The most important thing about Jesus is having Him in your heart; inviting Him in, giving Him full access to every room, talking with Him about everything, sharing all your secrets with Him, asking His advice on everything, and letting Him decorate how He wants to. Then constantly working on your private relationship with Him, figuring out how He speaks to you, so that you fully understand each other. This is going to be different for each person. He is not the author of fear or confusion. He will guide you through love if you let Him. The more you grow, the deeper your relationship with Him gets, the more you can share His love…
“Love is patient and kind.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
Agape love cares for others because God has cared for us.
Agape love goes beyond sentiment and good wishes.
Because God loved first, agape love responds.
Because God was gracious, agape love
forgives the mistake when the offense is high.
Agape offers patience when stress is abundant
and extends kindness when kindness is rare.
Why?
Because God offered us both.
~ Max Lucado
1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV
Promise #272: You have an everlasting inheritance reserved in heaven for you.
Father, we thank you for your abundant mercy expressed through the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! When times get tough and the near future looks bleak, may we lift up our eyes to see the amazing future that is in store for us and may we be filled with hope knowing that you really are a faithful Father!
Photo by Barry Adams
By Jon Walker
This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other. (John 13:35 MSG)
True love is never in the abstract. ‘We’ll never carry out our mission of being witnesses to Christ from behind pulpits or within Bible studies. We’re commissioned to “go therefore” and fill the earth with the presence of Christ so others may “observe” what He commanded us — to love one another as He loves us (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB; John 13:34).
We are to take our unseen and eternal fellowship, our oneness with Him and each other, into the seen and temporal lives of others.
To “observe” something, it must be seen. As others observe us, watch us “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, intent on one purpose; not merely looking out for our own personal interests, but also for each other’s interests (Philippians 2:3-4),” they will naturally wonder where such uncommon attitudes come from.
And we have opportunity to say, “This is the attitude that ‘is in Christ Jesus who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, being made in the likeness of men’” (Philippians 2:5-7).
In a fallen and self-oriented world, both that attitude and practice are particularly uncommon and profoundly noticeable. The witness of the reality of Christ and His love through our authentic and loving relationships is a living testimony that the world must deal with. Jesus’ personal and sacrificial love creates a safe place, a refuge, an opportunity to “be” that every person needs.
This devotional is based on my book, Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s ‘The Cost of Discipleship’.
We now have free small group study guides posted for each chapter from Costly Grace. The study guides are available at http://www.gracecreates.com/free-stuff/.
‘Honey, I love you in an abstract way’ is a post from: GraceCreates Jon Walker is the author of Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ and Growing with Purpose. He has served on staff at Saddleback Church and Purpose Driven Ministries and is currently the managing editor of Rick Warren’s Daily Devotionals and the Ministry Toolbox. Contact him at questions@gracecreates.com. This article is copyrighted 2011 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
For me to live is Christ [His life in me]
Philippians 1:21 AMP
Jesus is the way.
He is not only the Way to God, but He is the Way into all that God has for us.
He is the Way into our devotions,
to our Bible reading,
to our prayer life,
to our ministry,
and to all that we do for Him.
In reality, we do not do our work for Him,
but He does His work through us.
With Jesus in the center of our being,
we are no longer victims of our expectations,
circumstances,
and the things we can’t control.
We discover that it’s okay if people don’t meet our expectations,
because Jesus is our expectation.
Schedules may be good,
but they don’t produce life within us because
Jesus is our life.
–Don Lessin
VERSE:
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the
LORD rejoice.
— 1 Chronicles 16:10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Chronicles+16:10
THOUGHT:
What is your glory? Do you glory in your accomplishments, your
wealth, your status, your looks, your piety, your humility …? In
the old hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” we confess, “My glory,
all the Cross.” That’s what Christians mean when we “glory in God’s
holy name.” Our full understanding of God’s holy name has been
greatly expanded by Jesus. He taught us to not only reverence the
name of God, but also to call him Father. Any other cause of joy,
any other basis for boasting, is a passing illusion. For those
whose hearts seek the LORD, glory is found in reverencing the holy
name of the Father who gave up his precious Son so we could be his
children. He loves us that much. Incredible!
PRAYER:
You have blessed me in so many ways, Father. How can I ever
begin to thank you properly? I confess that I sometimes seek
notoriety and glory for myself even though I know it is fleeting
and often it is only the false flattery of those who want something
from me. But deep in my heart, dear God, I know that my true glory
is found in the adoption covenant you signed with your grace. Thank
you! Words cannot capture my appreciation, but please know that I
look forward to being eternally grateful for all that you have
done. May the glory be yours in heaven and throughout the earth,
both now and forevermore. In the name of Jesus I praise you. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110929
Gabriel’s Precious Journey | His Unbelievable Life.
A heart-wrenching story, but one that needs to be told, and one in which all of us come together to hold this family up in prayer.
Why Are You Still Outside? | BROKEN BELIEVERS.
gain, brother, you have reached out and touched my heart. Thank you for your vulnerability in reaching out to those of us who are truly “Broken Believers”. Blessings.
Wow! You know how to challenge us, don’t you, Debbie? Amazing gift! You go straight to the core and make us think. It’s one of the reasons I love reading your blog. You are helping me grow. Thanks, and Blessings. Sharon
What is our excuse for not following Jesus today? « Factum non iustus lacuna….
A wonderful message challenging us to check our motives to see if we are following Jesus completely.
VERSE:
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God.
— 1 Peter 3:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Peter+3:18
THOUGHT:
It sounds so simple and straightforward, doesn’t it? Kinda like
the newspaper headline about someone dying we don’t know. Just
cold, hard facts! But we know differently. Underneath this
statement of grace lies the broken heart of God, the sacrifice of
heaven, the brutality of supposedly religious men, and the
searching love of our God who would not abandon us to the cruel
“Deathmaster.” For those who knew animal sacrifice, with its high
personal cost and animal sacrifices, this verse is more than a
headline: it is a “graceline.” Once for all — no more sacrifices
needed. Bring you to God — no more distance, no intermediaries
between God and us. Jesus is heaven’s open door and God’s open
heart saying, “Come home; we’ve been waiting for you.”
PRAYER:
What words, O gracious Father, can I use to express my
appreciation for your sacrifice and grace? I have none sufficient
to say what I feel. But even in this realization, I know the gift
of your Spirit ensures that you hear my words and my heart. Every
good and lasting thing I have comes from your grace. Please receive
my undying love and my heartfelt praise for all you are, for all
you have done, and for all that you will be. In Jesus’ precious
name I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110928
Romans 16:20 KJV
Promise #271: I will soon crush the evil one under your feet.
We know that in this world, we will have trouble in life because we live in a fallen world. Hurting people hurt other people and the cause and effect of a fallen humanity causes many evil things to happen. However, that does not mean that we are in subjection to the prince of the power of air. In James 4:7, the Bible says, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
In Romans 8:37, Paul says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. As Paul continues to write the book of Romans, he goes on to say in today’s promise found in Romans 16:20, that the God of peace will soon crush the evil one beneath our feet. No matter what circumstances you are facing today, be encouraged that our God and Father will soon give us an eternal victory and crush the evil one beneath our feet! …So rest in this amazing promise and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Photo by Barry Adams
Jude 1:24 KJV
Promise #270: I will keep you from falling until you joyfully stand blameless in My presence.
I love the thought that when Jesus presents us to God, He will do so with exceeding joy! The Amplified Bible describes it as… triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]. It will absolutely thrill the heart of Jesus to present us blameless before His Father on the day that we will see Him face to face!
We have nothing to fear about our future. Jesus has promised to be faithful to keep us from falling and will one day present us completely blameless before His Father and our Father in triumphant joy with unspeakable, ecstatic delight! Hallelujah!!!!!!
Photo by Martin Smith
VERSE:
The inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, “Let us
go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself
am going.”
— Zechariah 8:21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Zechariah+8:21
THOUGHT:
This Messianic message from Zechariah anticipates the day of the
LORD’s redemption. Many different peoples, from all over the world,
will come looking for the great mercy of God. God’s people will
have one key phrase on their hearts: “Let’s go seek the presence of
God. I’m going; why don’t you join me?” As believers, we know Jesus
has come, has died, and has been raised from the dead. We know
Jesus is returning with salvation for all who truly know and follow
him. Let’s ask others to join us in going to the great celebration
of grace and salvation at his return!
PRAYER:
Loving Father, I seek your presence daily in my life. Without
your guidance, love, holiness, and truth, I would be lost and
confused. Knowing that my destiny is with you, I look forward to
seeing you face to face as your child. Please lead me to those who
do not know you, but who are seeking you. Give me eyes to see them,
ears to hear their cry, and wisdom to know how to share your grace.
Use me to prepare them to meet you at the great Day of Redemption
that is coming with your Son. In the name of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110927
VERSE:
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest
heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on
it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything,
and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
— Nehemiah 9:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Nehemiah+9:6
THOUGHT:
Our praise is pretty irrelevant to everyone and everything but
us, those closest to us, and amazingly to God. In a universe so
vast, so much bigger than Nehemiah could have imagined, what is our
small voice and our song of praise? The billions of stars and
innumerable creatures of the immense seas all cry out that our
Creator is LORD. God will receive the worship of the angels and all
the heavenly beings. What difference does it make if we praise him?
To the universe, to be blunt, it doesn’t matter. But it does to us!
It matters even more to the LORD, who longs to be our Father and
wants to bring us into relationship with himself.
PRAYER:
Holy and amazing God, you alone are Lord — Lord of all creation
and Lord of my life. You are praised by all you have made. Your
works cry out and declare your creative genius and your loving
kindness. Father, I want to add my heartfelt praise to the chorus
of creation, the voices of the angels, and the praise of many who
have come before me. You are truly worthy to be praised. I gladly
offer you my words, my songs, my heart, and my life. In Jesus’
name. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110926
Psalm 23:4 KJV
Promise #269: When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you.
