Traveling The Road of Life

Been a While

2009-11-06T22:55:00.002-05:00

It's been a long while since I have posted to this blog. There has been so much going on the last few years, don't really know where to start. I hope to be active once again here. My oldest daughter has moved back to K-town...yeah ! My family is all together again in the same town. Life is good. God is Great !!!

Kaden

2007-03-12T10:37:00.000-04:00

My Grandson Kaden, 10 months old.....

What a smile........

Celina and Children

2007-03-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

Latest pic of Celina, Skylar and Sadey !!!!

Aren't they Beautiful........

2006-11-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

The 7 Ups!

1. Wake Up !!

Decide to have a good day.
"This is the day the Lord hath made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
But the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
So He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!
. . . For what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
We will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!
. . . To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!
. . . For something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!
. . . Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

A POSITIVE THOUGHT

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
Not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, He's crazy about you.

My Child

2006-09-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

My daughter Celina and grandson Skylar !!

Checking In......

2006-07-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

It has been some time since I posted a personal message here. I have been battling many things recently. My sons M.S. is full blown right now and nothing seems to help.For any who will please pray for Bobby. I have a new Grandson !! Kaden Alexander and he is such a blessing. He has been ill since birth and recently had surgery. He is now doing much better Praise God !!!! I am getting ready for a month long vacation in Colorado, to see my oldest daughter Celina and her family. I can't wait to see them all. I have two grandchildren there, her children Skylar and her daughter Sadey. Jason her husband is such a good man. My health is under control right now, and I am so Thankful for that. If anyone has any prayer requests, please post them on my comments and I will Pray for all requests. Count your Blessings and have a wonderful Day ! God Bless........
Debra

Aprils Daily Scripture

2006-05-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

Today's Scripture

Matthew 14:19-21
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. And he took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and asked God's blessing on the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave some of the bread and fish to each disciple, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand men had eaten from those five loaves, in addition to all the women and children!

Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people. What He originally was given seemed insufficient, but in His Hands it became more than enough.
We often feel that our contribution to Jesus is meager, but He can use and multiply whatever we give Him, whether it is talent, time, or treasure. It is when we give them to Jesus that our resources are multiplied !!

Heavenly Father, You are the Giver of all things.
Lord, thank You today for this example in Your Living Word of just how Big You are ! You can do all things ! You exceed all our expectations and dreams ! Thank You Lord God for loving us and for always providing for us.
Lord, take our gifts ; talents You've blessed us with, and multiply them to reach Your Kingdom.
Thank You Jesus ! Thank You Jesus !
In Your Wonderful Mighty Name, Amen..

Have a wonderful week !
God bless you all !
Love April

Please do not remove when forwarding
Thank you & God Bless
To be added to the daily mailings send an email to pastor_april@yahoo.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TodaysScripture/ to subscribe.
Bible Scripture from NLT Life Application Bible ; accompanying thoughts & prayers ©April Hunt 2006

And He Walks.....

2006-04-10T18:05:00.000-04:00

And he walks !!
He could hear the crowds screaming “crucify” “crucify”…
He could hear the hatred in their voices,
These were his chosen people. He loved them,
And they were going to crucify him.
He was beaten, bleeding and weakened… his heart was broken,
But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as he came from the palace.
He knew each of the faces so well. He had created them.
He knew every smile, laugh, and shed tear,
But now they were contorted with rage and anger…his heart broke,
But still He walked.
Was he scared? You and I would have been, so his humanness would
Have mandated that he was. He felt alone. His disciples
Had left, denied, and even betrayed him.
He searched the crowd for a loving face and he saw very few.
Then he turned his eyes to the only one that mattered
And he knew that he would never be alone.
He looked back at the crowd, at the people who were spitting
At him, throwing rocks at him and mocking him and he knew
That because of him, they would never be alone.
So for them, He walked.
The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through
The crowd. The sounds of his cries echoed even louder,
The cheers of the crowd, as his hands and feet
Were nailed to the cross, intensified with each blow.
Loudest of all was the still small voice inside his
Heart that whispered “I am with you my son”,
And God’s heart broke.
He had let his son walk.
Jesus could have asked God to end his suffering,
But instead he asked God to forgive, Not to forgive him,
But to forgive the ones who were persecuting him.
As he hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,
He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,
But also, the face of every person yet to be,
And his heart filled with love.
As his body was dying, his heart was alive. Alive with
The limitless, unconditional love he feels for each of us.
That is why He walked.
When I forget how much My God loves me,
I remember his walk.
When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
I remember his walk.
When I need reminded of how to live like Christ,
I think of his walk.
And to show him how much I love him,
I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to him,
And I walk.
This was shared by a friend !!
Praise God and Remember Easter !!

Positive Count

2006-04-07T13:52:00.000-04:00

My Grandchildren !!!

Positive Count

Count your blessings instead of your crosses,
Count your gains instead of your losses,
Count your joys instead of your woes,
Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your courage instead of your fears,
Count your laughs instead of your tears.
Count your full years instead of your lean,
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth,
Count on God instead of yourself.

Amen !!

Do You Love Him ?

2006-04-07T13:40:00.000-04:00

You Love Him?

THE POEM
I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.....
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God! held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time"

Today I made a choice !!

2006-03-24T12:44:00.001-05:00

Colossians 1:29"
"That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me" MSG

Today, when I awoke, I made a choice, this is the best day of my life, ever!

There were times over the past years, I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did, I'm going to celebrate!

My celebration is for the unbelievable life I've had so far: Many accomplishments, successes, blessings and, yes ---we all have hardships. All have made me stronger.

Today my head is held high with a happy heart.

I will give God the glory for seemingly simple things:
The snow that gently falls to the ground, the bright sunshine and fluffy clouds, trees and flowers beginning their annual trek to budding. I choose today to revel in these and the other magnificent creations from my Heavenly Father.

Today I choose to share my excitement for life. For God has created me for such a time as this!

Right now is time to stop worrying about the future and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.
Today I'll remember what Mary Crowley said, "Worry is a misuse of imagination."

This evening as the sunsets in the west I'll look upon the bright crimson sky and give God praise for all he has created.

As the stars pop up in the sky tonight, I will raise my eyes and hands to heaven and stand in awe of all that God has created for me to enjoy. And just say, Thank You."

The day ends as I lay my head on my pillow and I celebrate the end of the best day of my life. For as I sleep through the night, I'll wake tomorrow with the opportunity to make a choice to have today be the best day of my life.

Prayer: Father thank you for making today the best day of my life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Praise God !!

2006-03-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

Prayer for our Nation...

2006-03-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

Oh God,

Our nation needs to hear Your voice. We have become so self-absorbed that we are unable to even receive the simplest of messages. God, shake us from our self-imposed state of denial. Allow Your message of love and life, truth and forgiveness to be heard from every mountaintop and valley. Allow Your Spirit to sweep throughout this land so that we might be shaken to our very core and realize that You are God and that we need You. O Almighty God, let it be so. In Your name we ask this. Amen.

counter

2006-03-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

Prayer Needs.....

2006-03-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

All who feel moved please pray for these people on my prayer list. Thank you so much !! Father God also I say a prayer for those who are ill..

We pray for...

David
Christina ( Joanne's sister)
Susan Easterday ~ in chemo for her artheritis and fibromyalgia
Robert Clark ~ suffering depression
Miguelina Duggan----stroke
Lisa Erickson----- Cancer--breast--uteros-spot on liver
Calcie---
Lisa D----------healing for her body, depression, anxiety
Zachary------ Heart
Lisa G--------- healing for her body. Depression, anxiety, worry, fear,
Dorothy------(Lisa's mother & Sab) sleep, diabetes and whatever they need.. healing for her marriage.
Steve---------Cancer
Sharon------lupos--hearing to come back
Joy------diabetes--artrites--fibro
Joy's mother---strength in her body,! better appetite
Diane---diabetes, and other health problems.
Joanne---back--diabetes
Virginia----muscles in her legs so she can walk--water retention to move out..
Jerry Meyer--cancer
Pastor Tim King--kidneys (waitng for a doner)
Pastor Michael & RuthAnna Metzdorf--
David Hanson--artherites--diabetes--bladder-- tummors--other health problems
Lance Trussel---firbo--degenteration of the hips--and his disability to go through---
Debra-- Bone marrow treatments so she won't get so sick from them. For depression, anxiety to leave..For strength in her body.
daughter Melissa--pregnacy--diabetes
Bobby--M S
James-going through a divorce (comfort)
Deb C grandfather --in intensive care, two spots on the liver-one on the pancaresus an! d lung
For Deb's baby Olivia-has algeries from meat, port, beef and chicken.
Her hubby has same alergies
Emily-she is learning how to walk again
Corilynn--safe delivery for her baby. and strength for her body.... Healing for that court hearing to be disolved.
Donald Meyer ---- artherites in back
Marion Meyer-- artherites in back, conjestive heart failure, blood pressure, sleeping
Melinda Erickson ~ Phylis's friend

Dear God You have said that You sent forth Your Word and healed them...
Father today we stand on that same Word.. for You are the same, yesterday, today and forever! You have also said.. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Father I take Your Word and bind sickness in these we pray for... and I stand in agreement with others who will pray this with me... I worship You my LORD and God, and Your blessing will be on our food and water. For You will take away sickness from among us!! I praise You Lord and will not forget all Your benefits.. You forgive all our sins and heal all our diseases.. Father I pray these promises for those whose names are above... standing in faith knowing that the truth will set us free!! Amen and Amen

(taken from these scriptures.. Psalm 107:20, Hebrews 13:7, Matthew 18:18-19, Exodus 23:25,Psalm 103:3)

Someone is Praying for you!

2006-03-04T11:25:00.000-05:00

Somewhere someone's praying
Down upon their knees
Lifting you before the Throne
With love and gentle pleas

Asking God to give you strength
To face another day
And when the night is darkest
Shine light upon your way

Somewhere someone's kneeling
To whisper your name in prayer
Knowing that you need to feel
God's love and tender care

They intercede on your behalf
Because they love you so
Knowing that you have a need
To their Father they will go

They pray when you're not able
To speak a single word
What peace there is in knowing
Their prayers will be heard

They lay you on the altar
As they kneel there at His feet
Giving all your cares to Him
There at the mercy seat

Our God is always listening
To every earnest prayer
When we look to Him for help
The answer is always there

It's such a cofort to know
That someone prays for you
Placed within His loving hands
Those prayers will see you through

As you kneel before the Father
Thank Him for those who care
When you bow before the mercy seat
Whisper their name in prayer

Falling Star

2006-03-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

There’s a special place beyond the clouds,
Where golden rivers flow,
A place where sadness never dwells,
And warmth and sunshine glow.

Amidst the clouds, celestial beings,
With wings and halo’s bright,
Flutter softly through the air,
In divine eternal light.

This place it knows, no sorrow,
And tears here never fall,
For in the presence of the Lord,
Great love is felt by all.

And in this wondrous paradise,
Beyond the starlit sky
The smallest of the angels,
Is learning how to fly.

She carefully lifts her feathered wings,
And holds her head up high,
She soars throughout the universe,
With confidence and pride.

Yet this tiny, pure, angelic child,
Has one thing she must do.
She searches out the brightest star,
To send back down to you.

There is no greater loss in life,
Than those who’ve lost their child,
Yet tiny angels only fly,
When they see their parents smile.

So when you look up to the sky,
And see a falling star,
Just know the child you grieve so much,
Is never all that far.

~ Lisa J Schlitt ©2004 ~

Stay in Step With God

2006-03-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Stay In Step With God
I will answer your prayers...I have set a time.
Isaiah 49:8 CEV

Just like there's a rhythm to your physical life, there's one to your spiritual life. And God determines the beat. God has a plan, and a "set...time." Sometimes He moves suddenly. But usually He has to prepare you for the changes He has in mind. Often He'll start by loosening your grip on a career that provided security, a home you're invested in, a relationship you considered long-term. Then He gives you the passion to pursue fresh interests, and before long you're thinking, "Hold on. These dreams will never be fulfilled where I am sitting right now." Thus - the desire for change takes root!
Then comes the waiting. Why? Because it takes time for change to produce the maximum benefit. During that time God:
(a) begins healing your past so it can't pollute your future;
(b) expands your knowledge so you're better prepared;
(c) develops your character. Even though God says, "When the time comes, I will...do all this" ( Isaiah 60:22 CEV), we don't appreciate His timing until after the dust has settled.
One thing, however, is certain, when you allow God to work out His plan on His schedule, you get only His best. And remember, it's easier to know when to move if you stay in step with God and hear the beat. That sometimes means turning a deaf ear to the clamor of the outside world or the advice of well-intentioned friends. But the end results are always well worth it!

The Third Man.....

2006-02-12T17:55:00.000-05:00

The Third Man
(John 19:17-37)

Last night I dreamed I took a walk
Up Calvary's lonely hill
The things I saw with my own eyes
Could not have been more real

I saw upon three crosses
Three men in agony
Two cried out for mercy
And the third man looked at me

And oh, the hurt in this man's eyes
Just broke my heart in two
And it seemed I could hear him say,
"Son, I'm doing this for you."

I knelt beneath the third man's cross
And slowly bowed my head
I reached out to touch his feet
And it stained my hands with red

And when I heard him cry in pain
I raised my eyes to see
The blood spilled from the third man's side
And some of it spilled on me

The third man wore a crown of thorns
Spikes held him to the tree
And I heard him say
"Oh God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?"

And there within the mighty crowd
The ones who mocked him cried
"King, save thyself if thou art king!"
And then the third man died

Suddenly I heard the thunder roar
I saw lightning pierce the sky
The third man was still hanging there
And I began to cry

I saw the boulders fall
And heard the breaking of the ground
Then I awoke and though I'd dreamed
I touched my cheek and found

My eyes were wet where I had cried
A dream? I wish I knew
I still can hear the third man say
"I'm doing this for you."

Lord God, how we thank You for Your Divine Love. What we feel for You and for each other is just a tiny spark compared to the flame of love You have for mankind. When we dwell on the gift of salvation and Jesus' sacrifice we know that we could never match it. We can only be grateful for it. As we go about our daily loves, keep us mindful of the love we should bear for each other and for the lost, because we are Your children. You word tells us that others will know that we are Your disciples by the love we have for one another. Help us to show that love. Let us be the conduit through which You touch others in our lives. We promise to give You all the credit. We know we cannot love like that. You are the God of all Creation and the author of love. We pray this day, in the name and power of Jesus, who loved us with His all. Amen!

2006-02-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

The Messenger

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
the Courage to change the one I can, and the Wisdom to know it's me !!!

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember . . .

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt

John the Baptist ate bugs

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced - more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer . . . AND

Lazarus was dead!

No more excuses now. God can use you to your full potential.
Besides, you aren't the message -- you are the messenger.

Dear God, I have a problem - it's me.

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

Growing old is inevitable . . . growing UP is optional.

There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.

Do the math. Count your blessings.

Faith is the ability to not panic.

Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

The most important things in your house are the people.

He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

When we get tangled up in our problems,
be still so God can untangle the mess.

Code Amber

2006-02-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

Hold On.........

2006-02-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

Hold on to Faith;
it is the source of believing that all things are possible.
It is the fiber and strength of a confident soul.

Hold on to Hope;
it banishes doubt and enables attitudes
to be positive and cheerful.

Hold on to Trust;
it is at the core of fruitful relationships
that are secure and content.

Hold on to Love;
it is life's greatest gift of all,
for it shares, cares, and gives meaning to life.

Hold on to Family and Friends;
they are the most important people in your life,
and they make the world a better place.

They are your roots and the beginnings
that you grew from;
they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you,
help you on your way, and always remain close by.

Hold on to all that you are; and all that you have learned,
for these things are what make you unique.

Don't ignore what you feel,
and what you believe is right and important;
your heart has a way of speaking
louder than your mind.

Hold on to your dreams;
achieve them diligently and honestly.
Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit.

Remember others on your way
and take time to care for their needs.
Enjoy the beauty around you.
Have the courage to see things differently and clearly?

Make the world a better place one day at a time,
and don't let go of the important things that give
meaning to your life.

~Author Unknown~

A Valentines Day Prayer...

2006-02-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

Thought this was good and wanted to share with you, so you also can share with others.

A Valentine’s Day Prayer
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." – I CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 NIV

Lord,
Because love is patient…
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind…
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You"
because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts…
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres…
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word really means. Amen.

Author Unknown to me

We give thanks to God always for you all..
1 Thess.1:2.

The Days After Christ was Born.....

2006-01-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

Matthew 2:1-23
THE DAYS AFTER CHRIST WAS BORN
We often place a lot of emphasis in the gospels of Matthew and Luke on the events leading up to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem It is quite interesting, moreover, to observe what happened in those days after the birth of Jesus.

There is good evidence that Jesus was born in 5 B.C. in the town of Bethlehem while Herod was still living (Matthew 2:1-6). The death of Herod the Great occurred in 4 B.C., a short time after an eclipse of the noon. Leon Morris states, "our system of dating (with years B.C. and A.D.) was worked out by Dionysius Exiguus at the beginning of the sixth century; he appears to have been about four years off in his calculations."

From the context of Matthew chapter two and secular history, Jesus was born in the closing months of Herod the Great’s reign and He returned from Egypt soon after Herod’s death (vv. 19-23). It is probably impossible to be more specific as to the time of Jesus’ birth. The important thing is it is well documented in history. His birth took place at a specific time and place during the reign of Herod the Great in Judea.

Joseph and Mary were both of Davidic descent, whose native city was Bethlehem (1 Sam. 17:12). The prophet Micah had foretold the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). It was in Bethlehem, David’s city that the Jews expected David’s greater Son to be born; it was there that they expected God’s Anointed One to come into the world.

William Barclay writes, “Bethlehem was quite a little town six miles to the south of Jerusalem. In the olden days it had been called Ephrath or Ephratah. The name Bethlehem means The House of Bread, and Bethlehem stood in a fertile countryside, which made its name a fitting name. It stood high up on a gray limestone ridge more than two thousand five hundred feet in height. The ridge had a summit at each end, and a hollow like a saddle between them. So, from its position, Bethlehem looked like a town set in an amphitheater of hills.”

“Justin Martyr, one of the greatest of the early fathers, who lived about A.D. 150, and who came from the district near Bethlehem, tells us that Jesus was born in a cave near the village of Bethlehem (Justin Martyr: Dialogue with Trypho, 78, 304); and it may well be that Justin’s information is correct. The houses in Bethlehem are guilt on the slope of the limestone ridge; and it is very common for them to have a cave-like stable hollowed out in the limestone rock below the house itself; and very likely it was in such a cave-stable that Jesus was born” (Barclay).

The exact place in Bethlehem where Jesus was born cannot be known, but we do know He was born in Bethlehem of Judea. Many people had come from various parts of the densely populated land to enroll for taxation. Mary and Joseph turned into a Caravanserai or kind of oriental inn to spend the night. There was no room in the compartments, now crowded to capacity, so they were obliged to look for a place of protection in the open courtyard.

In the open court Mary brought forth her son and cradled Him in a manger.

“Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.” There is no other ground greater than the virgin birth of Jesus to account for His life. “We are not obliged by the acceptance of it to believe in the immaculate conception or in the perpetual virginity of Mary. By the most natural interpretation of the expression ‘first born,’ Mary had other children, which were born from the wedlock of Joseph. The Gospel narratives speak of four such younger brothers and at least two sisters,” writes John W. Shepard in The Christ of the Gospel, p. 32). Cf. Matthew 13:55-56

Angels announced to some shepherds the arrival of the Messiah. “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’” (Luke 2:10-14, NASB 1995).

DEDICATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE (Luke 2:21-38)
The circumcision of Jesus
He was circumcised eight days later according to the law of the Covenant (Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3). This made Him a member of the covenant nation Israel. He was named and he became “a son of the law” (Gal. 4:4). "And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord" (Luke 2:21-22, NASB 1995).

The purification of the parents
The purification of the parents and redemption of the first born son took place according to the Law forty-one days after the birth (Lev. 12:6). “The first born son of every Israelite had to be consecrated for the special service of the priesthood (Ex. 13:2). But after the setting apart of the tribe of Levi (Num. 8), the first born son in other tribes was redeemed from this obligation by the payment of five shekels (about $4.00)” (Shepard, p. 34). This purification actually consisted of two offerings. The offering for Levitical defilement attached to the beginning of life, and the burnt offering for restoration of communion with God. Before Mary could participate in the ceremony of the redemption of her son she had to complete the purification ceremony and be ceremonially clean.

Perfect fulfilment of the Law
Mary presented Jesus to God (Lk. 2:22). With the payment of the five shekels the child was presented to the priest in recognition of God’s ownership. The priest pronounced two blessings, one in thanksgiving for the law of redemption and for the gift of the first born son.

The important thing is that the parents of Jesus observed all of the requirements of the Law. Jesus came not to destroy the Law but fulfill the Law and its commandments.

Blessings of Simon and Anna
Imagine the sense of fulfillment in the hearts of Simon and Anna when they laid eyes on Jesus and held Him in their arms (Lk. 2:25-35). They were prepared by a devout life of prayer and meditation to be the recipients of the most glorious message of the revelation of God to mankind. They reverently expected the coming of the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to this aged man that he would not die until he should see the Lord’s Anointed. He came into the Court of the Gentiles under the influence of the Holy Spirit just as Mary and Joseph entered to present Jesus to the priest. He took the child into his arms and blessed God, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

The Messianic hope had arrived in the person of Jesus, the Son of God. He was “the consolation of Israel.”

There was also a prophetic message to Mary in the blessing. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

There would be no escaping the fact that this child would be a stumbling block to many (Matt. 21:44; 1 Cor. 1:23; Isa. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2:16f; Rom. 9:33; Acts 4:11; Rom. 11:25). He would also be the magnet of the ages and the “rise of many in Israel” (Rom. 6:4, 9; Eph. 2:6). Though her heart would be “amazed at the things which were being said about Him” she would also experience the Thracian javelin in her own soul (v. 35; cf. John 19:25).

“His years of earnest study of the Messianic prophecies had given him spiritual eyes to see the suffering Redeemer, where others sought a temporal Messiah-King,” notes Shepard.

Anna was probably standing near by listening to the words of Simon and she burst out with repeated thanksgiving to God. “Everyday she kept on talking to those who had waited for the redemption of Israel” (Shepard). “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). God has a nucleus of prepared saints waiting for the Messiah.

WISE MEN WORSHIP CHRIST (Matthew 2:1-23)
After the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were probably staying for some time in Bethlehem. After the presentation of Jesus in the Temple the writer Matthew gives us “one of the strongest proofs of His Messiahship.” It is the coming of Gentiles and the “premonitions of this greatest event of world history.” “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem . . .” (Matthew 2:1). Wise men from Persia or Babylon saw His special star and went to the beautiful country that had been home to King David, who was born in Bethlehem.

