1 Corinthians 15:32 "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die"
Father, You are a rewarder of all those who diligently seek you.
Thank you for Jesus, for your life not only taught us how to live,
but your resurrection proved that you have power over death.
Thank you for the assurance of resurrection, for without it we
would have no reason to persevere.
His resurrection is why I believe in my own future resurrection.
All my hopes are pinned on him. Were it not for this, I would
live as do unbelievers, who say,
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.
"May I live according to Christ's righteousness through
the power that raised him from the dead.
And may I never forget the promiseof resurrection.
In His Name..
Amen
I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me
Phil. 4 : 13 This will give you chills...... No matter how religious you may or may not be,this can give you chills. Phil. 4:13 states: 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me..'
Here's the story:A young man who had been raised as an atheistwas training to be an Olympic diver.The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often. One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended.The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out,he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body,was in the shape of a cross.. The man felt a strange feeling, like someone was speaking to him. Instead of diving, he knelt down andfinally asked God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained! for repairs.
Remember this story and send it to a friend. Yes, I do Love Jesus. He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. 'Without Him, I will be nothing. Without him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me...
Here's the story:A young man who had been raised as an atheistwas training to be an Olympic diver.The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often. One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended.The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out,he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body,was in the shape of a cross.. The man felt a strange feeling, like someone was speaking to him. Instead of diving, he knelt down andfinally asked God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained! for repairs.
Remember this story and send it to a friend. Yes, I do Love Jesus. He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. 'Without Him, I will be nothing. Without him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me...
Prayer Requests
Hi Everyone..
I just wanted to ask all of you to continue praying for the Ibarra family in our church. Their son has been missing for about 9 days now. He has been seen in the Sacramento area and each night this week, families from our church have been out looking for him. Prayer is so important and so often such an amazing way of helping someone that you've never even met. I know that this precious family would appreciate all of your continued prayers.
Also, if you would be praying for my friend Margarita's cousin Manuel, who just found out that he has terminal cancer, and only a couple of weeks to live..I know that this family is heartbroken and need prayer. Margarita has been a real blessing in my life, and I thank you all for bringing she and her family before the throne..
May you all be blessed this weekend. Happy Mother's Day!
I just wanted to ask all of you to continue praying for the Ibarra family in our church. Their son has been missing for about 9 days now. He has been seen in the Sacramento area and each night this week, families from our church have been out looking for him. Prayer is so important and so often such an amazing way of helping someone that you've never even met. I know that this precious family would appreciate all of your continued prayers.
Also, if you would be praying for my friend Margarita's cousin Manuel, who just found out that he has terminal cancer, and only a couple of weeks to live..I know that this family is heartbroken and need prayer. Margarita has been a real blessing in my life, and I thank you all for bringing she and her family before the throne..
May you all be blessed this weekend. Happy Mother's Day!
For I know the plans I have for you...
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
If we were to think of ourselves as He thinks of us, how happy and satisfied we would be. How full of joy. We would be at peace. We would sense a complete absence of strife, stress, and anxiety.
He is alive in our hearts, where we invited Him to live. He wants to fill us to overflowing. He says to keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the very issues of life..but at times it seems that many of us war against our own precious hearts. Instead of sensing His overflowing presence, we are filled with guilt, hopelessness, self disgust, anger, or pain. When we allow those things in, for lack of a better way of putting it, it's like jumping in to an empty grave, because there is no life in living by our negative emotions, rather than living by faith in the Son of God...
Because He is RISEN from the grave. He has called us from outside the grave. He wants us to leave behind the war that has been in our hearts..to bury hopelessness and guilt..and to sit with Him in heavenly places where He has made a place for us.
Your heavenly Father is slow to anger, gracious and merciful and full of steadfast love. Shake yourself loose from the dust. Loose yourself from the bonds around your neck, and enjoy being His child.
If we were to think of ourselves as He thinks of us, how happy and satisfied we would be. How full of joy. We would be at peace. We would sense a complete absence of strife, stress, and anxiety.
He is alive in our hearts, where we invited Him to live. He wants to fill us to overflowing. He says to keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the very issues of life..but at times it seems that many of us war against our own precious hearts. Instead of sensing His overflowing presence, we are filled with guilt, hopelessness, self disgust, anger, or pain. When we allow those things in, for lack of a better way of putting it, it's like jumping in to an empty grave, because there is no life in living by our negative emotions, rather than living by faith in the Son of God...
Because He is RISEN from the grave. He has called us from outside the grave. He wants us to leave behind the war that has been in our hearts..to bury hopelessness and guilt..and to sit with Him in heavenly places where He has made a place for us.
Your heavenly Father is slow to anger, gracious and merciful and full of steadfast love. Shake yourself loose from the dust. Loose yourself from the bonds around your neck, and enjoy being His child.
He will continually intercede
Hebrews 7:24-25 "But this Man (Jesus), because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them"
When Jesus hung on the cross, He said, "It is finished". Therefore, according to Hebrews, His ministry on our behalf now is to continually intercede for us! That is what He lives to do for us now. Isn't that incredible?
When you are in a difficult situation, and don't know how to pray..when the words wont even come..you don't have to worry..Jesus is interceding on your behalf. The more I think about this, the more it ministers to me. I have gone through different situations, and thought to myself..Right NOW..Jesus is interceding for me!
When I have been witnessing to someone and felt at a loss as to what to say next, I have been reminded that Jesus is interceding for me!
When I have found myself in impossible situations, I've been able to breathe a sigh of relief, because Jesus is interceding for me!
When I've been hurt, I've known that I can go on..because Jesus is interceding for me! He understands..and He's interceding.
As Kay Arthur says, "What a divine and incomprehensible mystery! What a marvelous reality to live by, moment by moment!"
My prayer truly is that each one of us will simply remember this truth. We are never alone in any situation. We are never left to our own wisdom, ability or endurance. Jesus is interceding!
When Jesus hung on the cross, He said, "It is finished". Therefore, according to Hebrews, His ministry on our behalf now is to continually intercede for us! That is what He lives to do for us now. Isn't that incredible?
When you are in a difficult situation, and don't know how to pray..when the words wont even come..you don't have to worry..Jesus is interceding on your behalf. The more I think about this, the more it ministers to me. I have gone through different situations, and thought to myself..Right NOW..Jesus is interceding for me!
When I have been witnessing to someone and felt at a loss as to what to say next, I have been reminded that Jesus is interceding for me!
When I have found myself in impossible situations, I've been able to breathe a sigh of relief, because Jesus is interceding for me!
When I've been hurt, I've known that I can go on..because Jesus is interceding for me! He understands..and He's interceding.
As Kay Arthur says, "What a divine and incomprehensible mystery! What a marvelous reality to live by, moment by moment!"
My prayer truly is that each one of us will simply remember this truth. We are never alone in any situation. We are never left to our own wisdom, ability or endurance. Jesus is interceding!
Isaiah 49:16a "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands"
The people of Israel wondered if God had deserted them in Babylon..but Isaiah pointed out that God would never leave them, just as a mother would never leave her child. In fact, God had "graven" or inscribed them on the palms of His hands.
