The following are actual instructions found on the named items:
ON HAIRDRYER INSTRUCTIONS;
- Do not use while sleeping.
ON A BAG OF FRITOS:
- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.
ON A BAR OF DIAL SOAP,
- Directions: Use like regular soap.
ON A FROZEN DINNER:
- Serving suggestion: Defrost.
ON A HOTEL-PROVIDED SHOWER CAP IN A BOX:
- Fits one head.
ON TIRIMISU DESERT
- Do not turn upside down. (Printed on the bottom of the box.)
ON MARKS & SPENCER BREAD PUDDING
- Product will be hot after heating.
ON PACKAGING FOR A ROWENTA IRON
- Do not iron clothes on body.
ON CHILDRENS COUGH MEDICINE
- Do not drive car or operate machinery.
ON NYTOL (A SLEEP AID)
- Warning: may cause drowsiness.
ON A KOREAN KITCHEN KNIFE
- Warning: keep out of children.
ON A STRING OF CHINESE MADE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
- For indoor or outdoor use only.
ON A JAPANESE FOOD PROCESSOR
- Not to be used for the other use.
ON SAINSBURY'S PEANUTS
- Warning: contains nuts.
ON AN AMERICAN AIRLINES PACKET OF NUTS
- Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.
ON A SWEDISH CHAINSAW
- Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
What you can do to help your church
1. Be faithful in attendance, finance, and in your support of the ministries of the church.
2. Lift up your pastor in prayer every day realizing that he is human too.
3. Invite people to come with you to church. You will never know who you touch with the gospel.
4. Don't wear your feelings on your shoulder or use the church as a place to blow off steam. Let it be a place of healing and help as it should be for those in need.
5. Don't run your brother down or allow idle gossip to separate you. Stop people before they start down that path of conversation.
6. Love one another. We are all fallible and continually need God's touch. Just remember what happened to them could happen to you.
7. Realize Jesus is still the only hope for this generation and don't be afraid of youth. Age doesn't always mean knowledge. Experience-maybe-but God can use young people and their approach to the gospel as well as ours.
8. Every decision will not always be agreeable with each person, but we are working for a common cause-Jesus!
2. Lift up your pastor in prayer every day realizing that he is human too.
3. Invite people to come with you to church. You will never know who you touch with the gospel.
4. Don't wear your feelings on your shoulder or use the church as a place to blow off steam. Let it be a place of healing and help as it should be for those in need.
5. Don't run your brother down or allow idle gossip to separate you. Stop people before they start down that path of conversation.
6. Love one another. We are all fallible and continually need God's touch. Just remember what happened to them could happen to you.
7. Realize Jesus is still the only hope for this generation and don't be afraid of youth. Age doesn't always mean knowledge. Experience-maybe-but God can use young people and their approach to the gospel as well as ours.
8. Every decision will not always be agreeable with each person, but we are working for a common cause-Jesus!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
What It Really Means to Rejoice
Almost every Christian knows the verse that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Reality demonstrates that Philippians 4:4 is sometimes difficult to apply, however. So how can a Christian truly, “rejoice in the Lord always?”
The phrase, “rejoice in the Lord” is found several times in the book of Philippians. Perhaps an examination of these passages will aid our understanding.
- “Rejoicing… in Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:26) — We are to rejoice in the Lord at the thought of reunion with our brethren. This is especially true when that reunion involves deliverance, as it would in Paul’s case (he wrote the book of Philippians from prison). So, rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of fellowship. Do our lives show that we intensely desire greater fellowship with other Christians? Do we earnestly pray that our brethren will be delivered from perilous places in their lives? It’s a matter of rejoicing in the Lord!
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1, 3) — We are to rejoice in the Lord because of the humble examples of Jesus (Phil. 2:5-11), Paul (Phil. 2:17-18), Timothy (Phil. 2:19-24), and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30). Also we are to walk in their footsteps by exhibiting a mind of humility ourselves (Phil. 3:1-11). Rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of self-renunciation. Do our lives demonstrate that we truly esteem the Christ-centered life as something most precious: “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:8)?
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4) — Christians are to rejoice in the Lord always, especially when it is difficult to get along with others (Phil. 4:2-3). Rejoicing in the Lord, then, is a matter of reconciliation (Phil. 4:2-5), prayer (Phil. 4:6-7), proper meditation (Phil. 4:8), and imitation of what is right (Phil. 4:9). Unnecessary conflict with brethren keeps us from true rejoicing. Lack of prayer and the wrong kind of thinking will keep us from rejoicing in the Lord as we ought. Do our thoughts, prayers, and actions demonstrate that we place our utmost confidence in God’s power and goodness?
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:10) — We are to rejoice in the Lord because of the active, obedient faith of other Christians, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Paul could rejoice in the Lord even though he was imprisoned, partly because his circumstances gave others the opportunity to exercise their faith (Phil. 4:10-17). Thus, we might say that rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of love and contentment. Do our lives show contentment by seeking to do all things, “without complaining and grumbling” (Phil. 2:14)?
From the passages above, it seems that rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of looking for God’s influence in every situation of life and pointing out that influence to others. Rejoicing in the Lord is, quite simply, a change in perspective and outlook.
The phrase, “rejoice in the Lord” is found several times in the book of Philippians. Perhaps an examination of these passages will aid our understanding.
- “Rejoicing… in Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:26) — We are to rejoice in the Lord at the thought of reunion with our brethren. This is especially true when that reunion involves deliverance, as it would in Paul’s case (he wrote the book of Philippians from prison). So, rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of fellowship. Do our lives show that we intensely desire greater fellowship with other Christians? Do we earnestly pray that our brethren will be delivered from perilous places in their lives? It’s a matter of rejoicing in the Lord!
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1, 3) — We are to rejoice in the Lord because of the humble examples of Jesus (Phil. 2:5-11), Paul (Phil. 2:17-18), Timothy (Phil. 2:19-24), and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30). Also we are to walk in their footsteps by exhibiting a mind of humility ourselves (Phil. 3:1-11). Rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of self-renunciation. Do our lives demonstrate that we truly esteem the Christ-centered life as something most precious: “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:8)?
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4) — Christians are to rejoice in the Lord always, especially when it is difficult to get along with others (Phil. 4:2-3). Rejoicing in the Lord, then, is a matter of reconciliation (Phil. 4:2-5), prayer (Phil. 4:6-7), proper meditation (Phil. 4:8), and imitation of what is right (Phil. 4:9). Unnecessary conflict with brethren keeps us from true rejoicing. Lack of prayer and the wrong kind of thinking will keep us from rejoicing in the Lord as we ought. Do our thoughts, prayers, and actions demonstrate that we place our utmost confidence in God’s power and goodness?
-“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:10) — We are to rejoice in the Lord because of the active, obedient faith of other Christians, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Paul could rejoice in the Lord even though he was imprisoned, partly because his circumstances gave others the opportunity to exercise their faith (Phil. 4:10-17). Thus, we might say that rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of love and contentment. Do our lives show contentment by seeking to do all things, “without complaining and grumbling” (Phil. 2:14)?
From the passages above, it seems that rejoicing in the Lord is a matter of looking for God’s influence in every situation of life and pointing out that influence to others. Rejoicing in the Lord is, quite simply, a change in perspective and outlook.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Curing Victimitis
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
We all need to work much more on controlling what and how we think. Thoughts really do end up forming our character in the long run. You might try to hide how you feel, but it will come out in some form at the moment you least expect it, and usually at the worst timing possible. Keep your thoughts pure and dwell on things of God.
Curing Victimitis
-Watch your thoughts; they lead to attitudes.
-Watch your attitudes; they lead to words.
-Watch your words; they lead to actions.
-Watch your actions; they lead to habits.
-Watch your habits; they form your character.
-Watch your character; it determines your destiny.
These words of unknown origin tell us that our silent and often subconscious choices shape our future. Every aspect of our lives, at home and at work, can be improved if we use our power to think, reflect, and make conscious choices about our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, and habits.
Instead, many of us think of ourselves as victims. We complain about our circumstances and what others did to us. Whatever psychological comfort there is in feeling powerless and blameless when things aren’t going right, in the end, victims lead unsatisfied lives.
We’re most vulnerable to victimitis when we’re under the influence of powerful emotions like fear, insecurity, anger, frustration, grief, or depression. These feelings are so powerful; we believe our state of mind is inevitable. Our only hope is they will go away on their own. Yet it’s during times of emotional tumult that using our power to choose our thoughts and attitudes is most important. We can’t make pain go away, but we can refuse to suffer.