However, I do want to ask you to think of another application of this promise… Jesus told us that except a seed falls in the ground and dies, it abides alone (John 12:24). The principle of the Christian life is a continual letting go of things, allowing them to ‘die’, only to see them resurrected again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether those things are dreams or desires, the principle of the cross (death, burial, resurrection) is a resounding theme in the daily Christian life.
In that context, when you are feeling like God is asking you to surrender something dear to you, when you are in a sense walking through the shadow of death for something that you have hoped for, be comforted in knowing that God is very close to you in those times of surrender and His staff and rod will bring comfort to you. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy is coming in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)
Each of us should carry a thankful heart for every “yes”
we receive from God as an answer to prayer.
We can also be thankful He doesn’t say “yes” to prayers
that are not in agreement with His will—
prayers that are based on our wisdom and not on His;
that would bring leanness to our souls;
that would put us in the wrong place;
that would make us ineffective;
that would bring us into wrong relationships;
that would cause our hearts to cool;
that would keep us from His highest
and rob us of His best.
~ Roy Lessin
I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know, God answers prayer.
I know He gives His pledged word
Which tells me prayer is always heard,
And will be answered soon or late,
Though often it is hard to wait.
I know not if the blessing sought
Will come in just the way I thought;
I leave my prayer with Him alone,
Whose will is wiser than my own,
Assured that He will grant my quest,
Or send an answer far more blest.
-Unknown
And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 1 John 5:14 AMP
The best compliment I feel I can give you, full of gratitude as you share from your heart, is to press this on our blog. Blessings, dear friend.
Bits and Pieces « Women’s Window.
Amazing dream! So beautifully written. Insightful, and a wonderful gift from our Lord, to you, and then forwarded on to us. Blessings, Sharon
Israel Today Magazine
September 25, 2011
The Palestinian statehood bid provided a platform for many views and positions regarding the Middle East, including those of Evangelical Christians who no longer believe in the validity of the promises contained in the Bible.
In the run-up to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas officially requesting UN membership for the “State of Palestine,” Carl Medearis, a recognized expert on Middle East Christians, suggested on CNN’s Belief Blog that Jesus would support the Palestinian statehood motion.
“So how would Jesus vote this week if he had a seat at the UN?” Medearis asked. “Surely love, compassion, justice and peace-making would top his lists of concerns for all involved. Maybe he would give a new parable – the Parable of the Good Palestinian – offending all who would hear.”
Medearis continued by deriding the Christian Zionist movement and its insistence on a literal reading of the Bible:
“In their minds, the modern Israeli state is not only a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. In a bizarre twist that leaves most outsiders dumbfounded, Christian Zionists say the Bible predicts that Jews and Palestinians will forever be at war until Jesus returns.”
Medearis’ remarks were hotly debated in various publications, but it is not his personal view of the situation that is troubling. Medearis was merely the mouthpiece of a post-modern, humanist-infected strand of Christianity that no longer believes the Bible carries any literal meaning beyond the commandments regarding basic gestures of goodwill and proper moral behavior.
In other words, while it is still important to love one’s neighbor and not to steal, passages like Jeremiah 31:36-38 or Ezekiel 36:24-28 that confirm the eternal nature of Israel’s divine right to the land are, in Medearis’ words, “obscure Old Testament promises.”
In order to cement their position as the “sane Christians,” Medearis and others like him will highlight the often-unsympathetic positions of those perceived “lunatics” who do hold fast to the Bible’s every promise.
It is true that in their zealousness a good many Christian Zionists often spout rhetoric that is hateful toward the Palestinian Arabs. It is also true, as Medearis pointed out, that Yeshua told us to love our enemies, even those seeking Israel’s demise. But this point of supporting Israel (uncritically, Medearis wrongly claims) and opposing Palestinian statehood is not what Christian Zionism is really about, not at its core.
Christian Zionism is the recognition that long-awaited biblical promises and prophecies are being fulfilled in our time. It is about getting behind that fulfillment, and opposing efforts to reverse it. And though God may not actually need our help in preventing that attempted reversal, one day we will be held accountable for the stand we took (or didn’t take). Ultimately it is a question of whether or not God keeps His word and has the sovereignty in our lives to do so.
“Christian Zionists believe the scriptures are true, active and alive today. They believe that by acknowledging the truth that God has given the Land of Israel to the Jewish People as an everlasting inheritance we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty,” wrote local Messianic leader Eliyahu Ben-Chaim in his book Setting the Record Straight.
If God can renege on a promise to Israel that He repeatedly labeled as “everlasting,” surely we should all be concerned that other promises can be annulled or rewritten, like that promise of eternal life for the members of an equally sinful Church.
The truth is that God does not go back on or alter His promises. He made abundantly clear that the most important factor is the glory of His name. The biblical record has shown, even up to the present day with the rebirth of Israel, that when God makes a promise, He keeps it, not for our sake, but for the sake of His good name. To suggest otherwise is to attack not only God’s credibility, but, more detrimentally, the glory of His name.
“I have not lost any of the ones you gave me.”
John 18:9
Satan falls in the presence of Christ . . .
Satan is powerless against the protection of Christ.
When Jesus says He will keep you safe,
He means it.
Hell will have to get through Him to get to you.
Jesus is able to protect you.
When He says He will get you home,
He will get you home.
~ Max Lucado
Psalm 51:17 KJV
Promise #267: I will not reject the sacrifice of a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
King David wrote this Psalm after it became public knowledge that he had sinned with Bathsheba. His illegimate affair caused a world of hurt and pain for many people. It was at David’s lowest point, that he had a revelation of God’s love and kindness and mercy. Perhaps David expected God to reject him for his sin? Perhaps he was surprised to feel God’s nearness in the midst of his darkness?
Whatever he felt, he knew that God saw his broken heart, and God knew that David was truly sorry for his sin. For many of us, when we sin against God, we run in the opposite direction of Him assuming that He will turn away from us. The opposite is true! When we are our lowest point, He is very close to us and He promises to save those who are crushed in spirit.
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies
down.
— Proverbs 26:20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+26:20
THOUGHT:
Ol’ Smokey The Bear said: “Only you can prevent forest fires!”
Basically, that’s what the Wiseman says about gossip. We can turn
down the heat, douse the fire, and let the quarrel die. How? By not
supplying juicy morsels of gossip, by ditching the urge to spread
destructive innuendo, and by refusing to keep alive an ugly rumor.
Without gossip, the bitterness of a rivalry can dissolve and
relationships can mend.
PRAYER:
Forgive me, O God, for the times I have kept gossip alive or
have entertained the conversation of a gossip. Please bless and
heal those whom I have wounded with my participation in gossip.
Give me the strength to say only what is helpful to bless others,
the courage to mend the relationships that I have damaged because
of reckless words, and the wisdom to know how to discourage those
seeking to spread gossip. In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110924
“As many of you as were baptized into Christ
have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27 NKJV
You read it right. We have “put on” Christ.
When God looks at us He doesn’t see us; He sees Christ.
We “wear” Him.
We are hidden in Him;
we are covered by Him.
As the songs says,
“Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.”
Presumptuous, you say?
Sacrilegious?
It would be if it were my idea.
But it isn’t;
it’s His.
~ Max Lucado
Psalm 103:5 KJV
Promise #266: I will enrich your life and renew your youth like the eagle’s.
No matter how old we get, our God and Father promises to continue to renew our inner being so that we will have a spring in our step, a sparkle in our eye, and a sense of awe and wonder about life. May each one of us hold fast to this promise and not dread our future, but look forward to the renewing process where our youth will be renewed just like the eagle’s!
Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
Read all of Romans 5
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 21:4
Someday God will wipe away your tears.
The same hands that stretched the heavens will touch your cheeks.
The same hands that formed the mountains will caress your face.
The same hands that curled in agony
as the Roman spike cut through will someday
cup your face and brush away your tears.
~ Max Lucado
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then,
just as Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God.
Read all of Romans 15
Psalm 4:8 KJV
Promise #265: I will give you a peaceful sleep surrounded by safety.
Jesus was able to sleep on boats in the midst of storms. He is the Prince of Peace and has promised to give His peace to us. In John 14:27 Jesus says… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
His encouragement to us today is to not be afraid. He will make us to lie down in peace and have a restful sleep surrounded by His abiding sense of safety. For all those who struggle with geting a good night’s sleep, I pray that this promise would become a tangible reality for you today.
May you go to sleep tonight not dreading a night of tossing turning. May the tangible presence of the Prince of Peace surround you and envelope you with His love so that you can feel truly safe and you can have the best sleep of your life!
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Promise #264:
If you wait for Me, I will renew your strength.When we wait for somebody or something, we are actually in a posture of submission to somebody or something. For example, if you are waiting in a car for a friend, you have positioned yourself to be vulnerable to however long your friend takes to come into the car. When you are waiting in a doctor’s office, you have given the doctor and his/her staff the power to choose when your next in line for your appointment.
While we may see waiting as inactive, it is actually the opposite in many cases. For me, a self-described ‘type A personalty’, waiting can be very difficult at times. The longer I wait, the more I begin to scream on the inside for something to happen! For me, waiting isn’t passive or inactive, waiting for me is one of the most active things I can do.
In today’s promise, we read that if we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength. When we choose to humble ourselves before Almighty God and acknowledge that it is His will and direction that we are looking for, we are positioning ourselves to wait for Him to give us the guidance we are looking for. When we wait on Him, we are honoring Him and choosing not to ‘lean to our own understanding’ as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Waiting on the Lord is one of the most active things we can do. It can be difficult at times because we are not in control of when and where God will move. We simply wait for Him to do what He wants to do, but the promise that you and I have today is that when we wait for Him, He will be faithful to renew our strength!
tHE oLD mAN wITH hIS fEET iN tHE bUCKET « Women’s Window.