On Monday of this week, I got to watch my little grandson, and we decided to make a gift for his mother for Mother's Day.. I had bought a little handprint kit at the craft store...many of us made these as kids at school. I remember making one in kindergarten. You take the dough and stretch press it down into a mold, and then you simply press your hand into it. Eventually, it hardens and you have a perfect imprint of your hand. Kaleb and I worked on this Monday, and after we finished the handprint, we stamped his name into it. Once the dough is hardened, that print will be there forever. You can see perfectly every little line in his hand, and honestly I want to make one of him for me now. It is simply precious! I remember the excitement of taking my handprint home as a child, and my mother crying. I can't wait to see my daughter in law's face when Kaleb and I give her this special gift. The heart of a mother toward her child is like no other. Even when our kids are grown, we never forget our child. That love never diminishes in any way.
It is the same way with God. The verse right before this one says exactly that. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee". Beloved, whatever else may be going on in your life at the moment, you can be sure that God has not forgotten you.
Unfortunately, we are living in a world that is FULL of corruption, and even more unfortunate is that it hasn't eluded the church, or in some cases even the pastor. We are surrounded by it in the workplace. We wonder at times, God where are you? Have you forgotten us? If, in your own life, you are feeling surrounded, like I am, by absolute corruption, remember this..your God loves you enough to have inscribed YOU on the palm of His hand. He has not forgotten YOU, or the wrong that may have been done to you. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked"..Each day, beloved, continue to do right, and let God deal with whatever you are surrounded with...
One day, we will see Him face to face. We will see the imprint of the nails on His hands, the scars that remain, are a reminder of the love that He has for you..and for me. He loved us enough to die for us..to lay down His life..When you really think about it, not much else matters.
On Monday of this week, I got to watch my little grandson, and we decided to make a gift for his mother for Mother's Day.. I had bought a little handprint kit at the craft store...many of us made these as kids at school. I remember making one in kindergarten. You take the dough and stretch press it down into a mold, and then you simply press your hand into it. Eventually, it hardens and you have a perfect imprint of your hand. Kaleb and I worked on this Monday, and after we finished the handprint, we stamped his name into it. Once the dough is hardened, that print will be there forever. You can see perfectly every little line in his hand, and honestly I want to make one of him for me now. It is simply precious! I remember the excitement of taking my handprint home as a child, and my mother crying. I can't wait to see my daughter in law's face when Kaleb and I give her this special gift. The heart of a mother toward her child is like no other. Even when our kids are grown, we never forget our child. That love never diminishes in any way.
It is the same way with God. The verse right before this one says exactly that. "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee". Beloved, whatever else may be going on in your life at the moment, you can be sure that God has not forgotten you.
Unfortunately, we are living in a world that is FULL of corruption, and even more unfortunate is that it hasn't eluded the church, or in some cases even the pastor. We are surrounded by it in the workplace. We wonder at times, God where are you? Have you forgotten us? If, in your own life, you are feeling surrounded, like I am, by absolute corruption, remember this..your God loves you enough to have inscribed YOU on the palm of His hand. He has not forgotten YOU, or the wrong that may have been done to you. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked"..Each day, beloved, continue to do right, and let God deal with whatever you are surrounded with...
One day, we will see Him face to face. We will see the imprint of the nails on His hands, the scars that remain, are a reminder of the love that He has for you..and for me. He loved us enough to die for us..to lay down His life..When you really think about it, not much else matters.
Let nothing be done through strife or conceit...
Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or conceit...but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"
If you look up the word "nothing" in Webster's dictionary, it literally means...NOTHING! So, what this verse is literally saying is don't let anything in your life be done through strife..don't let anything in your life be done through conceit. Let each of us think about the needs of others in all that we do. Don't just look at your own life and what your needs are..but look at the cares and concerns that other people are facing, and let your heart be touched by the needs of others.
Conceit can literally ruin a church, but true humility can build it. Conceit or "vainglory" as the King James says, can ruin a friendship, but being "lowly of mind" can grow it. The Bible is not talking about putting ourselves down here. It is talking about having a true perspective on ourselves. Over and over in the scriptures, we are told not to judge others, and one verse explains why. When we judge other people, we are usually doing the same things that we are judging them for..maybe just in a different fashion.
Paul is encouraging us here to lay aside selfishness, and to treat others with respect and courtesy. Considering the interests and concerns of others as being more important than our own links us with Jesus, who was the true example of humility.
One of the ways that I like to live out this verse is by getting my mind off of myself and think about what someone around me might be needing at the time. I am asking all of you to join me in that today. Simply praying for someone else can usher in to your own life, such peace. Making a meal for someone might bring more joy than a trip to Disneyland. We are here to love each other, lift each other up, and encourage.
There is a need in my church that I would like to ask each of you to be in prayer for today. A young man is missing in our church. He is the son of our worship leader, and he has been missing since last Wednesday. I don't have a lot of details, but will share as I learn more. I am asking each of you today if you would pray for this family..and for this young man. His name is Joe, and he is 16. Would you forward this to one person today, and ask them to pray? I am reminded as I write this that the fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much. This is a precious and most beloved family. Each of us knows how we would feel if our child were missing..so today..may each of us in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than ourselves. May we look not on our own situations, but take some time to look also on the things and situations of others..and then..be a blessing.
Today, may you sense His presence in your life...and may you be blessed beyond measure!
If you look up the word "nothing" in Webster's dictionary, it literally means...NOTHING! So, what this verse is literally saying is don't let anything in your life be done through strife..don't let anything in your life be done through conceit. Let each of us think about the needs of others in all that we do. Don't just look at your own life and what your needs are..but look at the cares and concerns that other people are facing, and let your heart be touched by the needs of others.
Conceit can literally ruin a church, but true humility can build it. Conceit or "vainglory" as the King James says, can ruin a friendship, but being "lowly of mind" can grow it. The Bible is not talking about putting ourselves down here. It is talking about having a true perspective on ourselves. Over and over in the scriptures, we are told not to judge others, and one verse explains why. When we judge other people, we are usually doing the same things that we are judging them for..maybe just in a different fashion.
Paul is encouraging us here to lay aside selfishness, and to treat others with respect and courtesy. Considering the interests and concerns of others as being more important than our own links us with Jesus, who was the true example of humility.
One of the ways that I like to live out this verse is by getting my mind off of myself and think about what someone around me might be needing at the time. I am asking all of you to join me in that today. Simply praying for someone else can usher in to your own life, such peace. Making a meal for someone might bring more joy than a trip to Disneyland. We are here to love each other, lift each other up, and encourage.
There is a need in my church that I would like to ask each of you to be in prayer for today. A young man is missing in our church. He is the son of our worship leader, and he has been missing since last Wednesday. I don't have a lot of details, but will share as I learn more. I am asking each of you today if you would pray for this family..and for this young man. His name is Joe, and he is 16. Would you forward this to one person today, and ask them to pray? I am reminded as I write this that the fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much. This is a precious and most beloved family. Each of us knows how we would feel if our child were missing..so today..may each of us in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than ourselves. May we look not on our own situations, but take some time to look also on the things and situations of others..and then..be a blessing.