Even when we don’t like any of our choices, we do have some; once we realize we can take control. It isn’t easy, but what we do and how we choose to feel about ourselves has a profound impact on the quality of our lives. Victims may get sympathy for a while, but that isn’t enough.
Taking personal responsibility for our happiness and success can be scary, but the payoff is enormous. Although we can’t make our lives perfect, we can make the usually a lot better.
We all need to work much more on controlling what and how we think. Thoughts really do end up forming our character in the long run. You might try to hide how you feel, but it will come out in some form at the moment you least expect it, and usually at the worst timing possible. Keep your thoughts pure and dwell on things of God.
Curing Victimitis
-Watch your thoughts; they lead to attitudes.
-Watch your attitudes; they lead to words.
-Watch your words; they lead to actions.
-Watch your actions; they lead to habits.
-Watch your habits; they form your character.
-Watch your character; it determines your destiny.
These words of unknown origin tell us that our silent and often subconscious choices shape our future. Every aspect of our lives, at home and at work, can be improved if we use our power to think, reflect, and make conscious choices about our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, and habits.
Instead, many of us think of ourselves as victims. We complain about our circumstances and what others did to us. Whatever psychological comfort there is in feeling powerless and blameless when things aren’t going right, in the end, victims lead unsatisfied lives.
We’re most vulnerable to victimitis when we’re under the influence of powerful emotions like fear, insecurity, anger, frustration, grief, or depression. These feelings are so powerful; we believe our state of mind is inevitable. Our only hope is they will go away on their own. Yet it’s during times of emotional tumult that using our power to choose our thoughts and attitudes is most important. We can’t make pain go away, but we can refuse to suffer.
Even when we don’t like any of our choices, we do have some; once we realize we can take control. It isn’t easy, but what we do and how we choose to feel about ourselves has a profound impact on the quality of our lives. Victims may get sympathy for a while, but that isn’t enough.
Taking personal responsibility for our happiness and success can be scary, but the payoff is enormous. Although we can’t make our lives perfect, we can make the usually a lot better.
Friday, October 26, 2012
A Warrior
1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
The devil does not have the right or the power to steal or destroy your spiritual freedom. A true warrior of the faith starts learning to use the following tools to see their way clear of unseen self-compromise, in whatever form it make take.
- A warrior knows the greatest conflict he has to battle begins within himself. Therefore, he never postpones that battle, but seeks to end any internal strife through prayer and faith.
- A warrior always remembers that the enemy never forgets his weaknesses, but also that in them God is at His strongest.
- A warrior renews his/her life over and over again through daily submission to God and His will.
- A warrior works every day and every moment to sharpen his battle skills in the faith through the Word of God.
- A warrior leads by example and is unafraid to make an example of himself no matter what the cost.
- A warrior makes it his aim to never allow his brethren to bear more than they are able, but to help them fight their battle as well.
- A warrior is never afraid to go into territory he has never been before because God is with him.
- A warrior commits himself to God's will and realizes that to not live it is the refusal of responsibility.
- A warrior never fears feelings of helplessness, because he recognizes he is empowered from above.
- A warrior knows that the path of spiritual liberation he has chosen will lead him to one encounter after another with conditions that always seem greater than he is-but he knows that greater is He within him than he that is in the world.
The devil does not have the right or the power to steal or destroy your spiritual freedom. A true warrior of the faith starts learning to use the following tools to see their way clear of unseen self-compromise, in whatever form it make take.
- A warrior knows the greatest conflict he has to battle begins within himself. Therefore, he never postpones that battle, but seeks to end any internal strife through prayer and faith.
- A warrior always remembers that the enemy never forgets his weaknesses, but also that in them God is at His strongest.
- A warrior renews his/her life over and over again through daily submission to God and His will.
- A warrior works every day and every moment to sharpen his battle skills in the faith through the Word of God.
- A warrior leads by example and is unafraid to make an example of himself no matter what the cost.
- A warrior makes it his aim to never allow his brethren to bear more than they are able, but to help them fight their battle as well.
- A warrior is never afraid to go into territory he has never been before because God is with him.
- A warrior commits himself to God's will and realizes that to not live it is the refusal of responsibility.
- A warrior never fears feelings of helplessness, because he recognizes he is empowered from above.
- A warrior knows that the path of spiritual liberation he has chosen will lead him to one encounter after another with conditions that always seem greater than he is-but he knows that greater is He within him than he that is in the world.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Difference
Rita Henry wrote this beautiful piece and I want to share it with you.
When my earthly father says, "You are nothing", my Heavenly Father says, "You are my beloved child."
When my earthly father says, "I'll give you the piano, if you learn how to play it", my Heavenly Father says, "Use your talents wisely."
When my earthly mother says, "Just wait until your father gets home", my Heavenly Father says, "Just wait until my Son takes you home."
When my earthly father says, "You will never amount to anything", my Heavenly Father says, "You will always be something special to me."
When my earthly father says, "Go stand in the corner", my Heavenly Father says, "Go into every corner of the world and tell about my Son."
When my earthly father says, "Clean up this mess", my Heavenly Father says, "If your life is a mess, I will clean it up for you."
When my earthly father says, "You will never do anything right", my Heavenly Father says, "I will make all things right."
When my earthly father says, "I am going to write you out of my will", my Heavenly Father says, "I will give you the kingdom."
When my earthly father says, "Go to bed without your supper", my Heavenly Father says, "My storehouses are full. Come and dine."
When my earthly father says, "Go away. Can't you see I'm busy?", my Heavenly Father says, "I'm available twenty-four hours a day."
When my earthly father says, "Why don't you grow up?", my Heavenly Father says, "Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
When my earthly father says, "I hate you", my Heavenly Father says, "I love you so much. I gave my Son for you."
When my earthly father says, "I don't have time for you. I'm in a hurry", my Heavenly Father says, "Time means nothing to me. I have all the time you need."
When my earthly father says, "I am not going to hold you. You need to do something by yourself", my Heavenly Father says, "I will wrap my loving arms around you."
When my earthly father says, "Why don't you pick up your feet?", my Heavenly Father says, "I will walk with you and help you up when you fall."
When my earthly father says, "I don't love you anymore", my Heavenly Father says, "I love you with an everlasting love that will last throughout all eternity."
When my earthly father says, "You are no longer welcome in our home", my Heavenly Father says, "Heaven is your home. I have a mansion prepared for you."
And with this, I close. Think about it. It's great to have a Heavenly Father who loves us and cares about us.
When my earthly father says, "You are nothing", my Heavenly Father says, "You are my beloved child."
When my earthly father says, "I'll give you the piano, if you learn how to play it", my Heavenly Father says, "Use your talents wisely."
When my earthly mother says, "Just wait until your father gets home", my Heavenly Father says, "Just wait until my Son takes you home."
When my earthly father says, "You will never amount to anything", my Heavenly Father says, "You will always be something special to me."
When my earthly father says, "Go stand in the corner", my Heavenly Father says, "Go into every corner of the world and tell about my Son."
When my earthly father says, "Clean up this mess", my Heavenly Father says, "If your life is a mess, I will clean it up for you."
When my earthly father says, "You will never do anything right", my Heavenly Father says, "I will make all things right."
When my earthly father says, "I am going to write you out of my will", my Heavenly Father says, "I will give you the kingdom."
When my earthly father says, "Go to bed without your supper", my Heavenly Father says, "My storehouses are full. Come and dine."
When my earthly father says, "Go away. Can't you see I'm busy?", my Heavenly Father says, "I'm available twenty-four hours a day."
When my earthly father says, "Why don't you grow up?", my Heavenly Father says, "Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
When my earthly father says, "I hate you", my Heavenly Father says, "I love you so much. I gave my Son for you."
When my earthly father says, "I don't have time for you. I'm in a hurry", my Heavenly Father says, "Time means nothing to me. I have all the time you need."
When my earthly father says, "I am not going to hold you. You need to do something by yourself", my Heavenly Father says, "I will wrap my loving arms around you."
When my earthly father says, "Why don't you pick up your feet?", my Heavenly Father says, "I will walk with you and help you up when you fall."
When my earthly father says, "I don't love you anymore", my Heavenly Father says, "I love you with an everlasting love that will last throughout all eternity."
When my earthly father says, "You are no longer welcome in our home", my Heavenly Father says, "Heaven is your home. I have a mansion prepared for you."