Wise men came looking for the King in Bethlehem (2:2)
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).

Wise men were from the East, probably Persia (Iran), Arabian or Babylon who were skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural science. They studied astrology, religion and were interpreters of dreams. Even though it was a sign that led them to Jerusalem, it was the Scriptures that guided them to Bethlehem.

“We saw His star” (i.e. what we conjectured to be a sign that He was either born or soon to be born) at its rising, which would be rightly translated “in the east,” and are come to worship Him. R. V. G. Tasker says, “These trained astrologers with the insatiable curiosity characteristic of scientists had seen a remarkable astrological phenomenon, the exact nature of which is not disclosed; and, being familiar with the current widespread belief that the time was ripe for the appearance of a king to be born in Judea who would claim universal homage and usher in a reign of peace, they set out for that country to test the truth of their conjecture” (Gospel According to Matthew, p. 37).

Barclay says, “These Magi were men who were skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural science.” He suggests, “They were soothsayers and interpreters of dreams. In later times the word Magus developed a much lower meaning, and came to mean little more than a fortune-teller, a sorcerer, a magician, and an charlatan. Such was Elymas, the sorcerer (Acts 13:6, 8), and Simon who is commonly called Simon Magus (Acts 8:9, 11). But at their best the Magi were good and holy men, who sought for truth.” Therefore, it is probably best to translate magoi as “wise men” in the good sense of learned astrologers.

There is no reason for assigning these Magi certain names, or to say that there were three. And, no, their bones were not found in the fourth century in the Cathedral of Cologne. To say there were three wise men is an inference from the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Tacitus, Suetonius, and Josephus bear testimony that a messianic hope existed at the time in the East. Tacitus had written of a firm persuasion in the Orient that at this very time “the East was to grow powerful, and rulers coming from Judea were to acquire universal empire.”

"Where is he who has been born King of the Jews" (v. 2). Almost at the same time as Jesus was born we find Augustus, the Roman Emperor, being hailed as the Savior of the World. When Jesus was born, there was an eagerness of expectation. Men were waiting for God. It was to a waiting world that Christ came. The Magi who saw the “star” were seeking the light of the World.

"His star" (vv. 7, 9-10)
The Magi saw the star “at its rising” and then seemed not to have seen it again for some time until it “appeared once more and kept on going in from of them, until coming it stood over where the child was, probably a house to which Joseph and Mary had moved soon after the birth” (Shepard, p. 39).

The star, seen in its rising reappears and went ahead of them. "The luminous wonder was actually moving from north to south, from Jerusalem to Bethlehem! What a strange way for a star to behave," says Hendriksen. R. C. H. Lenski writes, "The star moved as a guide, the star arrived, the star stood. It is all perfectly plain, absolutely miraculous, unlike any star that ever was." This star actually went ahead of the wise men until it stood still over the place where the child was. The star pointed out the very house.

There are various scholarly opinions as to the character of the star. The great astronomer Kepler observed in 1603 A.D. an unusual conjunction of stars, and found by diligent search that in 747 A.U.C. or 7B.C. there was a similar conjunction three times, of Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces. In 6 B.C. Mars joined the conjunction. Kepler therefore placed the birth of Jesus in 6 B.C. The Chinese astronomical tables testify to the appearance of an evanescent star, probably a comet, in February 750 A.U.C. This trustworthy tale of the Chinese would agree with the date approximately of the birth of Jesus. “The Magi probably placed the date of the rising of the star at two years before their appearance in Jerusalem. . . The fact that they rejoiced at the reappearance of the star when they left Jerusalem would synchronize with the appearance of the comet or evanescent star,” writes Shepard (p. 39).

Leon Morris says, "Matthew is apparently saying that in some way the star kept going ahead of them until it came to the place where the baby was and that it then stood (still)" (Gospel According to Matthew, p. 40). "When the Magi 'caught sight of the star,' they were more than a little joyful. It had been the star that had brought them to the land of Judea, and now that they were not sure of their destination within that land they were reassured by the evidence that the star was still leading them. Matthew's expression indicates that when they saw their star again they were more than mildly pleased. 'Deliriously happy' may be an overstatement, but was something like that."

“His star” stands for a divine arrangement, an extraordinary and special movement in the stellar spaces designed to lead these men to the Christ child. It could possibly be the Shekinah glory of old (cf. Num. 24:17). The star was “going before them and coming stood above the place where the child lay.”

Walvoord and Zuck write, "Could it be that 'the star' which the Magi saw and which led them to a specific house was the Shekinah glory of God? That same glory had led the children of Israel through the wilderness for 40 years as a pillar of fire and cloud. Perhaps this was what they saw in the East, and for want of a better term they called it a 'star.' All other efforts to explain this star are inadequate (such as a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars; a supernova; a comet; etc.)" The Bible Knowledge Commentary).

John Shepard writes, “The whole supernatural atmosphere of the birth of Christ would favor the opinion that the star was miraculous and in keeping with the significant mission of the Magi. It would be called ‘His star’ because of the prophecy foretelling the coming of the Messiah. On the whole the evidence seems to point to special supernatural guidance, at least from Jerusalem to the house of Joseph in Bethlehem. The tradition would direct them to Jerusalem” (p. 40).

Worship of a pure heart
We have “come to worship Him" (v. 2). When they saw Him, they cast themselves to the ground and worshiped Him. They literally, "and having fallen they prostrated themselves before them." They had journeyed far and were now lost in wonder, love and praise. Do you come in this room with the expectation of being overwhelmed with the presence of God? Did you come this morning expecting to worship Him? In this Child they see God, and worship Him! In this little One God has become incarnate.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th'Incarnate Deity (Charles Wesley)

Noble gifts for the King
"After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11).

Gold is the gift for a king. We must always meet Jesus in complete submission to Him.

Frankincense is the gift of a priest who opens the way to God for men. Jesus opened the way to God.

Myrrh is the gift for one who is to die. Myrrh was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. Jesus was born in order to die for our sins.

WARNINGS FROM GOD (2:12-15)
The providence of God intervened to protect the Messiah, and an angel in a dream warned the Magi not to return to Herod in Jerusalem, but depart to their own country. It may well be that Joseph and Mary left at the same time for Egypt. Herod, the Idumean King, had so much blood on his hands that he would spare no effort to destroy the Messiah. Herod was not a Jew, his father was an Idumean and his mother an Arabian. The “enmity” between Satan and the seed of the woman was fiercely at work (Gen. 3:15).

God warned the wise men of Herod's intents (2:12).
Barclay reminds us that the man sitting on the throne of Judea is not a descendent of King David. “Herod was half Jew and half Idumaean. There was Edomite blood in his veins. He had made himself useful to the Romans in the civil wars of Palestine, and they trusted him. He had been appointed governor in 47 B.C.; in 40 B.C. he had received the title of king; and he was to reign until 4 B.C. He had wielded power for long. He was called Herod the Great, and in many ways he deserved the title. He was the only ruler of Palestine who ever succeeded in keeping the peace and in bringing order into disorder. He was a great builder; he was indeed the builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. He could be generous. In times of difficulty he remitted the taxes to make things easier for the people; and in the famine of 25 B.C. he had actually melted down his own gold plate to buy corn for the starving people.”

However, as Barclay observes, "Herod has one terrible flaw in his character. He was almost insanely suspicious. He had always been suspicious, and the older he became the more suspicious he grew, until, in his old age, he was, ‘a murderous old man.’ If he suspected anyone as a rival to his power, that person was promptly eliminated. He murdered his wife Mariamne and her mother Alexandria. His eldest son, Antipater, and two other sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, were all assassinated by him. Augustus, the Roman Emperor, had said, bitterly, that it was safer to be Herod's pig than Herod's son." Then he adds, “(The saying is even more epigrammatic in Greek, for in Greek hus is the word for a pig, and huios is the word for a son).”

Jerusalem was in an uproar. They feared this mad man on the throne. "And if Herod was troubled, the whole city was troubled with him. When Herod the Great trembled the whole city shook," writes Leon Morris. Of course, he had reason to fear with what "sounded suspiciously like the emergence of a genuine descendant of the royal line of David as a claimant to the throne."

God warned Joseph (2:13-15).
"Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.’ So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son’” (Matthew 2:13-15).

Egypt was the nearest place of safety for Jesus. Herod is going to make a search for the baby in order to kill Him. Flight was imperative to save His life. The distance traveled was about 75 miles. There were more than a million highly respected and influential Jewish people living in Egypt at this time.

Herod died shortly before Passover in 4 B.C.

The Savior is saved (2:19-21). A divine command would come to Joseph in Egypt, and in obedience he returned to Israel.

This is also a terrible illustration of what men will do to get rid of Jesus Christ (2:16-18). We hear the sobbing and wailing of the broken-heated mothers in Bethlehem. "Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi" (Matthew 2:16).

Shepard suggests that Herod killed about 20 children. It is likely Josephus made no mention of this event because there was not a large number of a child involved. The smaller number simply did not make the headlines.

Selfish humanism has not changed over the centuries. If Christ gets in the way, if sinful men see Christ as someone who is liable to interfere with their ambitions, or rebuke their ways, their desire is to eliminate Christ.

Under the providence of God Joseph was directed to go to Nazareth to live. Herod’s son Archelaus (v. 22) was Herod’s worst son, and was not reigning in Judea. He possessed all of the vices and weaknesses of his father and none of his redeeming qualities. When Archelaus ascended to the throne of his father he slew 3000 Jews in the Temple at the Passover and later killed a large number of Samaritans. In 6 A.D. his territory was turned over to Roman Procurators.

SOME ABIDING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The passage before us is rich in spiritual principles and applications. The Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus, was revealed “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentiles,” i.e., His mother and Joseph, his stepfather, and then to the foreign magoi. He was revealed to the humble, ignorant, and the learned, the poor and the rich. “He was revealed to the astrologers by a method suited to their habits and understanding; and their object in coming to Jesus was not personal advantage, but solely to give Him homage,” says McNeile.

What will you do with Jesus?
Some men react to Jesus the way Herod did, while others will respond as wise men.

Will you respond with hatred and hostility?
Herod was afraid the child would interfere with his life, his place, his power, his influence, and his pride. It is a reaction of hatred and hostility. Christ will not let them have their way, so they would kill him with words, attitudes, behaviors.

Do you envy the rich and famous? Greatness and riches are a perilous possession for the soul. A little more money or fame may be your ruin.

Will you respond with indifference?
Others respond with indifference. Christ means nothing to them. Herod appealed to the chief priests and scribes “to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born” (v. 4). They gave him a ready answer, but they never went to Bethlehem to worship Him! How tragic that the very persons who live nearest to the means of grace are those who neglect them most.

Ridderbos points out that the failure of the Jewish people to believe was not due to ignorance: "Israel knew precisely where the King of the Jews would be born, but it was the Gentiles who worshiped Him first." Although they could say immediately where the Messiah would be born, they apparently did nothing about the report that the Magi brought," says Morris. Also, Mounce comments, "All this time the religious leaders of Jerusalem know from their own Scriptures where the Messiah is to be born. But not even the visit of foreign dignitaries piques their curiosity enough to travel six miles to Bethlehem to find out if there is any truth in the report."

Will you bow and worship Him?
Wise men still worship Him and desire to lay at the feet of Jesus the noblest of all gifts -- themselves. When you come to realize the love of God in Jesus, you should be lost in wonder, love and praise. Philippians 2:8-11 reads: “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

The wise men set their hearts on Him “that was born King of the Jews” and never rested until they saw Him and worshipped. These wise men, whoever they were, wherever they came from, came to worship Him! , , , it was their intention to fall down before the Messianic King in humble adoration," says William Hendriksen.

This is encouraging for us Gentiles. The king of the Jews desires to be our king also!

Let's run through the Rain.....

2006-01-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6-years-old, this beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in: "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" she repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and, yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Daily Devotional

2006-01-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

The Ark of Salvation

Depravity of the world in Noah's time (Genesis 6:1–12) is summarized for us by Moses with these words: "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth" (vv. 5, 11–12).

"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5, NASB 1995). The best that depraved man can do is spoiled by our sinful nature. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is more deceitful than all else. And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, NASB 1995) The apostle Paul summarized, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Jesus explained why this is true. "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man" (Matthew 15:17-20, NASB 1995).

Of his own nature man can do nothing but sin, and if he turns to Christ to be saved it is because God has already before hand been enabling and motivating him to do it. Man may not in his own eyes be as sinful as he could be, but he is sinful enough that he cannot earn or merit salvation. He cannot in any way influence God spiritually. Total or radical depravity explains why we are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1).

"Without the Holy Spirit and without grace man can do nothing but sin and so goes on endlessly from sin to sin," said Martin Luther. It forces us to turn from ourselves and turn to Jesus to be saved. The personal knowledge of our depravity is the beginning of our salvation. It causes us to "completely despair of ourselves and give to God alone the glory for our righteousness," wrote Luther.

God revealed to Noah the coming judgment (6:13). Hebrews 11:7 tells us Noah believed God's word. "By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." Faith comes from the Word of God. We must heed God's warning in His Word. We must take God at His word and believe what He says about His Son, Jesus Christ.

"If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son" (1 John 5:9-10, NASB 1995).

God took the initiative to save Noah and his family (v. 13). He told Noah that judgment was coming on the earth. "Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.'" He graciously reaches out to mankind in our age, too. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NASB 1995).

God is gracious to us because He is. He chose to love us. There is nothing in us that merits God's honor. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NASB 1995).

God planned the ark as a means of safety for Noah and his family. There is no hint that Noah anticipated the flood. Things were going along as normal before God spoke to him. The ark was planned by God alone to save the elect family (Genesis 6:14–22). Our salvation is no accident. Sin did not catch God off guard. Ephesians 1:4, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him." The names of the redeemed have been "written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain" (Revelation 13:8).

Salvation for Noah and his family was by grace alone. Noah was also a sinner, however he found grace in God's sight. Relative to his generation he was a righteous man. The apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 2:5, God "did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly . . ." God in His wondrous grace took the initiative to save us "with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God" (1 Peter 1:19–21). Noah did not earn or merit grace; Noah found grace. His righteousness was the product of God's grace. We do not have any claim on God.

We, too, live in an evil day that could be described with the same words of the days preceding the deluge in Genesis 6:5, 7–8, 11–12. God in His grace has reached down to us and saved us because it was the desire of His heart. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4–7).

The LORD shut Noah in the Ark. "Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the Lord closed it behind him" (Genesis 7:16, NASB 1995). God saved Noah from judgment. Christ is our ark of safety from the wrath of God. The apostle John wrote to believers, "if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1, NASB 1995). Jesus is our propitiation. His atoning sacrifice for our sins turns away the wrath of God.

The ark was the only means of escape and there was only one door to enter the ark (6:16). Jesus used the analogy of the door to stress the fact that He is the only entrance into the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture" (John 10:9). Again He stressed, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (14:6). The Apostle Peter proclaimed, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). All may come, but they have to come through the only door of salvation.

Once Noah and his family got into the ark they were perfectly safe. They were the only ones to escape (Genesis 7:1). God was in the ark with them. There were no causalities. They were all perfectly safe––Noah, his family and the animals. A year later we are told in 8:18–19, "So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by their families from the ark." Regarding our own salvation Jesus said to his disciples, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10:27–30). Jesus is in the ark and it cannot sink. When we are in the ship with Jesus, we will never sink. We are always safe in the boat with Jesus.

Many interpreters have noted the Hebrew word in Genesis 6:14 is not the common one for "pitch, (zettet)," but kapher meaning "to cover." No where else in the Old Testament is it rendered "pitch." Every where else it is translated "to make atonement." By covering it inside and out with "pitch" the ark was waterproofed. We have been protected from the wrath of God by the perfect covering that comes from Jesus Christ. Our shelter from God's wrath is found only beneath the blood of Jesus. I John 1:7 says, "if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." "Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:14).

There is urgency for us to enter the ark now. Once the door is shut, no one else can enter in. "Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the Lord closed it behind him" (Genesis7:16). Judgment came, and it will come again. The parable of the virgins is an excellent illustration and application of this great truth (Matt. 24:37-49).

"By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7, NASB 1995).

We have been redeemed "with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:19). That is the only covering that will protect us from the wrath of God.

God the Holy Spirit is gently, sweetly calling you to come and enter the ark of salvation and be saved today (Isa. 55:1; Matt. 11:28; Rev. 22:17).

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Devotional

2006-01-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

God's Eternal Purpose: Redeemed by the Lamb
Like a beautiful piece of crimson thread woven through a tapestry is the theme of the Lamb of God in the Bible.

The message of redemption begins in the heart of a loving God even before the first couple was created. The cross was there in the heart of God before human history began. The cross of Christ was no afterthought in God's plan of redemption. Indeed, the Lamb of God was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 14:8, KJV).

God laid the foundation of animal sacrifices when He provided coats of skins for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). The shedding of blood is implied in the making of the coats of skins. Therefore, God laid the foundation for animal sacrifices as an innocent substitute dying for the guilty.

The Prospect of a Lamb for Redemption begins as an incipient idea in Genesis 4:3–7 and grows through the remainder of the Bible. The concept of a required lamb is planted in the account of the first act of worship. Abel evidently brought a lamb because of previously given divine instruction.

So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.

The lamb had to be slain to offer its fat portions on the altar.

The New Testament commentary on Abel is found in Hebrews 11:4. "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." True Cain had an attitude problem, but it may have included his ideas on worship and way of approaching God apart from His revelation. When we worship God, we always come by the Lamb of God slain as propitiation. Clearly after Abel's sacrifice, man is always seen bringing the animal as a sacrifice. Abel's sacrifice involved blood. It testified to a slain substitute victim. Abel believed God would deliver by means of a substitute sacrifice.

The Provision of the Lamb for Redemption is clearly seen in Genesis 22:6–8. God provided a substitute lamb for Isaac.

Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together.

The dominant idea in the whole experience is summed up in the words, "God will provide Himself the lamb." After seeing God provide the required lamb Abraham named the place Yahweh–jireh, "Yahweh will provide." The LORD God did just that at a Calvary.

The Protection Provided by the Redeeming Lamb is evident in the Passover lamb. The lamb had to be appropriated by faith. It had to be slain and the blood applied to each home. The father of each household was required to take an unblemished one-year-old lamb and kill it. "Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it" (Exodus 12:7). Moses explains the reason for the sacrifice. "For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt" (vv. 12–13). With the application of the blood of the lamb to the lintel and doorposts, the household was protected. "For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you" (v. 23). In order to receive the protection the lamb had to be slain and appropriated by faith.

God still comes our way and says in effect, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you" (v. 13). The lamb had to be slain, and man had to trust in God's provision of that lamb (Heb. 9:11-14, 22; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

The Perfect Lamb for Redemption is emphasized throughout the book of Leviticus. The lamb must always be a lamb "without blemish." It must be perfect in its character to remove sin and guilt. The priestly handbook made it clear, "it must be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it" (Leviticus 22:21b).

Every sacrifice in the Old Testament anticipated the true and perfect sacrifice which the Lamb of God would one day offer. They were shadows of the coming perfect sacrifice for sin. Christ is the end of all these sacrifices. These sacrifices were a witness to the people that they were sinners and could be saved only by substitutionary death offered in their behalf. The worshipper testified that he lived only by virtue of the slain victim in his stead. The continual sacrifice of animals testified that the blood of animals could not take away sin. It was a promise, prophecy and pledge that God would accomplish it with His own Lamb. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins" (Hebrews 9:22) is a commentary on Leviticus 17:11. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement."

All sacrifices were mere shadows of the sacrifice of Christ and looked forward to it. These Old Testament sacrifices were worthless in their own right, but were accepted for the time as tokens of the future sacrifice of the Lamb of God (Hebrews 10:10–14). Once that sacrifice was offered all other sacrifices lost their meaning, and ceased to be. The infinite value of the savior's death was enough to pay the penalty for the sins of all men for all time. Hebrews 10:19–20, "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh . . . "

The Perfect Redeeming Lamb God will Provided is a Person who was "wounded for our transgressions . . . Yahweh has laid on Him the iniquity of us all . . . He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." Isaiah 52:13–53:12 tells us the lamb will be a person of God's choosing who will die a substitutionary death for our sins. You can find almost all of Isaiah 53 quoted somewhere in the New Testament.

Behold My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up, and greatly exalted (52:13).

"Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him" (Isaiah 53:4-6, NASB 1995).

Jesus was our "guilt offering," who bore our "iniquities," and "poured out Himself to death" (vv. 10-12). "He poured out Himself to death . . . He Himself bore the sin of many" (vv. 11-12). The apostle Peter correctly summarized the work of the Lamb of God when he wrote, "and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24, NASB 1995).

The Lamb of God is Identified as the Person Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. All of the Old Testament lambs typified the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. John saw Jesus and declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The next day John saw Him again and declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (v. 36). Our sins are removed only by the sacrifice of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14; 1 John 1:7; Heb. 9:14).

The Lamb of God is Proclaimed as our Redeemer in Acts 8. An Ethiopian government official was speeding his way home after having been to Jerusalem to worship. In his lap was a copy of the book of Isaiah. As he rode along, he pondered "He was led as a sheep to slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearers is silent, so He does not open His mouth. In humiliation His judgment was taken away; who shall relate His generation? For His life is removed form the earth" (Acts 8:32–33, quoting Isaiah 53:7, 8). God sent Philip the evangelist to interpret and expound the passage for him. "And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him" (v. 35). The Ethiopian man appropriated the provision of the Lamb of God by believing on Christ. "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" was his response.

The Proof of the Precious Redeeming Lamb of God is seen in His resurrection from the dead. The apostle Peter sums up the whole message of the Lamb with these words: "knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God" (I Peter 1:18–21).

The Preeminence of the Lamb of God as our Redeemer is the message of the book of Revelation. He will receive everlasting worship. The Lamb of God is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who reigns as the sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all eternity. The whole book focuses our attention on the "Lamb standing, as if slain" at the throne of God. The elders fell down before the Lamb and worshipped Him singing a new song, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth . . . saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.' And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever'" (Rev. 5:9–10, 12, 13). Talk about worship! The book ends in the presence of the throne of God and the Lamb. The Lamb is the Shekinah glory of God that illuminates heaven. Please don't miss the message. It is clearly taught "only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" are present in heaven worshiping Him (21:22). It is because "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14; cf. Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 John 1:7).

Saving faith is placing the Substitute between my guilt and the holy wrath of God.