Today, may you sense His presence in your life...and may you be blessed beyond measure!
LOVE NEVER ENDS 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Dear Father, O God of love!
Let me possess love, for love never ends.
I know that prophecy,tongues,and knowledge will pass away,
for they are all incompleteand unfinished.
When the complete and perfect comes,
everything incomplete and unfinished will be gone.
Enable me to put away the things of childhood -
the way I reasoned, the way I spoke -
and help me become mature.
Now I see through a mirror dimly, but then face to face.
Now I know in part,but then I shall understand,
even as I have been fully understood.
Faith, hope, and love are the truly enduring qualities,
but you proclaim love the greatest.
Fill me with love!
In the name of the loving Jesus and by his authority I come to
you, asking these things according to his will.
Amen.
Eldon Degge
Let me possess love, for love never ends.
I know that prophecy,tongues,and knowledge will pass away,
for they are all incompleteand unfinished.
When the complete and perfect comes,
everything incomplete and unfinished will be gone.
Enable me to put away the things of childhood -
the way I reasoned, the way I spoke -
and help me become mature.
Now I see through a mirror dimly, but then face to face.
Now I know in part,but then I shall understand,
even as I have been fully understood.
Faith, hope, and love are the truly enduring qualities,
but you proclaim love the greatest.
Fill me with love!
In the name of the loving Jesus and by his authority I come to
you, asking these things according to his will.
Amen.
Eldon Degge
Psalm 89:1 "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations"
O My child, I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with strong cords have I bound you to Myself. In the day of adversity, I have been your refuge, and in the hour of need, I have held you up, and you have found your strength in Me. You have seen My goodness on the right hand and on the left. You have beheld My power, and My glory has not been hidden from you.
I have blessed you out of the bounties of heaven, and have not witheld from you what your heart desired. Yes, and I would do still more. For have I not promised that you and your household should be saved? Wasn't the blood applied to the lintel and the doorposts for the salvation of the entire family?
So know that I am working with you and for you. For surely a light will shine out of the darkness, and the faith you have exercised through the years will be rewarded one hundredfold. So your faith will be turned to sight, for you will see with your eyes and hear with your ears, and rejoice in your heart over what will come to pass.
I will do a wonderful work, and you shall praise and glorify My name. For He that keeps you neither slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord your God is your strength, and in Him is no weariness. He never tires of you coming to Him, and your cry is welcome to His ears, however frequent.
Cast yourself upon His mercies; for His loving kindness never fails, and His grace and compassion are inexhaustible. His faithfulness is extended to all generations.
Frances J. Roberts
I have blessed you out of the bounties of heaven, and have not witheld from you what your heart desired. Yes, and I would do still more. For have I not promised that you and your household should be saved? Wasn't the blood applied to the lintel and the doorposts for the salvation of the entire family?
So know that I am working with you and for you. For surely a light will shine out of the darkness, and the faith you have exercised through the years will be rewarded one hundredfold. So your faith will be turned to sight, for you will see with your eyes and hear with your ears, and rejoice in your heart over what will come to pass.
I will do a wonderful work, and you shall praise and glorify My name. For He that keeps you neither slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord your God is your strength, and in Him is no weariness. He never tires of you coming to Him, and your cry is welcome to His ears, however frequent.
Cast yourself upon His mercies; for His loving kindness never fails, and His grace and compassion are inexhaustible. His faithfulness is extended to all generations.
Frances J. Roberts
Compassion
Lamentations 3:22 "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"
I wonder if anyone besides me has noticed that compassion is just not something you see a lot of these days. I think it's probably in part because everyone is so busy. The world has changed a great deal in the time that I've been alive. It seems right is wrong and wrong is right..people are angry and impatient..road rage is rampant..the simple life that I knew growing up is no more. I have actually watched people around me change. I've changed...and I need to remind myself daily who I am in Christ.
He is my portion. He is all that I need. It is literally because of His mercies that I've not been consumed by the challenges of life. When there is no place to run, and no one to run to, I run to Him because He is faithful.
The writer of this passage, Jeremiah, probably saw many of the same things we see today. He was surrounded by sin, and by sorrow..but in the midst of it all, he saw a ray of hope. God's compassions NEVER fail. When all else around you begins to fall apart, He is faithful...and he is good to them that wait for Him, and to the soul that seeks Him.
Compassion is love in action..and God IS love. He willingly responds when we ask for help. His compassion is greater than any sin, and deeper than any ocean of despondency that you may be facing.
Today, my prayer for each of us is simply this..that as we go through our day, we would remind ourselves throughout the day that He is our portion. He is all we need. When we receive bad news of some kind, when we are concerned about what the future holds, when everything around us seems unstable, even when people fail us..He is our portion..and our hope lies in Him. I challenge you today to stand firm in Christ. He will NOT fail you.
I wonder if anyone besides me has noticed that compassion is just not something you see a lot of these days. I think it's probably in part because everyone is so busy. The world has changed a great deal in the time that I've been alive. It seems right is wrong and wrong is right..people are angry and impatient..road rage is rampant..the simple life that I knew growing up is no more. I have actually watched people around me change. I've changed...and I need to remind myself daily who I am in Christ.
He is my portion. He is all that I need. It is literally because of His mercies that I've not been consumed by the challenges of life. When there is no place to run, and no one to run to, I run to Him because He is faithful.
The writer of this passage, Jeremiah, probably saw many of the same things we see today. He was surrounded by sin, and by sorrow..but in the midst of it all, he saw a ray of hope. God's compassions NEVER fail. When all else around you begins to fall apart, He is faithful...and he is good to them that wait for Him, and to the soul that seeks Him.
Compassion is love in action..and God IS love. He willingly responds when we ask for help. His compassion is greater than any sin, and deeper than any ocean of despondency that you may be facing.
Today, my prayer for each of us is simply this..that as we go through our day, we would remind ourselves throughout the day that He is our portion. He is all we need. When we receive bad news of some kind, when we are concerned about what the future holds, when everything around us seems unstable, even when people fail us..He is our portion..and our hope lies in Him. I challenge you today to stand firm in Christ. He will NOT fail you.
Revelation 2:7 "To him who overcomes I will grant to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God"
God knows our afflictions, distresses and pressing troubles...and He is with us. He wants us to understand that He is our shelter and strong tower that we can feel safe in, no matter what the circumstances.
It is easy to become discouraged when we are in the midst of a difficult set of circumstances, or when our body is in pain, or when the trial that we have endured seems endless, or when we don't know what the future holds. So, we must do one thing..we must keep our eyes and our hearts FIXED on the Lord. He says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also...and He lives in our hearts.
We become one with Him as we trust in, and lean on Him. He has said in the Bible that the one who overcomes will receive from Him hidden manna to eat..and a white stone with his or her name written on it. Do not be afraid to overcome, beloved. Do not be afraid to face the storms around you. Do not shrink back in the face of danger. Your God is with you...and He has already overcome the world and its sorrows. It is because of Him that you are an overcomer. The problems in this life will not defeat you..and you will not be consumed..when your heart is fixed on God.
Affliction is not your master. Trouble and pain are not your guides. The Lord is your Master. He is your Guide...and this day, He has given you the power to overcome.