And with this, I close. Think about it. It's great to have a Heavenly Father who loves us and cares about us.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Spiritual Warriors
We live in the midst of a fallen world, with a spiritual battle raging all around. Satan and his fallen angels work night and day to preserve their kingdom from the advancing Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The battle is over the souls of humanity, as Satan works to keep lost humanity from finding salvation and blinding those who are perishing. He also works to prevent the saints (the saved) from advancing the Kingdom of God, through a variety of weapons and tactics. For those new to the faith, the reality of spiritual warfare can be a shock. However, the Lord through scripture has prepared us to expect the war and the attacks.
If God is so powerful, why doesn’t God just eliminate Satan and his of fallen angels? Many of us ask this question ourselves in the midst of the struggle. Why do we have to struggle with Satan, and go through his attacks? Have you ever found yourself asking this question? If you have, you are not alone. When we struggle and feel helpless it is hard for us to see any good in the struggle.
One thing we need to remember is God does not need angels or humans, to do His work or us. He is completely able to accomplish His will. If he made the universe, including the spiritual realms, at the command of His word, He could finish it at the command of His word. However, God chooses to use us, and allow us to participate in His work. In the process, we believers in Christ, transform into the image of Christ. Satan serves the purpose of the Lord, because his attacks cause us to grow spiritually and become more like Christ ( 2 Cor 3:18).
Imagine if you as a child growing, never experienced pain, or failure, then as an adult you were expected to cope with pain or failure. How do you think you would handle the trials of adulthood, without having the trials of childhood? When we fall off the bike, or struggle to learn to walk, falling and crying we are being transformed into adults, through trials. In the same way, when we struggle spiritually we are being transformed, the Holy Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, urging us to pray.
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Through the process of spiritual warfare, the redeemed are tested and tried, learning to trust and depend on the Lord. In the spiritual war Satan’s hands are tied and he is limited in what he can do. God knows our limitations too, not allowing us to face more then we can handle.
Before a person is saved Satan’s goal was to keep that person in darkness by blinding them from seeing the gospel. All this changes when someone comes to the light. Satan’s goal shifts from keeping a person lost, to defeating the “new” believer and to keep them from living a victorious life. He wants them to be defeated, in bondage, wallowing in the struggles of their life. He wants to keep them from becoming effective warriors for the Kingdom of God. He does this through his spiritual attacks on believers. However, God uses these same attacks to advance His kingdom, through those that are saved and have learned how to be a spiritual warrior.
If God is so powerful, why doesn’t God just eliminate Satan and his of fallen angels? Many of us ask this question ourselves in the midst of the struggle. Why do we have to struggle with Satan, and go through his attacks? Have you ever found yourself asking this question? If you have, you are not alone. When we struggle and feel helpless it is hard for us to see any good in the struggle.
One thing we need to remember is God does not need angels or humans, to do His work or us. He is completely able to accomplish His will. If he made the universe, including the spiritual realms, at the command of His word, He could finish it at the command of His word. However, God chooses to use us, and allow us to participate in His work. In the process, we believers in Christ, transform into the image of Christ. Satan serves the purpose of the Lord, because his attacks cause us to grow spiritually and become more like Christ ( 2 Cor 3:18).
Imagine if you as a child growing, never experienced pain, or failure, then as an adult you were expected to cope with pain or failure. How do you think you would handle the trials of adulthood, without having the trials of childhood? When we fall off the bike, or struggle to learn to walk, falling and crying we are being transformed into adults, through trials. In the same way, when we struggle spiritually we are being transformed, the Holy Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, urging us to pray.
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Through the process of spiritual warfare, the redeemed are tested and tried, learning to trust and depend on the Lord. In the spiritual war Satan’s hands are tied and he is limited in what he can do. God knows our limitations too, not allowing us to face more then we can handle.
Before a person is saved Satan’s goal was to keep that person in darkness by blinding them from seeing the gospel. All this changes when someone comes to the light. Satan’s goal shifts from keeping a person lost, to defeating the “new” believer and to keep them from living a victorious life. He wants them to be defeated, in bondage, wallowing in the struggles of their life. He wants to keep them from becoming effective warriors for the Kingdom of God. He does this through his spiritual attacks on believers. However, God uses these same attacks to advance His kingdom, through those that are saved and have learned how to be a spiritual warrior.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Mystery and blessing
Life is full of mystery and blessing. We can deny it with a frown or we can embrace it with a smile. If you can always see life around you for the miraculous creation it is, you realize that it is a gift from God to be enjoyed, cherished, and shared as well.
I pray you see the blessing of God's love within yourself. I hope you use it well to create compassion, beauty, kindness, laughter, and joy everyday of your life. If you do blessings will flow. If not you will miss out on some great opportunities.
John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
I pray you see the blessing of God's love within yourself. I hope you use it well to create compassion, beauty, kindness, laughter, and joy everyday of your life. If you do blessings will flow. If not you will miss out on some great opportunities.
John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Monday, October 22, 2012
Changes
We all have changes in our lives. From day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. Some days we may be shouting, "Praise God!" while other days we may be crying out, "I need a miracle!" Whatever a day may bring, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.
I keep thinking about all the changes that are going on in my life. People leaving the church for one reason or another, the constant transitions resulting from that fallout, and the troubled world around us. Everything changes whether we like it or not. The good news is Christ Has A New
Gift Each Second for those who trust Him.
We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us. Each moment contains a gift from God. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to our hearts, or a pat on the back from our bosses. Maybe it's a promotion, good report cards from our children, an unexpected financial blessing, a whole week without something breaking in the house, or good health.
In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not."
Praise God! With all the changes in life there's one thing that cannot change and that is Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He also says in Hebrews 6:18:
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence."
What God promised you He will deliver. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what which is a promise you can rely on.
"For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance" (Psalm 94:14, KJV).
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5, KJV).
So let the changes come. i refuse to walk in fear, but in faith! I will trust God with all the changes, and know that He is more than able to help me and that He even has plans to bless me. Every second, if need be, I can find a blessing. Changes can be our friend, so let's not forget to look for God in them.
I keep thinking about all the changes that are going on in my life. People leaving the church for one reason or another, the constant transitions resulting from that fallout, and the troubled world around us. Everything changes whether we like it or not. The good news is Christ Has A New
Gift Each Second for those who trust Him.
We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us. Each moment contains a gift from God. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to our hearts, or a pat on the back from our bosses. Maybe it's a promotion, good report cards from our children, an unexpected financial blessing, a whole week without something breaking in the house, or good health.
In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not."
Praise God! With all the changes in life there's one thing that cannot change and that is Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He also says in Hebrews 6:18:
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence."
What God promised you He will deliver. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what which is a promise you can rely on.
"For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance" (Psalm 94:14, KJV).
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5, KJV).
So let the changes come. i refuse to walk in fear, but in faith! I will trust God with all the changes, and know that He is more than able to help me and that He even has plans to bless me. Every second, if need be, I can find a blessing. Changes can be our friend, so let's not forget to look for God in them.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Worst Analogies Found in High School Papers
Worst Analogies Found in High School Papers
"He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it."
"She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that used to dangle from screen doors and would fly up whenever you banged the door open again."
"The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't."
"McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled with vegetable soup."
"From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and "Jeopardy" comes on at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30."
"Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze."
"Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the center."
"Bob was as perplexed as a hacker who means to access T:flw.quid55328.com\\aaakk/ch@ung but gets T:\\flw.quidaaakk/ch@ung by mistake."
"Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever."
"He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree."
"The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease."
"Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like 'Second Tall Man.'"
"Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph."
"The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the period after the Dr. on a Dr Pepper can."
"They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth."
"John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met."
"The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play."
"The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola crayon."
"He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it."
"She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that used to dangle from screen doors and would fly up whenever you banged the door open again."
"The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't."
"McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled with vegetable soup."
"From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and "Jeopardy" comes on at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30."
"Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze."
"Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the center."
"Bob was as perplexed as a hacker who means to access T:flw.quid55328.com\\aaakk/ch@ung but gets T:\\flw.quidaaakk/ch@ung by mistake."
"Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever."
"He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree."
"The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease."
"Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like 'Second Tall Man.'"
"Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph."
"The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the period after the Dr. on a Dr Pepper can."
"They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth."
"John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met."
"The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play."
"The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola crayon."
