his wife and soulmate... so did I. God was with Lanny. God was with me. If you know how emotional I can get... it is a true miracle!!!  But God!!!! If it wasn't for my faith in Him and His care.... I don't think I could have handled it all.  So this morning I am so thankful for my faith and praise Him!!!!

My verses during time of struggle... be blessed!
For more on Joanne's blog... please pray!
http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/

Do you love your enemies???

 Sometimes people are mean! Life is hard.  It doesn't seem fair how people treat you.  I experience it. But what does God say?

 Sometimes this is soooo hard!!! But it isn't a suggestion from God... he TELLS us to!
I think enemy is such a strong word... like hate. To me an enemy is someone who wants to do me harm. I cannot believe I have enemies... or hate in my life. I don't see anyone as an "enemy" ... maybe people see me that way though.  I've wronged people ...and have been forgiven by God. This is where the love of God comes in.... to forgive others, forgive myself, and pray for the person who hates me....  and the people I have forgiven but I need to let go of what they did or are still doing in my life. I do believe there are times I automatically think the worst of certain people...things that are probably not true. I believe others do that to me too.  I have to remember MOST people have good intentions. And like Dr. Phil says "People don't think about you half as much as you think!" lol! When these thoughts come to mind I need to pray for them! My friend, Ernestine told me once when you are angry with someone to stop and pray for that person! It is tough... but she was right! I miss her!There are so many privileges of being a child of God... forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with Him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship with God, and victory when Christ comes. But I think another huge privilege is we get the opportunity to act toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the character of God himself. Anyone can return hate for hate, but it takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for their enemies. Am I willing to let God shine through me???

Matthew 5:43-48 (New International Version)

Love for Enemies

     “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 children 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 own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

He is always there ...no matter what!

Do you really realize God is ALWAYS with you????
When you "feel" alone.... you're not. He is there.
When you "feel" weak.... you're not. He is there.
When you don't "feel" Him... He is STILL there!!!

When you are happy... He is rejoicing with you!
When your heart is breaking... His is too.
When you sin.... He is sad.

He is with you ALL THE TIME!

Not just when you "feel" Him.
He will NEVER let go of you!!!
You cannot do or think any thing without Him there!
Praise God for His presence in your life... through the good and bad!

God is there. For you. Today. Always. Forever. He is there... For you! And He wants you to know it. He wants you to live in this reality. It does not depend on your feelings or your thoughts. He is there, for you. Always. He is your Friend. He listens to your complaints and He is full of attention when you are hurting. He is there. For you. He listens and He is full of understanding. Don’t doubt that. He is there. He knows. He listens. He understands. He will help you. He is the One who never leaves you. He is faithful. He is the One who helps you. He is your Friend. You can share your heart with Him. Your joys and your griefs. Your dreams and your fears. He is your Friend. Your faithful one. Trust Him. He is there. For you. I am with you... I am with you. Always. No matter what your life looks like. No matter what you are thinking. No matter what is happening around you. I am. I am with you. Always. I made the decision to serve and love you. Always. My hand is upon you, my child. My hand will guide and lead you. My hand will protect you. My hand will strengthen you. My hand will never leave you. I have made the choice to help you. I have made the choice to love you. I have made the choice to be there. For you. So rest in Me. So rest in My presence. So rest in the assurance that I do not leave you. Rest, my child and find healing. Rest and find life. Rest and find Me. I am. With you. I love you. Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

What GOD says...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:5, 6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23, 24 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19, 20 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD . They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. Psalm 89:14-16 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Christian lyrics - YOU NEVER LET GO LYRICS - MATT REDMAN

Constraining or Protecting?

Some people think of the Christian life just a bunch of rules ... that you can't have any fun..... you're restricted. But it makes you wonder which of God's commandments they are struggling with. Does the fact that God forbids stealing, lying, and murdering people really bother them?

There is this story of a man who found a brightly colored little bird nestled in the grass of our backyard that looked like someone's pet. When my son borrowed a cage from a neighbor, the little bird hopped in, jumped on the perch, and started swinging away. He didn't see the bars of that cage as a prison that kept him in, but as walls of protection that kept predators out.


In the same way we can either look at God's commandments as constraining... or we can see them for what they really are: a barrier of protection.

Are you a sinner saved by grace? Really????

1 Corinthians 15:10
By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain

If you believe that you are part light and part darkness, part saint and part sinner, you will live in a very mediocre manner with little to distinguish you from the non-Christian. You may confess your proneness to sin and strive to do better, but you will live a continually defeated life because you see yourself to be only "a sinner saved by grace" who is hanging on until the rapture. Satan knows he can do nothing about who you really are, but if he can get you to believe you are no different from the natural person, then you will behave no differently from the natural person.

Why does this profile describe so many Christians? Because we are ignorant of our true identity in Christ. God's work of atonement in changing sinners to saints is His greatest accomplishment on earth. The inner change is effected at the moment of salvation... this is justification. The outer change in the believer's daily walk continues throughout life... this is sanctification.  But the progressive work of sanctification is only fully effective when the radical, inner transformation of justification is realized and appropriated by faith.