Taken in part from a devotion by M. Chapian
It is easy to become discouraged when we are in the midst of a difficult set of circumstances, or when our body is in pain, or when the trial that we have endured seems endless, or when we don't know what the future holds. So, we must do one thing..we must keep our eyes and our hearts FIXED on the Lord. He says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also...and He lives in our hearts.
We become one with Him as we trust in, and lean on Him. He has said in the Bible that the one who overcomes will receive from Him hidden manna to eat..and a white stone with his or her name written on it. Do not be afraid to overcome, beloved. Do not be afraid to face the storms around you. Do not shrink back in the face of danger. Your God is with you...and He has already overcome the world and its sorrows. It is because of Him that you are an overcomer. The problems in this life will not defeat you..and you will not be consumed..when your heart is fixed on God.
Affliction is not your master. Trouble and pain are not your guides. The Lord is your Master. He is your Guide...and this day, He has given you the power to overcome.
Taken in part from a devotion by M. Chapian
Mark 10:48 "And many charged him that he should hold his peace; but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me"
Our friend Jeff has preached from this passage at the Boys Ranch a couple of times. It is such a powerful passage of scripture and so encouraging, not only to the inmates, but to me personally. Bartamaeus was blind, and sat by the highway begging. That is how he made his living. Most occupations of that time required some type of physical labor and anyone with a handicap was at a severe disadvantage.
I guess I somewhat identify with Bartamaeus, and the Lord has used the story of what happened to him, to infuse strength and hope into my own life. As Bart sat by the highway, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming. He began to cry out to Him..and asked Jesus to have mercy on him. Verse 48 says that MANY who were with him, charged him that he should hold his peace..in other words, they were telling him to Be Quiet! I have heard that when a person has a disability, such as blindness, the other senses are much stronger..Bartamaeus could probably hear very well, and knew what the people were saying to him.. Leave Jesus alone. Don't bother him with your needs. But Bartamaeus cried the more, a great deal!
Have you ever had a similar experience? Has there ever been a need in your life that maybe you didn't receive an immediate answer to? Has anyone ever told you that its time to let that go, even though you are not completely convinced that it is? Have you had a dream for your life..a longing if you will..in a certain area, that is unfulfilled..and the crowd of people that surround your life have tried to quiet you?
I've had such a dream..there has been something that has been on my heart for nearly 20 years that I was actually talked out of many years ago. The person who talked to me made a lot of sense and so I decided it best to let go of the dream..but because after all these years, this dream is still on my heart, I am realizing that it is not only my desire for my life..it is God's desire for me. His desires for us usually become our desires. I wonder how many things I have let go of that God wanted me to have. I wonder what would have happened to blind Bartamaeus if he would have listened to the naysayers..I know one thing..he wouldn't have received his healing..and he may have spent the rest of his life sitting by that highway, begging.
When Bartamaeus called out to Jesus..Jesus heard his call. He stopped..and then He listened to the man's greatest desire..that he might receive his sight. Then Jesus told him the most amazing thing..He said, "Go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole"..
I do know and understand that there is a time to let go..but I think far too often, we let go too soon. We listen to the voices of the naysayers more than we listen to the voice of our Lord, who speaks gently to our spirit..we don't pay attention to the desires of our hearts. We are convinced by circumstances, and often people..rather than being led. I don't know about you, but I want to start living by faith. When I believe that God is speaking to me about something, even if it seems impossible, I want to go forward. I want to be the one in the crowd who is crying out, all the more, as Bartamaeus did. Jesus said it was his faith that made him whole.
The Word of God says that His sheep hear his voice, and they know it. My prayer for each of us today is simply that we would allow ourselves to be led, by His sweet Spirit..that our faith would rise, and that we, like blind Bart, would wholeheartedly seek God, despite our circumstances. I have heard it said that sheep are to be led, not driven. May we be able to discern the difference..and follow Him..May each of us be the voice that cries out the more a great deal..Son of David..have mercy. May our determination rise along with our faith. May you all be blessed.
I guess I somewhat identify with Bartamaeus, and the Lord has used the story of what happened to him, to infuse strength and hope into my own life. As Bart sat by the highway, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming. He began to cry out to Him..and asked Jesus to have mercy on him. Verse 48 says that MANY who were with him, charged him that he should hold his peace..in other words, they were telling him to Be Quiet! I have heard that when a person has a disability, such as blindness, the other senses are much stronger..Bartamaeus could probably hear very well, and knew what the people were saying to him.. Leave Jesus alone. Don't bother him with your needs. But Bartamaeus cried the more, a great deal!
Have you ever had a similar experience? Has there ever been a need in your life that maybe you didn't receive an immediate answer to? Has anyone ever told you that its time to let that go, even though you are not completely convinced that it is? Have you had a dream for your life..a longing if you will..in a certain area, that is unfulfilled..and the crowd of people that surround your life have tried to quiet you?
I've had such a dream..there has been something that has been on my heart for nearly 20 years that I was actually talked out of many years ago. The person who talked to me made a lot of sense and so I decided it best to let go of the dream..but because after all these years, this dream is still on my heart, I am realizing that it is not only my desire for my life..it is God's desire for me. His desires for us usually become our desires. I wonder how many things I have let go of that God wanted me to have. I wonder what would have happened to blind Bartamaeus if he would have listened to the naysayers..I know one thing..he wouldn't have received his healing..and he may have spent the rest of his life sitting by that highway, begging.
When Bartamaeus called out to Jesus..Jesus heard his call. He stopped..and then He listened to the man's greatest desire..that he might receive his sight. Then Jesus told him the most amazing thing..He said, "Go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole"..
I do know and understand that there is a time to let go..but I think far too often, we let go too soon. We listen to the voices of the naysayers more than we listen to the voice of our Lord, who speaks gently to our spirit..we don't pay attention to the desires of our hearts. We are convinced by circumstances, and often people..rather than being led. I don't know about you, but I want to start living by faith. When I believe that God is speaking to me about something, even if it seems impossible, I want to go forward. I want to be the one in the crowd who is crying out, all the more, as Bartamaeus did. Jesus said it was his faith that made him whole.
The Word of God says that His sheep hear his voice, and they know it. My prayer for each of us today is simply that we would allow ourselves to be led, by His sweet Spirit..that our faith would rise, and that we, like blind Bart, would wholeheartedly seek God, despite our circumstances. I have heard it said that sheep are to be led, not driven. May we be able to discern the difference..and follow Him..May each of us be the voice that cries out the more a great deal..Son of David..have mercy. May our determination rise along with our faith. May you all be blessed.
Everlasting Arms
Deuteronomy 33:27 "The Eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms"
No matter where you are or what is going on around you, you are safe in the arms of God..because He is your refuge..He is your dwelling place. You may be facing the most challenging circumstances you have ever faced..but you are not alone..He is holding you...and His arms never tire of holding you.
Remember that. Remember that the arms of God are everlasting arms. Resting in that awareness of Him will bring you to an even deeper place of trust. He cares for you. He sees your circumstances. He knows your heart. He knows those who would like to hurt you...and He holds you.