Friday, October 19, 2012
Shelter From Storms
"The LORD himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defence!" Exodus 14:14
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past." Psalm 57:1
As Christians, our tendency is that when something hits us we rebuke it straight away. It's like an innate reaction. That's a good reaction to have because we ought to have fight in us and be passionate. But sometimes you resist and nothing will happen and it's a storm to seek shelter from. It is a time to be still. God requires you to stop fighting. Stop fighting. Stop running
to and fro. Calm down, be still. Enjoy intimacy with God. Feel His arm around you and hear Him say, "It's okay, I'm going to walk you through this and deal with it." That's the time to be still and know that He is
Conditions in society that are rocking things cause most of these storms. It could be economic conditions, the decay of morals that breaks up families or it could be the death of loved one. You can't resist that it happened and it is time to hide in God's protective care. Terrorism is an example of a storm that has hit the world driven and fanned by a demonic spirit. There is an element there that has to be resisted, but there are things happening in the world that are going to affect us. We didn't cause them. The only thing you can do is know that the Lord will fight for you and the Lord will protect you.Take courage because it will turn out exactly as God has said.
Storms that cause us to seek shelter teach us to trust God. Those storms
can change our character and make us stronger, but it is a mistake in thinking that Christian maturity means winning every battle. Failure, disappointment and adversity are all storms we must endure and over time God will work them for good as we endure in faith.
"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." Micah 7:8
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past." Psalm 57:1
As Christians, our tendency is that when something hits us we rebuke it straight away. It's like an innate reaction. That's a good reaction to have because we ought to have fight in us and be passionate. But sometimes you resist and nothing will happen and it's a storm to seek shelter from. It is a time to be still. God requires you to stop fighting. Stop fighting. Stop running
to and fro. Calm down, be still. Enjoy intimacy with God. Feel His arm around you and hear Him say, "It's okay, I'm going to walk you through this and deal with it." That's the time to be still and know that He is
Conditions in society that are rocking things cause most of these storms. It could be economic conditions, the decay of morals that breaks up families or it could be the death of loved one. You can't resist that it happened and it is time to hide in God's protective care. Terrorism is an example of a storm that has hit the world driven and fanned by a demonic spirit. There is an element there that has to be resisted, but there are things happening in the world that are going to affect us. We didn't cause them. The only thing you can do is know that the Lord will fight for you and the Lord will protect you.Take courage because it will turn out exactly as God has said.
Storms that cause us to seek shelter teach us to trust God. Those storms
can change our character and make us stronger, but it is a mistake in thinking that Christian maturity means winning every battle. Failure, disappointment and adversity are all storms we must endure and over time God will work them for good as we endure in faith.
"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." Micah 7:8
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Faith
Most of us believe that faith will give us specific things:
-We will feel safe and secure.
-We will know exactly what to do.
-Everything we do will have the exact outcome we want.
In other words-we will be in complete control of every situation we face.
I have some swamp land for sale in Arizona if you believe that!
Faith in God has nothing to do with being in control, but everything to do with releasing it.
A spiritually devoted person who expects abundance from God all the time finds it difficult when they become worried about any thing. They get scared and feel lost. They wonder if they didn’t have enough faith.
The desire to have faith is a deep, heartfelt desire. It rises up from your heart when you seek a to live life in the Spirit. It often rises up when trouble appears.
Yet most of us forget that the only way to experience faith, and not just talk about it, is to allow it to carry us through a time of trouble.
When you ask for faith, the Lord will answer you. He will show you exactly where you are with faith right now. That usually means you may become painfully aware of the fact that you don’t have the faith you thought you had. Then you must decide to choose the faith that God desires to place within your heart.
Faith will never magically prevent you from ever getting worried again. Instead it helps you became honest with yourself when you feel fearful, frustrated, or discouraged.
Here's the good news-once you declare that your faith is stronger than your fear you can overcome it. When you make this declaration over and over again, you strengthen your faith by choosing it.
If you find yourself with a true desire for faith, expect to receive the blessing of a time of trouble. Trouble gives you the opportunity to consciously choose faith over fear. As you strengthen your heart by choosing faith, you experience first hand how faith carries you along on its wide, safe wings.
-We will feel safe and secure.
-We will know exactly what to do.
-Everything we do will have the exact outcome we want.
In other words-we will be in complete control of every situation we face.
I have some swamp land for sale in Arizona if you believe that!
Faith in God has nothing to do with being in control, but everything to do with releasing it.
A spiritually devoted person who expects abundance from God all the time finds it difficult when they become worried about any thing. They get scared and feel lost. They wonder if they didn’t have enough faith.
The desire to have faith is a deep, heartfelt desire. It rises up from your heart when you seek a to live life in the Spirit. It often rises up when trouble appears.
Yet most of us forget that the only way to experience faith, and not just talk about it, is to allow it to carry us through a time of trouble.
When you ask for faith, the Lord will answer you. He will show you exactly where you are with faith right now. That usually means you may become painfully aware of the fact that you don’t have the faith you thought you had. Then you must decide to choose the faith that God desires to place within your heart.
Faith will never magically prevent you from ever getting worried again. Instead it helps you became honest with yourself when you feel fearful, frustrated, or discouraged.
Here's the good news-once you declare that your faith is stronger than your fear you can overcome it. When you make this declaration over and over again, you strengthen your faith by choosing it.
If you find yourself with a true desire for faith, expect to receive the blessing of a time of trouble. Trouble gives you the opportunity to consciously choose faith over fear. As you strengthen your heart by choosing faith, you experience first hand how faith carries you along on its wide, safe wings.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Letting Go
Philippians 3:13, 14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
When you struggle with things in life you are often told to "Hang on." Hanging on seems like the logical thing to do. Yet sometimes it just isn't possible. In fact sometimes it's just wrong. Sometimes we need to let go.
I can't hang on any more. I need desperately to let go. I need to distance myself from things in the present and in particular things of the past.
That's probably the worst part. Letting go of things of the present is easier. They are happening now. You can influence and often control the outcome. You can wake up today and say, "I'm going to change my lifestyle," and actually begin.
You can stand in front of a mirror and see things that can be changed today. Your weight, the way you dress, your hairstyle and your attitude. But letting go of the past-now that's a challenge.
I carry with me way too many things of the past. I flash back in seconds to a memory I apparently can't let go of. At the same time it's a memory I can't do a thing about. It's done. It's over. I can't change it. I need to let go.
Perhaps you find yourself spending time thinking about the way things were. Maybe you are longing for the "good old days." You're holding onto pleasant memories, moments that made you who you are today. That's fine. It's a part of the fabric of you.
Maybe you are holding on to things of the past that are not so pleasant. Things you did, said, or had done to you and it is stealing away the precious time you have now. You are hanging onto destructive things that you should let go of. You are not just hanging on, you are preventing yourself from moving forward.
Letting go of those things would free your heart and make it available to embrace someone or something more important. The fall won't kill you. It will heal you.
When you struggle with things in life you are often told to "Hang on." Hanging on seems like the logical thing to do. Yet sometimes it just isn't possible. In fact sometimes it's just wrong. Sometimes we need to let go.
I can't hang on any more. I need desperately to let go. I need to distance myself from things in the present and in particular things of the past.
That's probably the worst part. Letting go of things of the present is easier. They are happening now. You can influence and often control the outcome. You can wake up today and say, "I'm going to change my lifestyle," and actually begin.
You can stand in front of a mirror and see things that can be changed today. Your weight, the way you dress, your hairstyle and your attitude. But letting go of the past-now that's a challenge.
I carry with me way too many things of the past. I flash back in seconds to a memory I apparently can't let go of. At the same time it's a memory I can't do a thing about. It's done. It's over. I can't change it. I need to let go.
Perhaps you find yourself spending time thinking about the way things were. Maybe you are longing for the "good old days." You're holding onto pleasant memories, moments that made you who you are today. That's fine. It's a part of the fabric of you.
Maybe you are holding on to things of the past that are not so pleasant. Things you did, said, or had done to you and it is stealing away the precious time you have now. You are hanging onto destructive things that you should let go of. You are not just hanging on, you are preventing yourself from moving forward.
Letting go of those things would free your heart and make it available to embrace someone or something more important. The fall won't kill you. It will heal you.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
It's Up To You
Matthew 10:42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
It takes so little to do God’s work here and make this world a better place.
-A few dollars can help to fill a child’s hungry belly.
-A smile and hug can help to heal a hurting heart.
-An encouraging word can inspire someone else to live and to love.
-A random act of kindness can change another’s day and life.
It is up to you, though. You can think only of yourself and those close to you or you can see that we are all children of the God. You have the ability to share a love that will last for all eternity and the power to speak blessing over those in need.
Remember....it's up to you!
It takes so little to do God’s work here and make this world a better place.
-A few dollars can help to fill a child’s hungry belly.
-A smile and hug can help to heal a hurting heart.
-An encouraging word can inspire someone else to live and to love.
-A random act of kindness can change another’s day and life.
It is up to you, though. You can think only of yourself and those close to you or you can see that we are all children of the God. You have the ability to share a love that will last for all eternity and the power to speak blessing over those in need.