I wonder if Jeanne even knows what a great gift she really has for reaching out and touching lives in such poignant ways–through simply expressing what touches her.
I am honored that she has come into my life. That she shares the gifts that God has given her, and enriches my life each and every day.
I am going to my 5oth high school class reunion next week, and I am having somewhat of a hard time because I have difficulty just being me around anyone other than my husband. It’s not that I don’t like myself, the deep down inside of me. It’s just hard to be that vulnerable and not be afraid of what others will think.
I was the president of my class, and back in 1961 a girl class president in a little country community was a big deal (well, at least it was a big deal for me, since I was the first girl president EVER in our school which was established in the late 1890’s.)
Still, reading this message from Jeanne let me know that I am not only ok being me, I should just be the BEST me that I can be. And that will be good enough. God made me this way. He will use me this way.
Thank you, Jeanne, for again sharing a beautiful way to observe our purpose in life and giving me the courage to let go and just live the life I was intended to live. Just by being me.
How’s This For Nostalgia?
Do you remember when…..
All the girls had ugly gym uniforms?
And wore tennis shoes, not $200 Nike’s!
It took three minutes for the TV to warm up?
Nobody owned a purebred dog?
When a quarter was a decent allowance?
You’d reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?
Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?
You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped,
without asking, all for free, every time?
And you didn’t pay for air?
And, you got trading stamps to boot?
Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box?
It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner
at a real restaurant with your parents?
They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed…
and they did it!
When a 57 Chevy was everyone’s dream car…
to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races,
and people went steady?
No one ever asked where the car keys were
because they were always in the car, in the ignition,
and the doors were never locked?
Lying on your back in the grass with your friends… and saying things like, ‘That cloud looks like a… ‘?
Playing baseball with no adults to help kids
with the rules of the game?
Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals
because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger…
And with all our progress, don’t you just wish, just once,
you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace,
and share it with the children of today.
When being sent to the principal’s office was nothing
compared to the fate that awaited the student at home?
Basically we were in fear for our lives,
but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc.
Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat!
But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.
And our summers were filled with bike rides, Hula Hoops,
and visits to the pool, and eating Kool-Aid powder with sugar.
Didn’t that feel good, just to go back and say,
‘Yeah, I remember that’?
I am sharing this with you today because it ended with a
Double Dog Dare to pass it on…
To remember what a Double Dog Dare is, read on…
And remember that the perfect age is somewhere
between old enough to know better and too young to care.
Send this on to someone who can still remember Howdy Doody
and The Peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger,
The Shadow Knows, Nellie Bell ,
Roy and Dale,
Trigger and Buttermilk.
How Many Of These Do You Remember?
Candy cigarettes…
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside…
Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles…
Coffee shops with Table Side Jukeboxes…
Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum…
Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers…
Newsreels before the movie…
Telephone numbers with a word prefix…( Yukon 2-601). Party lines…
Peashooters…
Hi-Fi’s & 45 RPM records…
78 RPM records…
Mimeograph paper…
The Fort Apache Play Set…
Do You Remember a Time When Decisions were made by going…
‘eeny-meeny-miney-moe’?
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, ‘Do Over!’?
‘Race issue’ meant arguing about who ran the fastest?
Catching The Fireflies Could Happily Occupy An Entire Evening?
It wasn’t odd to have two or three ‘Best
Friends’…
Having a Weapon in School meant being caught with a Slingshot?
Saturday morning cartoons weren’t 30-minute commercials for action figures?
‘Oly-oly-oxen-free’ made perfect sense?
Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles?
The Worst Embarrassment was being picked last for a team?
War was a card game?
Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle?
Taking drugs meant orange flavored chewable aspirin?
Water balloons were the ultimate weapon?
If you can remember most or all of these,
Then You Have Lived!!!!!!!
Pass this on to anyone who may need a break from their
‘Grown-Up’ Life..
I Double-Dog-Dare-Ya!
VERSE:
Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our
days as of old.
— Lamentations 5:21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Lamentations+5:21
THOUGHT:
When these words were first spoken, they focused on God’s
restoration of Israel back to its place, its prominence, its life,
and its Temple. Yet from our vantage point, this prayer can be ours
as well. Restoration can mean Christ’s return which brings us home
to God. On that day, every barrier standing between God and us will
fall. Our mortality will be swallowed up in victory. We will see
God face to face and get to walk with him in the cool of the day as
his perfect children. May that day come soon!
PRAYER:
Holy and awesome God, I know a huge gulf stands between your
perfection and my limitations. Yet, dear Father, I believe you have
spanned that gulf with your grace. While I wait for that perfection
to dawn in all its fullness, please empower me for my battles with
the Evil One and deliver me from all spiritual harm and attack.
Until the day I see you face to face, please accept my
all-too-limited and human praise for all you have done to save me.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110921
Here, Eeyore, Have Some Thistles « The Risible Rambler.
Very good thoughts. It’ll make us think more about how we are perceived by others.
VERSE:
[The apostle Paul said,] “God did this so that men would seek
him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not
far from each one of us.”
— Acts 17:27
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Acts+17:27
THOUGHT:
Our seeking God longs to be sought! God placed his fingerprints
all over the universe and then gave us places to find life and
meaning. He had a purpose in this plan: he wanted us to seek the
One behind it all. He is never far away from us, but he longs to be
sought and found. When we seek after God, we are not only blessing
him, we’re also living out our life’s key task.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I long to know you more completely — as the
old hymn says to Jesus: “Beyond the sacred page, I seek thee Lord.
My spirit pants for thee O living Word.” Loving Father, I ask that
your presence would be recognizable in my daily life. I truly want
to get to know you, even as I am known by you. In the name of the
Savior I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110920
Isaiah 58:7-8 KJV
Promise #263: If you help the poor, your light will shine like the dawn.
The NLT version of Isaiah 58:8 says… “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.”
What a glorious promise! If we look after those who can’t look after themselves, then God will look after us in every way possible. Our wounds will quickly heal, the light of our godliness will lead us forward and the glory of the Lord will protect our backs! God’s heart is for the underdog. In every way, we too are underdogs that God protects and provides for. May we see the world through our Father’s eyes today and see the many opportunities He presents to us so that we can be a blessing to others.
Lord help us today to see the needs around us and be a manifestation of your love, life and provision to those who are in need. Thank you that as we help others, your love and your glory will keep us safe too.
Posted: 19 Sep 2011 03:32 AM PDT
The great and mighty things that God wants to show you
are often the answers to prayers that you have prayed.
Keep on asking,
keep on seeking,
keep on knocking—
answers will come,
doors will be opened,
promises will be fulfilled.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee,
and show thee great and mighty things,
which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 KJV
~ Roy Lessin
Prayer for the Acceptance of God’s Will | Kicking the Darkness.
Amazing thoughts!
Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV
Promise #262: If you honor Me with your firstfruits, you will overflow with abundance.
Why does God want us to give of our firstfruits? Does God need our money? Absolutely not! The Bible says that the entire earth is the Lord’s and all that it is in. God has no need of our resources whatsoever. What our God and Father longs for more than anything else is our heart …and Jesus told us that where our treasure is, there will our heart be also (Matthew 6:21).
When we honor God with the very first and best of what our hands have created, we are acknowledging that He is the source of all our blessing. When we choose to trust in His present and future supply of all our needs by giving to Him of our firstfruits, I believe it blesses His heart and moves Him to provide for us even more. It is wonderful to live in a kingdom where we don’t have to provide for ourselves, for we have a Father in heaven who knows all our needs and He delights to give us His kingdom!
VERSE:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
— Ephesians 4:29
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:29
THOUGHT:
The goal in Christian communication is not just clarity. Neither
is the goal just to be understood. The goal is not even just to be
truthful. The goal is to be appropriate, encouraging, and uplifting
to others based on the needs of that other person.
PRAYER:
Tender Shepherd, give me a heart that is pure so that my words
may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be
kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that
I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I
share conversation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110919
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Read all of Philippians 2
Hard to do sometimes, especially if others are giving us a hard time.
However, we are called to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength,
and our neighbor as ourself.
It goes along with “Do unto others as you
would have them do to you”.
With humility that comes from our Lord,
we can look at others with the
right attitude.
YSIC,
Sharon
1 Peter 3:9 KJV
Promise #261: I have called you to inherit My blessing.
That is why when someone acts in an ‘orphan-like’ way to us, even a brother or sister in Christ, we don’t have to respond in a similiar way, but with blessings. May each one of us be so filled with the revelation that we have been called to inherit a blessing, that we become an absolute outflow of blessings to others!
Brian Wilson was activated today, and pitched an amazing 8th. Praise the Lord, for the wonderful way He is working through the Giants team. We are still praying for them, and all teams, that they will not be injured.
When you get a team as dedicated to showing their appreciation to God, they will come under attack from the pd(pitchfork dude).
More and more players are acknowledging their reliance on help from our heavenly Father. Isn’t it great!
Related articles:
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need
to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I
may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.
1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you
forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for
you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes
your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR
list. Put it on MY to-do-list! . Let ME be the one to take care of the
problem. I can’t help you until you turn it over to me. And although my
to-do-list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you
put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME
Once you’ve given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs,
your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my
list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your
emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help
you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don’t wake up one morning and say, “Well, I’m feeling much stronger now,
I think I can handle it from here.” Why do you think you are feeling
stronger now? It’s simple. You gave me your burdens and I’m taking care
of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don’t you
know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where
you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do
my job.
5. TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I’m in control. But
there’s one thing I pray you never forget. Please don’t forget to talk to
me – OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include
me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about
your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with
me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can’t see from where you
are. Have faith in me that I know what I’m doing. Trust me, you wouldn’t
want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over
you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a
much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
Psalm 68:19 KJV
Promise #260: I carry your burdens every day.
I am thankful that our God promises to save us continually and to daily bear our burdens. When we feel the weight of the world on our own shoulders, may this promise encourage us that we are not called to carry the burdens ourselves. May we always be reminded of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 that says…
28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. KJV
If you are carrying a backpack full of worry and anxiety today, why not cast every care in that backpack on God because He really cares about you! (1 Peter 5:7)
The Hate-Crime Heard Round the World « Women’s Window.
Jeanne is an awesome writer. This message is really sobering. Makes you feel like you are there.
By Roy Lessin
Never put down trust, because that is something God wants you to carry;
Never pick up cares, because that is something God wants you to cast away.
“Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you”
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”
1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 10:35
Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV
Promise #259: You will find safety in My everlasting arms.
When our children were little, I absolutely loved holding our kiddies in my arms. It felt so good to me and I think our children enjoyed the safety and security of that feeling too. If as fathers, we were meant to be a foreshadow of the true Father, then I would imagine that God would feel the same sense of satisfaction and contentment when He holds us in His big strong arms.
In Psalm 27:1, David declares … The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? NIV. The reason David wasn’t afraid of his enemies was because he was completely aware that He was being protected by the everlasting arms of God Himself. May we all be encouraged today of this tangible reality. We will find safety in the everlasting arms of our Papa!
Photo by Carl Dyck
VERSE:
[Jesus said,] “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I
hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but
him who sent me.”
— John 5:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+5:30
THOUGHT:
“So who you tryin’ to please, anyway?” These words of my dad
still ring in my ears. His point? There are only two we MUST
please: (1) our Father in heaven, because all praise and honor is
due to him, and (2) ourselves, because we want to know that we’ve
done the best we could do and been the best we could be. But I
guess I’ve learned over the years that I can’t begin to do the
second of those very well without seeking the first one. Don’t you
hope that someday you reach the place where you can join Jesus in
saying with absolute assurance: “I seek not to please myself but
him who sent me!” The closer we approach that reality, the more we
realize that we can’t do anything of eternal significance on our
own. Only when we live to honor God do we find the significance and
have the impact that our lives were made to have.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Righteous Father, I know that without you I can do
nothing that is of lasting significance. I have tried my own way
and failed. I have sought my own good and seen my success
short-lived. I want to live now, today and the rest of my life to
please you. As I do this, I am confident that you will provide what
I need and that you will empower me to do what you would have me
do. In Jesus’ name I thank you. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV
Promise #258: I will be faithful to give you My strength and protection.
You can rest in the fact that you are safe and secure in your heavenly Father’s love. His Word is His bond and He is completely faithful to do all that He promises. May faith rise up in our hearts today to believe that God is who He says He is and that we are who He says we are!
We don’t have to defend ourselves from the onslaughts of an orphan world system because He has promised to defend and protect us! …After all, He is our Dad and that is what fathers do!
Photo by Martin Smith
VERSE:
Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly
and revere your God. I am the LORD.
— Leviticus 19:32
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Leviticus+19:32
THOUGHT:
In an age where respect is little known and even less practiced,
showing honor for those who are older is often overlooked. Yet in
this place, by the LORD’s own word, showing respect for the elderly
ranks right up there with reverencing God. But then we shouldn’t be
surprised, since God made honoring parents the very first
commandment (in the Ten Commandments — Exodus 20) directed at our
relationship with others — the first four commandments were
directed at our relationship with him!
PRAYER:
Holy and Eternal God, thank you for my parents in the flesh and
in the faith. Please give those who have been my spiritual mentors
a special blessing. Without their guidance, I’m not sure where I
would have ended up. Help me as I grow older to not only mature,
but to also gain the character that will be needed by those whom
you have placed before me to influence. May we, young and old
alike, restore dignity and respect to our relationships before you
in our generation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Wanted to share some input that a neighbor gave me today. A few days ago we were talking and she was all upset and depressed because she has lost her house, her wealth, her friends, her community activities from the old neighborhood, and has had two divorces, and is now living in an apartment.
The Holy Spirit prompted me to say to her, “God had you where He wanted you in the past, but He has you right where he wants you, now”.
She gave me this big hug and stood holding my hand, and said, “You don’t know how much that statement meant to me. My therapist doesn’t understand at all how I feel, but the way you said it made me know that you knew what to say in that moment.”
I told her, “I know it was the Holy Spirit prompting me as to what to say to you, ’cause in myself, I wouldn’t have known what to say.”
Just knowing that we minister to others and are being used by God to touch someone else’s life, is such a rewarding and warm, humbling feeling.
So I encourage all of us, to reach out with the Holy Spirit’s guiding, and touch someone today.
YSIC,
Sharon
“Do good to me, your servant, so I can live, so I can obey your word.”
Psalm 119:17
God loves to decorate.
God has to decorate.
Let Him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change.
Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace.
Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored.
God can no more leave a life unchanged
than a mother can leave her child’s tear untouched.
~ Max Lucado
By Roy Lessin
Without Jesus’ words we would be witnesses with nothing to say;
without Jesus’ authority we would be ambassadors with nothing to do;
without Jesus’ love we would be servants with nothing to give.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.
For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NLT
Psalm 18:34-35 KJV
Promise #257: I will train you for battle with My shield of salvation.
In today’s promise, King David paints an intimate picture of how God Himself trains him for battle. I really like the NIV Bible translation of Psalm 18:34-35…34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. NIV
What a picture of intimacy! Even in the midst of preparations for battle, David speaks of God that gently trains him and sustains him and even stoops down from heaven to make him great. No matter what battle you are facing today, be comforted in knowing that it is God Himself that will equip you to fight the good fight, for the battle belongs to the Lord. He will stoop down beside you, give you His shield of victory and His gentleness will make you great!
Philippians 2:1-2
[Imitating Christ’s Humility] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Read all of Philippians 2
Where is your ministry? « Factum non iustus lacuna….
Thank you, Jason, for sharing this wonderful message. It challenges me, once again, to reflect on my motives for what I do daily.
Posted: September 13, 2011 by joelcrosenberg in Uncategorized
http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/
The following is the text of the sermon I delivered Sunday night, September 11th during the “Wake Up Call.” The video will soon be posted online, and I’ll let you know where and when as soon as possible.
“FOUR REASONS WHY GOD IS SHAKING AMERICA AND THE WORLD”
Joel C. Rosenberg
September 11, 2011
Thank you. It is an honor to be here tonight — especially at this critical moment in American history, and in the history of the world.
Thousands of years ago, through the Hebrew Prophet Haggai, God told us what He was going to do — that He was going to shake us. “For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations…. I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations.’” (Haggai 2:6-7, 21-22)
That’s what Bible prophecy is – an intercept from the mind of the all-knowing, all-seeing God of the universe….a weather report from the future….a storm warning from the future — not so that we will be afraid, but so that we will be awake and ready and faithful and walking close to Jesus when the storms come.
None of us will ever forget that day — nor should we.
God didn’t cause 9/11 to happen….fanatics devoted to the false teachings of Radical Islam caused 9/11 to happen….but the True and Living God — the God of the Bible — let it happen to shake America….to get our attention….to wake us up.
I want to ask you some questions tonight as we reflect on 9/11, as we reflect on the state of our union, and the state of the Church, both here and around the world: On this anniversary of 9/11, are you morally and spiritually better off ten years ago? Is your family? Is your church?
Now is an appropriate time to take a spiritual audit — to assess how you’re doing morally and spiritually, how your family is doing, how your congregation is doing. Ten years ago, God shook us – the question is: Were we listening?
In the Book of Hebrews we read: “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” Hebrews 12:25-26)
Our Lord Jesus Christ — sitting with His disciples on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem — also warned in Matthew 24 that we would be shaken in the last days, those days leading up to Jesus’ return. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the power of the heavens will be shaken,” Jesus said. And then, when men least expect it, Jesus said, “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30)
America was shaken on 9/11. Today, God is shaking us again.
At the same time, our economy is being shaken to its core.
People are beginning to wonder if we can turn this thing around, or whether we’re heading towards an economic collapse, an economic implosion. Sometimes, it feels like we’re out on the middle of a frozen lake and suddenly we begin to hear the ice cracking under our feet. We haven’t plunged down into the icy waters yet, but we’re not sure where to step, or whether we can get back to the safety of the shore.
That’s the economy. But what of the state of our culture?
Where are the Christians? What difference are we making? The answer is painful too hear. Too many people who say they are Christians are asleep, or distracted, or intoxicated by the world. Like the old country and western song, “Looking for love in all the wrong places,” too many people who say they are Christians have been looking love and meaning and purpose outside of Christ and His love.
George Barna, the Christian pollster and researcher, has just released a fascinating but sobering book entitled, Futurecast, Which I commend to your attention. In it, he devotes consider time to analyzing the state of Christianity in America today, and it is revealing:
Clearly, there’s a disconnect between who we say we are, and what we say we believe, and how we’re living. Barna offers many examples. Let me share just two.
How is this possible? How can we be salt and light to the lost world around us if we are no different than that lost world? How can possibly hope for a spiritual revival or a Third Great Awakening in this land if we are barely all sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with one person a year? Jesus said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” This is an important question for us tonight.
Yet God isn’t merely shaking America — the Lord said through the prophet Haggai, “I will shake all the nations.”
The question is: Why is God shaking us?
The Bible teaches us that at this stage in history, God is shaking us not to punish us — though judgment will come.
There are, however, four reasons, I believe.