Your dwelling place is in His very loving and capable arms. You can trust that the concerns of your heart are held firmly in the provision that He has made for you. He wants you to lean on, trust in, and confidently hope in Him.
Yesterday, we got to spend the afternoon with our precious grandson. He was tired and fell asleep in Ray's arms. I loved the picture..it wasn't just that he was comfortable and confident enough to rest in the arms of his grandpa..it was that his grandpa was fully devoted to holding him, making sure he was comfortable, making sure he didn't fall. We have a God Who is fully devoted to us. He loves us. He wants to carry us through whatever difficult circumstance we face. He will not let go.
Beloved, don't reject His embrace.
No matter where you are or what is going on around you, you are safe in the arms of God..because He is your refuge..He is your dwelling place. You may be facing the most challenging circumstances you have ever faced..but you are not alone..He is holding you...and His arms never tire of holding you.
Remember that. Remember that the arms of God are everlasting arms. Resting in that awareness of Him will bring you to an even deeper place of trust. He cares for you. He sees your circumstances. He knows your heart. He knows those who would like to hurt you...and He holds you.
Your dwelling place is in His very loving and capable arms. You can trust that the concerns of your heart are held firmly in the provision that He has made for you. He wants you to lean on, trust in, and confidently hope in Him.
Yesterday, we got to spend the afternoon with our precious grandson. He was tired and fell asleep in Ray's arms. I loved the picture..it wasn't just that he was comfortable and confident enough to rest in the arms of his grandpa..it was that his grandpa was fully devoted to holding him, making sure he was comfortable, making sure he didn't fall. We have a God Who is fully devoted to us. He loves us. He wants to carry us through whatever difficult circumstance we face. He will not let go.
Beloved, don't reject His embrace.
Return to Me
Isaiah 44:22 "I have blotted out as a thick cloud your transgressions, and as a cloud your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you"
When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful..not only to forgive them, but to cleanse us. Then He goes even a step further..He forgets them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do the same thing? Wouldn't it be great to go through each day without the pain of failure hanging around our necks?
We often tend to see ourselves differently than the way God sees us. We fail, and instead of going to God, and believing Him, we become judge and jury of our own lives. We see ourselves as hopeless, as backsliders, as pitiful. He sees us as His.
You can never dig too deep a hole, that He can't pull you out. There is never a time as deep as you may have gotten, that He can't find you. Think about who the accuser of the brethren is. Who is it that condemns you? If we are expecting integrity and fair dealings with the prince of evil, we are deceived.
God wants to put you in a place far from the thought of oppression, or destruction. He wants to lift us above guilt and shame, so that sin can no longer be our master. Don't caress guilt as though it belongs to you. Guilt is not your friend. Confess it and be done with it. The Lord will cleanse your heart by His own blood, which pours healing into every wound.
When you are forgiven, you are indeed free. Whom the Son makes free, is free indeed.
When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful..not only to forgive them, but to cleanse us. Then He goes even a step further..He forgets them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do the same thing? Wouldn't it be great to go through each day without the pain of failure hanging around our necks?
We often tend to see ourselves differently than the way God sees us. We fail, and instead of going to God, and believing Him, we become judge and jury of our own lives. We see ourselves as hopeless, as backsliders, as pitiful. He sees us as His.
You can never dig too deep a hole, that He can't pull you out. There is never a time as deep as you may have gotten, that He can't find you. Think about who the accuser of the brethren is. Who is it that condemns you? If we are expecting integrity and fair dealings with the prince of evil, we are deceived.
God wants to put you in a place far from the thought of oppression, or destruction. He wants to lift us above guilt and shame, so that sin can no longer be our master. Don't caress guilt as though it belongs to you. Guilt is not your friend. Confess it and be done with it. The Lord will cleanse your heart by His own blood, which pours healing into every wound.
When you are forgiven, you are indeed free. Whom the Son makes free, is free indeed.
Have you not known?
Isaiah 40:28 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary"
Lift up your eyes beloved. Think about your Creator..You were formed by a Master Technician, an artist from Whom all beauty evolves. You were formed perfectly by the Source of all life. There is no way to fathom the understanding of the Lord.
He gives you power when you feel faint. When you have no might, He increases your strength. He causes it to multiply, and brings joy to your spirit, causing strength and might to abound in you. He gives you more strength than you would ever be able to manifest in your human ability. He gives you more energy than that of a skilled athlete who competes in the contest of champions. He gives you all the strength you will need for this moment of your life.
In Him, you have not only physical strength, but strength of character, along with spiritual strength. In Him, your mind is alive and alert. Your thoughts are sound, because they are born of a steadfast heart.
You may have once been a slave to sin and weakness...but you have been made clean by the blood of Christ, and your sins have been blotted out.He strengthens you day by day. Glory in Him, and rejoice with Him every day..His joy is your strength
Lift up your eyes beloved. Think about your Creator..You were formed by a Master Technician, an artist from Whom all beauty evolves. You were formed perfectly by the Source of all life. There is no way to fathom the understanding of the Lord.
He gives you power when you feel faint. When you have no might, He increases your strength. He causes it to multiply, and brings joy to your spirit, causing strength and might to abound in you. He gives you more strength than you would ever be able to manifest in your human ability. He gives you more energy than that of a skilled athlete who competes in the contest of champions. He gives you all the strength you will need for this moment of your life.
In Him, you have not only physical strength, but strength of character, along with spiritual strength. In Him, your mind is alive and alert. Your thoughts are sound, because they are born of a steadfast heart.
You may have once been a slave to sin and weakness...but you have been made clean by the blood of Christ, and your sins have been blotted out.He strengthens you day by day. Glory in Him, and rejoice with Him every day..His joy is your strength
Search me Oh God
Psalm 139:23-24"Search me Oh God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Amplified)
When we are going through a time of uncertainty we long for the knowledge and the wisdom of our Savior. When we are in one of these seasons, our eyes don't always see clearly..and it's difficult to hear as well. When we are uncertain, we don't always understand what is the good and perfect will of the Father. When that is the case, it is time to pause from the cares of this life, and spend time with the Lord..it is time to listen to His Spirit.
Allow Him to search and know your heart. Invite Him in to your very mind..to literally permeate every thought. Ask Him to cleanse you..your mind, your thoughts, your heart. Grant Him permission to literally release you from the trap of not knowing, which has kept you bound up.
When you first came to Him, you made a decision for Him. Friend, you are in that valley of decision again when you are in a place of uncertainty..and He is simply asking you to make the decision to trust Him..in order that He may lead you and give you direction.
Because you are His, you don't have to settle for anything that simply pleases the senses. There is a way that seems right to a person, and at times appears to be straight, but a child of God knows not to be hasty or easily swayed. Understanding is a wellspring of life to you...and wisdom and understanding grow as you listen and heed His Word..leaning, trusting, and building confidence in Him.
(Taken in part by M. Chapian)
When we are going through a time of uncertainty we long for the knowledge and the wisdom of our Savior. When we are in one of these seasons, our eyes don't always see clearly..and it's difficult to hear as well. When we are uncertain, we don't always understand what is the good and perfect will of the Father. When that is the case, it is time to pause from the cares of this life, and spend time with the Lord..it is time to listen to His Spirit.