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Your Cross

2006-01-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

your cross ... Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,There will always be sunshine after the rain.Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,But God's always ready to answer your call.He knows every heartache, sees every tear,A word from His lips can calm every fear.Your sorrows may linger throughout the night,But suddenly vanish at dawn's early light.The Savior is waiting somewhere above,To give you His grace and send you His love.Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,God always sends rainbows after the rain.
Author unknown

Kindness

2006-01-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

Devotional - Kindness

(Psa 117:2 NKJV) "For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!"
(Prov 19:22 NKJV) "What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar."
(2 Cor 6:4-10 NKJV) "But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."
(Col 3:12-13 NKJV) "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."
(2 Pet 1:5-7 NKJV) "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love."
(1 Tim 5:9-10 NKJV) "Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work."
(1 Cor 13:4 NKJV) "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;"
(Luke 6:35 NKJV) ""But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil."
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

The Christmas Story

2005-12-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Story ..by the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:1-20)

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.
There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him."
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! ~ Luke 2:1-20
It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple, and nothing but a feeding trough to put the Child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of humankind.
God's Son became man and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven-foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel, and this is what many people were looking for, but wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, "a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift."
God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.
How are you doing this Christmas? Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn't have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of woman You want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you'll experience life to the fullest.

May God's Blessings be upon you now and always...
Merry Christmas !!!
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

Shepards watched their flocks by night...

2005-12-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

2005-12-16 - While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night

What We Can Learn from Christmas Carols ..........

Please note what was going on when the angel arrived on the scene to deliver the message of Christ's birth. What were the shepherds doing? They weren't planning the event (not that there's anything wrong with planning sometimes). They were doing their everyday work. They were fulfilling their calling, going about the work God had given to them, watching their flocks. They were diligently taking care of the sheep God had entrusted to their care.
Also please note that the arrival of the Christ child wasn't an engineered event, not a special service planned to try to get God to visit them. God planned the event and carried it out Himself. There were no preachers slapping people on the heads (and such "wonders" have sometimes proven to be fake anyway, with ministers tipped off to people's ailments by "spies" with hidden microphones). We all receive the Holy Spirit through salvation, and the Holy Spirit's moves can't be planned by men. At the birth of Christ, the signs and wonders were real - and were instigated by GOD Himself.
So what do we need to take with us from that lovely carol? We need to, as the 12-year old Jesus said, "be about our Father's business." We need to be doing what God has for us to do, and doing it faithfully. And we need to realize we can't control God or the Holy Spirit, and His coming into our lives. First of all, He is already everywhere, so He is always present with us, even if we can't feel Him. We can ask Him to draw us closer to Him. But we can't manipulate His moves with a special service or with our behavior. We can control a lot of things, but we can't control our Lord. And though we may not feel that way at the time, that fact is for our good. For as His word says, His ways are higher than ours.
If you are facing a deep hurt or disappointment this Christmas season, remember that God is in control and though it may not feel like it right now, that is a good thing.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,All seated on the ground,The angel of the Lord came down,And glory shone around,And glory shone around.
"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind."Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankindTo you and all mankind.
"To you, in David's town, this dayIs born of David's line A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,And this shall be the sign,And this shall be the sign.
"The heavenly Babe you there shall findTo human view displayed,All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,And in a manger laid,And in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God on high,Who thus addressed their song,Who thus addressed their song:
"All glory be to God on high,And to the Earth be peace;Good will henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease,Begin and never cease!"

Why Not to go overboard on gifts this Christmas !

2005-12-12T13:22:00.000-05:00

We do not get happiness and safety in this life from possessions .....

Luke 12:15 Take heed and beware against every form of covetousness; for mans life does not consist in an abundance of the things he possess." Here is a tough lesson from Christ. It is for those who know that while they can't take anything with them when they die, they yet feel that here on earth they should seek greater things for themselves.
Outward things are useful in this life, but no one is able to prolong life, or make it more happy or comfortable, by possessing more than is needed. We need to ask ourselves what good a super-abundance of things or wealth will do for us? Things and possessions are external to our life and happiness. Even if you have the world at your will, you can gain no more from it than food and clothing. Even the poor attain that.

Steven Girard was a very wealthy man and when everyone supposed he was basking in his attainments and possessions he wrote a friend, "As to myself, I live like a galley-slave, constantly occupied, and often passing the night without sleeping. I am wrapped in a labyrinth of affairs, and worn out with care. I do not value fortune. The love of labor is my highest emotion. When I rise in the morning, my only effort is to labor so hard during the day, that, when night comes, I may be enabled to sleep soundly."

One way contentment is realized is when we understand that if it were better that we be wealthier, more powerful, more eminent, or in various other circumstances that might seem appealing to us, God would make it so. We would act like foolish children crying because we can't have poison if we were to wish for good things that God has denied us.
It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide spoil with the proud. He who gives attention to the word shall find good, and blessed is he who trust in the Lord. Proverbs 16

Praise Him

2005-12-10T23:04:00.000-05:00

- Praising Him
I have been impressed recently by the fact that we should praise God often! Praising God is part of worshipping Him. I have heard it said that our work in Heaven will be worshipping God, and we should be doing that now, too! There is so much to praise Him for! Of course I can't touch on them all, but here are some things to think about:
We should praise Him simply for Who He is!
Deu 4:39 (NIV) Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
We should praise Him for His holiness:
Psa 29:2 (NIV) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
We should praise Him for providing for our salvation:
Eph 1:13-14 (NIV) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of His glory.
We should praise Him for His dependability -- His faithfulness:
Psa 40:10 (NIV) I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and Your truth from the great assembly.
We should praise Him for providing for our everyday material needs -- not always our wants, but our needs. : )
Luke 12:27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!
I hope you will join with me in trying to remember to praise God every day, for both eternal and temporal benefits!
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

God's Blessings are everywhere !

2005-11-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

Devotional - 96-11-15 - God's Blessings
If you are like me, sometimes you get so caught up on what is going on "now," on school assignments, work deadlines, past hurts, etc. that you lose focus of the fact that God blesses us SO much every day. Last night a friend reminded me that everything we get from God is undeserved, that He could have deservedly sent us to Hell, and not provided redemption for us.
2 Tim 1:8-9 (NIV) So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, That everything that He provides on top of salvation is a bonus.... As my friend pointed out--something he heard someone say, "Even if God never did anything else for me," the gift of salvation is so incredible and undeserved!
But indeed, not only has God provided a means to satisfy His necessary justness--by giving His Son in our place, but He also gives us blessings everyday. He gives us family and friends. He gives us roofs over our heads. He gives us abilities. He gives us food. He gives us in this country, freedom of worship. He gives us good local churches to provide the opportunties for worship, fellowship and service that we all need:
Eph 5:19 (NIV) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Heb 10:25 (NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Eph 4:11-12 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
I hope that you will join with me today, in a concerted effort to be more thankful to God. No matter what our situation, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. There are things we take for granted every day, like a roof over our heads, sanitary water supplies that prevent serious illnesses like cholera, a government that is not a dictatorship....Things that people in some countries do not have....And we can be thankful that even in difficult situations, God can work for His glory and our good, and can bless others and teach us in those difficulties. Let's render to God more of the praise He deserves:
Heb 13:15 (NIV) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Dear Lord, please forgive us for not praising You as we should. Please help us to show more heartfelt gratitude to You for the many blessings You bestow on us every day. In Jesus' name, amen.
J

How to Have Eternal Life !!

2005-11-20T00:32:00.000-05:00

There are many ways people try to get to heaven to be with God. Some try to buy their way, others work their way. Some think if they are basically a good person or go to church they'll go to heaven. But, all of these bridges that people try to build fall short and we are still separated from God. You see, there is a gap between God and mankind and it's called sin. Because of sin we are kept from God. The Bible says:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Rom 3:23)
That means everybody is separated from God and heaven because of sin. Check out this other verse:
For the wages of sin is death;but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23-King James Version)
Let's look at Romans 6:23 a little closer
WAGES
Wages are something that you get for something that you've done. It's kind of like a paycheck. We all earn wages from God on our lives and we all will get paid one day.
SIN
Sin is like breaking the rules. There is a way things are supposed to be done. God has established many guidelines for our lives. Sin is bad and evil. It's like missing the mark. We could do much better, but choose not to.
DEATH
Death is the penalty for sin. Because we all have sinned, we all shall die. Look at the local cemetery to see if people are still dying. This physical death is only one part of this sentence though. If you separate yourself from God in this life then the same will be true if you were to die. That would truly be sad to be eternally separated from God and Heaven. Spiritually, we are all dead and on our way to Hell.
BUT
The WAGES of SIN is DEATH BUT... This word is very important. It shows us that there is another side to what has already been said. Were it not for this word being here, all hope would be lost for us. We would be eternally separated from God.
GIFT
Wages are receiving for what we have done. A GIFT is just the opposite. It has been paid for by someone else. You might call it a FREEBIE. Something very important has been purchased for us and it could be ours if we would just accept it.
GOD
Just as a GIFT is opposite of WAGES, notice that GOD is opposite of SIN. He is totally righteous and holy. God loves you and has a special gift to give you even though you are separated from Him by your sin.
ETERNAL LIFE
Just as DEATH is separation from God forever, ETERNAL LIFE is being able to be with God in Heaven forever. You can be DEAD spiritually even though you are alive physically. You can also be ALIVE spiritually and spend eternity in Heaven with God if you accept His free GIFT. How can you get God's free GIFT?
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
As I said before, people try many ways to get to Heaven. The Bible tells us that there is only one way to get this GIFT of ETERNAL LIFE and it is THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. You must realize that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven. He's the one who paid for the GIFT by dying for your sins. His blood that was shed can clean you up like a bar of spiritual soap making your heart and life new. Now, whether you choose to take this gift is up to you. What do you have to do to receive it?
LORD
Jesus Christ must be your LORD. That means He must have total control of your life. What He says, you will do. Where He sends, you will go. You must surrender all that you have and all that you are to Him. Now, knowing this is not enough. Many people have come this far, but that's not far enough. How do I make Jesus my Lord?
For the wages of sin is death;but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23)
Because of our sin, we are separated from God. We must turn away from our sins and to God (repentance). You might say that asking Jesus to be your Lord is as simple as A, B, C.
A. ADMIT TO BEING A SINNER:
Step number one is to accept the fact that there is a problem. I'm a sinner and I can't change it by myself. There are things in my life that are wrong and I want to make them right. I must agree with God and the Bible that I'm a sinner, on my way to Hell, and I want to be rescued.
B. BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST:
He died for me and was raised from the dead so that I can be SAVED (Rom. 10:9). If He didn't do this, my sins could not be forgiven. Because of Christ paying the price for salvation I can turn away from my sins and receive ETERNAL LIFE asking Him to be my Lord. He is the only way. This must be understood.
C. CONFESS JESUS AS LORD:
You must confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord. You must call on God surrendering all to be saved and then share this decision with others.
I can't force you to be saved, but would you like to call out to God now and ask Him to save you?
SAMPLE PRAYER:
"Lord, I'm calling out to you now because I'm a sinner and need to be saved. I know that there is nothing I can do on my own to get to Heaven. I believe that your son Jesus died for my sins and rose again so that I might be saved. My life is full of faults and I'm sorry. Please forgive me of all my sins and come into my life and be my Lord. Thank you Jesus for coming into my life and making me a Christian. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Spiritual Birth Certificate By confessing with my mouth Jesus as my Lord and believing in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I became a Christian today. I asked God to forgive me of all my sins because I was a lost sinner on my way to hell. Now I have Eternal Life and will be with God forever in Heaven. I'm a new person and will serve my Jesus every day of my life. I have been born again.
Date: ____________________________
Signed: ___________________________
1 John 5:12-13

Thanksgiving...........

2005-11-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

Praise and ThanksgivingThe Lord's Prayer begins and ends with praise. Giving praise to God helps us to understand just how awesome He really is! We should praise Him for how powerful He is. We should praise Him for how giving He is. We should praise Him for how loving He is. We should thank Him for all that He has done, is doing and will do for us as His children. And the list goes on …
In the New Testament Paul tells of giving thanks to God:
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, … and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:3,12-14
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." - Ephesians 1:15-16
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
We are actually commanded to give praise and thanksgiving to God:
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15-16
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - I Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" - Hebrews 12:28-29
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:15
In the Old Testament one can find passage after passage of praises to God; especially in the book of Psalms which is packed with chapters on the praise of God and His power and glory. Here are two examples:
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: All flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" - Psalm 8
"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted." - Psalm 47
(All scripture taken from the Quest Study Bible.

Obedient Wife

2005-10-24T20:21:00.000-04:00

Obedient Wife There was a man who had worked all of his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money. Just before he died, he said to his wife, "When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me."And so he got his wife to promise him with all of her heart that when he died, she would put all of the money in the casket with him.Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a minute!"She had a box with her, she came over with the box and put it in the casket.Then the undertakers locked the casket down, and they rolled it away. So her friend said, "Girl, I know you weren't fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband."The loyal wife replied," Listen, I'm a Christian, I can't go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him."You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!!!!?""I sure did," said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account and wrote him a check. If he can cash it, he can spend it."Send this to every clever female you know.

Important Recall !!

2005-10-17T23:57:00.000-04:00

Recall Notice ............... The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, "Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality," or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed. Some other symptoms: [a] Loss of direction [b] Foul vocal emissions [c] Amnesia of origin [d] Lack of peace and joy [e] Selfish, or violent behavior [f] Depression or confusion in the mental component [g] Fearfulness [h] Idolatry [i] Rebellion The Manufacturer: Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: [a] Love [b] Joy [c] Peace [d] Patience [e] Kindness [f] Goodness [g] Faithfulness [h] Gentleness [i] Self-control . Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. As an added upgrade, the manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Ghost. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises! WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. > > Author Unknown

A Friend shared this with me and it was just too good not to pass on !!
Love and Blessings,
Debra

Recieving Christ

2005-10-14T00:11:00.000-04:00

Receiving Christ and Christian GrowthThe Bible is full of wonderful assurance and promise for all who believe inJesus Christ, the Son of God. But each person must accept Jesus as his or herown personal Saviour before he can claim these promises personally. How canthese promises be yours? The Bible tells us that each of us must.....RECOGNIZE that you CANNOT be saved by trying to be good, or by doing the bestyou can, or because you are a member of a social group or religiousorganization.......for God says that we are NOT saved by our good works......(Ephesians 2:8-9)For by grace you are saved, through faith,and that faith is not of yourselves...it is the gift of God,not of works,lest any man should boast.(Romans 6: 23)The wages of sin is death,but the gift of God is eternal life,through Jesus Christ our Lord.(Isaiah 6: 46)But we are all as an unclean thing,and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;and we all do fade as a leaf;and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.CONFESS that you can not save yourself...in fact there is nothing you can do toundo any of the sins you have already commited, or their consequences. Thisforgiveness must be a divine act of God, because of His mercy which He extendsto us.....the Bible says...(1 John 1:8-9)If we say that we have no sin,we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us oursins,and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(Psalm 32:1-6 -The Living Bible)What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven!What joys when sins are covered over!What relief for those who have confessed their sinsand God has cleared their record.There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was.But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.All day and all night your hand was heavy on me.My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day,until I finally admitted all my sins to youand stopped trying to hide them.I said to myself, "I will confess them to the Lord."And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to Godwhen he is aware of them,while there is time to be forgiven.Judgment will not touch him if he does.BELIEVE the good news that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died to pay the the penaltyfor your sins. He died for you and settled your debt from sin by His death onCalvary's cross. Believe the blessed news that Christ was raised from the dead,and now lives in eternity to save all those who will come to Him by faith.Believe that you now have eternal life, and that Jesus will never leave you norforsake you(Rom 5:6- 8)For when we were yet without strength,in due time Christ died for the ungodly.For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:yet possibly for a good man some would even dare to die.But God demonstrates his great love toward us,in that, while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us.(John 3:36)He that believes on the Son of God has everlasting life:and he that believes not the Son shall not see life;but the wrath of God remains on him.(1 John 5:10- 13)He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself:he that believeth not God has made him a liar;because he does not believe the record that God gave of his Son.And this is the record,that God has given to us eternal life,and this life is in his Son.He that has the Son has life;and he that does not have the Son of God does not have life.These things have I written unto youthat believe on the name of the Son of Godthat you may know that you have eternal life,and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.HUMBLE YOURSELF before God in prayer. Talk to God, just like you would talk to agood friend, and yet reverence Him because of the Almighty and Holy God that Heis. See Him as the Creator and Lord of the universe, the sovereign King overall.... and yet He is kindly and forgiving to the person who will turn away frompride and ego and sin, and submit himself to the safekeeping of God.(Isaiah 57:15)For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity,whose name is Holy;I dwell in the high and holy place,with him also that is of a bruised and humble spirit;to revive the spirit of the humble,and to bring life to the heart of the contrite ones.(Isa 66:1-2)Thus saith the LORD,The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool:where is the house that you build unto me?and where is the place of my rest?For all those things has mine hand made,and all those things have been, saith the LORD:but to this man will I look,even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,and trembleth at my word.CALL on Jesus Christ, Himself, to save you and to come into your soul, and tomake you a new person. The christian life is not a list of do's and don'ts, ofreligious rituals or observances: it is rather a personal relationship betweenyou and Jesus Christ. Jesus says....(Rev 3:20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door,I will come in to him, and will sup with him,and he with me.The door Jesus is talking about is the entrance to your innermost being...yoursoul or heart..the real you. He wants to live inside your soul with you, toguide you and give you comfort for life's difficult journey, and to give you apurpose for living, where there was only confusion and aimless drifting before.Jesus is giving you the opportunity to CHOOSE to let Him be your personal Saviorand your God.(Josh 24:15-16 KJV)And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,choose you this day whom ye will serve;whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of theflood,or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.{16} And the people answered and said,God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;(Jeremiah 29:11-14)For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,thoughts of peace, and not of evil,to give you an expected end.Then shall you call upon me,and you shall go and pray unto me,and I will listen and respond to you.And you shall seek me, and find me,when you shall search for me with all your heart.And I will be found of you,saith the LORD:RELY upon God's promises in the Bible, not on your feelings or worldlyteachings. Your life is new from this point forward. The old things must bethrown out and not returned to. Old sinful habits must be done away with by thepower of Christ Who now lives inside you. You may never have had the power toovercome these things before, but Christ can overcome them by the Power of theHoly Spirit who lives in you now...Old opinions and ways of thinking must be replaced by God's Words andinstructions from the Bible. You must consciously choose to do things God's waywhen the Bible tells you that your way is wrong.(2 Cor 5:17)Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new.(Rom 12:1-2 LIVING BIBLE)And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.Let them be a living sacrifice,holy--the kind he can accept.When you think of what he has done for you,is this too much to ask?Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,but be transformed into a new and different personas you let God's thoughts replace your old thoughts.Then you will learn from your own experiencehow His ways will really satisfy you.TELL someone else about your decision to receive Christ, and what He has donefor you. Tell your family, your friends, your co-workers or fellow students.And plan to be baptized in your local church, as a testimony to your faith inChrist. and plan to attend a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church. Becomeinvolved in its ministries and with your new family in Christ. As Jesus said:(Mat 28:18-20 KJV)And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.{19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolyGhost:{20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:and, lo, I am with you alway,even unto the end of the world. Amen.WALK AND TALK every day in prayer and fellowship with Jesus. Someone has oncedescribed fellowship as "two fellows in the same ship". The ship is your bodyand soul... the two fellows are you and Jesus. You have the priviledge ofsailing through the waters of life, calm or rough, with Jesus as your Captainand Navigator. He knows the way to get you to His destination safely and withmaximum spiritual profit.Talk to Him continually through the day. Ask for His strength, His guidance, Hispresence, for the words to speak, for the necessities of life and ministry.Praise Him continually for His care and provision.Jesus puts it this way...(John 14:15-23 KJV)If ye love me, keep my commandments.{16} And I will pray the Father,and he shall give you another Comforter,that he may abide with you for ever;{17} Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.{18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.{19} Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.{20} At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I inyou.{21} He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them,he it is that loveth me:and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.{22} Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot,Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?{23} Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words:and my Father will love him,and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.May your life and your family be blessed as you decide to live for Jesus.in Christ

Many Blessings,
Debra

Breast Cancer Awareness Month !!

2005-10-09T18:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,
This month is Breast Cancer awareness month. Please contribute to your favorite Breast Cancer Charity. Do not make the mistake of thinking it could never Happen to you. It can !! Breast Cancer has no boundaries, it effects women and men of all ages and colors. I have been touched personally by Breast Cancer more than once. My mother had it and both her sisters. My sister found out she had Breast cancer at 30, and also my cousin. My Aunt Agnus just died recently from Breast cancer. Be aware of any changes, see a doctor once a year and get that mammogram done. Don't let ignorance be your demise, learn about the disease and treatments that are available. It Could Save Your Life !!
Many Blessings,
Debra

Mom and Dad

2005-10-06T00:31:00.000-04:00

I miss them......

2005-10-06T00:26:00.000-04:00

Someones Knocking

2005-10-02T20:56:00.000-04:00

Someone's Knocking
There came a knock upon my door one Sunday afternoon.
There were toys and papers scattered all about the floor,
I answered and there stood a Man who looked so very sad.
He was asking for some food and reaching out His hand.
I opened up the door there was dirt upon His feet,
But I took Him in the kitchen and I fixed Him food to eat.
He ate like He was starving and He looked so very beat.
I asked Him where He came from and He looked at me so sweet.

He said to me, "My little child, I am thankful for this day,
For I couldn't find a person to treat me in this way.
I knocked at all the houses, up and down the street;
They looked out of their windows as they spied my dirty feet.
They didn't want Me tracking on their carpets oh so neat;
So I just kept on searching for a house where I could eat."

My feet are just a symbol of that day I died.
My tears fell down so sadly as my blood flowed from My side.
My feet caught all the sweat and tears that dripped down from my face
As I hung there and I died there on that cross they made Me take.
The people turned away from me on that lowly day.
They still won't open up their door and let me come and stay;
So if you hear Him knocking with His feet so stained and gray,
Just remember that He died for us on that lowly day!
Diane Huggins

Bible Verses

2005-09-17T11:47:00.000-04:00

Bible Verses

New Bible Verses

God's purposes are not always what they seem !

2005-09-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

Acts 16:26-30 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

At first glance, it would seem that God allowed this earthquake to take place in order that Paul and Silas would be set free. The earthquake came and their bands were loosed. There was nothing holding them back. They could have fled immediately – wouldn’t have you?

But no -- Paul and Silas waited...and as a result, the jailer and his entire family were saved!

Many times we assume God’s reasoning for doing the things He does. The Lord may have released us to walk through a door that He has clearly opened -- but He may also have other purposes in mind. Let’s not be so quick to assume. There’s no hurry. God won’t shut a door if it is His divine will for it to be open!

Let’s be patient and be sure to be led by the Spirit of God. These are amazing times we’re living in. We don’t want to miss out on God’s perfect will!

Hell-o All !!