"But didn't I read somewhere that Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners?" you may ask. Yes, but he was referring to his nature before his conversion to Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-16). He made a similar statement in 1 Corinthians 15:9, but continued by saying: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain" (verse 10). Paul knew that who he was before Christ and who he became in Christ were two separate identities.

If you claim to be just a sinner, what will you do? You will sin! You are professing that sin is at the core of your identity. That's not what the Bible teaches. Why don't we just believe God that Jesus is at the core of our being and then begin to live like it by His Spirit?

Are you out of control? No? Think again!

Have you figured out yet that a lot of times you are your own worst enemy? It’s your own reactions, your own fears, your own inadequacies that cause you to act in foolish ways. I know that’s true for me.
I need to be saved from myself because there are things I don’t like about me – things I wish I had done differently, things I’d like to change. But I can’t change them, not on my own power. I need an outside power source.
You may be saying, “I can change.” I hate to say this, but you can’t. Every year about this time, we make a list of New Year’s resolutions. But, by the end of January, that list will be in the dumpster. Why? Because you can’t change on your own; you need God’s power. You need a Savior, someone who can make the changes you can’t make yourself.
God never wastes energy. He doesn’t waste effort on things that are unnecessary. In other words, if you didn’t need a Savior, he wouldn’t have sent one. The very fact that God sent a Savior means you need one.
The truth is, if you are honest about it, sometimes you feel like your life is out of control. That’s a pretty common feeling. Welcome to the human race!
The apostle Paul felt that way 2,000 years ago. Paul says this in the Bible: “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does” (Romans 7:24-25, The Message).That’s the answer!
You may be looking for salvation in the wrong places, that’s why you’re frustrated. You’re looking for that one thing that’s going to give you fulfillment and meaning and peace in life.
Some of us think that if we could just get married, or if we could just get a certain job, or a promotion, or attain a certain level of wealth, or have a baby – or if our babies would grow up and graduate! – things would be great.
You’re looking in the wrong places. The answer is not in a place. It’s not in a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life is never going to make sense.

Are you a control freak? Come on... admit it! Get help here!

Joanne... the lady I have been praying for that had a stroke a couple weeks ago... last year took a piece out of this book she was reading and I thought it would be a good devotion to share....

 JOANNE:
Control is one that seems to be for life. Though I am learning to let go. (Hmm...let go. That seems to be another recurring phrase lately.)
Anyway. Today's reading on control from this book is one I felt compelled to share with you.

CONTROL

Entrust your loved ones to Me (GOD). They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.
Sometimes you confuse loving others with rescuing them. When a loved one has a problem, you often feel responsible to come up with a solution. Then you plunge headlong into problem-solving mode, as if you're obligated to provide sound advice. I want to help you stop feeling responsible to fix people since that is My role--not yours.
It is My prerogative to bring about change in people's lives as I choose to do so. You can be part of the process, but remember that I am the Author and Director of the drama. You need to follow My script rather than creating your own. Do not usurp My role in people's lives, no matter how much you long to help them.
When you feel compelled to rescue a loved one, take a good look at the quality of your love. Learn from Me, because I have all authority in heaven and on earth: I could rescue or control anyone at will. Yet I intentionally created people with the capacity to choose good or evil. I wanted them to be free to love Me--or not. Love that has no choice is not real!
Subordinate your deficient, controlling love to My perfect, empowering Love. Prayerfully release your loved ones into My protective care. Restrain your urges to solves their problems. Instead, use your time and energy to listen to them and pray for them. Trust in My Love and My unsearchable wisdom. I can work changes in your loved ones' lives beyond anything you might ask or imagine. As you release these precious ones to Me, linger awhile in My unfailing love--for them and also for you.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8)

New Age.... now we're getting touchy!

1 Corinthians 10:20
I do not want you to become sharers in demons

Christians have been questioning the reality of demonic influence in the church... and the world has charged into it with reckless abandon...as best seen in the popularity of the New Age Movement. People don't get it! They accept anything! There is a growing popularity of the supernatural and the increased visibility of Satanism. New Age mysticism, which gathered its greatest strength with the influx of Eastern religions in the 1960s, has been popularized by a host of celebrities in the 1980s. It's commonplace to hear channelers (mediums) on radio and TV talk shows boasting about their spirit guides (demons).

But the New Age Movement is not just a celebrity issue. New Age philosophy is making significant inroads into business, education and even religion across our nation. Recently students attended a conference where participants were involved in a meditation exercise. The leader challenged everyone to imagine a spirit guide coming alongside. The speaker concluded the exercise by saying, "Now invite your spirit guide to come in." Wow. The devil was giving altar calls just two blocks from Biola University!

Does the spread of New Age and the occult worry you or frighten you? It need not. In Christ you have every resource to drive awayl any threat of darkness in your life or family. Stand on the truth of His Word and walk in the light of your identity in Christ.

Prayer: Keep me alert today, Lord, to what the devil is attempting in my world so that I may tear down his strongholds with the weapons of the Spirit.

To be blunt..... Heaven or Hell?