Remember....it's up to you!
Monday, October 15, 2012
True Strength In Weakness
Many people consider a lack of self-confidence a weakness, but it can actually be a good thing if it makes us depend more on Jesus. We always come out ahead when we depend on the Lord and turn to Him for the answers we need, because He's a lot wiser and "stronger" than we could ever be on our own.
That's the true strength of weakness—knowing that you need Him, that you need to turn to Him for the answers, and then doing that. You're weak in yourself in that you don't automatically feel like you know the answers or understand the situation or rely on your own ideas, but instead pray and ask Jesus. Your first reaction should always be to pray about things.
It's good "weakness" when, even if you know what to do or think you do, you still ask Jesus about it and follow His lead, which may differ from your initial thought or plan. It's good because then you're letting the Lord work through you and perform His will. You're letting Him have control. You're letting Him make the decisions and do things His way, and that's when He is able to turn your weakness into a strength.
There's nothing wrong with feeling incapable if it causes you to run to Jesus in prayer. That's not a weakness; that's really your greatest strength.
You'll never go wrong by continually turning to Him in prayer. The more you ask Him about things, the more He can work through you. The more you feel incapable in yourself, the more you realize that you don't know what to do and turn to Him for the answers, the better off you'll be.
There's nothing wrong with feeling incapable if it causes you to run to Jesus in prayer. That's not a weakness; that's really your greatest strength, because He'll always be there to lead and guide you. Those are good feelings to have because they keep you desperate and in need of Jesus, and that's exactly the way He wants you to be. He uses those feelings to keep you coming back to Him time after time, so that He can continue to bless you and work through you. He does it for your own good, as well as for the good of others who He knows will be affected by your choices and decisions. Just because you might feel incapable and insufficient doesn't mean that you really are, as long as you keep turning to Him.
The only problem you might have with feeling incapable and weak in yourself is if, after you've gone to Jesus and prayed and heard from Him, for whatever reason, you don't follow through and implement what He told you to do. Maybe you aren't sure that you got your signals from Him straight, or maybe you don't see how His answer could be true or possible, or maybe you think it's going to be too hard, so you put off doing it. But you need to have the faith that it's really Him speaking to you, that He knows what's good and right, and you simply need to obey and carry through with what He's shown you. You may not get it right every time, especially in the beginning, but the more you get in the habit of asking Him for His guidance, answers, and solutions, the easier it will become, the clearer you will hear Him speak, and the more often you will get it right.
If you lack the faith you need to get started, He can help you with that, too. If you don't see how you can do what He's asked you to do, ask Him to show you how. If you think it's going to be too hard, ask Him to help you take the first step. As you obey and take each little step for Him, He'll take bigger steps for you and help you to make progress. He won't fail to keep His word to you.
Ask Him about whatever specific situation you need help in. That's using your weakness and tapping in to Jesus' power. But after you've received some direction and guidance from Him, if you don't do anything with it, if you don't try to apply it and act upon it in some way, then you forfeit the benefit of being able to tap into His strength and you're left with your weakness. Your natural weaknesses will have become more of a hindrance than a help because you didn't accept the Lord's help after He offered it. We all do that sometimes. Nobody's perfect and He doesn't expect us to be, but most of us can do a lot better in this regard of asking Him about the problems we face and the decisions we make, big and small.
It's a three-step process. We have to remember to ask, first of all, and believe what He tells us and grab on to it, and then we have to follow through and do it.
Jesus told the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He extends that same promise to you. When you feel weak, He will be strong in you. When you feel you can't do something you know He wants done, He will do it through you. When you don't know how He's going to accomplish His will through you, do what you can and He will do the rest. That's letting Jesus make a strength out of your weakness.
That's the true strength of weakness—knowing that you need Him, that you need to turn to Him for the answers, and then doing that. You're weak in yourself in that you don't automatically feel like you know the answers or understand the situation or rely on your own ideas, but instead pray and ask Jesus. Your first reaction should always be to pray about things.
It's good "weakness" when, even if you know what to do or think you do, you still ask Jesus about it and follow His lead, which may differ from your initial thought or plan. It's good because then you're letting the Lord work through you and perform His will. You're letting Him have control. You're letting Him make the decisions and do things His way, and that's when He is able to turn your weakness into a strength.
There's nothing wrong with feeling incapable if it causes you to run to Jesus in prayer. That's not a weakness; that's really your greatest strength.
You'll never go wrong by continually turning to Him in prayer. The more you ask Him about things, the more He can work through you. The more you feel incapable in yourself, the more you realize that you don't know what to do and turn to Him for the answers, the better off you'll be.
There's nothing wrong with feeling incapable if it causes you to run to Jesus in prayer. That's not a weakness; that's really your greatest strength, because He'll always be there to lead and guide you. Those are good feelings to have because they keep you desperate and in need of Jesus, and that's exactly the way He wants you to be. He uses those feelings to keep you coming back to Him time after time, so that He can continue to bless you and work through you. He does it for your own good, as well as for the good of others who He knows will be affected by your choices and decisions. Just because you might feel incapable and insufficient doesn't mean that you really are, as long as you keep turning to Him.
The only problem you might have with feeling incapable and weak in yourself is if, after you've gone to Jesus and prayed and heard from Him, for whatever reason, you don't follow through and implement what He told you to do. Maybe you aren't sure that you got your signals from Him straight, or maybe you don't see how His answer could be true or possible, or maybe you think it's going to be too hard, so you put off doing it. But you need to have the faith that it's really Him speaking to you, that He knows what's good and right, and you simply need to obey and carry through with what He's shown you. You may not get it right every time, especially in the beginning, but the more you get in the habit of asking Him for His guidance, answers, and solutions, the easier it will become, the clearer you will hear Him speak, and the more often you will get it right.
If you lack the faith you need to get started, He can help you with that, too. If you don't see how you can do what He's asked you to do, ask Him to show you how. If you think it's going to be too hard, ask Him to help you take the first step. As you obey and take each little step for Him, He'll take bigger steps for you and help you to make progress. He won't fail to keep His word to you.
Ask Him about whatever specific situation you need help in. That's using your weakness and tapping in to Jesus' power. But after you've received some direction and guidance from Him, if you don't do anything with it, if you don't try to apply it and act upon it in some way, then you forfeit the benefit of being able to tap into His strength and you're left with your weakness. Your natural weaknesses will have become more of a hindrance than a help because you didn't accept the Lord's help after He offered it. We all do that sometimes. Nobody's perfect and He doesn't expect us to be, but most of us can do a lot better in this regard of asking Him about the problems we face and the decisions we make, big and small.
It's a three-step process. We have to remember to ask, first of all, and believe what He tells us and grab on to it, and then we have to follow through and do it.
Jesus told the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He extends that same promise to you. When you feel weak, He will be strong in you. When you feel you can't do something you know He wants done, He will do it through you. When you don't know how He's going to accomplish His will through you, do what you can and He will do the rest. That's letting Jesus make a strength out of your weakness.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Joy
Joy is the major goal of most lives. We all have basic needs as human beings with the need to satisfy hunger and the need for intimacy often as our priority. We seek to fulfill the need to be loved, the need to belong, the need to have an ultimate purpose, and the need for a sense of personal self worth. Joy helps bring those things to fruition.
One way or another when any one of these needs is met it fills to some extent our need for joy. If fact when some are not able to find their joy in basic thongs they often risk their health and their life in order to feel it even for a short time. They do strange things, dangerous things, spontaneous things, even crazy things to get that feeling-because joy is behind so much of what we do.
Like all things that are important to us we want to also share that joy. Those of us who are sensitive to others will want them to have the same experience. When you are walking two inches off the ground because of a new relationship you can't wait to tell your friends. You want to share your new found joy. Some of the things or experiences themselves that bring joy you want to share with those close to you so that they can also have the feeling.
What does it mean for you and me to have joy? Once you have it--really have it--you can't help but share it. That's what makes it so much fun.
Psalm 35:27 "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."
One way or another when any one of these needs is met it fills to some extent our need for joy. If fact when some are not able to find their joy in basic thongs they often risk their health and their life in order to feel it even for a short time. They do strange things, dangerous things, spontaneous things, even crazy things to get that feeling-because joy is behind so much of what we do.
Like all things that are important to us we want to also share that joy. Those of us who are sensitive to others will want them to have the same experience. When you are walking two inches off the ground because of a new relationship you can't wait to tell your friends. You want to share your new found joy. Some of the things or experiences themselves that bring joy you want to share with those close to you so that they can also have the feeling.