First, God is shaking us because He loves us and He wants us to repent – What is repentance? Some people think of it as a very heavy religious word. But my wife, Lynn, and I have tried to teach our four sons what repentance means in a very simple way. Our youngest is Noah, and so I’ll bring Noah over to my side and say, “Noah, start running away from me, out of the family room, through the kitchen and to the dinning room. Ready? Go!” So Noah starts running. Then suddenly I say, “Stop, Noah!” And he stops. And I say, “Repent, Noah.” And he turns around. And I say, “Come back to daddy!” And he comes running to me and jumps up in my arms and I hug him and kiss him. That’s repentance. God is telling to stop, because we’re running in the opposite direction, away from Him. He tells us to repent – to turn around – and to come running back to Him so that He can forgive us and dust us off and restore us. And that’s why He shakes us. He is trying to get us to let go of anything and everything we are holding – every form of ideology, or philosophy, or religious beliefs, or political beliefs, or material possessions – whatever we’re holding onto that we think will give us hope and peace and security other than Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.
Second, God is shaking us because He wants us to realize there is no One else who can satisfy us or give us true peace and security except Jesus Christ – no other water that will quench our spiritual and emotional thirst except His living water, and He wants us to discover Him and draw near to Him and drink the water only Jesus Christ gives us.
Third, God is shaking us because He has a mission for His Church, a mission for each follower of His – good works that He prepared before the world began that we should walk in them – and He doesn’t want us to miss the blessing of serving Him and seeing Him bear fruit through our lives of obedience.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel into Iraq four times in recent years. Last year, we were invited to bring a team of pastors and staff from The Joshua Fund to do a pastors conference in northern Iraq, near the province of Ninevah. We have a son named Jonah, and he really wanted to go with me so he could see Ninevah. Lynn and I weren’t so sure about that, but we prayed, and felt God’s peace, so Jonah came with me. But as we were flying in, a big storm came up and prevented our flight from landing in northern Iraq. We were diverted back to Amman, Jordan. There, I texted Lynn and told her what happened and said Jonah and I were disappointed and weren’t sure what was going to happen next. She texted back to say, “Don’t worry. This would be the first time in history that a Jonah wanted to go to Ninevah and God prevented him from going. But I think God is going to actually let you and Jonah get to Ninevah after all.” And she was right.
Now, in the Bible, the Lord gave the Hebrew prophet Jonah a mission — to take a warning of judgment and the urgency of repentance to the people of Ninevah in modern day northern Iraq, but Jonah refused to listen to the word of the Lord, and tried to run away from the Lord by boarding a ship that was heading for Tarshish, which is modern day southern Spain.
What happened? God began to shake Jonah’s world. We pick up the story in Jonah 1:4-6. “The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep. So the captain approached him and said, ‘How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.’”
Jonah — a man of God, a prophet of God, a teacher of God’s Word — was on the run from God, and asleep to His voice.
How convicting is this: that a pagan ship captain had to shake a teacher of God’s word, and wake him up, and beg him to pray for his salvation?
What about you? What mission has God given you? Are you obeying, or are you on the run from the Lord and asleep to His voice?
There is a fourth reason, too — the Lord is shaking us because Jesus Christ is coming back soon, and the time to get right with the Lord is running out.
How do we know Christ is coming back? Because He said so.
Revelation 22:12 – Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”
John 14:1-6 – Jesus said, “‘Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”
When is Jesus coming back? We don’t know exactly, because He didn’t tell us. “But of that day and hour no one knows,” Christ said, “not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matthew 24:36)
But our Lord Jesus did give us signs to watch for that would tell us when His return was near.
In Matthew 24, and Luke 21, and Mark 13, and throughout the Scriptures we find lists of signs:
Jesus said we will experience “birth pangs.” Are we not experiencing all these today?
But you say, Joel, when in history have we not had wars and revolutions and earthquakes and apostasy? What makes this period of time different from all others?
The answer is Israel. Bible prophecy makes it crystal clear that in the last days before the Second Coming, the world would witness the miraculous, prophetic rebirth of the State of Israel, Jews coming back to the Holy Land after centuries of exile, Jews rebuilding the ancient ruins, Israel becoming the epicenter of international attention, and growing international hostility and isolation — and we have seen all this happen in our lifetime.
The prophetic rebirth of Israel on May 14, 1948 — together with the reunification of Jerusalem under Jewish control in June 1967 — is what Bible scholars call the “super sign,” the definitive sign that we are truly in what the Bible calls the “last day” before the return of Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is symbolized as a “fig tree.” Jesus told us the “parable from the fig tree” in Matthew 24. Jesus said, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:32-33)
We don’t know the day or the hour, but Jesus said we would know the season, and we should be living as though His hand is on the door, ready to come back.
Matthew 24:42 — “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”
Matthew 24:43 – Be “on the alert.”
Matthew 24:44 – “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”
Are you ready to see Jesus face to face? Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? Are you absolutely sure that if you were to die tonight that you would go to heaven? Tonight, you can be certain.
Maybe you are already believer — maybe you have given your life to the Lord….but in your heart you know you’re not walking faithfully with Him….you’re drifting….or far away….tonight, God is calling you back to Him….He’s calling you to repent, turn around, come running back into His arms, asking for His forgiveness – for a fresh start, for a righteous and willing spirit. And the Scriptures tell us, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
But to start, we need to wake up.
The Hebrew Prophet Joel wrote: “Wake up and weep, you drunkards!” Why? “For the Day of the Lord is coming; surely it is near.” (Joel 1:5, 2:1)
The Lord Jesus said in the Book of Revelation to the Church in Sardis: “I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.” (Revelation 3:1-3)
Is that you tonight? Is that your family? Is that your church? Perhaps you have a reputation that you’re spiritually alive — but maybe that’s not how Jesus sees you. Maybe He sees you as dead inside. Maybe you’re not obeying Him. Maybe you’re not worshipping Him — not really — not with your heart. Maybe you’re not sharing the gospel with family or friends. Maybe you’re not making any disciples. Maybe you’ve never made a single disciple. Maybe you don’t know what it means to make a disciple, even though Jesus commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Where are you tonight? Are you awake, or asleep? Are you running with Jesus, or are you running from Him, and from the mission He has for your life — like Jonah?
Ten years ago, Americans got a wake up call. The 9/11 attacks stunned us, and they drove us back to church by the millions. But did it last? George Barna’s research shows that “after the 9/11 attacks, religious activity surged, but within two months, virtually every spiritual indicator available suggested that things were back to pre-attack levels.”[xxiv] In other words, the wake up call came and people jumped out of bed — but before long, they went back to sleep, back to business as usual.
But look at the list of signs that the Bible says we will see in the last days. Then look at what is happening in our world. Wouldn’t you say the list is being checked off, one by one? I would. Which is why I would this: if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ and you’re planning any major sins in your life right now, can I urge you to postpone those plans, or better yet, cancel them outright. This is not a good time to be goofing around. This is not a good time to be doing something, watching something, listening to something, reading something, spending time with someone or something for which you would be ashamed when Jesus comes back.
The Apostle John put it this way: “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)
Let’s be clear: the Bible tells us that these shakings are going to continue, and get worse, like birth pangs, increasing in frequency and intensity — contraction and release, contraction and release. Our Father is trying to wake us up before it is too late. Our Lord Jesus Christ is giving us time…..
Hebrews 12:28 — When we give our lives to Christ, the Scriptures say we will “receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken”
The Psalmist wrote: “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
And, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22).
Where are you tonight? Are you ready to meet Jesus face to face?
– End –
[i] Eric Blake, et al, “The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones From 1851 to 2010,” NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6, National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center, August 2011, p. 9, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf
[ii] “2011 Record Year For Weather Disasters,” UPI, August 19, 2011, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/08/19/2011-record-year-for-weather-disasters/UPI-57581313783153/
[iii] Marty Roney and Carolyn Pesce, “Dozens of Tornadoes Kill At Least 297 People In South,” USA Today, April 29, 2011, http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2011-04-28-deadly-tornado-south_n.htm?loc=interstitialskip.
[iv] See “Worst Fires On Record Ravage Texas,” Voice of America, http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Worst-Fires-on-Record-Ravage-Texas-129366213.html; see also, “Worst Drought In Texas History Ravages Crops, Livestock,” PBS NewsHour, August 31, 2011, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/weather/july-dec11/texasdrought_08-31.html,
[v] Katharine Q. Seeyle, “Above All, Eastern Quake Rattles Nerves,” New York Times, August 23, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/24/us/24quake.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all.
[vi] Richard McCormack, “The Plight of American Manufacturing,” American Prospect, December 29, 2009, http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_plight_of_american_manufacturing.
[vii] 1 trillion seconds is 31,688 years; see http://www.defeatthedebt.com/understanding-the-national-debt/millions-billions-trillions/
[viii] A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in August 2011 found 73 percent of Americans believing the country was on the “wrong track.” See Steve Holland, “Most Americans say U.S. on wrong track: poll,” Reuters, August 10, 2011.
[ix] Specifically, some 48 percent of Americans believe a Great Depression is coming, CNN poll released June 8, 2011.
[x] National Right To Life fact sheet, January 27, 2011, http://www.nrlc.org/Factsheets/FS03_AbortionInTheUS.pdf.
[xi] Jerry Ropelato, “Internet Pornography Statistics,” Internet Filter Software Reviews, http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics-pg2.html.
[xii] Ibid.
[xiii] George Barna, Futurecast (Carol Stream, IL: Barna/Tyndale House Publishers, 2011), p. 124.
[xiv] Barna, p. 132-134.
[xv] Barna, p. 132-134.
[xvi] Barna, p. 35.
[xvii] Barna, p. 172.
[xviii] “Japan Quake Worst Crisis Since WWII, Says PM,” BBC, March 13, 2011.