2005-09-14T20:47:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,
It has been a while since a have posted a personal note, so here goes. I have been gone several months to Colorado Springs, Colorado. My oldest daughter Celina lives there and I spent the summer with her and her Family. We had a Blessed time and got to do a few things I would never gotten to do otherwise. We went to Phoenix Arizona for 5 days, Jason her husband, his parents live there. We loaded up from there and all went to Disneyland in California. The kids, as well as the adults had a Great time !! Then we went to Universal Studios in Hollywood. It was a wonderful vacation and I stayed with them for two and a half months. I just arrived back home about 2 weeks ago. It was sad to say Good-Bye, but I was needed back home. My son Roberts M.S. is acting up and he has not been doing very well. He is on New treatments of Interferon Beta 1 injections,but the side affects are many. Depression is weighing heavy on him right now. Thank God my other children are in good Health for now. Knock on wood and Praise God. We just turn it over to God and go on. Prayer is a very important part of my day and it keeps me strong in the Lord. I know he will see us through. In our worst of times we are still so Blessed. The state of this Country has never been so bad, so many are homeless and have lost everything in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Please Pray for all the family's affected by this terrible Storm. We have several thousand housed in the Civic coliseum here. It is so very sad. The outpouring of Charity from the American people makes me so proud. I Thank God everyday I am an American. I wanted to post a picture of my Grandchildren from our Disneyland trip. My son-in-law Jason is holding my Grandaughter Sadey ( she is seven months old now,Sklar (my grandson age 7)is sitting right next to them. I Love them all so much. Life is good !!

Devotional

2005-09-14T19:50:00.000-04:00

Hard Prayers

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds, as you live in Christ Jesus.

These are two great passages, but do they work in the downpours of the storms of life? Can you really apply them to your daily walk with Christ? In the middle of despair or desperation, they seem utopian.

In times of troubles, my questions to God come fast and furious. Like Lieutenant Dan in the movie "Forest Gump," I shout and cry out to God when the storms hit. "What are You doing to me, God? Why me? Come on God, I really don't need a pop quiz on life right now. Where are You, God? Are You real? Do You care?" I am shouting out so much and feeling so sorry for myself, that God is silent. Even if God tried to speak to me, I would not listen. When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, we need to move from focusing on ourselves, toward focusing on God and His word, so His work can begin in a powerful way.

What has made the above passages become real to me in difficult circumstances? It's really simple. I have done what the passages told me to do. They instruct us to give thanks in all circumstances, and not to worry. I thanked God for what I was going through. It was the most difficult prayer I have ever prayed. I thanked Him for all my problems, praying continually. The faith came back more quickly, and is stronger than ever. Along with faith came joy.

Unfortunately, some people misunderstand this. They believe God wants us to pretend all is well, when it is not. But God does not want us to deny reality; He wants to help us discover what is redemptive in it.

The Psalmist faces reality:

"My soul thirsts for You; my flesh yearns for You; In a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psa. 63:1a)
But only three verses later, he is praising God: "So I will bless You as long as I live." (Psa. 63:4b)

What are some hard prayers that you need to pray today? Do you need to thank God for an illness, a family member who is troubled, or financial difficulties? Thank God for that friend, spouse or family member who has wronged you in the past, or for the disappointment of not being promoted at work. Thank God for caring so much for you that He places tests along the way, to mold you into all that He wants you to become.

My joy is back, but there are more storms out there. They will come toward me, and they will come to you. We need to be ready for them.

I hope you will join me in this prayer, or one along these lines:

Father, I am so grateful to have a God like You. It is a blessing to be able to pour my heart out to You at anytime. It is great to have a patient and loving God Who understands my frustrations when life is not going like I want. You understand, because You know the end from the beginning. Thank You for _____. Please open my eyes and heart to see what You are teaching me. I thank You especially for our Savior and Your Son, Christ. In His name. Amen.

Devotional

2005-05-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

"Would you like to get rid of your burdens?" Would you like to hand over the unmanageable self to the One who can manage them? Hanna Witall Smith reminds us Who can manage our lives on a daily basis.

Most Christians are like a man who was toiling along the road, bending under a heavy burden, when a wagon overtook him, and the driver kindly offered to help him on his journey. He joyfully accepted the offer, but when seated, continued to bend beneath his burden, which he still kept on his shoulders. "Why do you not lay down your burden?" asked the kind-hearted driver. "Oh!" replied the man, "I feel that it is almost too much to ask you to carry me, and I could not think of letting you carry my burden too." And so Christians, who have given themselves into the care and keeping of the Lord Jesus, still continue to bend beneath the weight of their burden, and often go weary and heavy-laden throughout the whole length of their journey.

When I speak of burdens, I mean everything that troubles us, whether spiritual or temporal.

I mean, first of all, ourselves. The greatest burden we have to carry in life is self. The most difficult thing we have to manage is self. Our own daily living, our frames and feelings, our special weaknesses and temptations, these are the things that perplex and worry us more than anything else, and that bring us oftenest into bondage and darkness. In laying off your burdens, therefore, the first one you must get rid of is yourself.

Next, you must lay off every other burden,--your health, your reputation, your Christian work, your houses, your children, your business, your servants; everything, in short, that concerns you, whether inward or outward.

I knew a Christian lady who had a very heavy temporal burden. It took away her sleep and her appetite, and there was danger of her health breaking down under it. . . . The circumstances or her life she could not alter, but she took them to the Lord, and handed them over into His management; and then she believed that He took it, and she left all the responsibility and the worry and anxiety with Him. She abandoned her whole self to the Lord, with all that she was and all that she had, and, believing that He took that which she had committed to Him, she ceased to fret and worry, and her life became all sunshine in the gladness of belonging to Him.

Would you like to get rid of your burdens? Do you not long to hand over the management of your unmanageable self into the hand of One who is able to manage you? Are you not tired and weary, and does not the rest I speak of look sweet to you?

Your part is simply to rest. His part is to sustain you, and He cannot fail (The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, pp. 31-37).

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).

Love Thru Christ,
Debra

Chapter 2- Genesis

2005-05-15T12:09:00.000-04:00

GENESIS CHAPTER 2

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1 ¶ Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
4 ¶ These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
8 ¶ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
18 ¶ And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
21 ¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Genesis.....The Beginning

2005-05-10T23:39:00.000-04:00

GENESIS CHAPTER 1

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1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 ¶ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 ¶ And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 ¶ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14 ¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
20 ¶ And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 ¶ And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
26 ¶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
29 ¶ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
31 ¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Do You Pray ??

2005-04-27T13:28:00.000-04:00

"Men ought always to pray" --Luke 18:1
"I will that men pray everywhere" -1 Timothy 2:8
I would like to offer you a question. It is only three words,--"Do you pray?" This question is one that only you can answer. You may have family prayers and your family knows of these prayers, but this is not the prayer I ask about. I ask whether you pray in private, this is a matter that only you and God can answer. I would ask that you attend to this question over the next two days. You can not throw aside my question by saying that you say your prayers. It is one thing to say prayers and quite another to pray.
I ask whether you pray because prayer is absolutely needful for your salvation. I would say that no man or woman can expect to be saved who does not pray. I hold salvation by the grace of God alone through faith in Christ as strongly as anyone I know. However, I would not hesitate to stand at the death bed of the greatest sinner that ever lived and say, "Believe now on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." But that someone can have salvation without asking for it, I cannot find in the Bible. He who will not say, "Lord Jesus, give it to me" cannot be saved. I can find that no one will be saved by his prayers, but I cannot find that without prayers anyone will be saved. If you wish to be a friend of Christ, you must pray. We must pray on earth, or we shall never praise in Heaven. We must go through the school of prayer or we will never be fit for the holiday of praise. My friends to be prayerless is to be without God, without Christ, without grace, without hope, and without Heaven. It is to be on the road to hell. Now you may not wonder that I pose the question, Do You Pray?
I ask whether you pray because a habit of prayer is one of the surest marks of a true Christian. All children of God are alike in this: From the moment there is spiritual life given to them, they pray! The first born sign of an infant is breathing, the first born sign of a Christian is praying. It is the first act of faith. Theologians have called it the reflex act to that act of God in planting grace in the heart. It is the first act of grace. Here is a challenge. Find me the life of a saint, from Genesis to Revelation, who was not a man or woman of prayer. It is a characteristic of the Godly that "they call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ", and it is said of the wicked that, "they call not upon the the Lord". Think of the lives of eminent Christians, Arminians, Calvinists, Episcopalians, you name it, they have one thing in common if we call them eminent, they prayed. One may write books, make fine speeches, and do good works and yet be a Judas Iscariot. But one seldom goes to a prayer closet, pours out his soul before God in secret, unless there is grace in the heart. When Ananias was sent to Damascus by Christ to Paul, Christ gave only one reason why he should go, "Behold, he prayeth" (Acts 9:11) Do you wish to find out whether you are a true Christian? My question is of great importance, "Do YOU pray?"
Finally for today, I ask whether you pray because there is no duty in religion so neglected as private prayer. There are more persons attending public worship today than probably ever before. I would put to you that I believe the majority of professing Christians do not pray at all. This may startle and shock many of you. I wonder if prayer is that duty that we all talk about, because it is fashionable, and yet few of us practice. Here is why, it is a transaction between God and us, no other eyes see this take place and for this reason there is every temptation to pass it over. I believe that there are many who never pray at all. They eat. They drink. They sleep. They rise and go to work. They return home. They breathe God's air, see God's sun, walk on God's earth, enjoy God's mercies. They have dying bodies. They have judgment and eternity squarely before them. But they never speak to God. They live like beasts, and perish. How dreadful this must seem! But if the secrets of many were know...how common. Prayer is not natural. The multitude walk in the broad way and we cannot forget this. It is not a fashionable thing to pray. Think of the lives that some live. Can we really say that people are praying night and day against sin when we see them plunging into it? Can people be praying against worldliness when they are entirely absorbed and taken up with earthly pursuits? Praying and sinning will never live together in the same heart. Prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer. I cannot see your heart. I do not know your private history in these things. But what I see in the Bible and the world is the importance of the question, Do You Pray?
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

Mudslide Pie.........Yummmmmm

2005-04-19T18:58:00.000-04:00

Mudslide Pie
7 oz. chocolate cookie crumbs, plus more for garnish 2 T. butter, melted 3 (1-quart) containers coffee ice cream Chocolate sauce Chopped nuts (optional)Using a large mixing bowl, place cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and moist. Keep mixture at room temp. until needed for pie shells. Lightly spray 2 pie tins with vegetable oil. Place the prepared crust into the pie tins and press firmly on the bottom and sides of each tin, forming a smooth and even thickness approx. 1/8-inch thick. Use a ladle to even out the crusts. Place piecrusts in freezer before ice cream can be placed into crusts. Equally portion the ice cream into the pie shells. Mound the ice cream to create a 3-inch high dome. Place pies in the freezer for approx. 6 hours or more. To serve, Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with more cookie crumbs and chopped nuts, if desired.

When you thought I wasn't looking !!

2005-04-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

When you thought I wasn't looking By a Child
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'"
Each of us, parent or friend, influence the life of a child. Let us remember to always act as though our children are watching, even when we think they're not.

God Understands !!

2005-04-13T15:56:00.000-04:00

Matt 26:38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." (NASB)
Did you ever feel like your world had just ended. I know I have. And if you haven't, well you just haven't lived long enough yet. Jesus was facing the most terrible moment in history. He was approaching the time when, as He bore the sin of the world, the Father would turn His back on Jesus. From before the begining of time the Son and the Father had been in perfect fellowship - never apart - and that was about to change.
If you have ever lost a close relative or friend, if you have ever been punished for something you had not done, then Jesus has walked that path and understands. Jesus suffered the loss of his friend Lazerus. He went without food and drink and was tempted beyond our understanding. His authority was questioned by those who had authority in name only. And, He took the punishment for each of our debt of sin.
There are many who are dealing with very difficult circumstances. If you are one of them and feel that no one can possibly understand your pain, then know three things. First, there is no situation that God is not in control. He may indeed have you where you are for a reason. Second, He loves you. The Lord will not foresake you. Third, He knows exactly where you are and how you feel because He has suffered the same trials and temptations you are dealing with today.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NASB)
This is an amazing truth for all of us to take to heart. The Creator of the Universe somehow put on our humanity and frailty to win us back from eternal punishment. And, in the process, walked the same paths we walk every day and experienced all the joys and sorrows we experience. We can bring everything from a skinned knee to a crushed and broken heart to Him and He understands.
Grace & Peace !!

Psalm 51

2005-04-09T00:11:00.000-04:00

Psalm 51
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

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Traveling The Road of Life

2005-03-27T16:52:00.000-05:00

Jesus has Risen!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ caught His followers completely by surprise. The worst fear of the Jewish leaders came true. Every precaution they made in their paranoid minds were fulfilled. The resurrection came as a wonderful surprise to the disciples. It is very evident none of the disciples were sitting around at the tomb waiting expectantly to see Jesus alive and worshipping Him.

Matthew gives us a condensed report of a series of resurrection events and does not deny or contradict the other Gospel writers who give additional evidence. The reappearance of the risen Christ in Galilee is the grand climax to his Gospel.

A FUNERAL FOR A KING
Jesus Died
Jesus died. “Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit” (Matt. 27:50). The apostle John tells us the cry was, “It is finished!” and He gave up His spirit (John 19:30). He breathed His last. He died.

A Jewish rich man and leader, a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so it would be given a proper burial. It was the day before the Sabbath when Jesus died. The Sabbath began according to Jewish time about 6:00 PM when the sun went down. My guess is Nicodemus helped Joseph take the body down from the cross.

“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him” (Matt. 27:57-58).

The cross of Jesus drew Nicodemus and Joseph out of darkness into the light. Jesus had said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32).

Pilate certified Jesus was dead. “Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:44-45).

Joseph and Nicodemus could not have been deceived the day Jesus died. When they touched and handled the cold, dead, lifeless, stiff body of Jesus there could be no mistake. He was dead. The heart had ceased to pump. No intelligent critic now holds that Jesus did not really die. They now work at trying to remove the supernatural from His death and resurrection.

Jesus Buried
The body of Jesus was not put into a coffin. They took His body down from the cross, wrapped it up in a large linen cloth and carried it on a stretcher to the tomb.

“It was the Jewish custom to wrap the bodies of the dead in linen clothes and to put sweet spices between the folds of the linen. Nicodemus brought enough spices for the burial of a king. So Joseph gave to Jesus a tomb; and Nicodemus gave Him the clothes to wear within the tomb” (William Barclay, DBS, John II, p. 263).

There was no mutilation of the body and no bones were broken. Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice. Not a bone of this Passover lamb had been broken (Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7).

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses witnessed the burial (27:61; Mk. 15:47). “And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave” looking on. They were independent witnesses to these tragic events.

“Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:39-40). They used a hundred pound mixture of strong spices composed of myrrh and aloes. They bound His body in linen wrappings with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews in the first century A. D.

The large linen cloths in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped at the cross to carry it to the tomb was now torn into smaller cloths or swatches like those of long medical bandages used for wrapping the torso or limbs.

B. F. Westcott tells us the “wrappings” were used as a medical term “for bandages” from linen cloth. The body of Jesus was wrapped in swaths of linen cloth covered with the thick layers of the aromatic spices of myrrh and aloes between the folds. The powder and gooey substances were poured next to the body and interspersed between the linen wrappings wound around the body. The term John uses in 19:40 for “linen wrappings” is generally agreed as the term that denotes thin strips or bandages. The body of Jesus was now bound around again and again, layer by layer with myrrh and aloes.

Between the layers the head was wrapped separately with a head-cloth. The mouth was closed and His face bound about with a “face cloth.” John and Peter saw the head wrappings in place which had been wrapped round and round the face before the body left it on the resurrection morning (John 20:5-9). When Jesus rose from the dead the grave clothes were just as they had been when placed round the body on Friday afternoon. Jesus’ body rose through the grave-clothes without disturbing them. Though John does not say it in these words it is not inconsistent with the language. Even the head wrappings had not been snatched off and thrown aside.

After His resurrection the gravesite was an orderly scene. No grave robber would have left the wrapping undisturbed this way. It would have been completely impossible. They could never have left the cloths wrapped neatly. They would have taken the body, cloths and all, or would have had to have torn the cloths off and piled them up. The body of Jesus was buried with myrrh which glues the linen to the body firmly.

R. C. H. Lenski says, “Nothing whatever had been done with the grave cloths, they were merely lying. We are not to imagine that they had been unwound from the body as was done with the grave bands of Lazarus when he came to life. Neither had they been cut or striped off in some other way. They lay just as they had been wound about the limbs and the body, only the body was no longer in them, and thus the wrappings lay flat. All the aromatic spices were exactly as they had been strewn between the layers of linen, and these layers, one wound over the other, were numerous, so that all those spices could be held between them” (John’s Gospel, pp. 1341-42).

Lenski continues,

No human being wrapped round and round with bonds like this could possibly slip out of them without greatly disturbing them. They would have to be unwound, or cut through, or cut and stripped off. They would thus, if removed, lie strewn around in disorder or heaped in a pile, or folded up in some way. If the body had been desecrated in the tomb by hostile hands, this kind of evidence would appear. But hostile hands would have carried off the body, as it was, wrappings and all, to get it away as soon as possible and to abuse it later and elsewhere. But here the linen bands were. Both their presence and their undisturbed condition spoke volumes . . . Jesus was risen from the dead!” (p. 1342).

A large “stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb” (Mk. 15:46).

Jesus wasn’t just buried; He was buried with the honor and dignity of a king. It was not the burial of a felon as the Jewish leaders had supposed, but that of a rich man, honored and respected. Joseph and Nicodemus made sure that their peers in the Sanhedrin and the community would know that His burial was not a pauper or a criminal. It may have been rushed because of the Sabbath, but it was not cheap.

GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD (20:1-10)
No one saw Jesus rise, but a multitude saw Him alive after He had risen from the dead.

This is now the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the dawn of the first day of the week when the following events took place. The Jewish Sabbath was now over. The Jewish day began at sunset, while the Roman day began at sunrise. The time setting is “late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week” (v. 1). The Sunday morning was dawning. It is not immediately after the Sabbath was over because that would have been at sunset on Saturday. About twelve hours have passed over and it is early in the morning before dawn of the sun on Sunday. John Broadus says, “The gates [to the city of Jerusalem] would be closed at sunset and opened at dawn.”

Women arrive at the tomb (v. 1)
Mark tells us the women purchased spices at the end of the Sabbath day (6 p.m.), but did not actually take it to the tomb until early the next morning. “Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.”

The women came with their tribute even though the soldiers guarding the tomb would have prevented them from breaking the seal, entering in and using their spices. They have come to complete the burial process that was hastily done on Friday afternoon before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath.

When the women arrived early in the morning Jesus had already risen and left the tomb. How did He get out? Simple, He just passed through the cave walls like He did the grave clothes and locked doors later. The stone was rolled away and no one was within the tomb.

The stone removed (v. 2)
There was a violent earthquake. “And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.”

The Greek text suggests that the coming of “an angel of the Lord triggered the other events in this verse, and that all of them took place almost simultaneously” (Newman and Stine). “All at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it” (Jerusalem Bible). It happened suddenly. There is the sudden earthquake, the angel coming from heaven to the tomb and rolling away the stone. The angel kicked the stone away, not to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let the women, and later the disciples and probably the soldiers to look in. Unless the stone was rolled away the women and others would surely think the body of Jesus was still there inside the tomb. “What had been an insuperable obstacle for the women was no more than a place to sit for the angel,” remarked Leon Morris. The angel rolled the stone over and sat on it.

“Behold” is a vivid work Matthew uses to call the attention of the readers to the tomb where Jesus had been laid.

Williams Hendriksen says, “The earthquake means as much as, “’Listen, the Lord is speaking’” He suggests the angel must have taken the stone completely out of its grove and turned it over on its side as sat on it.

The reason for this earthquake and the timing of it is “an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone away.” John Mark tells us it was a “young man,” and Luke gives us additional information that two men were there in dazzling clothes. They were messengers sent from God from heaven. Keep in mind “angels” in the first century did not have wings; artist put wings on them in later centuries. Nor is this “the” angel of the Lord in Old Testament Christophany. Moreover, regardless of what Hollywood thinks they were male, not women.” Angelic visitation at the resurrection is recorded in each of the Gospels. In deed, the important thing is the unusual angelic visitations at Jesus’ birth, resurrection and when Christ returns at His Second Coming.

Mark says the women asked themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed” (16:3-5).

Matthew describes the appearance of the angel. “And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow” (v. 3). “Appearance” may mean “face” was as shining brightly as lightening and his clothing was as white as pure snow. It was very white in appearance.

The Roman guards passed out (v. 4)
The Roman soldiers saw the angel “and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.” They trembled with fear at the sight of the angel and passed out cold like dead men falling “to the ground paralyzed with fear like dead men” (Newman and Stine).

In Joseph’s garden the Almighty was laughing.

The angels sure made an impression on the guards. It was very impressive. I have wondered what affect this appearance of the angels had on the soldiers in later years. It was not something they could pass off and easily forget. I wonder what went on in their minds when they heard the message that Jesus rose from the dead? I wonder how many of these men later put their faith in Christ.

The Roman soldiers would not have had any problems defending the tomb from several Galilean fishermen, but they weren’t prepared for angelic being rolling the stone door back from the entrance.

“They trembled” as Leon Morris notes there was a “thoroughgoing action.” They were not “slightly disturbed,” but it was “an experience that overwhelmed them with fear; they were caught up in a terror that paralyzed them” (p. 736). The fear paralyzed them and they “became like dead men” when they were face to face with an angel. “But a striking heavenly visitant who manipulated the great stone with ease and whose appearance was like nothing they had ever seen was something else altogether.”

The angel’s message is Jesus is risen (vv. 5-8)
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

The angel didn’t say anything to the Roman guards. They had all fainted. So he turned his attention to the women. “Don’t be afraid” is better “Stop being afraid.” The imperative indicates the women were already afraid and were told to stop being afraid. The emphatic pronoun “you” adds to the strong emphasis. He began by calming the women down.

The women came looking for the body of Jesus who had been crucified. They were not looking for the risen Jesus. They had come to bury the dead and there was no dead body to bury. Perhaps they would like to minister to the guards.

Wouldn’t it be interesting and probably humorous if we could listen in to the conversations in heaven? Do you ever wonder what angels think about the situations we get ourselves involved in?

“He is not here, for He has risen” (v. 6). The emphasis of the Greek is “God has raised Him from the dead.” It is the same passive used in verse seven. It is almost tongue in cheek, “as He said he would.” It happened just like Jesus said it would.

Jesus had repeatedly promised for at least six months before His death that He would be crucified and then rise again from the dead.

Obedient women (v. 7)
“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

Newman and Stine translate, “Tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and that he is going before you all to Galilee where you will see Him.”