What does it mean for you and me to have joy? Once you have it--really have it--you can't help but share it. That's what makes it so much fun.
Psalm 35:27 "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Enough Courage
One man, too inebriated to drive, was walking home along railroad tracks when his foot suddenly became stuck. He pulled and tugged, but could not free it from the tracks.
Then he heard a noise and turned around to see an oncoming train. In a panic, he prayed. "Dear God, please get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking."
Nothing happened.
With the speeding train closer, he tried again. "Oh, Lord, get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking AND I'll quit cheating on my wife!"
Still nothing, and now the train was just seconds away.
He tried one last time. "Lord, if you get my foot out of the tracks, I'll quit drinking, cheating, AND ... I'll become a minister!"
Suddenly his foot shot out of the tracks and he dove out of the way of the passing train. Dusting himself off, he looked toward Heaven and said, "Never mind, Lord, I got it out myself."
How often are prayers, even when one is not in a state of emergency, concerned only about physical needs, health and safety? Like you, I know what it is to be afraid. I'm afraid of accidental injury, dismemberment or death. I've been afraid of a pending medical diagnosis before. There must be a million different faces to the fears of life we all face every day.
I want to be safe, secure and healthy at all times, but none of us is always safe, secure or healthy. So, I, too, have come to see that the best prayer we can pray is for courage to face whatever life may bring. And in some place deep inside me, I am not only convinced that the courage will come and not fail me, but that it will be enough when I need it the most.
Joshua 1:7 "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest."
Then he heard a noise and turned around to see an oncoming train. In a panic, he prayed. "Dear God, please get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking."
Nothing happened.
With the speeding train closer, he tried again. "Oh, Lord, get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop drinking AND I'll quit cheating on my wife!"
Still nothing, and now the train was just seconds away.
He tried one last time. "Lord, if you get my foot out of the tracks, I'll quit drinking, cheating, AND ... I'll become a minister!"
Suddenly his foot shot out of the tracks and he dove out of the way of the passing train. Dusting himself off, he looked toward Heaven and said, "Never mind, Lord, I got it out myself."
How often are prayers, even when one is not in a state of emergency, concerned only about physical needs, health and safety? Like you, I know what it is to be afraid. I'm afraid of accidental injury, dismemberment or death. I've been afraid of a pending medical diagnosis before. There must be a million different faces to the fears of life we all face every day.
I want to be safe, secure and healthy at all times, but none of us is always safe, secure or healthy. So, I, too, have come to see that the best prayer we can pray is for courage to face whatever life may bring. And in some place deep inside me, I am not only convinced that the courage will come and not fail me, but that it will be enough when I need it the most.
Joshua 1:7 "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest."
Friday, October 12, 2012
12 Things About God
-God will perfect that which concerns me.
-God sees everything and nothing is hidden from His sight.
-God is at work.
-God loves me. I am His beloved, and He is mine.
-Immanuel, God, is with me and will NEVER leave me nor forsake me.
-God is good and does good!
-God will deal with the evildoer, the reviler, the slanderer, gossip, the gainsayer, the complainer.
-God does not condemn me. God is for me.
-God will supply my every need according to His riches in glory.
-God understands me.
-God hears my prayer.
-God delights to answer my prayer.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Politically Correct School Terms
No one fails a class anymore, he's merely "passing impaired."
You don't have detention, you're just one of the "exit delayed."
Your bedroom isn't cluttered, it's just "passage restrictive."
These days, a student isn't lazy. He's "energetically declined."
Your locker isn't overflowing with junk, it's just "closure prohibitive."
Kids don't get grounded anymore. They merely hit "social speed bumps."
Your homework isn't missing, its just having an "out-of-notebook experience."
You're not sleeping in class, you're "rationing consciousness."
You're not late, you just have a "rescheduled arrival time."
You're not having a bad hair day, you're suffering from "rebellious follicle syndrome."
You don't have smelly gym socks, you have "odor-retentive athletic footwear."
No one's tall anymore. He's "vertically enhanced."
You're not shy. You're "conversationally selective."
You don't talk a lot. You're just "abundantly verbal."
You weren't passing notes in class. You were "participating in the discreet exchange of penned meditations."
You're not being sent to the principals office. You're "going on a mandatory field trip to the administrative building."
It's not called gossip anymore. It's "the speedy transmission of near-factual information."
The food at the school cafeteria isn't awful. It's "digestively challenged."
You don't have detention, you're just one of the "exit delayed."
Your bedroom isn't cluttered, it's just "passage restrictive."
These days, a student isn't lazy. He's "energetically declined."
Your locker isn't overflowing with junk, it's just "closure prohibitive."
Kids don't get grounded anymore. They merely hit "social speed bumps."
Your homework isn't missing, its just having an "out-of-notebook experience."
You're not sleeping in class, you're "rationing consciousness."
You're not late, you just have a "rescheduled arrival time."
You're not having a bad hair day, you're suffering from "rebellious follicle syndrome."
You don't have smelly gym socks, you have "odor-retentive athletic footwear."
No one's tall anymore. He's "vertically enhanced."
You're not shy. You're "conversationally selective."
You don't talk a lot. You're just "abundantly verbal."
You weren't passing notes in class. You were "participating in the discreet exchange of penned meditations."
You're not being sent to the principals office. You're "going on a mandatory field trip to the administrative building."
It's not called gossip anymore. It's "the speedy transmission of near-factual information."
The food at the school cafeteria isn't awful. It's "digestively challenged."
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
At Your Wits End
When Jehoshaphat heard that the enemy surrounded him, he cried out to God saying,
“We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do” (2 Chronicles 20:12). This is not the way most of us talk today. We boast of our great power in the face of adversity. We declare, “Greater is He within me than he that is in the world.” But at the first hint of disaster, we retreat in fear and dismay. We really don’t know what to do, but we act like we know it all. Jehoshaphat humbly admitted his dependance on God.
Jehoshaphat was at his wit’s end, which means he came to the end of his own mental and emotional resources. Have you ever been at your wit’s end? Are you there right now? Do you know where the expression “wit’s end” originated? You may be surprised to learn that it comes from the Bible:
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:25-27)
Psalm 107 details what it is like to be at your wit’s end. It is compared to the uncontrolled environment of a raging storm:
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. (Psalm 107:15)
Your “wit’s end” is a place of instability marked by spiritual, emotional, and mental “ups and downs”:
They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. (Psalm 107:26)
At your wit’s end your soul (your inner man) is “melted” and you are spiritually famished:
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them...They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. (Psalm 107:5 and 26)
Your “wit’s end” it is a condition of spiritual anorexia paralleling that of physical anorexia in the natural body:
...They fell down, and there was none to help...They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:12,27)
Your “wit’s end” is compared by the Psalmist to hard labor (Psalm 107:12). It is a lonely place, a “solitary way” where there is no one to help:
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in...there was none to help. (Psalm 107:4,12 )
When the difficulties of life bring you to your wit’s end, as they did Jehoshaphat, things appear to be out of control. Psalm 107:25 indicates, however that the stormy winds and waves areactuallyunderGod’sauthority. “ButwhywouldHeallowadevastatingstorminmylife?” you question. “Why would God permit an enemy alliance against me? Why would He allow me to come to my wit’s end?”
Because it is at your wit’s end--when you feel deserted, powerless, and fearful--that you learn what to do when you don’t know what to do...and once you master these strategies you can apply them to every difficulty of life you encounter. While others are running around wringing their hands in despair you will know exactly what to do!
“We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do” (2 Chronicles 20:12). This is not the way most of us talk today. We boast of our great power in the face of adversity. We declare, “Greater is He within me than he that is in the world.” But at the first hint of disaster, we retreat in fear and dismay. We really don’t know what to do, but we act like we know it all. Jehoshaphat humbly admitted his dependance on God.
Jehoshaphat was at his wit’s end, which means he came to the end of his own mental and emotional resources. Have you ever been at your wit’s end? Are you there right now? Do you know where the expression “wit’s end” originated? You may be surprised to learn that it comes from the Bible:
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:25-27)
Psalm 107 details what it is like to be at your wit’s end. It is compared to the uncontrolled environment of a raging storm:
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. (Psalm 107:15)
Your “wit’s end” is a place of instability marked by spiritual, emotional, and mental “ups and downs”:
They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. (Psalm 107:26)
At your wit’s end your soul (your inner man) is “melted” and you are spiritually famished:
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them...They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. (Psalm 107:5 and 26)
Your “wit’s end” it is a condition of spiritual anorexia paralleling that of physical anorexia in the natural body:
...They fell down, and there was none to help...They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:12,27)
Your “wit’s end” is compared by the Psalmist to hard labor (Psalm 107:12). It is a lonely place, a “solitary way” where there is no one to help:
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in...there was none to help. (Psalm 107:4,12 )
When the difficulties of life bring you to your wit’s end, as they did Jehoshaphat, things appear to be out of control. Psalm 107:25 indicates, however that the stormy winds and waves areactuallyunderGod’sauthority. “ButwhywouldHeallowadevastatingstorminmylife?” you question. “Why would God permit an enemy alliance against me? Why would He allow me to come to my wit’s end?”