[xix] Nick Meo, “Australia Faces Biblical Floods,” U.K. Telegraph, January 1, 2011, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/8235159/Australia-faces-biblical-floods.html.
[xx] “Russia Struck By Worst Drought In 100 Years,” Voice of Russia, July 18, 2010, http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/07/18/12667465.html.
[xxi] “East China wheat basket braces for worst drought in 200 years,” Xinhua news service, February 8, 2011.
[xxii] “Christchurch earthquake leaves third of city buildings facing demolition: New Zealand’s PM says quake is country’s worst-ever disaster as death toll climbs to 145 and much of business district in ruins,” The (U.K.) Guardian, February 26, 2011.
[xxiii] The deadliest quake in all of human history occurred in 1556 A.D. in China. See “Earthquakes With 50,000 Or More Deaths,” U.S. Geological Survey, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/most_destructive.php, accessed September 2, 2011.
[xxiv] George Barna, “The Year’s Most Intriguing Findings, From Barna Research Studies,” Barna Update, December 17, 2011, http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/64-the-years-most-intriguing-findings-from-barna-research-studies.
Isaiah 30:21 KJV
In today’s Bible promise, God is saying that He is right behind us and He will tell us the way we should go. What a comforting thought to know that we are not left on our own to figure things out. God has committed to walk with us and to at times carry us on our life’s journey. Sometimes when I struggle to hear my Father’s direction, I wonder if it is because there is so many other thoughts swirling around in my brain that I just fail to hear His still small voice?
Experts say that we all have tens of thousands of thoughts chattering in our brain on an average day. Perhaps all that noise is drowning out the gentle, quiet whisper of our heavenly Dad who is standing behind us, willing to tell us where we should go if we will only quiet our mind to listen? This is why I think it says in Psalm 46:10 to ‘be still and know that I am God’.
The next time you need to know what path to take, why not quiet yourself (to the best of your ability) from all the chattering and opinions that swirl in your thought life and listen for the still small voice behind you? God has promised to be there and He has promised to be the voice that will direct you in the way you should go.
VERSE:
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the
counsel of the LORD.”
— 1 Kings 22:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Kings+22:5
THOUGHT:
This verse is from the wonderful story of Micaiah the prophet.
Jehoshaphat knew not to trust the counsel of false prophets. He was
adamant that before they went into battle with anyone, God’s people
needed to first seek the counsel of the Lord! This should also be
our approach to life. So often we ask God to bless what we’ve
already decided rather than spending time in prayer, fasting, and
Scripture seeking our Father’s will. Let’s not rush our decisions.
God has promised that he would lead us with his Spirit; let’s not
rush the Spirit’s input, or even worse, ignore it and then ask God
to bless us anyway!
PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, ruler of all nations and Sovereign over
all creation, please guide my decisions as I seek your will and
your glory. I want my life, my family, my work, and my ministry to
be lived in your will. I want to be your servant and not seek my
own way and my own glory. Thank you for sending your Spirit to help
illuminate your Word and lead me and to equip and empower me to
serve you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20 (the burning coals are a gift, a nice thing.)
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” Matthew 5:44
In stead of avoiding, we engage.
By faith we do the right thing, even if our “feelings” tell us not to and our heart is not in it.
As we invest in people, we begin to value them differently, and only good can come from that.
So take action and see what happens.
Think about it, pray and do something nice.
Bless someone who does not deserve it this week!
(This message is from Planet Ichthus Christian Gifts. I thought it was a great sentiment.)
Rainy Day People: Counseling Others in the Storm | BROKEN BELIEVERS.
Thank you, Bryan. I really appreciated this message. You’re right. Those who do not suffer from depression or a mental disorder, don’t understand. No offense to them. It’s just not possible. They can sympathize, but can’t empathize. My husband and I are both bipolar, borderline personality, and PTSD, to name a few of our disorders. Even though we empathize with each other, so many times we have to pray, hold each other, and let the crisis pass. Lately, I’ve been extremely depressed, and for no apparent reasons. It’s rough. It is a little corner of hell, or maybe a big corner sometimes. I know it’s horrible, and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. It’s especially hard when you know that you have absolutely everything in the world, and with God, that a person could ever hope for, and yet, the depression is there, eating your guts out. Thanks for sharing your heart and encouraging others to express and share from theirs.
You’ve Got Mail! « Women’s Window.
Very encouraging message.
September 12, 2011
My son, My son, why are you striving
You can’t add one thing to what’s been done for you
I did it all while I was dying
Rest in your faith, my peace will come to you.
-Keith Green
“My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27
We do not fret about self-preservation, for we know “we are immortal until our work is done.” We may live from hand to mouth, but it is God’s hand…it is blessed so to live.” –Vance Havner
But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from the Lord Jesus. Acts 20:24 AMP
Isaiah 65:24 KJV
Even though we go through these times of feeling isolated and distant, the truth is that God is not distant when we pray. God is closer to us than we could possibly imagine and today’s promise from Isaiah 65:24 is an encouragement that He will answer us even before we pray the prayer! In Matthew 6:8, Jesus affirms this promise by telling His disciples that their heavenly Father knows what they need before they even ask Him for it!
My prayer for each one of us today is that faith will rise up in our hearts when we pray to our heavenly Father because we know that He is fully engaged with us and is ready to answer even before we call out to Him!
VERSE:
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all
blessing and praise.
— Nehemiah 9:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Nehemiah+9:5
THOUGHT:
God loves to hear our praises and songs of adoration. He longs
to hear us call him Abba Father and King of the Ages. But better
than all the praise we can muster and higher than the highest
sounds of angels is something higher still: the very name of God.
Let’s make a commitment to revere and hold as holy the name of our
glorious God!
PRAYER:
Almighty God, Father of compassion and Creator of the Universe,
I praise you for exerting your will on our world. Now, dear Father,
please make your will clearly demonstrable in my life as I seek to
live for you so that your name will be exalted. In the holy name of
Jesus I pray. Amen.
Acts 17:27 KJV
Acts 17:27-28
27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
As you ponder this promise today, may God give you the awareness of the nearness of His presence to you. He is not far off in a distant land, but closer than you could possibly imagine for in Him we live and move and have our being. So reach out today and encounter the love of your Father that is with you wherever you go.
VERSE:
You, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it
in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of
the fatherless.
— Psalm 10:14
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+10:14
THOUGHT:
Those who take advantage of people who are powerless, who are
down on their luck, or who are in compromising situations, need to
know that God sees their actions and will hold them accountable.
Those who are in distress must keep their faith in God, trusting
that he sees, cares, and will send his help at the right time.
Those of us who fit neither category need to be working for the
deliverance and blessing of those who are facing difficulties and
hardships.
PRAYER:
Gracious God, please bless several people I know who are in
times of real distress and heartbreak. Please use me to minister to
them. But please, dear Father, fill them with your Spirit so they
will have the strength and courage necessary to endure. Bless them
with deliverance that is clearly from you, so that all will know
your grace and give glory to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead gave new life to our spirit man and we became baptised into the body of Christ. At that very moment, everything of our ‘old nature’ died, and a new life began. While this is a wonderful picture of our salvation, many of us still struggle with remnants of our old ways seemingly still alive and well in our soul.
Old thought patterns, familiar false beliefs, etc. seem to dominate our minds. The truth is that while these struggles are real, in actual fact, they are but just residue from our former life. The only power that they continue to hold over us is the power that we give them by agreeing with these thoughts. That is why we are called to not be conformed to this world any longer but transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1-2).
May today be the day when our inner man, a new creation in Christ, rises up and declares the truth of who we truly are! May God give us the courage today to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and rise up and receive our destiny as a joint-heir of Jesus. The truth really is that our old life has ended and all things have become new in Jesus Christ our Lord!
VERSE:
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
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Hebrews+12:2
THOUGHT:
Who is your hero? I’m not asking for the Sunday school class
answer, but the person you most actively admire! It is hard to “fix
our eyes on Jesus” because he is not here where we can see him like
other heroes. But he was the ultimate adventurer and trailblazer.
He faced the horrific penalty and shame of the cross, taking away
our sin! He did it so that we could have a hero that death and sin
could not destroy, mar, or taint. He did it so that we could be
confident that if we follow in his footsteps, the trail he blazed
wasn’t just for him, but for us, too!
PRAYER:
Holy God, forgive me when I chase what is false and let my focus
shift from Jesus as my ultimate hero. I want to honor and serve
him, having his life come alive in me, so that others may know the
confidence that comes in having Jesus as their Lord. Words cannot
express my gratitude to my Lord for his sacrifice and the horrible
price he paid for my sins. Neither can words express my jubilation
at his trailblazing victory that assures that I will someday be
with you forever! It is in his name, Jesus Christ, that I pray.
Amen.
VERSE:
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.
— Hebrews 11:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Hebrews+11:6
THOUGHT:
Our relationship with God is built on the atoning sacrifice of
Jesus and our acceptance of that sacrifice through obedient faith.
That faith trusts that God not only exists, but that he also
personally cares about us and our desire to know him. He eagerly
longs to bless those who seek him. What we find when we seek him,
however, is that all other blessings pale in comparison to knowing,
and being known by the eternal, immortal, and only true God!
PRAYER:
Holy God, I do seek to know you better. Please make your
presence known more powerfully in my life and in the life of your
Church. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Hebrews 8:12 KJV
The One who is limitless in every way, has chosen to intentionally forget every mistake, every failure, every time we have hurt Him and others because of the blood of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I wonder if I actually live each day in the knowledge that God has forgiven me so completely that He can’t even remember one time when I have sinned.