Allow Him to search and know your heart. Invite Him in to your very mind..to literally permeate every thought. Ask Him to cleanse you..your mind, your thoughts, your heart. Grant Him permission to literally release you from the trap of not knowing, which has kept you bound up.
When you first came to Him, you made a decision for Him. Friend, you are in that valley of decision again when you are in a place of uncertainty..and He is simply asking you to make the decision to trust Him..in order that He may lead you and give you direction.
Because you are His, you don't have to settle for anything that simply pleases the senses. There is a way that seems right to a person, and at times appears to be straight, but a child of God knows not to be hasty or easily swayed. Understanding is a wellspring of life to you...and wisdom and understanding grow as you listen and heed His Word..leaning, trusting, and building confidence in Him.
(Taken in part by M. Chapian)
John 3:6 "What is born of the flesh is flesh..of the physical is physical..and what is born of the Spirit is spirit"
Did you know that you have been regenerated by His Holy Spirit? When you are in union with Him, His Spirit molds you into His image..in order that you may inwardly share His likeness. You no longer have to live by the flesh. You now live your life in His Spirit, which dwells in you, and directs your life.
You are different now because though you were born of the flesh, you were reborn of the Spirit of God when you opened your heart to Him. Others around you may not understand that He has made you a new creature in Christ. The world may not celebrate your new nature..but You..as His child..should never stop celebrating!
He is your Lord and Messiah..and you are His child..Not only are you His child..you are now a citizen of the kingdom of God. You are not an outsider or an alien to His kingdom. You are not excluded from the rights of heavenly citizenship. You are different from the world. You now share citizenship with the saints..His own people..consecrated and set apart. You belong to the household of God.
The world around you may groan, fight, destroy, complain, gossip, and hurt..serving satan's purposes..but YOU are different. You are not of the world. You are no longer bound by it's limits. You are no longer a slave to it. You are a child..of the Most High. Celebrate it. Rejoice that you are different. Rejoice that you partake in His divine nature. Rejoice that you are His.
(Taken in part from an excerpt by M. Chapian)
You are different now because though you were born of the flesh, you were reborn of the Spirit of God when you opened your heart to Him. Others around you may not understand that He has made you a new creature in Christ. The world may not celebrate your new nature..but You..as His child..should never stop celebrating!
He is your Lord and Messiah..and you are His child..Not only are you His child..you are now a citizen of the kingdom of God. You are not an outsider or an alien to His kingdom. You are not excluded from the rights of heavenly citizenship. You are different from the world. You now share citizenship with the saints..His own people..consecrated and set apart. You belong to the household of God.
The world around you may groan, fight, destroy, complain, gossip, and hurt..serving satan's purposes..but YOU are different. You are not of the world. You are no longer bound by it's limits. You are no longer a slave to it. You are a child..of the Most High. Celebrate it. Rejoice that you are different. Rejoice that you partake in His divine nature. Rejoice that you are His.
(Taken in part from an excerpt by M. Chapian)
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Good morning everyone..I received this devotion this morning from Dayspring and I thought it was very thought provoking. I hope it ministers to all of you as you begin your week.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Those three words ping-ping in my mind over and over like pebbles against a glass window. I pause, "It's true. Most people don't spend so much time sitting in front of a laptop and writing."
And then it comes, "What's the matter with you? Why can't you relax and be more like most people?" You've had these words thrown like stones at you too, haven't you?
Most people don't...wear themselves out in the kitchen because they believe a meal feeds hearts and fills bellies.
Most people don't...throw off their entire schedule because they take time to listen to the stranger in the grocery store having a hard day.
Most people don't...pour over spreadsheets until their eyes are red because they see numbers as sort of an art and a way to bring order to a chaotic world.
Most people don't do what you do, love what you love, feel the kind of passion you feel about that thing. I started thinking about this recently and I realized we're in good company.
Most people don't...build an ark.
Most people don't...lead people through the desert to the Promised Land.
Most people don't...die on a cross to save the world.
But aren't you glad one person did?
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Those three words ping-ping in my mind over and over like pebbles against a glass window. I pause, "It's true. Most people don't spend so much time sitting in front of a laptop and writing."
And then it comes, "What's the matter with you? Why can't you relax and be more like most people?" You've had these words thrown like stones at you too, haven't you?
Most people don't...wear themselves out in the kitchen because they believe a meal feeds hearts and fills bellies.
Most people don't...throw off their entire schedule because they take time to listen to the stranger in the grocery store having a hard day.
Most people don't...pour over spreadsheets until their eyes are red because they see numbers as sort of an art and a way to bring order to a chaotic world.
Most people don't do what you do, love what you love, feel the kind of passion you feel about that thing. I started thinking about this recently and I realized we're in good company.
Most people don't...build an ark.
Most people don't...lead people through the desert to the Promised Land.
Most people don't...die on a cross to save the world.
But aren't you glad one person did?
The Napkin
John 20:-7 "Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself"
This week I learned something new..maybe I had heard this at some time in the past and forgotten it..but I found out this week that it was a Jewish tradition, when you visited someone's home for a meal, to fold up your napkin and leave it placed on the table when you left. This simple gesture actually made a statement to the host, that you wanted to come back. It meant that the guest had enjoyed the meal, and enjoyed the company, and that he or she very much wanted to be invited back..that they wanted to visit again.
There are so many little things that happened during the life of Christ that mean so much. Nothing that happened was insignificant in any way. Everything points back to Him.
After Jesus was crucified and buried in the tomb, Mary Magdalene came early in the morning on the first day of the week, and found the large stone rolled away from the grave. She ran to get Peter and John, who came back to the sepulchre.. and Peter, upon entering it, saw that the grave clothes were left, as if Jesus had passed right through them..but the head piece..the napkin.. was wrapped in a place by itself. The napkin was left in such a way that it made a statement..especially at that time in history. Jesus was simply saying that He is coming back.
After learning that this week, I have to tell you that I don't know if I will ever look at a napkin the same way..ever again! I have thought about making the folded napkin my own way of telling friends and loved ones that I want to be invited back...but I think more than anything, I am reminded that our beloved Lord and Savior IS coming back. The napkin was just another reminder of that promise. One day, every eye will see Him..and every knee will bow. One day, He will break through the clouds.
Tonight when you are having dinner, may you simply be reminded of His return. May you be confident that He will accomplish all that He has promised. May you know that He is the living Christ..and that you can be certain of your own resurrection because of Him. The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us as well. I will never look at my napkin in the same way again! Praise the Lord!
This week I learned something new..maybe I had heard this at some time in the past and forgotten it..but I found out this week that it was a Jewish tradition, when you visited someone's home for a meal, to fold up your napkin and leave it placed on the table when you left. This simple gesture actually made a statement to the host, that you wanted to come back. It meant that the guest had enjoyed the meal, and enjoyed the company, and that he or she very much wanted to be invited back..that they wanted to visit again.
There are so many little things that happened during the life of Christ that mean so much. Nothing that happened was insignificant in any way. Everything points back to Him.