Because it is at your wit’s end--when you feel deserted, powerless, and fearful--that you learn what to do when you don’t know what to do...and once you master these strategies you can apply them to every difficulty of life you encounter. While others are running around wringing their hands in despair you will know exactly what to do!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Stress Management
Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique
recommended in many of the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is
that it really does work .
- Picture yourself lying on your tummy on a warm rock that hangs out over a
crystal clear stream.
- Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.
- Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.
- No one knows your secret place.
- You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.
- The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of
serenity.
- The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding under the water.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
A Little Medicine-Sea Burial
Mick and Paddy had promised their uncle Seamus, who had been a seafaring gent all his life, to bury him at sea when he died. Of course, in due time, he did pass away and the boys kept their promise.
They set off with Uncle Seamus all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded onto their rowboat. After a while Mick says, "Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out, Paddy?"
Without a word Paddy slips over the side only to find himself standing in water up to his knees.?
"Dis'll never do, Mick. Let's row some more."
After a bit more rowing Paddy slips over the side again but the water is only up to his belly, so they row on.
Again Mick asks Paddy, "Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out Paddy?"
Once again Paddy slips over the side and almost immediately says, "No dis'll neva do."
The water was only up to his chest.
So on they row and row and row and finally Paddy slips over the side and disappears. Quite a bit of time goes by and poor Mick is really getting himself into a state when suddenly Paddy breaks the surface gasping for breath.
"Well is it deep enuff yet, Paddy?"
"Aye it 'tis, hand me da shovel."
They set off with Uncle Seamus all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded onto their rowboat. After a while Mick says, "Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out, Paddy?"
Without a word Paddy slips over the side only to find himself standing in water up to his knees.?
"Dis'll never do, Mick. Let's row some more."
After a bit more rowing Paddy slips over the side again but the water is only up to his belly, so they row on.
Again Mick asks Paddy, "Do yer tink dis is fer enuff out Paddy?"
Once again Paddy slips over the side and almost immediately says, "No dis'll neva do."
The water was only up to his chest.
So on they row and row and row and finally Paddy slips over the side and disappears. Quite a bit of time goes by and poor Mick is really getting himself into a state when suddenly Paddy breaks the surface gasping for breath.
"Well is it deep enuff yet, Paddy?"
"Aye it 'tis, hand me da shovel."
Friday, October 5, 2012
Murphy's Law +
I have traced 'Murphy's law back to a Captain Edward A. Murphy, an American engineer at Muroc, California (later named Edwards Air Force Base). In 1949 he was working on a project to test the effects of sudden braking. Time after time his machinery failed, exasperated he said of his technician, "If there is any way to do it wrong, he'll find it." John Paul Stapp picked up on Murphy's phrase and used at a press conference.
1st Amendment
If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.
2nd Amendment
If you realize that there are three possible ways in which something can go wrong, and cover them all, then a fourth, unprepared for way, will miraculously appear out of thin air.
3rd Amendment
When something breaks, the parts damaged are in direct proportion to their value.
4th Amendment
The failure does not appear until the machinery has passed its final inspection.
5th Amendment
When you drop a part, it always rolls into the darkest corner.
Last Amendment
Any attempt to print out this copy of Murphy's law will crash the computer.
* Examples of Murphy's Law
If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.
Murphy's Law - Always strikes on Friday
As with any good idea, Murphy's Law can be adapted and extended.
Your lost needle will be found by your husband when he is walking around barefoot.
The worst pupil in any class will be a school governors' son.
Uniforms only come in two sizes, too large and too small.
Vital documents that were posted with no errors, will develop errors in the mail.
Murphy's Law of DIY (Do-It-Yourself )
Any project will require at least two journeys to the hardware shop.
If you need more than one item (pair, four, etc) the probability that one will be damaged or the wrong colour is directly proportional to the desire or need of the object.
You always need more paint.
You never have enough nails, screws or glue.
The likelihood that you will complete a weekend project before the end of the weekend decreases with when you actually start the project.
Therefore: Any plumbing project stared after 4pm on Sunday will require an emergency call to the plumber to get the water running again.
To estimate the amount of time needed to complete a project: estimate the amount of time needed, multiply by two and use the next highest unit. Hence: A one hour task will take at least two days to complete.
1st Amendment
If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.
2nd Amendment
If you realize that there are three possible ways in which something can go wrong, and cover them all, then a fourth, unprepared for way, will miraculously appear out of thin air.
3rd Amendment
When something breaks, the parts damaged are in direct proportion to their value.
4th Amendment
The failure does not appear until the machinery has passed its final inspection.
5th Amendment
When you drop a part, it always rolls into the darkest corner.
Last Amendment
Any attempt to print out this copy of Murphy's law will crash the computer.
* Examples of Murphy's Law
If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.
Murphy's Law - Always strikes on Friday
As with any good idea, Murphy's Law can be adapted and extended.
Your lost needle will be found by your husband when he is walking around barefoot.
The worst pupil in any class will be a school governors' son.
Uniforms only come in two sizes, too large and too small.
Vital documents that were posted with no errors, will develop errors in the mail.
Murphy's Law of DIY (Do-It-Yourself )
Any project will require at least two journeys to the hardware shop.
If you need more than one item (pair, four, etc) the probability that one will be damaged or the wrong colour is directly proportional to the desire or need of the object.
You always need more paint.
You never have enough nails, screws or glue.
The likelihood that you will complete a weekend project before the end of the weekend decreases with when you actually start the project.
Therefore: Any plumbing project stared after 4pm on Sunday will require an emergency call to the plumber to get the water running again.
To estimate the amount of time needed to complete a project: estimate the amount of time needed, multiply by two and use the next highest unit. Hence: A one hour task will take at least two days to complete.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Who Is God?
God is always the appropriate shelter for whatever we have to face in life.
a. To the artist, He is the one altogether lovely one.
b. To the architect He is the chief cornerstone.
c. To the astronomer He is the Son of righteousness.
d. To the baker He is the living bread.
e. To the banker He is the hidden treasure.
f. To the biologist he is the life.
g. To the carpenter He is the sure foundation.
h. To the doctor He is the great physician.
i. To the educator He is the great teacher.
j. To the farmer He is the sower and the lord of the harvest.
k. To the florist He is the Lily of the Valley and the Rose of Sharon.
l. To the geologist He is the rock of ages.
m. To the horticulturist He is the true vine.
n. To the judge He is the righteous judge.
o. To the juror He is the true witness.
p. To the jeweler He is the pearl of great price.
q. To the editor He is the good tidings of great joy and the word of life.
r. To the optometrist He is the light of the eyes.
s. To the philosopher He is the wisdom of God.
t. To the printer He is the true type.
u. To the servant he is the good master.
v. To the student he is the incarnate truth.
w. To the one who toils He is the giver of rest.
x. To the sinner He is the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.
y. To the Christian He is the living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and Lord.
a. To the artist, He is the one altogether lovely one.
b. To the architect He is the chief cornerstone.
c. To the astronomer He is the Son of righteousness.
d. To the baker He is the living bread.
e. To the banker He is the hidden treasure.
f. To the biologist he is the life.
g. To the carpenter He is the sure foundation.
h. To the doctor He is the great physician.
i. To the educator He is the great teacher.
j. To the farmer He is the sower and the lord of the harvest.
k. To the florist He is the Lily of the Valley and the Rose of Sharon.
l. To the geologist He is the rock of ages.
m. To the horticulturist He is the true vine.
n. To the judge He is the righteous judge.
o. To the juror He is the true witness.
p. To the jeweler He is the pearl of great price.
q. To the editor He is the good tidings of great joy and the word of life.
r. To the optometrist He is the light of the eyes.
s. To the philosopher He is the wisdom of God.
t. To the printer He is the true type.
u. To the servant he is the good master.
v. To the student he is the incarnate truth.
w. To the one who toils He is the giver of rest.
x. To the sinner He is the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.
y. To the Christian He is the living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and Lord.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Footsteps (Part 2)
(2) Jesus desires us to follow in His footsteps.