As Paul the Apostle said, “Do we keep on sinning that grace abound? God forbid!” However, if we allow the full weight of this promise to seep deep into our hearts, we won’t be continually re-counting our sin over and over in our own minds and perhaps in our prayers. Because of our Father’s great mercy, He chooses to forgive and then forget. Let us embrace the words of Paul in Philippians 3:12-14 today and choose to forget the things that God forgets…
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. NIV Bible
“A person is made right with God not by following the law,
but by trusting in Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 2:16
God is not stumped by an evil world.
He doesn’t gasp in amazement at the depth of our faith or the depth of our failures.
We can’t surprise God with our cruelties.
He knows the condition of the world . . . and loves it just the same.
For just when we find a place where God would never be (like on a cross),
we look again and there he is, in the flesh.
~ Max Lucado
Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)
By the unmerited favor of our God and Father and by the sacrifice of our savior and Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved from eternal separation from the Godhead. The motivation for such a great salvation is simply the love that God has for us. We don’t know why He decided to love us and sacrifice all that He had to gain our love, we just know that He does.
My prayer is that not one of us would miss the incredible simplicity of God’s heart for humanity. His motivation to save us was rooted and grounded in His love and great mercy. Period. He is not looking for servants, but sons and daughters. That is why Jesus died for you and I. So that you could be part of His family. May we all be in awe today of the salvation that has been so freely given to each one of us.
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Related Article:
(Note: The Bible is very clear in different passages warning us not to seek out mediums or spiritists. Even Astrology, Ouija boards, palm readers, ghost hunters are considered to be in those categories. So we should be aware of anything that would be in defiance of God’s Word.
VERSE:
Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be
defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
— Leviticus 19:31
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Leviticus+19:31
THOUGHT:
Our world has a re-emerging fascination with the occult and the
world of demons and witchcraft. It’s easy for us to react in one of
two dangerous ways: to downplay the reality of these things or to
dabble in them as matters of entertainment or amusement. God wants
us to know that these fascinations are dangerous because the evil
entities behind them are real and when we involve ourselves in
them, they defile us. God alone is God and is to be worshiped
without rival by his people.
PRAYER:
Holy and magnificent God, thank you for breaking the power and
hold of evil powers through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Please deliver those whom I know and love that are entrapped in one
way or another with a fascination with false gods and deceiving and
destructive spirits. Empower your Church with your Spirit; please
cleanse us and make us a holy people, undefiled and ready for your
service. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
Don’t ask God to do what you want.
Ask God to do what is right.
~ Max Lucado
Lead us not into temptation? The Lord’s Prayer « Anchor for the Soul.
A new understanding of “The Lord’s Prayer.
Martyrs in America? Maybe | BROKEN BELIEVERS.
A very thought-provoking message. Life as a Christian isn’t challenged yet. But is it coming?
“My cup overflows with blessings.”
Psalm 23:5 NLT
Is an overflowing cup full?
Absolutely.
The wine reaches the rim and then tumbles over the edge.
The goblet is not large enough to contain the quantity.
According to David, our hearts are not large enough to contain the blessings that God wants to give.
He pours and pours until they literally flow over the edge and down on the table.
The last thing we need to worry about is not having enough.
Our cup overflows with blessings.
~ Max Lucado
Isaiah 61:7
7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion:
therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Isaiah 61 is a prophetic declaration of freedom pointing to the day when Jesus would come to the world and be the fulfillment of all the promises made in this amazing chapter of the Bible. You can read more about this in Luke 4:14-20 if you like. Isaiah declares that the coming Messiah will bring freedom to the captives, comfort for the grieving and beauty for ashes. He always declares that we will exchange our shame for a double portion of our inheritance!
Since the double portion belongs to the eldest son, we know that this promise is referring to us sharing in the inheritance of our elder brother, Jesus Christ. No longer do we need to carry the stigma of shame! God has made us heirs of inheritance and joint heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:15-17). May the reality of all that is proclaimed in Isaiah 61 become a tangible benefit in your life today. Instead of shame, you will receive a DOUBLE PORTION of your inheritance!
Photo by Barry Adams
VERSE:
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
— 1 Corinthians 10:24
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+10:24
THOUGHT:
Isn’t it amazing how the more we try to fix things for
ourselves, the more we focus on “looking out for number 1,” and the
more we also find ourselves isolated from meaningful relationships
that make life worth living. “If you want to have a friend, then be
a friend,” the saying goes. You know what? It’s right! It’s easy to
seek what is only for our own good. That’s what most folks do as a
matter of course. But what makes Christians redemptive, what makes
them like God, is their willingness to think of others before
themselves!
PRAYER:
Father, forgive me, because I know that I am often selfish and
seldom think through the implications of my decisions based on the
needs of others. I want to have the mind of Christ and be more
selfless and sacrificial with everyone who needs your grace and the
tenderness that you have placed within me to share with them.
Please bless me as I seek to be like your Son in this area of my
life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted: 06 Sep 2011 12:00 AM PDT
By Jon Walker
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. (Matthew 6:5 TEV)
— — —
“Christian prayer presupposes faith, that is, adherence to Christ. He is the one and only Mediator of our prayers. We pray at his command, and to that word Christian prayer is always bound.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
— — —
Bonhoeffer notes that Jesus is proof that God wants intimacy with us. Jesus came to create a bridge to God, and we become intimate with the Father through Jesus.
This is a problem when we pray in pride. Prideful prayers set us up to be false mediators between others and God. They slyly say, “Look at how I pray. Watch me and see how persuasive I can be with God.” They suggest we have a special connection with God independent of our connection through Christ. That encourages others to believe our prayers have more meaning before God than their prayers, when the truth of the Bible is that anyone connected to God through Jesus can approach the throne of grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16).
Bonhoeffer says, “[Jesus] is the one and only Mediator of our prayers. We pray at his command, and to that word Christian prayer is always bound.”
This is the reason we pray in the name of Jesus and why eliminating the name of Jesus from our prayers is a significant theological issue.
It is important to note, then, the distinct difference between being an intercessor for others and any arrogant attempt to be a mediator for them. We do not connect anyone to God; Jesus connects them to God. But Jesus calls us to intercede on behalf of others, standing beside them and sometimes instead of them as we fulfill the law of Christ by carrying the burdens of others to God in prayer (Galatians 6:2).
A sermon by Davon Huss
Matthew 5:14-5:15
Evening Service for 5/31/2009
There are all kinds of theories about how to motivate people. We can do it through guilt, fear or shame. But overall these were not Jesus’ methods. Jesus motivated through positive messages of hope and encouragement.
Jesus told those at the Sermon on the Mount. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. What kind of people did he say this to? Farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, housewives, all in a tiny remote village in an obscure part of the world. Talk about a statement of faith. It must have sounded absurd at the time even to them.
But so are we. Who are we? We might see ourselves that way but this is how God sees us. (Phil 2:15 NIV) children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Thesis: You and I are the light of the world. What does it mean?
For instances:
1. We have a responsibility for the world.
A. What does light do?
1. Light is used to signal.
2. Light is used to guide. (Psa 119:105 NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
3. Light is used to penetrate the darkness and expose evil and error. (John 3:19 NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:20 NIV) Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.(John 3:21 NIV) But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
4. Light is used to prevent sin (security lights in dark areas)
5. Light is used to produce growth (plants).
6. Light does not exist for its own glory but to brighten up the world.
B. There was a time when the pulpits of this nation sounded with the call for young men and women to go out as missionaries to be lights to a world of darkness. We don’t sounds that trumpet as we once did. Shaun and Mary Ann Cooper.
C. We don’t call people to really sacrifice all they have and all they are for the good of souls and the Gospel.
2. We have something that the world desperately needs.
A. Mother Teresa was speaking to persons who had come to meet her from all over the world. Among the groups to which she spoke was one of the sisters from many North American orders. After her talk she asked if there were any questions. “Yes, I have one,” a woman sitting near the front said. “As you know, most of the orders represented here have been losing members. It seems that more and more women are leaving all the time. And yet your order is attracting thousands upon thousands. What do you do?” Mother Teresa said, “I give them Jesus.” “Yes, I know,” said the woman, “but take habits, for example. Do your women object to wearing habits? And the rules of the order, how do you do it?” “I give them Jesus,” Mother Teresa replied. “Yes, I know Mother,” said the woman, “but can you be more specific?” “I give them Jesus,” Mother Teresa repeated again. “Mother,” said the woman, “we are all of us aware of your fine work. I want to know about something else.” Mother Teresa said sternly, “I give them Jesus. There is nothing else.”
B. Many times that is all that we have. Our faith like many others has rules and commandments that are to benefit society. Our faith like many others has role models to look up to. Today we are reminded that we live in a pluralistic world. Many religions here in US. Many people who do good for this cause or in that name. What do we have to offer? Give them Jesus. The greatest heresy current today is that all religions are the same. Jesus had no peer. There never has been nor ever be anyone like Jesus.
3. We are not the source of light; we are reflectors of a much greater source.
A. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
B. What does he mean when he says, “We are the light of the world.” We are like the moon. The moon gives off no light of its own. It just reflects the sun’s light.
C. There is One who has touched our lives and given us the power and authority to touch others.
D. Eric Butterworth once told about a college professor who had his sociology class go into the Baltimore slums to get case histories of 200 young boys. The students were asked to write an evaluation of each boy’s future. In every case the students wrote, “He hasn’t got a chance.” 25 years later another sociology professor came across the earlier study. He had his students follow up on the project to see what had happened to these boys. With the exception of 20 boys who had moved away or died, the students learned that 176 of the remaining 180 had achieved success as lawyers, doctors and businessmen. The professor was astounded about the results. The earlier study was so inaccurate. What had happened to change the futures of these young boys? Fortunately, all the men were in the area and he was able to ask each one, “How do you account for your success?” In each case the reply came back, “There was this teacher…” That teacher was still alive, so he sought her out and asked the elderly but still alert woman what magic formula she had used to pull these boys out of the slums into successful achievement. The teacher’s eyes sparkled and her lips broke into a smile. “It’s really very simple,” she said. “I loved those boys.”