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." —Matthew 12:38

Sometimes we think that if we could do a miracle our friends would come to faith in Christ. We might be thinking, If I could just pray and this person was healed.... they would believe right there.  But you know what? That wouldn't convince them. Even though Jesus raised people from the dead and even after He was bodily raised from the dead and people saw Him with their own eyes... they still rejected Him.

The religious leaders went to Jesus one day and asked Jesus for a "miraculous sign". They were basically saying, "Hey, do a trick for us, Jesus!" But Jesus told them, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:39-40).

What Jesus was telling them was "Here is my sign to a lost world: I am going to a cross. I will die, and I will rise again from the dead. You can accept that and be forgiven, or you can reject that and not be forgiven. So that is your choice."

And that is our choice as well. What will you do with Jesus? To accept in faith what Jesus has done for you and be forgiven .... you just have to pray these words and you will be written in the book of Life! Question is Heaven or hell?

"God, I know I'm a sinner. I know I'm not perfect. But I want You to come into me life. Be my God for the rest of my life. I turn from my sin now. Help me to stay with you all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen"

What most often distracts you or tempts you to stray from the straight path?

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
You can’t walk straight while blindfolded. You can try, and maybe succeed for a while... but soon  you’ll start to go slightly to one side or the other. It is a fact that people apparently go in circles when they can’t see a focal point... like a mountain top, a sun, a moon. Without it there’s something inside us that won’t stay straight. That is why Joel told Dylan on his cell phone to focus on something when him and Jordy were lost in the woods.

Have you ever heard the saying: the line between truth and error is as thin as a razor but as hard as a diamond.?  The trouble is that it’s often hard to see the line. How do I know if I’ve stepped to the side? There are so many competing messages in our world. Despite faithful and well-intentioned devotional reading and prayer in the morning, by the time you complete your day.... you may have been bombarded with hundreds of distractions.
Paul asked the Galatian church: “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7)

The only way to keep going along the straight path is for us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We are not saved by our ability to keep ourselves on the straight path. Jesus is the author (the source, or cause) of our faith... and also the perfecter (the completer or finisher) of our faith. He is not only Holy God and our Lord and Savior.... Jesus is the model of our faith. Only by keeping our eyes on Him and trusting in Him will we stay on the straight path.
We should be asking ourselves: “Is this the most loving, God-honoring choice I could make?” 

Fix your eyes on Jesus, and He will guide your steps so that you will finish the race and be able to say along with Paul “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Why people reject Jesus!

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because it interfered with the way they wanted to live. And that is why people reject Him today. Jesus said, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:19-20).


People don't reject Jesus because they have carefully examined the evidence and have determined that it is not convincing enough.

They don't reject Him because they have read through the Scriptures and have found some apparent contradiction.

They don't reject Him because of the so-called hypocrisy of some in the church.

They reject Him because He interferes with the way they want to live. 

-Greg Laurie

"Give Them All To Jesus" By Candy Hemphill Christmas

HE WILL CARRY YOU by SCOTT WESLEY BROWN with lyrics

Rest.... just relax and rest!

God is the only place to put your trust. Sometimes do you doubt that? It's ok... but we need to use those times to remember how He has taken care of us in the past, how He took care of His people in Scripture.... time after time... even when they didn't obey Him or stay true to Him!
If you look at your past... you will see a thread of His faithfulness running through your life. Can you see a time where you wondered where He was.... but looking back His care is obvious? God is trustworthy. You can run to Him and hide in His love. You can trust Him to hold you up with those amazingly strong arms.... regardless of what comes into your life!  You can trust Him because He loves you!
I am looking at my bills this morning... wondering how to pay them and worse yet... next month! Lanny has no hours at Walmart and I won't have a job either. There is not enough to pay our bills! Have you ever found yourself here?  It should be a time to panic! All I can do is lay my hands on the bills and pray. I can trust Him to handle my worries and fears. He will guide me! He will hold me up! He has done it before.... and He will continue to do it! I thank God for holding me in His arms and letting me rest!

Satan and sin have not died!

DEAD TO SIN Romans 6:11, 12

Sin is living our lives independently of God. It's the result of being deceived by Satan to believe that our meaning and purpose in life can be achieved apart from a personal relationship with, and obedience to, the Creator of life (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; 1 John 5:12).

Satan is at the heart of all sin (1 John 3:8). He deceives people into believing a lie and counsels them to rebel against God.

When you received Christ you died to sin and its power to dominate you was broken. Satan and sin have not died; they are still strong and appealing. But you no longer have to sin because you are dead to sin!!!  You are alive... but alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11).

You are not dead to sin because you consider it so; you consider it so because it is so. In Christ you have already died to sin.

Paul goes on to say that we are not to use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (verse 13). If we do, we allow sin to rule in our mortal bodies. For example, it is virtually impossible for someone to commit a sexual sin and not use his body as an instrument of unrighteousness, allowing sin to rule. Ask the Lord to reveal to your mind how you have wrongly used your body, especially sexually. Renounce that wrong use and then submit your body to God as a living sacrifice.

It is your responsibility not to let "sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts" (Romans 6:12).

Prayer: Loving Lord, I know that sin's power over me has been broken. Help me live today in the light of that truth by renouncing sin and submitting my body to You.