The angel repeated his message for emphasis, “he has risen from the dead” and not only that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee and will be waiting for you there. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 15:6 that Jesus appeared to more than five hundred on one occasion and this may well have been in Galilee.

The women were obedient. “And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples” (v. 8). They did precisely as the angel told them. They left “trembling with astonishment” (Mk. 16:8). They were afraid but very happy.

Imagine for a moment those obedient women taking off in a run to tell the disciples and in obedience they meet Jesus.

Jesus met the women (vv. 9-10)
Suddenly Jesus appeared to the women and they went up to Him. They recognized Him without any difficulty. They came right up to Him and took hold of His feet in an act of worship. These women had been the last at the cross to leave and were first at the tomb, and now they are the first to see Jesus alive.

And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshipped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

These women “worshipped” Him meaning they ascribed deity to the object of worship.

By taking hold of His feet they symbolically recognized Jesus as King and divine. He made it clear to them that He was more than a mere mortal. They fell at His feet and held them. Jesus accepted their worship. These women demonstrated their submission to their risen Lord in a manner in which subjects were accustomed to render obeisance to a sovereign king in the East.

The apostle Paul tells us one day we will do likewise because “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11).

The obvious thing Matthew is telling us is the fact that Jesus’ resurrected body was a real body. This is the real thing and not a hallucination or vision. They could feel His body was as real as theirs. It was not a spirit or ghost.

The risen Lord reinforced the message of the angel to go and tell. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me” (v. 10).

The sequence of events continues. These women had been told Jesus was alive, and Jesus had confirmed the truth to them by their seeing, hearing and touching Him for themselves. They had no trouble accepting this wondrous fact. Jesus is alive!

We know from the evidence in the other Gospels that the women ran and found the disciples (Lk. 24:9). However, the disciples did not respond positively at first to their message (v. 10, 11, 22-25; Mk. 16:13).

Jesus met the disciples (v. 16-17)
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful” (vv. 16-17). This verse may parallel Mark 16:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:6.

John W. Shepard says, “At this time, He met with over five hundred brethren, as Paul testifies in his letter to the Corinthians written within the time of that generation. The greater part of the five hundred remained alive even at the time Paul wrote later. It would be wonderful to talk to eyewitnesses about that glorious appearance” (The Christ of the Gospels, p. 629).

The disciples who had been scattered since the crucifixion and barred up in Jerusalem, made their way to Galilee and there saw Jesus with their own eyes and worshipped Him. Matthew was one of them and this is his testimony of that meeting. Most of the other recorded appearances of Jesus alive after His death took place in Judea and Jerusalem.

Some “doubted” or “hesitated” (v. 17; cf. John 20:24-29). Why did they hesitate? Did this doubting take place prior to the resurrection appearances? When did they entertain doubts? Was this a hesitation at first until they fully discerned that it really was Jesus? Is the doubt referring to the eleven disciples alone, or to a larger gathering of disciples, perhaps some of the 500 Paul refers to (1 Cor. 15:6)? Did all eleven of the disciples worship Jesus even though some of them had their doubts? How can you “worship” if you have doubts? Who were those who doubted? Did the “doubt” and the “worship” take place at the same time? Were the events separate?

These men were not gullible as seen in various Scriptures (Luke 24:16, 37, 41; John 21:4; 20:24-25). They were searching for the truth. “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him” (v. 17) just as the women had done (v. 9).

Doubt can be helpful rather than a hindrance to our faith. Doubt can be an incentive to go deeper and seek the truth and therefore cause our faith to grow.

The last appearance and ascension of Jesus into heaven took place at Bethany near Jerusalem (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12; Mk. 16:19-20).

Lies told by Jewish authorities (vv. 11-15)
Just like the resurrection the facts of the lying authorities is told simply. The soldiers were as prompt as the women. Did they see Jesus alive? Did they know He was alive? “Some of the guard” went to the chief priests. We do not know what happened to the others.

Matthew explains the source of the lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus. Everything is reported in a matter-of-fact style.

Of great interest is the fact that the guards reported “everything that happened when the angel came to the tomb.” The Jewish leaders were given an authentic testimony by credible witnesses they had chosen who where there. They had demanded the guards be Roman. They had demanded the seal on the tomb. These witnesses on duty at the grave gave a testimony as to what they saw and experienced at the tomb! They stated the truth that the body of Jesus was supernaturally removed from the grave.

Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day (vv. 11-15).

When you get an eyewitness report like this you are forced to decide to accept it or come up with rationalizations and defenses for your lies. The religious leaders had the facts of the empty tomb. They chose to pay off the soldiers with a large bribe (v. 12). They paid them a “considerable sum of money.” It was substantial. But the fact is clear: the body had not been stolen. “They had seen enough to know that something most unusual had happened and that after the angel had left them there was no body in the tomb. And that certainly was matter enough for a serious and disturbing report to be brought to the Jewish authorities,” says Morris (p. 741).

The Roman soldiers had to say, “We were sleeping while on duty as guards at the tomb and Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body.”

There must have been a considerable amount of money that passed hands that day for Roman soldiers to say they slept on the job. This was a serious military offense that would have brought down the heaviest of military penalty on them.

If they were asleep they could not have known it, and if one of them knew, he would have awakened the others. Either way the soldiers would have committed a crime and would have been severely disciplined.

The plan of the Jewish authorities was rather feeble. It was simply bribing the guard. They gave them a considerably large sum of money. Their ghastly mistakes have caused them a lot more than thirty pieces of silver. How long do you think the guards could keep quiet about what happened? Would you have admitted to sleeping on the job as a Marine? Would they have admitted to dereliction of duty to their Roman superiors? It was a “substantial bride” to accomplish such deception.

“It is almost comical that the soldiers are told to spread the rumors abroad that Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep. If they were asleep, how could they know what had happened to the body of Jesus?” (Newman and Stine, p. 882).

The chief priests were asking these seasoned Roman soldiers to sign their death warrant. It would have been suicidal to say they were asleep on the job. No one would have believed that for a moment. Matthew must have told this event with a roar of laughter. Of course, there are always those who are gullible for such deception. The facts are simple: the tomb was empty and eyewitnesses saw, heard and touched Jesus.

I am troubled at how they would respond to their superiors when they said, “The disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep” (v. 13). How did they know that if they were asleep? The grave question would be what are you trying to cover up? What were you doing when this happened?

F. F. Bruce says, “The lie for which the priests paid so much money is suicidal; one half destroys the other. Sleeping sentinels could not know what happened.”

“There was no denying that they had been put on guard to prevent the theft of a body. There was no denying that the body had been in the tomb when the stone was sealed. There was no denying that the body was no longer there. So on any showing they had failed as guards. They could, of course have told of the coming of the angel and of what he had done. But who would believe them? Angels are not often seen by mortals, and this could well sound like a story concocted to cover up their failure,” writes Leon Morris, p. 742).

The soldiers are told that if the lie should come to Pilate’s ears they will pay him off, too. “And if the Governor should hear of this, we will convince him that you are innocent, and you will have nothing to worry about” (TEV). “We will win him over” (NASB). The “we” is emphatic; “we will straighten it out with him.” The historian Philo expressly states that Pilate was known for taking bribes. This was also true of Governor Felix (Acts 24:26).

The verb “satisfy” or “win” implies “with money.” Remember, Pilate had been manipulated and was against these Jewish leaders and their decision to crucify Jesus. In essence they were saying, “We will pay him what is necessary.” Bribes were flowing in all directions.

The “guards took the money and did as they were instructed” (v. 15). We do not know if Pilate got his or not.

Who are the deceived?
The chief priests said Jesus was the deceiver (27:63), however the evidence is clearly the opposite. The leaders themselves had made it clear that there was no possibility of the body of Jesus being stolen. On the third day Jesus’ body was not in the tomb. He was gone. The precautions the Jewish leaders took gave abundant evidence of the truth of the resurrection.

All of the bribes and lying could not alter the facts. The same Jesus whom they had caused to be put to death and sealed in the tomb was now a living reality.

“No multiplication of evidence will convince those who are stubbornly resolved not to believe. . . Men in the infatuation of unbelief will believe any story, however impossible,” writes John Broadus.

What happened to the lie when the news spread that people had actually seen Jesus alive?

The important thing is this: Neither the Jews nor anyone else could produce the body of Jesus. No body was ever produced by anyone. The tomb was empty!

G. Campbell Morgan said, “He had departed without flame or flash of glory upon which the eyes of sense might look. He had left His grave behind Him, not through a door opened by disciple fingers, or angel fingers, but without the opening of a door. So the Christ has risen unseen by friend or foe in the mysterious and majestic act and the angel mission was to show men, not the exit or exodus of the Christ from the grave, but the empty grave (Matthew, p. 319).

John Shepard reminds us, “The resurrection reveals a judgment to come. Sin is punished. Jesus paid the price for forgiveness and proved the way of escape for the repentant sinner. Self-substitution was the way He paid the price of the sinner’s redemption.”

The tomb is empty because Jesus rose triumphantly.

GO AND TELL THE WORLD (20:16-20)
John A. Broadus correctly says, “The Great Commission shows the true nature of the Messianic reign, as spiritual, and destined to be universal.” Jesus has absolute authority.

The sovereign authority of Jesus (v. 18)
“All authority has been given me” (v. 18). “My Father (in heaven) has given me all authority” (Newman and Stine).

Jesus has “complete authority over all living creatures in heaven and earth.” He is sovereign. He has the fullest possible authority of the sovereign God. He has absolute power and authority. There are no limitations.

“A dead Christ could never have sustained a commission like that. Jesus spoke ‘as one already in heaven, with a world-wide outlook and with the resources of heaven at His command’” (Shepard).

We must be clothed with His power or we will fail miserably. All the authority of heaven is behind this commission.

Matthew began his Gospel with the arrival of the royal king from the lineage of King David who was crucified as “King of the Jews” and has risen from the dead and in His glorified risen state claims unreserved complete supreme authority in “heaven and earth” as King of Glory! He is now possessed in all the fullness of Lordship over the entire universe.

The commission (v. 19-20)
“Go . . . make disciples” is the main command of imperative force in this sentence. The commands to baptize and teach are means to accomplish this goal of discipleship.

“Go . . . make . . . disciples . . . baptize . . . teach” are all imperatives.

The gospel is for everyone: “all authority . . . all nations . . . all that I have commanded . . . always.”

In Matthew’s Gospel a disciple is both a learner and a follower of Jesus. He puts into action what he has learned from the Master Teacher. It involves wholehearted commitment to the Lord Jesus. He continues to learn and follow. Tasker says, “A disciple is not one who has already learned, but one who is always learning. The ‘school-days’ of a Christian are never over.”

“Make the people of all nations my disciples,” translates William Barclay.

World evangelism depends on our being obedient to the command of Jesus just as those women who saw Him that first Easter.

The Trinitarian formula is clear in this passage: “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” We are to do that with the clear authority of the Triune God. There is no evidence for a Jesus only theology. The whole Godhead was involved in our salvation (Eph. 1:3-14). There is the sense of one name not three names. The Trinity was at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17).

The words in the Trinitarian formula are “both emphatic and essential to the text,” notes Tasker. It is not strange here that Jesus should attribute our salvation to the Godhead. “Christ’s resurrection was the work of the Triune God. The Father raised Him from the dead (Rom. 6:4; Gal. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:3). So did the Spirit (Rom. 8:11; 1 Tim. 3:16). And the Son took back the life which He had laid down (Jn. 10:18; cf. 2:19, 21; 11:25). For the comfort of the believers, these three are and will always be One” (Hendriksen, p. 990). God the Father adopts us as His son and heir, God the Son washes us in His blood and God the Spirit dwells in us and sanctifies us.

Security of His presence (v. 20)
“I am with you always (lit. all the days), even to the end of the age” is great theology for our day (cf. Ex. 3:12; Josh. 1:5, 9; Isa. 41:10; 43:15). This is not a promise; it is a statement of fact.

“I will be with you always, at all times.” He is with us under all conditions and situations. How long do we go before acknowledging Him?

Jesus has in mind the time from His resurrection until the end of the world or end of time. He will never leave us. The one who experienced God forsakenness will never leave us down and out.

Jesus did not say, “I will be with you,” but “I am with you.” No less than “I” is emphatic. There is certainty, security and comfort in what He says.

You have not been left to serve Christ as well as you can on your own. You have a great companion through out your life. “I am with you” wherever you are He is there. He will be with His followers to the very end of time.

No fact in history stands on such firm evidence as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men do not believe because they do not want to believe. There is solid evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He is alive today. The choice is yours because “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). There are no choices without eternal consequences.

Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.” It is the seal of the divine acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin. The resurrection completed His work of atonement and stamped it with divine approval (Rom. 4:24f; 8:44; 2 Cor. 5:15; Rom. 10:9-10). It says that the Father has accepted the Son’s perfect sacrifice as a complete and perfect ransom for all who take their refuge in Christ.

Urgent Prayer needed........

2005-03-08T03:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
It is 3:30 a.m Tuesday morning and I am Dire need of any and all your Prayers. my son Robert is in dire straits as I write this. He has had a complete emotional breakdown and has been institutionalized this evening. Between the M.S.and emotional problems pre-existing he has tried to kill himself. I have never been so heartbroken in my life. It was such a terrible scene to see my son,not even knowing his name. Please Pray for healing for Robert,I believe his spirit is broken and he has turned away from God in despair as he knows he will never live a normal life. I know God has his plans and he works in ways we sometimes can not understand. This has taken a major toll on me and depression is coming on fast. Please Pray for Strength Thru The Father and understanding and Peace.for us both.I can not go on for now , but I need your support Dear Sisters.
Love thru Christ,
Debra Mingle

Code Amber

2005-03-01T00:07:00.000-05:00

For those who can, Please Pray !!

2005-02-28T16:49:00.000-05:00

THE PRAYER REQUESTS OF TODAY!

Manie Unss.Networking@dha.gov.za
Friday, February 18, 2005 8:41 AM
Urgent Prayer Request
Please urgently pray for a young mother 27 years old with 3 children whose husband died last year. The young mother has no work and/or income and already lost 2 children to her deceased husband’s brother who took custody because of her situation. She currently lives with her mother who will get married in May 2005 and migrate to the USA with her new husband. The future looks bleak for the young mother because after her mother migrates, she will be in the street with no accommodation, income, assistance and support and would also loose her last child. Only our LORD and SAVIOR can change the future of this young mother.
_____________ o0o ________

sherry@heardpages.com
Saturday, February 26, 2005 4:37 PM
URGENT Prayer Request
A 9 month old baby by the name of Levi ingested an adult size amount of methamphetamine last night. He is currently in the hospital. That is all the information we have at this time.
_____________ o0o ________

Jim/Carolyn Wheeler 56chevys@cox.net
Friday, February 25, 2005 4:44 AM
Two Prayer Requests

Please pray for (1) our friend Bennie who will have an endoscopy tomorrow for his pancreas. He is a believer who has had stomach troubles for months with no relief after gall bladder surgery and many tests. thanks.
(2) Please pray for Cindi and Lyn's marriage to be healed. For Lyn to REPENT of his unfaithfulness to his wife, for him to be truly transformed and saved and to be willing to give up the "other woman." Thanks.
_____________ o0o ________

DEE walkintal@sstelco.com
Thursday, February 24, 2005 5:16 PM
UPDATE ON BROTHER-IN LAW AND FRIEND

Praise God; I have 2 wonderful updates, first of all my brother-in law, he is now home and doing pretty well, he however did quit smoking, and is being waited on hand and foot, but in good spirits, and of course a long recovery and he is going to retire from the Sheriffs Dept after 25 years, he said tell everyone hello, and thanks for the prayers.

My friend that had breast cancer got her report back from the dr and her other breast is fine, and they said they got it all, she is taking cemo, now and I had dr app yesterday she hugged me, and said Dee I never realized you had so many friends. and again thank you all for the wonderful cards and letters you sent to Donna,she said it really raised her spirits, she is back to work for now, with lots of physical therapy. THANK YOU ALL FOR JUST BEING MY FRIEND. GOD BLESS YOU DEE AKA WALKINTALL
_____________ o0o ________

Amusan, Bose bamusan@uacnplc.com
Thursday, February 24, 2005 5:22 PM
Prayer Please
Please pray for me i need a well paid job so as to be able to take good care of my family.
_____________ o0o ________

AMRSP j.plat@knology.net
Thursday, February 24, 2005 11:15 AM
Prayer Request

IT WAS NICE HEARING FROM YOU. I AM SORRY, ALSO FOR NOT KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE. SO MANY THINGS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING. MY HEALTH HAS NOT BEEN GOOD, AND MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN QUITE SICK. HE HAD BEEN HOSPITALIZED. HE WAS EXTREMELY DEHYDRATED AND ALSO DEVELOPED DIABETES. HIS IMMUNE SYSTEM IS VERY LOW. HE HAS BEEN GOING FOR OVER 6 MONTHS FOR PROCRIT INJECTIONS TO TRY AND MOTIVATE HIS RED BLOOD CELLS. HIS BONES DO NOT RETAIN THE IRON. SO FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS HE HAS BEEN GOING FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS EVERY WEEK. HE HAS TO STAY THERE FOR TWO HOURS. IT HAS BEEN VERY HECTIC WITH ALL THESE TESTS AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS.
I ALSO HAD MAJOR COMPUTER PROBLEMS, AND LOST ALL MY ADDRESS BOOK. SO YOU KNOW HOW THAT GOES TO TRY AND HOPE YOU GET SOME EMAILS, SO I COULD GET SOME ADDRESSES BACK AGAIN. I FINALLY FINISHED MAKING ALL MY GROUPS AGAIN.
SISTER GAIL, HAS BEEN VERY ILL. PLEASE REMEMBER HER IN PRAYER. SHE HAS MANY SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. ONLY GOD CAN DELIVER HER FROM THEM ALL. SHE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL THIS LAST MONTH. SHE IS HOPING TO FINISH MY SITE FOR ME, AS SOON AS SHE FEELS BETTER. REMEMBER I HAVE A PAGE MADE UP FOR YOU ALSO.
I WOULD LOVE, IF YOU COULD MAKE ME A TAG, LIKE THE ONE YOU HAVE IN THIS EMAIL, WITH THE ENVELOPE WITH YOUR NAME IN GOLD. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME FOR ME, AND PUT, MRS.P ?
THE LETTER ABOUT THE TREE REALLY MADE ME CRY. I CAN RELATE TO IT ALSO. I THINK WE ALL CAN, AS YEARS GO BYE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND IT OUT TO THE DEAR FOLKS ON MY MAILING LIST. IT IS SUCH A TOUCHING LETTER.
_____________ o0o ________

Geneva footprints735@verizon.net
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 9:24 PM
Urgent Prayers Needed for Geneva aka Footprints
I've just found out I have 3 disks in my neck that are needing surgery. One is herniated and has spurs that are like sharp razors that is effecting the spinal cord. It is effecting my right arm as I can't hardly hold things in my hand and weakness in my legs. I went to the doctor today and the MRI showed I had intervertebral disc space narrowing with osteophytic change from the mid to lower cervical spine. These changes are degenerative. Osteophytic is where the outgrowth of bone that forms at the boundary of a joint and is partly responsible for the deformity and restricted movement of affected joints or the spurs that are hitting against the spinal cord. The doctor said they were as sharp as razors. And was cutting into the cord. Said I had change at the C5-C6 and C6-C7. There is central disc herniation at the C6-7 with effacement of the thecal sac and some neural encroachment on the spinal cord. Said it extended more to the right. I guess that is why my right arm and hand is going numb and can't sleep on it. She is sending me to have a nerve reduction test on the 7th with a neurologist and gave me a paper to give to them that had needs NCS of upper and lower extremity. I don't know if that is the same thing or something else. Then she is sending me on the 14th for a stress test. And making me an appointment with another neurologist out of Roanoke Va to look at me after the test are done. And said that I had a virus on top of all this. Said I was breathing better today and the oxygen was coming into the lungs better today.Said no driving or lifting plenty of rest and to go get some protein drinks to give me some strength. And B6-B12 too take. Said the redness and the sweating in my head was from the virus. And my head is shaking I guess its from where it is effecting the nerves. Please pray and God Bless all. Geneva-footprints
_____________ o0o ________

cardinal cardinal@riverview.net
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 8:58 PM
JB update... cardinal
Well we went to the doctor today and the patch came off...incision looks good and tight he says..but I think John a little disappointed as the first eye he could see line three after patch came off...this eye only line one the big E.... so it may take this eye longer. we start the 3 different eye drops 4 times a day and eye patch on at nite only...go back in a week.. The next 2 weeks are the critical ones..so keep those prayers coming. thanks and God Bless.love from Botschkaville
_____________ o0o ________

cardinal cardinal@riverview.net
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 10:06 PM
Update on John
Praise the Lord. and thank you for the prayers, love and support. We went to the regular dr. today...he said the big sore is 100% closed with a very thin layer of skin over it... can now leave it to the open except at night... the one sore above we still have to work on it . He has to be very careful not to bump it ...he said your blood work was EXCELLENT and do not need to go back for three months unless I see he is running into trouble or the little sore does not heal.....wow...that would be awesome ...3 months...and now tomorrow we go to the eye dr. for lens implant check up. it is looking better and still do the 3 different drops 4 times a day and maybe that will change tomorrow... so we are all happy here in snowy Botschkaville... says Snow every day this week. yippee..... just what we wanted .lol...yah ......... right... on well this is Michigan... so what can we expect..so you who are in Fla, Az, Ga. Africa, Ill. Ky., N.C. ,Elk Rapids, T.C. , S.C. Texas,Idaho,,Maryland N.J.,Washington D.C.,Indiana Colorado, or Michigan.. all my great family and online friends... enjoy the sun, snow or whatever you may have when this reaches you.... but most of all enjoy the day that the Lord has given us... God Bless. cardinal
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cardinal cardinal@riverview.net
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 8:54 PM
JB update cardinal
Well back from eye doctor and your prayers are being heard....yup he is on line 4 and that
is good. he sees 20/50 in one eye and 20/70 in the other and the doctor said "I'll take
that......."so we continue on the eye drops 4 times a day and go back March 9th...so once again
thank you Jesus and thank you all for your prayers, love and support. from
Botschkaville........
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Nicky Botes NickyBotes@flysaa.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 3:06 PM
Burnt alive: Please pray 4 the Van Den Berg family