-Because we choose to follow Him.
Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
-Because we love and know Him personally.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…”
(3) He wants our footsteps to be a path from someone who needs direction.
-With each step we take we establish a pathway for someone to follow.
Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
-Each step we take influences those who come after us.
Isaiah 58:11, 12 “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”
-Our footsteps are directed by the Lord and we are glad.
Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
(4) Why are footsteps of a righteous man so important?
2 Peter 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished…”
a. Because no temptation or trial that can overtake you is new. These things have been in existence even in previous generations.
-Temptation is initiated by the world around us-1 John 2:15-17
-Temptation is rooted in the desires of man’s nature-James 1:13-15
- Temptation is a struggle between man and Satan-1 Peter 5:8
-Temptation’s after effects are not confined to one place, or to one moment in time, or even to one person, but stretch out throughout much space and time and affect many people-Galatians 6:7, 8
It is no sin to be tempted. A temptation becomes sin full-blown when we give in and pursue after it. The temptations that we face are no different than what others before us faced and just like them we must decide for ourselves whether to yield to them or not.
b. Others have faced the same situations you face and have overcome them and set the example for you to follow.
-Our God will never let us down.
Lamentations 3:22-24 “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”
-Our God will never let us be pushed past our limit.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
a. You will not be tempted above your limit without God making a way of escape from it.
b. You will find strength in Jesus in areas that you don’t think you have within you when you are pushed to your limits of endurance.
c. Your ability to resist evil increases every time you humble yourself before the Lord.
-Our God will always be there to help us come through it.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
-Because we choose to follow Him.
Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
-Because we love and know Him personally.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…”
(3) He wants our footsteps to be a path from someone who needs direction.
-With each step we take we establish a pathway for someone to follow.
Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
-Each step we take influences those who come after us.
Isaiah 58:11, 12 “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”
-Our footsteps are directed by the Lord and we are glad.
Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
(4) Why are footsteps of a righteous man so important?
2 Peter 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished…”
a. Because no temptation or trial that can overtake you is new. These things have been in existence even in previous generations.
-Temptation is initiated by the world around us-1 John 2:15-17
-Temptation is rooted in the desires of man’s nature-James 1:13-15
- Temptation is a struggle between man and Satan-1 Peter 5:8
-Temptation’s after effects are not confined to one place, or to one moment in time, or even to one person, but stretch out throughout much space and time and affect many people-Galatians 6:7, 8
It is no sin to be tempted. A temptation becomes sin full-blown when we give in and pursue after it. The temptations that we face are no different than what others before us faced and just like them we must decide for ourselves whether to yield to them or not.
b. Others have faced the same situations you face and have overcome them and set the example for you to follow.
-Our God will never let us down.
Lamentations 3:22-24 “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”
-Our God will never let us be pushed past our limit.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
a. You will not be tempted above your limit without God making a way of escape from it.
b. You will find strength in Jesus in areas that you don’t think you have within you when you are pushed to your limits of endurance.
c. Your ability to resist evil increases every time you humble yourself before the Lord.
-Our God will always be there to help us come through it.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Footsteps (Part 1)
“Footsteps”
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Some people have no problems with talking to you about almost any subject you can think of. They can ramble on and on and say thousands of words, and not really say anything of importance. Three boys were bragging to one another about their fathers. One of them said, “My father is a professor. When he is talking about nuclear physics, there are only fifty other people in the world who can understand him.” The second boy said, “My father is a world class brain surgeon. When he is talking about his surgery there are only 20 other people in the whole world who can understand him.” The third boy said, “That’s nothing. My dad is a Church of God preacher. When he is preaching, nobody seems to understand him.”
Talking is a wonderful thing. It is one of the ways that God gave us to communicate and relate to one another, but there are many people who call themselves Christians who can talk the talk, but they can’t seem to walk the walk. Being a born-again Christian is more than just saying the right words. It’s more than doing good deeds, and coming to church, and talking about the Bible. The test of a true Christian comes in our everyday walk with Jesus.
There is an old saying that has grown from its infancy until today that goes like this: “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”. Most accredit this old proverb to our Native Americans of yesteryear, but it is one proverb not directly in the Bible that we need to adhere to as we walk this path of life.
Jesus made some very distinct and definite footprints when He walked the earth. He blazed a trail that is easy for us to see, and, to walk worthy of Him, we must follow in His footsteps.
(1) Jesus said that there are two paths that we can walk on in this life:
Matthew 7:13, 14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
a. There is a strait gate that opens to a narrow way which leads to life, but few find it.
-It is the way of holiness.
-It is the way of righteousness.
-It is the way purchased with His blood.
-It is the way to heaven.
-It is the way of hope.
-It is the way of destiny.
-It is the way of eternal life.
b. There is a wide gate that opens to a broad way that leads to destruction, and many travel down that path.
-It is the way of despair.
-It is the way of darkness.
-It is the way of desperation.
-It is the way of spiritual death.
-It is the way of forgotten promises.
-It is the way of the fallen.
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Some people have no problems with talking to you about almost any subject you can think of. They can ramble on and on and say thousands of words, and not really say anything of importance. Three boys were bragging to one another about their fathers. One of them said, “My father is a professor. When he is talking about nuclear physics, there are only fifty other people in the world who can understand him.” The second boy said, “My father is a world class brain surgeon. When he is talking about his surgery there are only 20 other people in the whole world who can understand him.” The third boy said, “That’s nothing. My dad is a Church of God preacher. When he is preaching, nobody seems to understand him.”
Talking is a wonderful thing. It is one of the ways that God gave us to communicate and relate to one another, but there are many people who call themselves Christians who can talk the talk, but they can’t seem to walk the walk. Being a born-again Christian is more than just saying the right words. It’s more than doing good deeds, and coming to church, and talking about the Bible. The test of a true Christian comes in our everyday walk with Jesus.
There is an old saying that has grown from its infancy until today that goes like this: “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”. Most accredit this old proverb to our Native Americans of yesteryear, but it is one proverb not directly in the Bible that we need to adhere to as we walk this path of life.
Jesus made some very distinct and definite footprints when He walked the earth. He blazed a trail that is easy for us to see, and, to walk worthy of Him, we must follow in His footsteps.
(1) Jesus said that there are two paths that we can walk on in this life:
Matthew 7:13, 14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
a. There is a strait gate that opens to a narrow way which leads to life, but few find it.
-It is the way of holiness.
-It is the way of righteousness.
-It is the way purchased with His blood.
-It is the way to heaven.
-It is the way of hope.
-It is the way of destiny.
-It is the way of eternal life.
b. There is a wide gate that opens to a broad way that leads to destruction, and many travel down that path.
-It is the way of despair.
-It is the way of darkness.
-It is the way of desperation.
-It is the way of spiritual death.
-It is the way of forgotten promises.
-It is the way of the fallen.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Touch
If you play English hand bells you must wear gloves when playing them. Why? Because the oils from your hands change the quality of sound coming from the bells. Everything we touch experiences changes in someway or another.
Also, everybody we touch is changed-even if we're not infected with something contagious. I'm not only talking about just physical touch, either. Often we touch their minds, spirits and hearts. Everybody we speak to, rub shoulders with or even smile at is changed in some small way. These changes can be helpful or hurtful, depending on our interaction. It is like leaving a piece of ourselves behind with everyone we meet, and taking a piece of them with us. And even little changes can make a difference. No one is insignificant in this regard.
The question then is this:
-What little part of yourself will you leave behind? Something good or something bad?
-How will you influence them? With a positive perspective or a grumpy outlook?
-Will your encounter be thoughtful or hurried?
-Helpful or harmful?
-Intentional or accidental?
There is something wonderful about the influence we have on one another. So, whom will you touch today and what will you leave behind, or take with you?
The answer to that question is all up to you.
Also, everybody we touch is changed-even if we're not infected with something contagious. I'm not only talking about just physical touch, either. Often we touch their minds, spirits and hearts. Everybody we speak to, rub shoulders with or even smile at is changed in some small way. These changes can be helpful or hurtful, depending on our interaction. It is like leaving a piece of ourselves behind with everyone we meet, and taking a piece of them with us. And even little changes can make a difference. No one is insignificant in this regard.
The question then is this:
-What little part of yourself will you leave behind? Something good or something bad?
-How will you influence them? With a positive perspective or a grumpy outlook?
-Will your encounter be thoughtful or hurried?
-Helpful or harmful?
-Intentional or accidental?
There is something wonderful about the influence we have on one another. So, whom will you touch today and what will you leave behind, or take with you?
The answer to that question is all up to you.
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