After Jesus was crucified and buried in the tomb, Mary Magdalene came early in the morning on the first day of the week, and found the large stone rolled away from the grave. She ran to get Peter and John, who came back to the sepulchre.. and Peter, upon entering it, saw that the grave clothes were left, as if Jesus had passed right through them..but the head piece..the napkin.. was wrapped in a place by itself. The napkin was left in such a way that it made a statement..especially at that time in history. Jesus was simply saying that He is coming back.
After learning that this week, I have to tell you that I don't know if I will ever look at a napkin the same way..ever again! I have thought about making the folded napkin my own way of telling friends and loved ones that I want to be invited back...but I think more than anything, I am reminded that our beloved Lord and Savior IS coming back. The napkin was just another reminder of that promise. One day, every eye will see Him..and every knee will bow. One day, He will break through the clouds.
Tonight when you are having dinner, may you simply be reminded of His return. May you be confident that He will accomplish all that He has promised. May you know that He is the living Christ..and that you can be certain of your own resurrection because of Him. The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us as well. I will never look at my napkin in the same way again! Praise the Lord!
Clothe Yourselves with Kindness
Colossians 3:12 "As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness"
There is an old story of an elderly man who always carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and when he would go through a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he encountered a gate that was hard to open, he would oil the latch. And so he went through life, lubricating all the difficult places, making it easier for all those who came after him. People called the man eccentric, strange and crazy..but he went steadily on, often refilling his can of oil when it was nearly empty...and oiling all the difficult places he found.
In this world, there are many lives that painfully creak and grate as they go about their daily lives. It often seems as if nothing goes right with them, and they need lubricating with the "oil of joy"..gentleness, or thoughtfulness.
Do you carry your own can of oil with you? Are you ready with your oil of helpfulness each day? If you offer your oil to the person nearest you, it just may lubricate the entire day for him. Your oil of cheerfulness will mean more than you know to someone who is downhearted. Or the oil may be a word of encouragement to a person who is full of despair. Never fail to speak it, for our lives may touch others only once on the road of life, and then our paths may diverge, never to meet again.
The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a difficult or hardened life, and left it soft and pliable, ready to receive the redeeming grace of the Savior. A pleasant word is a bright ray of sunhine on a saddened heart. Therefore give others the sunshine and tell Jesus the rest. Be devoted, one to another, in brotherly love.
From Streams in the Desert
There is an old story of an elderly man who always carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and when he would go through a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he encountered a gate that was hard to open, he would oil the latch. And so he went through life, lubricating all the difficult places, making it easier for all those who came after him. People called the man eccentric, strange and crazy..but he went steadily on, often refilling his can of oil when it was nearly empty...and oiling all the difficult places he found.
In this world, there are many lives that painfully creak and grate as they go about their daily lives. It often seems as if nothing goes right with them, and they need lubricating with the "oil of joy"..gentleness, or thoughtfulness.
Do you carry your own can of oil with you? Are you ready with your oil of helpfulness each day? If you offer your oil to the person nearest you, it just may lubricate the entire day for him. Your oil of cheerfulness will mean more than you know to someone who is downhearted. Or the oil may be a word of encouragement to a person who is full of despair. Never fail to speak it, for our lives may touch others only once on the road of life, and then our paths may diverge, never to meet again.
The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a difficult or hardened life, and left it soft and pliable, ready to receive the redeeming grace of the Savior. A pleasant word is a bright ray of sunhine on a saddened heart. Therefore give others the sunshine and tell Jesus the rest. Be devoted, one to another, in brotherly love.
From Streams in the Desert
I will hear
Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear"
God knows the desires of our hearts without our uttering a word. Most of us can take one look at our child, or hear the tone of voice, and we can tell if they are tired or hurting, excited or happy...and so it is with our heavenly Father..but to a much greater degree.
So, we might wonder, if He already knows what we need, or what our heart's desires are, why pray?
Because prayer is a time of relationship.
It's a time to seek not only answers, but the Presence of the One who knows. It's a time to rest in the company of our Maker, and to know that He is God. He wants us to come to Him, to call on Him; He longs to hear our voices, and to offer kindness to His children. When someone you love chooses you first when they need help or comfort, it's an honor. God feels the same way.
When someone loves you, do you ever tire of hearing it?
Neither does He.
K Armstrong
God knows the desires of our hearts without our uttering a word. Most of us can take one look at our child, or hear the tone of voice, and we can tell if they are tired or hurting, excited or happy...and so it is with our heavenly Father..but to a much greater degree.
So, we might wonder, if He already knows what we need, or what our heart's desires are, why pray?
Because prayer is a time of relationship.
It's a time to seek not only answers, but the Presence of the One who knows. It's a time to rest in the company of our Maker, and to know that He is God. He wants us to come to Him, to call on Him; He longs to hear our voices, and to offer kindness to His children. When someone you love chooses you first when they need help or comfort, it's an honor. God feels the same way.
When someone loves you, do you ever tire of hearing it?
Neither does He.
K Armstrong
Behold all things have become new
2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new"
The cross assures you of God's acceptance. When you believe in Jesus, God considers all barriers between you and Him to be removed. Full reconcilitation and intimacy of relationship with Him are possible.
God's acceptance and forgiveness of you, and His blessings to you are part of Who God is. He IS love....and because He lives in You..and you have become a new creation, you are also capable of accepting others, and forgiving as well. I recently read the following story and I wanted to share it with you..this is an unbelievable story about the power of God..and forgiveness.
"Early one morning, the telephone rang. It was my older sister with devastating news. My youngest sister, Teri, and her husband, Jay, had been murdered. My four-year-old nephew and 21-month-old niece were now orphans, and our entire family was thrust into the news spotlight because the murderer was a notorious serial killer.
Having heard of similar tragedies across our native South Africa, I often wondered how people coped with such cruel circumstances. Since my husband, Peter, and I had given up our business to start a ministry to our country's impoverished black people, I often prayed that serving others would shield us from such evil.
As my sister's shocking message replayed in my head, I began to cry out to God. Instantly, I felt God's power come upon me and I had a strong urge to pray, "Father, forgive him; he did not know what he was doing." As those words came out of my mouth, I became aware of a river of forgiveness flowing out from my spirit.
Feelings of hatred, anger and unforgiveness towards this man, who had taken the precious lives of my loved ones, threatened to overtake my emotions -- but the strength of the river would not let those feelings take root. The flow of God's forgiving grace was obliterating them.
My initial experience with God's forgiving grace was with my own sin. I had asked Him to forgive me in a prayer of salvation and He extended His mercy to me. I had memorized the Lord's prayer and understood that I must forgive others' trespasses against me, as I am forgiven of my trespasses. But when faced with this seemingly impossible task of forgiving the man who killed my family members, my greatest inspiration came from Jesus Himself. He extended mercy to cruel, godless men -- even as He was dying from the terrible wounds inflicted by those men.
Another source of inspiration for me was realizing that the Father sacrificed his own Son to offer forgiveness to a degraded, dying world -- and to sinners like me. He knew His unfathomable act of grace could empower us to face any crisis in life...if we would open our hearts to receive it.