LEON VAN DEN BERG: PLS COULD YOU ALL PASS THIS EMAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW. MY FRIEND
JENNI, HER BOSS'S HUSBAND LEON, WAS MUGGED IN MUIZENBERG, CAPE TOWN, TWO WEEKS AGO. AFTER MUGGING HIM, THEY POURED PETROL OVER HIM AND SET HIM ALIGHT. HE HAS BEEN IN THE TYGERBERG HOSPITAL FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS WITH 3RD DEGREE BURNS BURNT RIGHT THROUGH TO THE MUSCLE). HE HAS BEEN DRIFTING IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND FOR THE PAST 4 DAYS HAS NOT BEEN AWAKE AT ALL.
INFECTION HAS STARTED TO SET INTO THE BURN WOUNDS AND JENNI PHONED ME THIS MORNING TO TELL ME THAT HE HAS GOT pneumonia. PLS COULD WE START A PRAYER CHAIN FOR LEON, SANDY AND THEIR FAMILY TO HELP HIM SURVIVE THIS ORDEAL AND FOR HIM TO RECUPERATE AND GET BETTER.
I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PPL AS YOU KNOW TO PRAY AND ASK GOD TO TAKE CARE OF HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH LIZANNE TESSENDORF
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Judith M. Smith jmsmith@sympatico.ca
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 8:46 AM
Prayer Request
I hope all is well with you, Abe and your family. I have a prayer request for a very special member of our Church family. I am asking for prayers for Bill Cundill who has just gone through a 9 hour operation. Bill is 84 and a stalwart pillar of our Church. I ask also for prayers for his wife Georgie and his daughter Pat to give them the strength they will need over the next three weeks until Bill will be out of intensive care. I thank you with all my heart for the wonderful things you unselfishly do for others. Love from Canada - Judith
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Wally & Maggie wgerow@tampabay.rr.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 2:36 AM
Prayer Request
Phil Sherman has gone to Boston today. He is scheduled for a major surgery tomorrow to have one lung removed along with the chest lining, and part of his diaphragm. Phil has damaged lungs from asbestos exposure during his working years with the Railroad. Phil is a Christian and really needs one of God's MIRACLES for healing. God Bless, Maggie
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Helene Tolken htolken@landbou.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 1:00 PM
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
DEAR ALL, A URGENT PRAYER REQUEST IS NEEDED FOR LITTLE CAITLYN HARDING BORN 5 NOVEMBER 2004 SHE IS IN ICU IN THE GREENACRESHOSPITALIN PORT ELIZABETHAT THE MOMENT. SHE NEEDS TO HAVE A HEART OPERATION TO WIDEN THE ARTERY IN HER HEART ON THE LEFT SIDE IN ORDER TO GET ENOUGH OXYGEN TO THE REST OF HER BODY. HER HEART IS NOW ENLARGED.
SHE IS STRUGGLING TO BREATH DUE TO THE WATER OVER THE HEART AND THE BLOOD IN THE LUNGS, WHICH THE DOCTORS ARE TRYING TO CLEAR BEFORE THE OPERATION, THEREFORE THE HEART IS TAKING STRAIN FROM THE PRESSURE IT HAS TO BE ABLE TO PUMP THE BLOOD THROUGH THE HEART AND THAT IS ALSO WHY SHE IS GETTING TIRED SO EASILY. THE HEART OPERATION WILL BE DONE AT THE RED CROSS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN CAPE TOWN. THEY WILL BE LEAVING FOR CAPE TOWNON WEDNESDAY 23.02.2005 WHERE THE OPERATION WILL BE DONE. PSE FORWARD TO 5 PEOPLE TO FORM A PRAYER CHAIN. PSE JUST SAY A PRAYER FOR HER RECOVERY AND FOR HER PARENTS PETER AND YOLANDE AT THIS TIME.
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Darlene Osteen Darlene.Osteen@teijinmonofil.com
Monday, February 21, 2005 7:02 PM
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
I have an urgent prayer request, my nephew was in a 4-wheeler accident Saturday and is in critical condition in a Houston, Texas hospital clinging to his life. He has head injuries and is in a coma, this morning a MRI will be done to check the brain activity, he is 34 years old and is a Christian and has 2 young boys. Please send this out to other prayer warriers and thanks to your both, I will keep you updated. Thanks! - (Greg Dale)
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Sue BATES inasmuch@zappmobile.ro
Monday, February 21, 2005 1:15 AM
FROM ROMANIA - IF GOD BE FOR US
February 20, 2005
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: The Department of Child Protection has required us to do the following in order to be legal and licensed:
1. Put Thermo Pane windows and doors on our homes.
2. Divide the attics into separate bedrooms (those that now sleep on the top floors are are in large rooms).
3. Add 3 rooms onto our kitchen - one for washing vegetables, one for preparing meat, and one for storage. (We completed that and then they said we have to add a separate bath and shower just for the cook - she can't use the one in the house, but must have her own.) We have just completed that.
4. Add another bathroom on both the mother's homes in Ciorogirla. (One is 1/2 finished).
5. Buy a special car to transport food. (A small pick-up with a covered back.
6. Put a large fence around the Bolintin girl's home (90% finished).
7. Add a large bedroom in Bolintin (80% finished).
8. Add two bathrooms in Bolintin.
The demands are great because Romania is being forced to comply with European Union standards. If we don't fulfill all their requests, they said the girls can go back to the streets. Three top officials told us we took in too many and they are our problem. We don't see what difference Thermo Pane windows or a private bath for the cook makes in their well-being, but we must follow their rules as much as humanly possible.
We want to have a good witness with the government and the Romanian people.
When we were making the report for their inspection and decision, we were amazed at how much has been done. Sometimes we get so discouraged because we see so seemingly little progress. But, we realized that over 60 former children at risk and outcast young women have come through our foundation and been reintegrated back into society - with a knowledge of the Lord, and having a place of safety and someone to care for them. They were helped by either finding the parents they never knew or helping to get a job and apartment.
PLEASE PRAY: At present, we are privileged to have 52 young women and 45 mothers and their babies still in our care. Please pray that God will provide for these very needy young Romanians. We want to provide the best for them - something they have never had. God still works everything out for good for His honor and glory....for those that love the Lord. And in spite of their handicaps and hardships and limited knowledge, they Love the Lord. You should hear them sing and pray. And some day you will.
Thank you for your passionate concern for this and all mission works. The dollar has fallen to an all-time low. We are losing 30% on the exchange rate. And prices have doubled. The economy is a disaster. Romania has the richest politicians and poorest people in all of Europe. The number of desperate people who come to our door is increasing. God bless and help us all.............ron and sue
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Jaco Venter jacov@telkomsa.net
Saturday, February 19, 2005 9:12 PM
Mercy Prayer Chain 17 Feb 2005
Dear Prayer Partners
Thanks for praying for me during my time of trial with my divorce. The divorce has been finalized last Friday. I am picking up my head and trusting God for the future.
We have tendered for some contracts for big money on a Upliftment Project and also business opportunities on job creation. Please pray with us for God’s favor on these projects and that God will give us favor with the relevant people. - In Him
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Gina Igoni Gina.Igoni@mwkl.co.uk
Saturday, February 19, 2005 9:31 AM
Anty Zalome , kindly tell your prayer warriors to assist us in prayer. Above attached are the prayer point . God will surely bless each and everyone that include us in prayer and He will richly give each and everyone his or her own heart desire in Jesus mighty name Amen. Yours sister in Christ Gina
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Rubin & Esther alard@it.bw
Thursday, February 17, 2005 7:27 PM
Feedback on prayer request
Hi Zalome How are you and Abe doing? How's Abe's condition with his eyes? We pray for complete healing for this situation. I just wanted to let you know that my sister, Sharon, whom I requested prayer for in the UK, is now making steady progress. Her condition has improved since she was admitted to the hospital, and the great news is that she and Nigel are expecting TWINS!! They are both elated, and we just thank God for His faithfulness. Thanks to you and everyone who has prayed about this situation. God bless. Esther
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Pauline paulineholmes@cfl.rr.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005 5:27 PM
Prayer Request
Dear Zalome, I realize that I sent an email to you personally....But please put James (Jim Griffey) on the Prayer Request list that goes out to many, many people on the Bridge!
Jim has recently been diagnosed as having lung cancer. He is being treated aggressively with Radiation and Chemo Therapy. Last night at home with his elderly parents he started hemorrhaging from his stomach and was admitted to the hospital. This is an urgent prayer request. Thank You, Pauline Holmes
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Thinus Kruger THINUSK@discovery.co.za
Thursday, February 17, 2005 10:05 AM
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
Everyone that gets this e-mail, Please pray urgently for our friend and colleague Sonia Dos Santos's child Alesandro (1 and a half years old) who was knocked over by accident, this morning, when a family member reversed. Alesandro is in ICU in critical condition. He will undergo an operation this afternoon at 2:00. He has a fractured skull and swelling on the brain.
Please pray that God will touch his little body and that there will be no brain damage at all. Also pray for his mother, Sonia, so that God will make her calm and take her through this trail in her life.
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Elvaspoiler@aol.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005 9:36 AM
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
Please pray for the Herber Family.
Kris, Bob, Mark, Tim are Father and children (adult). Tomorrow, 2/17, at 10am, they are burying their 39 year old daughter and sister, Carol. Carol passed away two days ago, after suffering with Muscular Dystrophy all of her life, which also took her Mother's life about eight years ago. These people are long time friends of our family. They need your prayers of support as they bury their beloved, Carol. PTL, Carol, although she could not walk for the past two years, is now walking streets of gold. - Pegi
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Sherry M. Heard sherry@heardpages.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005 3:08 AM
Prayer Requests
I have a prayer request. It has been almost 6 months (8/22/04-2/22/05) since my mother was killed by a drunk driver.
We are still waiting for the autopsy report and for the man who did this to even be put before a grand jury. Everything was slowed down by the hurricanes, but my sister and I feel truly STUCK in our grief process. We would very much like to be able to complete our process, but we both know that if we move forward now then the trial will come and stir everything up again.
Also we have yet to REALLY know all of the details of the accident. We are also waiting to find out if she had breast cancer as we suspect. Anyway I am rambling. We just really need for the state of Alabama to finish their work so we can finish ours. Does that make sense? Probably only to someone who has had a traumatic death. Thank you for all you do Z! Sherry
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angela angela@calidus.co.za
Ciena ciena@calidus.co.za
16 February 2005 03:08
URGENT PRAYER
Everyone that gets this e-mail, Please pray urgently for our friend and colleague Sonia Dos Santos's child Alesandro (1 and a half years old) who was knocked over by accident, this morning, when a family member reversed. Alesandro is in ICU in critical condition. He will undergo an operation this afternoon at 2:00. He has a fractured scull and swelling on the brain. Please pray that God will touch his little body and that there will be no brain damage at all. Also pray for his mother, Sonia, so that God will make her calm and take her through this trail in her live.
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Terry jmyoung1@btconline.net
Thursday, February 03, 2005 11:36 AM
Prayer Requests.

"Lord, increase my faith in your redeeming love and power that I may always recognize your abiding presence with me. And give me courage to do your will in all circumstances."
Sometimes the Lord rides out the storm with us and other times He calms the restless sea around us. Most of all, He calms the storm inside us in our deepest inner soul.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never,nevermore! How He watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from the throne!

_____________ o0o ________

Pauline paulineholmes@cfl.rr.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005 4:35 AM
Prayer, Urgent
Just got off the phone with my sister in Toledo....(My oldest sister)...Her son has lung cancer. He is hemorrhaging... vomiting huge blood clots. His treatments are chemo therapy and radiation. I can't get any more details from her...she is so upset and really beside herself. I'm asking that you would pray for him. His name is James Griffey (Jim) Thank you, Pauline Holmes
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Getting Back to basics, Part 1

2005-02-23T23:38:00.000-05:00

One-Way Street
Getting Back to Basics, Part 1
Some of us take for granted the knowledge of certain bottom-line beliefs, such as theVirgin Birth of Christ. But judging by letters from devotional readers, as well as some questions from people in my own church, there are some misconceptions out there about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. I'm not referring to Presbyterian doctrine vs. Baptist but rather simple Christian tenets. Some believers don't really understand what beliefs accompany being a Christian. Over the next several weeks, we will take a look at some of these. We will start by examining the fact that Christ is the only means of salvation provided by God.
This is not a popular belief in America, in 2005. There is a "whatever floats your boat" mentality, that says that whatever you believe is okay, as long as you are sincere and don't force your belief on someone else. There are some very moral people who are Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims etc. But their beliefs will not get them into Heaven. Sometimes if you assert that Christ is the only way to the Father, you will be misunderstood as someone who is intolerant. But the simple fact is that the Bible is pretty clear that there is only one route to eternal life:
John 14:6 (RSV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me."
Peter reiterated this:
Acts 4:10-13 (RSV) "Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Jesus did not say "Mohammed and I are the way," or "being a good person is the way." He said that He is THE way. Sometimes grammar is very crucial, and this is one of those cases. Jesus did not use an indefinite article; He did not say "I am a way." He used definitive and exclusive language, saying He is the only way to God.
Some people think because they are "good people," e.g. attend church, don't cheat on their taxes or help the poor, that they will be saved. But the Apostle Paul reminds us that we cannot depend on our good deeds to carry us to Heaven:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (RSV) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast.
Jesus said that even some people who are intellectually knowledgeable about the Bible do not possess eternal life. There is a difference between "head knowledge" and "heart knowledge."
John 5:38-40 (RSV) You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
Ironically, they rejected the very Savior about Whom they were voraciously reading. Today many people reject Him, believing they can pick and choose what someone has called "cafeteria Christianity." But the road to Heaven is a One-Way street. As a necklace I had in the 70's correctly pronounced, "Jesus is THE Way."

Devotional....

2005-02-21T23:06:00.000-05:00

Numbers 1-2, Mark 3:1-19 Key Verse: Mark 3:11-12
One of the confusing situations in the Gospels is when Jesus instructed someone to keep what He did quiet. In this chapter the evil spirits are given strict orders not to tell that Jesus was the Son of God. Why would Jesus want that fact kept a secret?
Note that in this situation, as in chapter 1, Jesus is muzzling evil spirits. The problem was not with incorrect information. What they said was true; He was the Son of God. The problem was the wrong messenger. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The Savior did not want, nor did He need, the assistance of Satan and his army to tell people who He was."
The right message told by the wrong messenger can bring about the wrong results. People could have confused the ministry of Jesus with their understanding of evil spirits. The two are not aligned in any way. In reality, they are dramatically opposed to each other.
The truthfulness of the message is vitally important. There also needs to be an emphasis on the truthfulness of the messenger. Sometimes the message of Christ is hurt by the one carrying the message.
Are you a fit messenger?
Be the kind of messenger Jesus wants to use to tell others about Him. Your life affects your message!

O Deep Deep Love Of Jesus.......

2005-02-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
S. Trevor Francis, 1834-1925
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:17, 18)
Who can fully grasp the dimensions of God's great love for us? Yet the Scriptures teach that we are to have a growing awareness of divine love. Love is the very heart and essence of God, not only for the lovely but for the vilest of sinners. Christ did not die merely to display God's love--He died because God is love (1 John 4:8). If the New Testament teaches us anything, it teaches us about God's love in searching for lost men. Becoming a Christian in a very real sense is simply putting ourselves in the way of being found by God--to stop running from His loving pursuit.
As we mature in the Christian faith, we begin to realize that every situation that comes our way is an opportunity for God's love to be made more evident in our lives. Once we realize this, our attitude changes dramatically toward suffering people as well as toward ourselves when we are called to suffer. Then even during those times when our spiritual fervor declines and our devotion to God subsides, despite these shortcomings, God's love remains unfailing--continually working for our eternal good.
The author of this text, S. Trevor Francis, was a prominent lay leader with the Plymouth Brethren in England and was known as an effective devotional speaker throughout Great Britain and around the world.
"O the deep, deep love of Jesus--vast, unmeasured, boundless free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me, underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love--leading onward, leading homeward, to my glorious rest above.
"O the deep, deep love of Jesus--spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore. How He watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; how for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from the throne.
"O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of ev'ry love the best! 'Tis an ocean vast of blessing; 'tis a haven sweet of rest. O the deep, deep love of Jesus--'tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me; and it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee."
For Today: Romans 5:8; 8:35-39; Ephesians 3:14-20; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 1:5,6
Ask God to enlarge your understanding of His great love and the ability to share it with others

Don't Blame God...

2005-01-26T01:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Don't Blame God
Author: Woodrow Kroll

Job 34:10

"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity."

Don’t Blame God

A man was handing out business cards that read, "Federman and Coe, Merchants." When asked about his partner the man admitted there was no such person. "Then why do you have the name on your card?" someone wanted to know. "Well, you see," the man replied, "if something goes wrong I just blame it on Coe. That way I get out of trouble easily."

Three of Job’s friends were suggesting the same. As they saw it, God was responsible for all the evil that had befallen Job. Even though they suspected some hidden sin in Job’s life, his troubles still came down to a smear on God’s character. But Elihu, Job’s fourth friend, objected to such a charge. God does not commit wickedness, even if some might consider it justified. Admittedly, we have the benefit of seeing behind the scenes and knowing that it was Satan who committed these acts of iniquity. But Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar could have realized the same if they had truly understood God’s nature.

Christians are good at blaming God when things go wrong. If a child dies, it’s God’s fault. If the house burns down, it’s God’s fault. Such accusations cannot be true. God permits bad things to happen, but He doesn’t cause them. Sometimes things happen because of our own carelessness or sinfulness. Other times they happen because of the forces of evil in the world. But God is not to blame. James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). We may not understand much about God, but there is one thing we can know for certain: There is no "dark side" to God.

Don’t blame the Lord for your troubles. They come as a result of sin in this world. Confess to God any anger or bitterness you might feel for what you’ve experienced in life. Then ask Jesus to heal your wounds and make you whole.

God permits, but He never commits.

2004-12-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

Christmas Poem

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look,
And that is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in the meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think.
For once I've met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between,
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It is because you're on the list that I'm indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I've met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

Love Thru Christ,
Debra Mingle

Daily Dose

2004-12-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

Daily Dose of God's Word

Love is the mainstay of a happy life. We want to be loved, to feel that others love us. It makes us feel better, and we want to look good, do things for others and for ourselves. But, there are so many that feel unloved, although they may be. Their life is miserable because they feel they are unloveable. Things aren't going the way they would love for it to go. Even though you try to assure them they are loved, they still feel as though nobody would love them.

There was once a man and his bethrothed that found she was 'with child'. He loved her, but he was afraid others would look down on them. But, he was assured this would be different; after all, she was a virgin and was with child by the Holy Ghost. His love for her won out and soon the baby was born. People came from all over to witness this miracle of birth. One can only wonder how many looked down on them with scorn, just 'knowing' they had done wrong, although they hadn't. There are always those that choose to believe the worse of any situation, especially one like this one.

God chose to send His only begotten Son to this earth through Mary, His Chosen Virgin, and for Joseph to be the earthly father of His son. There can be no other love like the love of God. He so loved us that He sent his 'pride and joy' to earth for us. And, now the love of God lives within each of us Christians, through His Spirit. Let your love shine this Christmas season to all those that feel unloved!

His Thoughts

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Our Cup:

Heavenly Father, we know this is a tough season for some. They feel unloved and Christmas time just piles on more worry. Help each of those to find your love and know that, whatever the world brings their way, they can always rely on your love. We give you praise! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Twas The Night Before Christmas.......

2004-12-15T15:07:00.000-05:00

On this night before Christmas
those car bombs still blast.
The peace the Prince promised
is not coming fast.

There's bloodshed in Baghdad.
There's hate in Ukraine.
The conflicts in Israel
seem never to wane.

In bleak North Korea
a madman's in charge,
while deep within Africa
tensions loom large.

And in our own nation
the deficit's deep.
A blanket of terror
keeps millions from sleep.

The jobless and homeless
can't sing Silent Night.
They're hopeless and joyless.
Their prospects aren't bright.

We churn for our children,
afraid what's in store.
With gangs, drugs and violence,
they have their own war.

Emmanuel's birthday
is shrouded by fear.
It seems we've forgotten
that He is still near.

For though it appears
that at times there's no God
and all of this holiday
hoopla's a fraud,

The truth of this season
can't just be dismissed.
The message of Christmas
says we're on God's list.

He feels what we're feeling.
He grieves when we grieve.
He won't leave us lonely
on this Christmas Eve.

The best gift He offers
is peace in our hearts.
And when we unwrap that
the world peace thing starts.

Love Thru Christ,
Debra

A Christmas carol....

2004-12-04T11:52:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
Chapter 1 - Marley's Ghost

Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country's done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Scrooge knew he was dead? Of course he did. How could it be otherwise? Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner. And even Scrooge was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad event, but that he was an excellent man of business on the very day of the funeral, and solemnised it with an undoubted bargain.

The mention of Marley's funeral brings me back to the point I started from. There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate. If we were not perfectly convinced that Hamlet's Father died before the play began, there would be nothing more remarkable in his taking a stroll at night, in an easterly wind, upon his own ramparts, than there would be in any other middle-aged gentleman rashly turning out after dark in a breezy spot -- say Saint Paul's Churchyard for instance -- literally to astonish his son's weak mind.

Scrooge never painted out Old Marley's name. There it stood, years afterwards, above the ware-house door: Scrooge and Marley. The firm was known as Scrooge and Marley. Sometimes people new to the business called Scrooge Scrooge, and sometimes Marley, but he answered to both names. It was all the same to him.

Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas.

External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. Foul weather didn't know where to have him. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often came down handsomely, and Scrooge never did.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, ``My dear Scrooge, how are you. When will you come to see me.'' No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blindmen's dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, ``No eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master! ''

But what did Scrooge care! It was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance, was what the knowing ones call nuts to Scrooge.

Once upon a time -- of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve -- old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house. It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal: and he could hear the people in the court outside, go wheezing up and down, beating their hands upon their breasts, and stamping their feet upon the pavement stones to warm them. The city clocks had only just gone three, but it was quite dark already: it had not been light all day: and candles were flaring in the windows of the neighbouring offices, like ruddy smears upon the palpable brown air. The fog came pouring in at every chink and keyhole, and was so dense without, that although the court was of the narrowest, the houses opposite were mere phantoms. To see the dingy cloud come drooping down, obscuring everything, one might have thought that Nature lived hard by, and was brewing on a large scale.

The door of Scrooge's counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond, a sort of tank, was copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. But he couldn't replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal-box in his own room; and so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them to part. Wherefore the clerk put on his white comforter, and tried to warm himself at the candle; in which effort, not being a man of a strong imagination, he failed.

``A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!'' cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.

``Bah!'' said Scrooge, ``Humbug!''

He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.

``Christmas a humbug, uncle!'' said Scrooge's nephew. ``You don't mean that, I am sure.''

``I do,'' said Scrooge. ``Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? what reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.''

``Come, then,'' returned the nephew gaily. ``What right have you to be dismal? what reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.''

Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, ``Bah!'' again; and followed it up with ``Humbug.''

``Don't be cross, uncle,'' said the nephew.