E. This teacher saw possibilities in them that no one else saw. Tell someone long enough they begin to believe.
F. The love they received from Jesus they passed on to others. Today there is no place in this world that the light people have received from Jesus does not shine.
Conclusion and invitation:
A. To convince the people of Philadelphia of the advantage of street lighting, Benjamin Franklin decided to show his neighbors be placing one in front of his house. He purchased an attractive lantern, polished the glass, and placed it on an extended pole in front of his house. Each evening, he would light the wick and hang out the lantern. Before long all of his neighbors noticed the light and even those far up the street noticed the warm glow around his house. The people passing by his house were delighted because it made walking in the dark so much easier. Soon, other placed lanterns in front of their homes and eventually the city recognized the need for having well lighted streets.
B. This is what Jesus is talking about later in vs. 14- a CITY on a hill. From an airplane the first light is supported by all the others.
C. People in this world are lost in darkness and they’re looking for light to lead them to spiritual, emotional and mental safety. This next song is talking about vs. 15
D. There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
And hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Frustrated brother, see how he’s tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she’s been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
And hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Don Sutton 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Sutton
(Note: I found the following story of great interest to me, personally, because I went to High School with Don. He graduated 2 years after I did. We were in Student Council together.)
An illustration for Encouragement in a sermon by Davon Huss
Matthew 5:14-5:15
Evening Service for 5/31/2009
Matthew 5:14-15
*You are the Light of the World
Introduction:
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton hadn’t won a game in 8 weeks.
The press was suggesting that he be dropped from the starting lineup. The future looked bleak, and Sutton felt terrible.
Then, before a game, Dodgers manager Walter Alston tapped him on the shoulder. “I’d like to speak with you, Don,” he said. Sutton prepared for the worst.
“Don,” said Alston, “I know how the past couple of months have been for you. Everyone’s wondering whether we can make it to the play offs. You know there’s a lot of pressure. I’ve had to make a decision.”
Sutton had visions of being taken off the mound.
Alston continued, “If the Dodgers are going to win this year,” he said, looking Sutton in the eye, “they’re going to win with Don Sutton pitching. Come what may, you’re staying in the starting lineup. That’s all I wanted to say.”
Sutton’s losing streak lasted 2 more weeks, but because of his manager’s encouragement he felt different.
Something in him was turning around.
He found himself pitching the best ball of his career.
In the National League pennant drive, he won 13 games out of 14.
* For the conclusion of the sermon by Davon Huss, see the message:
You are the light of the world.
Deuteronomy 1:31
31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee,
as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
I wonder what that would have looked like in the eyes of God? Would God have been cradling Israel in His big strong arms? Would He have been lifting up Israel over His head so that the nation could sit on top of His shoulders? Perhaps there would be many ways for God to carry Israel, depending on their situation. When they were grieving… When they were taking new territory… When they were afraid… God was always there to hold them and carry them through each season, whether they were even aware that He was holding them or not.
The truth is that no matter how difficult life gets, it is God who is carrying us through every adversity. We might not be aware of how close He is always to us, but that does not change the reality that He is holding us very close all the days of our lives. May each one of us feel the warmth of His embrace today.
Psalm 139:16
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
In the ministry that God has called us to, we hear often that people struggle to feel like they belong in this world. If they were born out of an unplanned pregnancy, they might feel like their life was not intentionally planned. We have heard from some dear people that they felt they were a mistake!
If you struggle with any of these feelings, it is my hope and prayer that this promise would settle once and for all the irrevocable truth that it was God Himself who planned your life before the foundation of the world. It was not your parents that ultimately planned your existence, but your loving heavenly Father.
Every one of your days was written in His special book before one of them came to be! What attention to detail! What indescribable love! You were and are wanted by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Today, as the U.S. celebrates Labor Day, it occurs to me that God probably does not get to take the day off and have a bar-b-Que. I figure he actually is extra busy taking care of all the partying idiots out there who are celebrating having the day off from their labor.
Whether it took Him six days in our concept of time, or His, it still took him six days. I suppose He could have created existence in no time, but he didn’t. He took His time, and labored over every detail, every nuance, down to the shape of sub-atomic particles. Then made sure it all worked. And, now, there are still an infinite number of variables to be considered in an infinite number of non-stop occurrences. For us as Christians, we see His constant hand in our lives. He shows us he is a loving, caring, involved Creator. I don’t think there is any randomness. There could be some auto-piloting happening, but I doubt if it is a lot, if any.
Of course, I don’t know these things, but they feel right and seem logical. And, they sound to me like a great deal of labor. So, hopefully, He pushes the pause button on our time stream, and gets to enjoy the holiday too.
Erick
Relationships.
What does that word mean? For a long time, when I saw that word I thought of relationships between a husband and a wife, a girlfriend and boyfriend, a parent and a child, a friend to a friend, and so on.
As I have been posting messages recently, I have started giving more thought as to what category or tag to attach to those messages. I’m finding that my mind gravitates to the category “Relationships”.
The reason: because so many messages fit into our Relationship with our Lord and Savior, our Father.
Messages that guide us to question:
Whether we are obeying Him.
Are we loving Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind?
What about loving our neighbor as ourselves and as we love God?
Is our mind on Him constantly? or are we occupied with thoughts and priorities that allow Him to come only at the end of our day when we are too tired to think clearly?
Are we too busy with “good works” to realize that He just wants us to talk to Him?
Are we trying to be “good enough” to make Him happy?
Are we so wrapped up in the effects of the problems of the world that we forget Who is in charge?
Where does our Father, our partner in life, our first love, our All, where does He fit?
My prayer for today is that we all pause more and take an inventory of what our relationship is with the most important person in our lives and check out our motives for what, or Who, is guiding our thinking.
Blessings,
Sharon
Posted: 05 Sep 2011 12:00 AM PDT
By Jon Walker
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6 TEV)
“True prayer does not depend either on the individual or the whole body of the faithful, but solely upon the knowledge that our heavenly Father knows our needs. That makes God the sole object of our prayers, and frees us from a false confidence in our own prayerful efforts.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
— — —
Prayer is an intimate conversation with your Heavenly Father.
When you try to impress others with your ability to pray, you mock that intimacy. You appear to be focusing on the Father when you’re actually focusing on yourself — your needs, your wants, your ability to persuade and bully God, and your desire to impress others with your knowledge of how to get God to give you what you want when you want it.
It’s absolutely no different from standing up and saying, “Look at me so you can be impressed with how connected I am with God!”
Eugene Peterson paraphrases Jesus’ comments this way: “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need” (Matthew 6:7-8 MSG).
If your motivation in prayer is to impress people, then Jesus says you will get what you want: praise from other people. In truth, that is exactly what you are asking for when you pray to impress: “Give me the praise of others.” Since your behavior exposes your beliefs, the presumption with prayers like this must be that praise from people can be used to pay bills or get you out of a jam when you’re flat on your back in the middle of some mess.
Jesus indicates God sees no need to reward you for these self-promoting prayers. They represent worldly thinking. Why would God reward you for that when he wants you to pray like someone who is part of the kingdom of heaven?
VERSE:
We were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on
earth are but a shadow.
— Job 8:9
THOUGHT:
While Job never learned why he suffered, he did learn his place
in the universe before the Almighty God (Job 38-41). When we are
young, time passes so very slowly — especially if we are waiting
for something special! But as we get older, the years fly by more
and more quickly. Yet despite all our learning, despite all our
experience, we come to two great awakenings: our knowledge compared
to what there is to know is so very small and our place in the
passage of time is so very short. Both of these awakenings prepare
us to turn our lives and future over to our God who longs to bring
us to himself.
PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, my Abba Father, thank you so much for
your overwhelming patience as you try to communicate your love to
people like me with my limited abilities to comprehend your
magnificence and glory. Please give me wisdom this week, to make
the decisions I need to make and to choose your way and not my own.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110905
Amazing, amazing message that will touch your heart hopefully as deeply as it did mine.
You can hold on to HOPE-no matter what happens
because there’s One who’s holding on to YOU.
He’ll stop at nothing and do anything
to make sure you have everything you need.
I’m waiting in hope with you to see all God will do.
He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-
how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
-Holley Gerth
Excerpt from one of Holley’s new cards, inspired by her new devotional book God’s Heart for You.
God’s Grace is for Everyone
Luke 17:15-16
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
Jesus healed all ten lepers; but only one returned to thank him.
It is possible to receive God’s great gifts with an ungrateful spirit–nine of the lepers did so.
Only the thankful leper, however, learned that his faith had played a role in his healing, and only grateful Christians grow in understanding of God’s grace.
God does not demand that we thank him, but he is pleased when we do so, and he uses our spirit of thankfulness to teach us more about his Kingdom.
~ Life Application Bible
VERSE:
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of
wisdom.
— Psalm 90:12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+90:12
THOUGHT:
When we lose our sense of urgency to live for God, we end up
wasting our time! God has a plan for us, for our world, and for his
church. Without God’s gift of “spiritual arithmetic” (numbering our
days aright), we will never gain a heart of wisdom. So how do we
get such a gift? Ask for it without doubting (James 1:5-7)!
Trusting the Lord for wisdom has a huge effect on us and the way we
conduct our lives. Rather than losing heart, God gives us a heart
of wisdom!
PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, King of the Ages, you alone live in
complete wisdom, justice, and grace. Please help me to know what
time it is in my life and the role you want me to play at this
stage of my journey. I want my life to be lived glorifying you. In
Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20110904
Barry Adams
sharin' His love & Prophecy Unfolding 