I could have easily become embittered toward the native South African people after what happened to my sister's family. I could have abandoned the evangelistic and humanitarian relief work that my husband and I had begun, but God did a supernatural healing within me. I forgave and let God's indescribable comfort absorb the shock and pain of losing Teri and Jay.
Instead of "returning evil for evil," my husband and I increased our work of "blessing." Today, our ministry reaches millions of people across Africa. We take food, water, clothing and medical supplies to these impoverished war-torn countries. We establish agricultural projects, drill water wells and build schools. But most of all, we take the transforming message of God's love and forgiveness to hurting people."
When I read this story, I thought of Stephen..who when being stoned, literally cried out to God to forgive those who were literally in the act of committing murder..his murder. Forgiveness is a powerful thing.but God is a powerful God. Today, may each of us be reminded that we are new creatures in Christ..and because of Him, we can extend His love and mercy even in the most difficult situations.
The cross assures you of God's acceptance. When you believe in Jesus, God considers all barriers between you and Him to be removed. Full reconcilitation and intimacy of relationship with Him are possible.
God's acceptance and forgiveness of you, and His blessings to you are part of Who God is. He IS love....and because He lives in You..and you have become a new creation, you are also capable of accepting others, and forgiving as well. I recently read the following story and I wanted to share it with you..this is an unbelievable story about the power of God..and forgiveness.
"Early one morning, the telephone rang. It was my older sister with devastating news. My youngest sister, Teri, and her husband, Jay, had been murdered. My four-year-old nephew and 21-month-old niece were now orphans, and our entire family was thrust into the news spotlight because the murderer was a notorious serial killer.
Having heard of similar tragedies across our native South Africa, I often wondered how people coped with such cruel circumstances. Since my husband, Peter, and I had given up our business to start a ministry to our country's impoverished black people, I often prayed that serving others would shield us from such evil.
As my sister's shocking message replayed in my head, I began to cry out to God. Instantly, I felt God's power come upon me and I had a strong urge to pray, "Father, forgive him; he did not know what he was doing." As those words came out of my mouth, I became aware of a river of forgiveness flowing out from my spirit.
Feelings of hatred, anger and unforgiveness towards this man, who had taken the precious lives of my loved ones, threatened to overtake my emotions -- but the strength of the river would not let those feelings take root. The flow of God's forgiving grace was obliterating them.
My initial experience with God's forgiving grace was with my own sin. I had asked Him to forgive me in a prayer of salvation and He extended His mercy to me. I had memorized the Lord's prayer and understood that I must forgive others' trespasses against me, as I am forgiven of my trespasses. But when faced with this seemingly impossible task of forgiving the man who killed my family members, my greatest inspiration came from Jesus Himself. He extended mercy to cruel, godless men -- even as He was dying from the terrible wounds inflicted by those men.
Another source of inspiration for me was realizing that the Father sacrificed his own Son to offer forgiveness to a degraded, dying world -- and to sinners like me. He knew His unfathomable act of grace could empower us to face any crisis in life...if we would open our hearts to receive it.
I could have easily become embittered toward the native South African people after what happened to my sister's family. I could have abandoned the evangelistic and humanitarian relief work that my husband and I had begun, but God did a supernatural healing within me. I forgave and let God's indescribable comfort absorb the shock and pain of losing Teri and Jay.
Instead of "returning evil for evil," my husband and I increased our work of "blessing." Today, our ministry reaches millions of people across Africa. We take food, water, clothing and medical supplies to these impoverished war-torn countries. We establish agricultural projects, drill water wells and build schools. But most of all, we take the transforming message of God's love and forgiveness to hurting people."
When I read this story, I thought of Stephen..who when being stoned, literally cried out to God to forgive those who were literally in the act of committing murder..his murder. Forgiveness is a powerful thing.but God is a powerful God. Today, may each of us be reminded that we are new creatures in Christ..and because of Him, we can extend His love and mercy even in the most difficult situations.
John 15:1 "And My Father is the Husbandman"
A vine must have a husbandman to plant and watch over it...as well as to receive and rejoice in it's fruit. Jesus said, "My Father is the Husbandman"..He was the Vine of God's planting. All He was and did, He owed to the Father. In all, He only sought the Father's will and glory. He became man to show us what relationship we ought to have with our Creator. He took our place, and the spirit of of His life before the Father is what He continually seeks to make ours, "Of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things"..
My Father is the Husbandman..this is as true of us as it was for Christ. Christ was about to teach His disciples about being branches. Before He ever used the word, or spoke at all of abiding in Him, He turned their eyes heavenward to the Father watching over them...and working in and through them. At the very root of all Christian life is the knowing that it is God who lives in us..Who works through us. Our work is to give, and to leave ourselves in His hands, with the assured confidence that He gives us all that we need. Christ came to bring us to the Father. Jesus, the Vine, points to God the Husbandman. As He trusted the Father, let us also trust the Father.
My Father is the Husbandman..this is as true of us as it was for Christ. Christ was about to teach His disciples about being branches. Before He ever used the word, or spoke at all of abiding in Him, He turned their eyes heavenward to the Father watching over them...and working in and through them. At the very root of all Christian life is the knowing that it is God who lives in us..Who works through us. Our work is to give, and to leave ourselves in His hands, with the assured confidence that He gives us all that we need. Christ came to bring us to the Father. Jesus, the Vine, points to God the Husbandman. As He trusted the Father, let us also trust the Father.
You are my lamp, o Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light
2 Samuel 22:29 "You are my lamp, o Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light"
A lighthouse guides ships in the dark.A searchlight locates survivors.A night light gives children courage at bedtime.A flashlight helps you find your way in a storm.A headlight helps illuminate a curvy road.A stoplight directs traffic.A spotlight directs attention.A porch light welcomes us.Firelight inspires romance.Moonlight guides us when it's dark outside.
Light. It warms, guides, and comforts. It sets a mood and draws us closer. Have you ever really noticed an outside light on a summer evening? It is surrounded by hundreds of insects buzzing around in a frenzy because they are so attracted to the light. When we recognize Jesus as the Light, we start to swarm closer as well. And when that Light resides inside us, it starts a buzz among others who want to know what the fuss is all about. Is it any wonder we read that
"God is light", "Let there be light", and "You are my lamp, O God"
Jesus is the Light of the world. When He calls you, you are irrevocably His! Let His light transform you.
K Armstrong
A lighthouse guides ships in the dark.A searchlight locates survivors.A night light gives children courage at bedtime.A flashlight helps you find your way in a storm.A headlight helps illuminate a curvy road.A stoplight directs traffic.A spotlight directs attention.A porch light welcomes us.Firelight inspires romance.Moonlight guides us when it's dark outside.
Light. It warms, guides, and comforts. It sets a mood and draws us closer. Have you ever really noticed an outside light on a summer evening? It is surrounded by hundreds of insects buzzing around in a frenzy because they are so attracted to the light. When we recognize Jesus as the Light, we start to swarm closer as well. And when that Light resides inside us, it starts a buzz among others who want to know what the fuss is all about. Is it any wonder we read that
"God is light", "Let there be light", and "You are my lamp, O God"
Jesus is the Light of the world. When He calls you, you are irrevocably His! Let His light transform you.
K Armstrong
I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9 "I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.
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