``What else can I be,'' returned the uncle, ``when I live in such a world of fools as this Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas. What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will,'' said Scrooge indignantly, ``every idiot who goes about with ``Merry Christmas'' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!''

``Uncle!'' pleaded the nephew.

``Nephew!'' returned the uncle, sternly, ``keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.''

``Keep it!'' repeated Scrooge's nephew. ``But you don't keep it.''

``Let me leave it alone, then,'' said Scrooge. ``Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!''

``There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,'' returned the nephew: ``Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!''

The clerk in the tank involuntarily applauded. Becoming immediately sensible of the impropriety, he poked the fire, and extinguished the last frail spark for ever.

``Let me hear another sound from you,'' said Scrooge, `` and you'll keep your Christmas by losing your situation. You're quite a powerful speaker, sir,'' he added, turning to his nephew. ``I wonder you don't go into Parliament.''

``Don't be angry, uncle. Come! Dine with us to-morrow.''

Scrooge said that he would see him -- yes, indeed he did. He went the whole length of the expression, and said that he would see him in that extremity first.

``But why?'' cried Scrooge's nephew. ``Why?''

``Why did you get married?'' said Scrooge.

``Because I fell in love.''

``Because you fell in love!'' growled Scrooge, as if that were the only one thing in the world more ridiculous than a merry Christmas. ``Good afternoon!''

``Nay, uncle, but you never came to see me before that happened. Why give it as a reason for not coming now?''

``Good afternoon,'' said Scrooge.

``I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why cannot we be friends?''

``Good afternoon,'' said Scrooge.

``I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel, to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and I'll keep my Christmas humour to the last. So A Merry Christmas, uncle!''

``Good afternoon!'' said Scrooge.

``And A Happy New Year!''

``Good afternoon!'' said Scrooge.

His nephew left the room without an angry word, notwithstanding. He stopped at the outer door to bestow the greeting of the season on the clerk, who, cold as he was, was warmer than Scrooge; for he returned them cordially.

``There's another fellow,'' muttered Scrooge; who overheard him: ``my clerk, with fifteen shillings a week, and a wife and family, talking about a merry Christmas. I'll retire to Bedlam.''

This lunatic, in letting Scrooge's nephew out, had let two other people in. They were portly gentlemen, pleasant to behold, and now stood, with their hats off, in Scrooge's office. They had books and papers in their hands, and bowed to him.

``Scrooge and Marley's, I believe,'' said one of the gentlemen, referring to his list. ``Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr Scrooge, or Mr Marley?''

``Mr Marley has been dead these seven years,'' Scrooge replied. ``He died seven years ago, this very night.''

``We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his surviving partner,'' said the gentleman, presenting his credentials.

It certainly was; for they had been two kindred spirits. At the ominous word ``liberality'', Scrooge frowned, and shook his head, and handed the credentials back.

``At this festive season of the year, Mr Scrooge,''

A Sermon for you !

2004-11-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

A Poem.....

2004-11-13T01:25:00.000-05:00

Greatest Light of All-Clay Harrison

A single ray of sunlight Illuminates a roomBy casting tiny rainbowsAmong the dark and gloom
A falling star fills the sky With beauty to behold.It lingers in the watchful eye As centuries grow old.
The flicker of a candle's flameComsumes us with delight.It lingers till the sunriseExtinguishes it from sight.
But there's and even greater light On this celestial ball -The light of God's redeeming love, The greatest light of all.

Confidence.......

2004-11-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Our Confidence "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidenceis in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year ofdrought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV).Have you ever drizzled water onto a hot skillet? Those drops dancearound for several moments and then suddenly they're gone.Living with chronic illness often feels like we're hopping around on that hot skillet, doesn't it? Aches and pains crop up in places and ways that are hard to figure out. We "dance" our way through one problem and then something else crops up. Sometimes I wonderif I'll ever feel better, and then all of a sudden I realize thepain is not as intense--it has evaporated much like the water droplets on that skillet.Having a good day (or a good hour) oftentimes happens because I consciously make the choice to trust in God in spite of the pain. It is so easy to give in to the grumpiness that occurs when the paingets to be too much, but God promises to be "a tree planted by thewater" for us--a tree that is always green, no matter what ishappening. A green tree has leaves that are moist and provide much shade. In the same way, God provides us with a protective covering that is readily available to us by simply asking Him forit. His protection is like a refreshing drink of cold water on a hot day.So many of us who struggle with chronic illness wonder why God allows this in our lives. That's when the "if only" statements take residence in our minds. You know the ones I'm talking about: if only I could get down on the floor and play with my children; if only I could drive myself to the store; if only I could cook a decent meal for my family; if only I could do some needlework without my hands aching so much; if only I could hold down even a part-time job; if only I could do fun things with my family.Have you ever stopped to think about how your situation is allowingyour family to grow and stretch in their faith walk too? Many of uswho have been sidelined by chronic illness were used to jugglingseveral things at the same time. We were accustomed to serving ourfamilies, sometimes in ways in which they weren't even aware. Now the tables have turned and they are doing things for us. I believeGod uses our illnesses to teach our families how to serve with joy. Our job is to accept their service with gratitude and love, not with frustration and grumpiness because we can't do things for ourselves.It's good to know that God is using our situation to bear fruit in ourselves and others too. Psalm 34:8 says: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Beloved,no matter how rotten you're feeling today, take refuge in God and trust that He knows what is best for you. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Inspirational Women Part 10

2004-11-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 10 - Dorcas
Even after Dorcas had died (though God later used Peter to bring her back to life), her generosity and diligent work were inspirational. She used her talents (sewing, in this case) to bless God's people. Our Lord has gifted all of us, and even the less "glamourous" gifts are vital to the body of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us, God intends that we use our gifts to benefit others, as Dorcas did.
Acts 9:36-43 (The Message) Peter went off on a mission to visit all the churches. In the course of his travels he arrived in Lydda and met with the believers there. He came across a man”his name was Aeneas”who had been in bed eight years paralyzed. Peter said, ?Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed! And he did it”jumped right out of bed. Everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him walking around and woke up to the fact that God was alive and active among them.
Down the road a way in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, Gazelle in our language. She was well-known for doing good and helping out. During the time Peter was in the area she became sick and died. Her friends prepared her body for burial and put her in a cool room.
Some of the disciples had heard that Peter was visiting in nearby Lydda and sent two men to ask if he would be so kind as to come over. Peter got right up and went with them. They took him into the room where Tabitha's body was laid out. Her old friends, most of them widows, were in the room mourning. They showed Peter pieces of clothing the Gazelle had made while she was with them. Peter put the widows all out of the room. He knelt and prayed. Then he spoke directly to the body: œTabitha, get up.
She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her hand and helped her up. Then he called in the believers and widows, and presented her to them alive.
When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in the Master. Peter stayed on a long time in Joppa as a guest of Simon the Tanner.

Prayer Requests !!

2004-11-04T11:15:00.000-05:00

Devotional and Prayer...

2004-10-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

Evening
The Lord is my light and my salvation,whom should I fear?The Lord is my life's refuge;of whom should I be afraid?
One thing I ask of the Lord;this I seek:To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lordand contemplate his temple.
Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call;have pity on me, and answer me.Of you my heart speaks;you my glance seeks;your presence, O Lord, I seek. Psalm 27
Glory to the Father. . .
Reading
May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all, even as our love does for you. May he strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
Intercessions
Jesus, our Savior, from your pierced heart the church was born,--by your holy Cross give us new life.Jesus, our Savior, the centurion proclaimed you were God's Son,--by your holy Cross increase our faith.Jesus, our Savior, you called the good thief into paradise,--by your holy Cross, call us.Jesus, our Savior, you cured the sick and raised the dead,--by your holy Cross, save us.

Inspirational Women

2004-10-25T22:56:00.000-04:00

Part 9- Sarah
Up to this point, we have learned from women whose behavior was exemplary. But God can teach us from other people's mistakes (in addition to our own, of course), as well. Like Sarah, we sometimes jump ahead of God, instead of waiting and trusting His provision. God did eventually form a nation through Hagar's son Ishmael. But in the meantime, there was pain from jealousy, as well as the wilderness destitution of Hagar and Ishmael.
Sarah's mistake had far-ranging consequences - not only for her own immediate family but also ultimately leading to Middle Eastern wars that have killed many parents, children and friends over the years. And though my behavior has never cost any lives, I personally have found that I can get in a lot of trouble when I try to "jump the gun" and move ahead of God. Today we will read about Sarah's story.
Genesis 4:1-5 (NASB) Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave-girl whose name was Hagar, and Sarai said to Abram, "You see that the Lord has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave-girl, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.
Genesis 21:9-14 (NASB) But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac." The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring." So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Saturday Devotional

2004-10-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Morning
Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;serve the Lord with gladness;come before him with joyful song.Know that the Lord is God;he made us, his we are;his people, the flock he tends.Enter his gates with thanksgiving,his courts with praise;Give thanks to him;bless his name, forhe is good:the Lord,whose kindness endures forever,and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100
Glory to the Father. . .
Reading
All of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving toward one another, kindly disposed, and humble. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult. Return a blessing instead. This you have been called to do, that you may receive a blessing as your inheritance. 1 Peter 3:8-9
Intercessions
Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the beginning of this day,--teach us to praise you without end.In you we place our faith and hope,--that our waiting might be rewarded.You know our needs and come to our aid,--without you we can do nothing.Remember the poor and unfortunate,--may this day not be a burden to them.

Chicken Soup For The Soul

2004-10-22T22:11:00.000-04:00

Through My Mother's Eyes- By Martha Larche Lusk
My daughter, do you have any idea of the fears that haunt me? One is that I'll no longer be needed. Another is that I'll become a burden. I break out in a cold sweat when I think about having a stroke or an accident when I'm alone. This worry is alleviated somewhat by wearing my Lifeline Help Button that connects me with a hospital emergency room, but what if I couldn't press that button?
I live in terror that I might have some kind of lingering illness. And this fear flows into another fear - such an illness could wipe out my savings, destroying my very last shred of independence.
Do you realize how much of my precious freedom I've lost? Consider, if you will, having to depend on someone to take you to church, the market, everywhere. Once I was master of my own transportation. I could go anywhere I wanted, anytime. In our society, the automobile is an arm of independence. For me, old age amputated that arm.
I know my elimination reports bore you at times, but at my age when my body lets me know it is cooperating, I like to share the news. Another accomplishment in another seemingly insignificant day.
Octogenarians are proud of any accomplishments. And one in which I take great pride is that I've conquered city living, and in my own apartment to boot. When you moved me here years ago, it wasn't easy to leave the small town that had been my home for almost my entire life. But I adapted. Yet sometimes the longing to be back in my hometown brings tears to my eyes.
But then sundry things cause me to weep these days. Some of the tears you don't see, like when I remember the two husbands I outlived. Or the tears I shed when staring at my one-sided flatness where a few years ago there was a breast. When I contemplate the chance I might someday face the cancer monster again, extra tears well up.
More often than not my emotions erupt with the hormonal spontaneity of a teenage girl. But at least emotions prove I still care, I still hurt, I still love. Emotions prove I'm alive even though my life has taken some bizarre turns. One example is that I've lost my adult status. Yet no matter how many motherly duties you may perform for me, I'll never be a complete child of yours in the same way you were mine.
Although I'm deeply grateful that I have you to help me, I cringe each time you're forced to take over another of my tasks, such as balancing my bank account. I'm angry that I can no longer do it myself. I could tear that bank statement to shreds when I remember all my excellent office skills during those many years I worked. Perhaps if you'll now try working an algebraic problem (since algebra was never your favorite subject), you'll understand how I feel.
It's not only the bank account. You've taken over Medicare and insurance forms also. And now you must dispense my medicines, too. Over and over, day by day, I'm rendered more helpless. For every chore relinquished, old age claims another little chunk of me, making me fear the day I will be completely dependent.
Therefore, so long as I have a wee scrap of independence left, may I offer some loving advice to you, my daughter?
Don't fret when I eat a food not included in my medical diet. I know as well as you that it's wrong, but some pleasures are worth the sacrifice. To sneak a forbidden bite of a favorite food is just about the only adventure left in my life.
Try not to criticize me for what you see as clutter. While you choose to put things away, I find it convenient to leave them out, saving me steps and energy.
Show patience with my physical slowness. A quick step for you can be a slow painful one for me. Pain is my Siamese twin.
Let me talk, if I choose, about the past. Compared to the limited future, it's often more comforting to remember what has gone before instead. And if in the process of reminiscing, I repeat myself, try to overlook it.
Everybody forgets sometimes, even you. Grant me the same human frailty.
Forgetfulness doesn't always mean senility.
Let me complain about the weather. Realize that for me there's no perfect climate control. My personal thermostat responds to allergies, thinning blood, and aching joints.
Please don't push your way on me too much. Your way may not always be best for me. I'm not even sure efficiency is all that important anyway. A jumbled grocery list isn't the end of the world.
When people address you concerning my requests, bypassing me entirely, stand up for me. I still have a brain, as well as the ability to speak for myself.
I don't like to whine, but please spend as much time with me as you can. I love you, and I enjoy being with you. Contrary to what you might think, I'm aware of the toll all this responsibility has taken on you. It shows in your face. To take on the parental task of caring for an elderly child is to look in a mirror and see your own mortality. I can't help being a constant reminder of your future. And I know all the devilish challenges you'll face.
Now for my most important piece of advice, which is experience-borne. Strive to grow old with courage. I pray that in the future you may know more of the joys of old age than I and less of the trials. And may you always have someone like you, someone who cares.
Think about it !!

Prayer.....

2004-10-22T14:54:00.000-04:00

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.A clean heart create for me,O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.Cast me not out from your presence,and your holy spirit take not from me.Cleanse me of sin with hyssop,that I may be purified;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;the bones you have crushed shall rejoice. Psalm 51

Getting in to Heaven !!

2004-10-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it intoheaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I will give youa certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was.When you reach 100 points, you get in." "Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years andnever cheated on her, even in my heart." "That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!" "Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service." "Terrific!" says St. Peter."That's certainly worth a point." "One point?!! I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in ashelter for homeless veterans." "Fantastic, that's good for two more points," St. Peter says. "Two points!?!!" Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God !!!" "Bingo, 100 points! Come on in."

Inspirational Women Part 8

2004-10-21T22:05:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 8, Anna
Anna was mentioned only once in the entire Bible, but in one brief passage, she provides a wealth of inspiration for us. Anna had a rare calling, to sequester herself in the Temple. Of course, God calls most of us to be out in the world, being "salt and light." Rather than being separatists, we are to follow our Lord into the places where the needy and hurting people are, those who "need a Physician," to quote Jesus. But we can ask God to help us emulate her devotion to God, her prayer life, her fasting and her eagerness to talk about her Lord.
Luke 2:36-38 (New Living Translation) Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, and was very old. She was a widow, for her husband had died when they had been married only seven years. She was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.
God Bless !!

Prayer.....

2004-10-21T22:03:00.000-04:00

Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the beginning of this day,--teach us to praise you without end.In you we place our faith and hope,--that our waiting might be rewarded.You know our needs and come to our aid,--without you we can do nothing.Remember the poor and unfortunate,--may this day not be a burden to them. We ask it through Jesus Name. Amen.

Psalm 30

2004-10-21T22:01:00.000-04:00

Lord, I thank you for the many times you gave me help,always listening when I called.
In my darkest moments,when all seemed to be lost,there you were, at my side.
The Lord always listens and has pity;the Lord always comes to our help.
Our mourning you change into dancing;you always clothe us with joy. Psalm 30

Inspirational Women Part 7

2004-10-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

Part 7- Naomi
In the moving story of Ruth, we often hear the praises of Ruth, as well we should. Her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law are indeed inspirational. But sometimes we seem to overlook the mother-in-law herself, Naomi. We can learn much from her compassionate and self-sacrificing nature. She wanted what she believed was best for her daughters-in-law, even if that brought pain to her heart.
Ruth 1:8-13 (New Living Translation) But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go back to your mothers homes instead of coming with me. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage. Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. No, they said. We want to go with you to your people. But Naomi replied, Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has caused me to suffer.

Inspirational Women Part 6

2004-10-06T22:23:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 6, Mary Magdalene
Today we will read passages about Mary Magdalene. Through the years, myths and legends have sprung up around her. We may never know the truth about those. But what we do know is that we should emulate her courageous devotion to her Lord who had died as a criminal would die, as well as her eagerness to share the astounding news of His resurrection. All passages are from the Amplified Bible.
Mark 15:40-41 Now some women were there also, looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, Who, when [Jesus] was in Galilee, were in the habit of accompanying and ministering to Him. And [there were] also many other [women] who had come up with Him to Jerusalem.
Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses were [attentively] observing where He was laid.
Mark 16:9-11 Now Jesus, having risen [from death] early on the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. She went and reported it to those who had been with Him, as they grieved and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and that she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

Daily Devotional

2004-10-06T22:14:00.000-04:00

Inspirational Women Part 5

2004-10-04T21:24:00.000-04:00

Abigail
Passages about Inspirational Women, Part 5
We can learn much from reading about Abigail's wisdom, self-sacrificing nature, humility, courage and her appeal to David's better nature.
1 Samuel 25:14-39 (Amplified Bible) But one of Nabal's young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, "behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master, and he railed at them. But David's men were very good to us, and we were not harmed, nor did we miss anything as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall to us night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep. So know this and consider what you will do, for evil is determined against our master and all his house. For he is such a wicked man that one cannot speak to him."
Then Abigail made haste and took 200 loaves, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five measures of parched grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. And she said to her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she did not tell her husband Nabal. As she rode on her donkey, she came down hidden by the mountain, and behold, David and his men came down opposite her, and she met them.
Now David had said, "surely in vain have I protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; and he has repaid me evil for good. May God do so, and more also, to David if I leave of all who belong to him one male alive by morning."
When Abigail saw David, she hastened and lighted off the donkey, and fell before David on her face and did obeisance. Kneeling at his feet she said, "upon me alone let this guilt be, my lord. And let your handmaid, I pray you, speak in your presence, and hear the words of your handmaid. Let not my lord, I pray you, regard this foolish and wicked fellow Nabal, for as his name is, so is he--Nabal [foolish, wicked] is his name, and folly is with him. But I, your handmaid, did not see my lord's young men whom you sent.
"So now, my lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, seeing that the Lord has prevented you from bloodguiltiness and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. And now this gift, which your handmaid has brought my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. Forgive, I pray you, the trespass of your handmaid, for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the Lord's battles, and evil has not been found in you all your days.
"Though man is risen up to pursue you and to seek your life, yet the life of my lord shall be bound in the living bundle with the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies--them shall He sling out as out of the center of a sling. And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that He has promised concerning you and has made you ruler over Israel, this shall be no staggering grief to you or cause for pangs of conscience to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause or that my lord has avenged himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then [earnestly] remember your handmaid."
And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, Who sent you this day to meet me. And blessed be your discretion and advice, and blessed be you who have kept me today from bloodguiltiness and from avenging myself with my own hand.
"For as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, Who has prevented me from hurting you, if you had not hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning there would not have been left so much as one male to Nabal." So David accepted what she had brought him and said to her, "go up in peace to your house. See, I have hearkened to your voice and have granted your petition."
And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house like the feast of a king. And [his] heart was merry, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. But in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife told him these things, his heart died within him and he became [paralyzed, helpless as] a stone. And about ten days after that, the Lord smote Nabal and he died.
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "blessed be the Lord, Who has pleaded the cause of my reproach at the hand of Nabal, and kept His servant from evil. For the Lord has returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head." And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him as his wife.

Part 4-Inspirational Women

2004-09-29T19:20:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 4: The Woman from Sychar
As usual, on Saturday nights, we present a devotional with little or no commentary -- simply passages about a given topic.
Jesus broke down a wall of prejudice and separatism when he spoke with the woman from Sychar. He also showed that He can and will use the most "unlikely" messengers to bring people to Him, people whom many would look down upon.
John 4:5-10 (NRSV) So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria? (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.
John 4:27-30 (NRSV) Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, What do you want? or, Why are you speaking with her? Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he? They left the city and were on their way to him.

Prayer Requests

2004-09-29T01:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Prayer Partners,DAILY WORDIsaiah 53:5 But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten thatwe might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!ANSWERED PRAYER/PRAISEHey Everyone, One of our prayer partners, Inasmuch ministries has shared some of their priase reports with us . This is what they wrote........JeanetteAWESOME PRAISE REPORTS TO SHARE WITH THE BODY AND CHURCH OF CHRIST JESUS, WHO IN FAITH, BELIEVE GOD HEARS US WHEN WE PRAY!Jim and Shirley Mae Fry, Hosts"Grace be to you, and peace, from God OUR FATHER, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessed be THE GOD and FATHER of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HATH BLESSED US with ALL spiritual blessings IN heavenly places IN Christ! "Through HIM we both [Jews and Gentiles] HAVE ACCESS by ONE Spirit unto The Father!" Ephesians 1:2, 3; 2:18. PRAISE REPORTS TODAY FROM THOSE WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR IN THE INASMUCH PRAYER AND PRAISE ROOM... INTRODUCTION: We pray you will take the time to READ each praise report...and that what YOU read, will encourage you in praying for others. For WE KNOW OUR GOD will...in everything we bring to Him...work it out for the good of those who come INTO The Prayer Rooms around the world, asking us to pray with them IN The PRAYER of Agreement, according to that wonderful word Jesus gave us to follow in Matthew 18:19. WE LOVE you all...and today our hearts are filled to overflowing with praise and thanksgiving to God, OUR Father who lives IN HEAVEN...and Christ Jesus HIS SON, whose MIND we have...but WHO ALSO abides WITHIN our Body Temple along with The BLESSED Holy Ghost, God's Spirit of PROMISE Who God gives to ALL MEN on earth who choose to believe, that began that day as recorded in Acts, chapter 2! Jim and Shirley Mae Fry ====[1] Praise from John S. Oliver...who was in need of funding for a NEW ministry he believes he is to begin...and his most pressing need was to receive RENT MONEY that is due the 28th. of September. OVER THE TOP 700 - 755 = 55 over!!! A while ago an anonymous donor made a sacrificial gift that put the total [need] over the top. Let us PRAISE God from whom ALL blessing flow! May Jesus Christ bountifully bless this person in the short-term, long-term and eternity. John.Oliver ====[2] Praise from Wayne G. who we referred to as W. who was having heart tests to determine if his pig valve was having problems after having heart bypass surgery a couple to three years ago. Hi Guys...Just wanted to confirm answered prayers! I talked with my cardiologist Friday morning after undergoing final tests (Adenosine stress test with thallium scan), he said the results were perfectly normal, and the abnormalities seen in the EKG on my treadmill test must be associated with the surgical procedure I had, and would probably be the same anytime I got a treadmill. He has nothing of concern to report to the FAA, and I will likely get my medical waiver approved [in order to keep his pilots license]. Praise the Lord! He arranged for me to be able to go to Alaska, fly around visiting mission operations, re-ignite the flame of my desire to do similar things, and then is opening the doors to make this possible. Miracles never cease. Love.....Wayne ======[3] Praise from Pastor Cyril Almond and his wife Julia in the UK...WE HAVE BEEN believing GOD IS working every thing out for THEIR good...according to HIS [God's] purpose! PRAYER REQUESTSFrom: Thankful.Heart@adelphia.net My brother and his wife are moments away from a divorce. My brother is a Christian man who loves his wife and does not want the divorce. We don't know why his wife all the sudden has decided she doesn't love him but those are her words and she has done much to try to damage finances coming into the home by damaging the business he had. I would ask for prayer for the two of them. Thank you. Thank you for praying for my brother and the Lord's will in his life regarding his marriage. (Thankful Heart)==== From: president@childrenofpromise.net I need to know if there is anyone around or near Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601. We have a family who is need of food.In Christ's Love, Elizabeth====From: monie48m@lycos.com Hi, I am new here and I need to request Prayer for 2 ladies , they are both young moms and they both have cancer. Jeanie LeBlanc and Diane Barnes. Thank you,,,,MONICA====From: Oopsie.Daisey@adelphia.net Prayer for healing between myself and my friend. I said something un-necessary and it was abrupt and rude of me.Please pray for healing between me and my friend. I have already asked for forgiveness from God and emailed a request for forgiveness between me and my friend but I have not had any response. Please pray that Jesus will protect my friend from any deep wounds and pray for our healing in our friendship. Thank you.Mel===From: janefma@earthlink.net I've just learned that my neice's daughter Crystal was in a very bad car accident in Richmond. The car flipped over twice, she is alive but in much pain and her neck has been fractured. Please pray for healing for her and salvation if unsaved. Pray she does not have any after effects and will be able to walk again. Pray for a speedy recovery and peace for her family. God bless. Love, Jane===From: NNN316 Please pray for my brother, Randy, he is having difficulty talking, the doctors don't know if it is from a stroke or MS please pray for healing. He has also been unemployed for 2 years please pray God would open the door for full time employment.please pray for my father, Frank, he is suffering with esophageal cancer, he is undergoing chemo for the 2nd time but his condition is deteriorating. Please pray God will mercifully heal him. Thank you and God bless you.====From: diva190@juno.com Hi! My name is Jill. I prayed to God to send me the man I am going to marry. FINALLY my prayers were being answered. I met one but then I thought I caught him with another woman and I flipped out. I tried to apologize when he told me it was nothing and I was overreacting, but he broke up with me anyway (this was two and a half months ago). At any rate, I have been praying for God to reunite us immediately. Please help me pray for this relationship to be healed immediately, for him to be healed, for us to be immediately reunited in a romantic relationship, for us to get married quickly and for us to have a happy, stable, lifelong marriage. Thank you for praying with me. If there's anything I can pray about for you, let me know. God Bless You! ===Email: tac@martintel.netPrayerrequest: God's will for my nd cousins, wife. Her cancer has taken overagain after being a survivor for many years.Plase help me pray for God'swill. She needs deliverance from her suffering. I pray every day for this.tammy===From: Junenskipt0430 Hi please pray as the hurricane Jeanne is making landfall. pray for those who had no time to get ready for her. Please pray for those I love who are down there. Nobody from the family decided to leave this time and the hurricane is making landfall exactly where their are possible still at.... Nobody really had time to prepare for her....It is all in Gods' hands and all we can do is keep praying ....Thanks, IGWT june====From: lainebird77@gt.rr.com I talked to the doctor in charge of the transplant surgeries and he said that as soon a as bed becomes available he is going to move Lynda to the rehab part of Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He said that he could place her in a hospital in Ft. Worth, but he did not have privileges there and that either he or one of his associates could check on her in Dallas.It is a lot further to drive for me but every thing happens for a reason.Her mind slips a cog now and then, but most of the time she is OK.She asked me just when did her glass of water turn into a banana, and when I said all I saw was water, she told me that I was goofier than she was.I can live with things like that.He seems to think that her mind will improve with time.She had one of her night nurses and her husband come up and visit her today.She said that Lynda had been a blessing in her life, because no matter how much she hurts and even when she is unaware of what she is saying, she is calling on the name of the Lord.God bless Eddie===From: jewbyfaith@cox-internet.com Alice Wilson called from General Conference in Salt Lake City asking for prayer for her husband Rick Wilson. He is very sick tonight and they need prayer from all of us. At this time they aren't sure what it is. I will try to keep you posted. Bro. Rick is our prayer coordinator for POA. Please pray for him when you get this, and Alice.

Part 3 Inspirational Women...

2004-09-25T19:19:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 3: Miriam
Like most of us, Miriam was sometimes good and sometimes bad. We can learn from her resourcefulness, her praise of God and the consequences she paid for complaining about her spiritual leader (who was also her brother) - whom God had appointed. Who of us are not guilty of that, too lightly finding fault with our pastors, teachers etc.?
Exodus 2:4-10 (NASB) His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?" "Yes, go," she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."
Exodus 15:20-21 (NASB) Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the Lord , for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea."
Numbers 12:1-15 (NASB) Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the Lord heard this. (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out. Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, he said, "Listen to my words: "When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord . Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them. When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam-leprous, like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy; and he said to Moses, "Please, my lord, do not hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother's womb with its flesh half eaten away." So Moses cried out to the Lord , "O God, please heal her!" The Lord replied to Moses, "If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back." So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on till she was brought back.

Chicken Soup !!

2004-09-25T19:14:00.000-04:00

Dusting Off !! By Kimberly Shope.
I have an important friend named Trey, who is exactly ten years older than I am, yet he lives the childlike life of one who is many years younger. When I was six, he was part of my Sunday school class. He seemed huge and intimidating at first, sitting crammed into a small wooden chair, but we became best friends on that first day after he broke a cookie in two and with a large grin handed me the smaller half. I thought of him as a protector, a special friend. It didn't matter that he was mentally handicapped, for I saw him as a grown-up who understood me. As years went by, however, I began to outgrow Trey. I grew up and Trey just grew. Sometimes I would watch him and wonder: did he notice that I was no longer in his Sunday school class? Did he realize I had moved on with my life as he treaded water? Did he ever miss me?
One Sunday, just a year before I began college - where I planned to participate in many sports as I had in high school - Trey's mom asked me if I would like to earn some extra money by being his "special Saturday friend." I wish I could say I accepted for altruistic reasons, but the truth was, I accepted because I needed money for tuition. Trey and I went to the library, to the pet store or for walks in the park. I mainly worked with him on socialization.
To my embarrassment, I quickly learned that this 200-pound man-boy liked to shake people's hands. In spite of his ear-to-ear grin, he could be daunting when he galloped up to strangers and stuck out his large hand in a hearty greeting. It was hard to teach him this behavior was inappropriate.
"Stand next to me and do not go up to people," I spoke tersely. "No one likes it."
"Ochay," he obediently replied, as if he hadn't a care in the world, and nothing was important.
When Trey learned to ride his bike, I watched as he ran off curbs and toppled over about a dozen times. Sighing deeply, I would impatiently tap my foot on the sidewalk and tell him, "Dust off and try again!" I assumed I was the smart one, the one with all the answers. That was about to change.
That summer, while playing in the city's softball tournament, I was sliding into third base when my cleat caught in the ground, pulling my foot to the right and backwards as my body fell forward. My parents, sitting in the bleachers, heard two loud cracks. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. X rays revealed a broken leg and a foot that was totally twisted off my ankle and hanging, saclike, in my skin. Emergency surgery lasted into the wee hours of the morning. A pin was put in place to hold my foot to my ankle and screws were inserted in the broken leg.
In the early morning, groggy from anesthesia, I awoke to see my father, my mother and Trey at my bedside. He waited for me to jump up and do something with him.
"Hi!" he grinned as he shoved his hand in my face.
"Hi Trey," I weakly shook his hand. My leg hurt and my mind was dense from pain medication.
"Dust off . . . try again," he said, repeating what he had heard me say so often.
"I can't."
"Ochay," he sweetly nodded and galloped out of my room in search of a hand to shake.
"Trey, don't shake hands," I whispered. "No one likes it."
Before leaving the hospital, my orthopedic surgeon said I might never regain the same mobility in my ankle - mobility essential for a champion sprinter and jumper like me. Not allowed to put weight on my leg for eight weeks, I wobbled about on steel crutches. Now Trey was the impatient one. He wanted to go places that I couldn't manage. He sat with his arms crisscrossed over his large belly and stared at me with a pouty face.
We read many children's books and drew pictures, but it was plain to see he was bored. He wanted to go to the pet store to see the white mice and feathery birds. He wanted to go to the library and count all the books on the shelves. He wanted to go to the park and have me push him on the swing. I couldn't do any of this for a while.
Meanwhile I was plagued with questions and self-doubt. Would I be finished with physical therapy in time to run track? Would I ever run at my capacity again? Would I do well in the 300-meter hurdles, the race I had lettered in the previous season? Would it still be my event? Or would the doctor's prediction be correct?
I worked hard at my physical therapy. Afterwards, I packed my foot in ice. At times, Trey came along to watch me work out and he laughed and laughed when he discovered the stationary bike didn't move. "No dusting off!" he'd say. How simple life was for him. How complicated it had become for me. I tried not to cry in front of him.
Finally off my crutches, I pushed myself hard to regain my former mobility. Trey ran laps with me around the black tar track at my high school, running slightly askew. Sometimes he tripped over his own feet and fell down hard.
"Dust off!" he would tell himself with confidence as he rubbed dirt from his legs and knees. I watched him greet each defeat with determination. He never gave up.
After many months, I somehow managed to qualify for the 300-meter hurdles. Mom, Dad and Trey sat in the stands to cheer me.
Stay focused, I told myself as I mentally prepared.
The starting gunshot split the air. Running, I could feel the tautness in my legs. My legs hit the hard track one after the other, in a quick rhythm. My breathing was even. I could feel some of the other runners around me, next to me, passing me, ahead of me. I ignored the rising pain in my foot and ankle as I prayed away the thumping fear taking hold inside my chest. On the other side of the track, I ran into a wall of cheers. No time to react or think - just time to run and run hard.
More runners passed me, then another and another. Over the hurdles they flew easily like great birds stepping over stones.
"Look at that new girl move. Go Tiffany," I heard someone shout to the other runner. Last year it was my name they called.
Once I had sailed over the hurdles. Now I felt as if I were pulling myself up and over. Then something shifted inside me - I thought of Trey and what he had had to deal with. Suddenly my problems seemed minor. With a new sense of determination, I sprang forth. I wish I could say that through a superhuman effort I passed the other runners. But I didn't. In fact, I limped across the finish line, dead last in an event in which I had once set a record. Then I looked up into the stands. Trey and my folks stood cheering for me harder than any time I had ever won.
As the season progressed I did improve, but I never placed first, second or third. I never set another school record. My hopes for a track college scholarship were dashed. Yet I learned a lesson more valuable than any medal. And it was this: "Dust off and try again." I also learned that courage comes not in the easy times, but when it's hard to go on - when others pass you, regardless of how hard you work. Now I finally understand Trey's courage, as he shakes the hands of complete strangers, risking laughter or rejection.
Today, I no longer grieve for the athlete I might have been, or the races I might have won, or the records I had hoped to break. I see a world filled with possibilities as I walk (not run) down new paths to explore.
Now, on Saturdays, when someone stares at us, I pull on Trey's sleeve. "Go shake his hand, Trey." My crutches gather dust in a musty corner of the garage. In contrast, Trey's handicap remains fresh as the day he was born. And every day he is braver than I could ever be.
Don't you just Love Chicken Soup !!

Inspirational Women-Part 2

2004-09-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 2: Mary, the sister of Martha
Today we will read passages about Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mary's is an excellen role model in the areas of personal worship and priorites (Luke 10), as well as obedience and belief in Christ's power (John 11). For those of you who are new subscribers: In our Sunday devotionals (Sent Saturday evenings EST, USA time), we present passages with little comment, rather letting the Bible speak for itself.
Luke 10:39-41 (NASB) She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lordâ€™s feet, listening to His word. Butt Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me. But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things. But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
John 11:2 a (NRSV) Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair.
John 11:28-33 (NRSV) When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, The Teacher is here and is calling for you. And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

Inspirational Women

2004-09-21T20:37:00.000-04:00

Passages about Inspirational Women
Part 1: Deborah
Beginning this week, we will read passages about women in the Bible from whom we can learn valuable lessons. First we will learn women whose spiritual victories can inspire us; later we will read about women whose mistakes can serve as warnings for us. All passages today are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), 1995.
Judges 4:4-5 At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment.
Judges 4:8-10 Barak said to her, â€œIf you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh. Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and ten thousand warriors went up behind him; and Deborah went up with him.
Judges 4:14-16 Then Deborah said to Barak, Up! For this is the day on which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. The Lord is indeed going out before you. So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand warriors following him. And the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and all his army into a panic before Barak; Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot, while Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-ha-goiim. All the army of Sisera fell by the sword; no one was left.
Judges 5:15 the chiefs of Issachar came with Deborah,And Issachar faithful to Barak;Into the valley they rushed out at his heels.Among the clans of ReubenThere were great searchings of heart.
Judges 4:7 The peasantry prospered in Israel,They grew fat on plunder,Because you arose, Deborah,Arose as a mother in Israel.
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

The Grace of God...

2004-09-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

The Grace Of God Is Your Answer

"The greater the strength of the enemy, the greater the honour of the conqueror." - Matthew Henry

The Scriptures speak of the "exceeding riches" of God's grace.
Ephesians 1:7 says - "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."
Ephesians 2:7 says - "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 9:14 mentions - "And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you."

"Exceeding riches of His grace" - These riches are superabounding and overflowing. They are manifested in acts of benevolence and goodness towards those who generally do not deserve them.

God demonstrated the "riches of His grace" when He redeemed us from Satan's power through His shed blood, cleansed us from all sin, and delivered us from its dominion and reign.

Any time that we demonstrate a Christian and charitable disposition toward others, it must always be attributed to the "exceeding grace of God" that is operating in us. God is the author of all grace. All goodness, emanating from our lives, must be traced back to Him. This cannot be stressed too much. We must always remember that He and He alone is worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise.

Notice that the Scriptures emphasize that the riches of God's Grace are "exceeding." They are transcending, surpassing, excelling, rich, bountiful, lavish, abundant, and generous. Consequently, we should never cringe in fear at any time when we approach God for His Grace. We should come boldly, knowing that He has a supply that will never run dry.

Hebrews 4:16 says - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Today, are you struggling with sin?

Are you -
...being tempted with lust, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, pornography, or perversion?
...actually involved in an illicit sexual relationship?
...seemingly overcome by feelings of unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, malice, hatred, and even murder toward someone who has hurt, abused, and injured you, or caused you and your family much trouble and heartache?
...driven by a spirit of greed and covetousness? You are obsessed with the desire to have more and more of this world's money and goods.
...plagued with a hot temper? Little things upset you and cause you to react in a rage. Or maybe you are a very controlling person who cannot stand to have things not go your way.

Or does pride reign in your life? You consider yourself better than others because of your looks, talents, financial status, education, position on the job or in Church, etc.
Or do you strive with everyone, being jealous and envious of other's blessings because you feel that you deserve them?

What is the answer to this battle with Sin?

Romans 5:20 tells us - "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."

No matter which sin or sins you are struggling with today, you must understand that the Grace of God to overcome them is available to you. Wherever and whenever sin seems to be overwhelmingly powerful, reigning, and controlling - the Grace of God is more so. Sin may be abounding, but the Grace of God is much more abounding.

Let Faith arise in your heart today, knowing that God's Grace is there for you.
Cry out to Jesus and ask Him for His abounding Grace.

His Grace will -
...move you to repent and turn from all sin.
...break the chains of darkness that are over your soul.
...cause you to taste Victory for a change - rather than defeat.
...make you more than a conqueror.
...give you the power to be an overcomer.

Through His Grace, that sin or those sins will become a thing of the past. Amen & Amen.

Are you struggling with feelings of discouragement, depression, despair, hopelessness, defeat and failure?
Is your mind tormented with thoughts of worry, fear, and anxiety about the future of your family, job, or ministry?

Romans 5:17 tells us - "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.)"

All those who "receive abundance of grace" "shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ."
The question you need to ask is - Have I received "abundance of grace"?
If you are saved - yes, you surely did.
You not only received "grace" but an "abundance of grace."

Hence, the Scripture tells us that you "shall reign in life." In other words, in every circumstance or situation that comes your way, you "shall reign."

By Whom shall you reign in this life and in the life to come? "By One, Jesus Christ."
How will He cause you to "reign"? Through the "abundance of grace" that will be poured out upon you by the Word of God and prayer that you avail yourself to in each situation.

Therefore, look at the problems that you are presently facing. Get into the Word and pray like never before for the "abundance of grace" to be manifested on your behalf. God will bring you through unto Victory. You are not supposed to be under the circumstances. God called you to be over each one. He called you to "reign" right in the midst of your troubles.

What is the answer for this oppression that is attacking your soul? The "abundance of Grace" that is "by One, Jesus Christ."

At this moment, are you battling sickness, infirmity, or an affliction of some sort?
Is pain your constant companion?
Have you cried out to Jesus for deliverance only to meet with silence in return?

God works in mysterious ways His wonders to unfold. His ways are so far above ours. His thoughts are so different from ours.

Why doesn't God heal everyone at their first heart cry? Only He can answer that question. But we know of a surety, based on the Word of God, that He is a Healer and desires that all be healed.

So what is the reason for the delay? Why does the manifestation take so long in coming?

God has reasons that are beyond us, but in exchange for your wait, He will supply you with His Powerful Grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us - "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."

God promises you that that certain affliction will not be permitted to prevail. In fact, the greater the attack of Satan, the greater the grace and power to withstand it.

Job 13:15 - God receives utmost glory from a people who not only praise and serve Him in health and wealth, but can declare before all as Job did - "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him..."

Anyone can praise Him when they are up on the mountain top - when all is going well.
But where are those who can bless Him while in the valley of tribulation when "all hell is breaking loose" all around them?

Using fiery trials, God proves His people. He promises to never place more on you than you can bear. Ephesians 6:13 - His Grace is His power that enables you "to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

What is the answer when the calamity that you prayed and prayed against is not removed? God's Grace is sufficient.
It will uphold you as He works His loveliness and perfection into your character.

Are you struggling in the ministry?
Do the hearts of the people seem to be so hardened to the Gospel message?
Are the people dead, dry, and asleep spiritually?
Luke 5:5 - Like Peter, do you feel as though you have toiled all night with no results?

Acts 4:33 says - "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
1 Peter 4:10 says - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

All ministers are "good stewards of the manifold grace of God." God has endued them with certain gifts and endowments to match the assigned task.

Through seasons of waiting on the Lord in prayer, fasting, and serious study of the Scriptures, God pours out His "great grace" which enables His servants - in their preaching of the Gospel - to push back the opposing forces of darkness and set the captives free from any and all bondages. Glorious miracles occur as a result of this "great grace" that rests upon them.

What is the answer for the spiritual lethargy that is felt among so many of God's people in today's churches? The answer lies in the preachers - as "good stewards of the manifold grace of God" - getting alone with God and seeking Him for "great grace." This divine favor will bring power and glorious results to all of their endeavors.

God's Grace is your answer.

No matter in which situation you find yourself, it will always see you through to Victory.
And as Matthew Henry once commented - "The greater the strength of the enemy, the greater the honour of the conqueror."

God's Power Will Always Prevail.

May God Bless His Word.

Devotional

2004-09-16T14:57:00.000-04:00

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings."-Psalm 112:7
Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be distracted as other men, what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess?
Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals hardly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do?
Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure. Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God." For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires, but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Heaven

2004-09-16T14:41:00.000-04:00

Q: What will heaven be like?
A: Heaven for the Christian will be a place of glorious life that will never end. Joy inexpressible, limitless peace, pure love, beauty beyond description—that's what heaven is. Greatest of all will be the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, with whom we will enjoy fellowship forever. Loved ones who have known and loved the Lord will be there. Revelation 21:2 says, "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Mr. Graham has written: "Heaven will be a place in which its inhabitants will be freed from the fears and insecurities that plague and haunt us in the present life. No energy crisis there ... Free from the economic and financial pressures that burden us down here. Free from the fear of personal and physical harm ... No fear of personal failure ... Our relationship with Him will be intimate and direct. I'm looking forward to that glorious day of going to heaven. "Heaven will be what we have always longed for. It will be the new social order that men dream of. All the things that have made earth unlovely and tragic will be absent in heaven. There will be no night, no death, no disease, no sorrow, no tears, no ignorance, no disappointment, no war. It will be filled with happiness, worship, love, perfection and other good qualities. Heaven will be a place to challenge the creative genius of the unfettered mind of redeemed man." Revelation 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." However, the Bible makes clear that there is only one way to heaven, and that is through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ who said, "I am the way ..." (John 14:6). Jesus paid for our sins through His death on the cross. God offers us the free gift of friendship with Him in this life and eternal life in heaven when we die if we will but turn from sin and trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved ..." (Acts 16:30).
Peace with GodWould you like to know how you can have a personal relationship with Jesus? Learn more.

Can people who have died and gone to heaven see what we are doing here on earth?
How could I be happy in heaven, knowing that some of my loved ones may not be there with me?
I'm a good person, so why wouldn't I go to heaven?
Will there be animals in heaven?
I so enjoy BillyGraham!!
Love Thru Christ,
Debra

Please Pray !!

2004-09-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,
If you have time to pray for just one of these people it would be Greatly appreciated!! E-mails are included with requests.
Love Thru Christ,
Debra
submitted by prayer parterner http://www.blogger.com/app/::: GFA Missionary Hostages Released! http://www.blogger.com/app/Dear Mr. Collins, In a miraculous turn of events, three Gospel for Asia native missionaries captured yesterday in the Indian state of Bihar have been released. Pastor Manrathan, his wife and Bible woman Sarita were severely beaten and tied to a sacred tree by an anti-Christian group. Their captors demanded a ransom of 25,000 rupees within 48 hours and threatened to kill the three Gospel workers if the full amount was not received. While I am still waiting on the full details, I wanted to inform you of this wonderful news as soon as possible. We are so grateful for how the Lord has answered the prayers of thousands of believers worldwide. Please continue to pray for these three native missionaries as they recover from their injuries, that they would take hold of God's grace made so abundant during suffering such as theirs. And let us not forget others in our family of believers who continue to face opposition, persecution, imprisonment and even death for the sake of Jesus. Our 14,000 GFA pastors and missionaries, who share His love in some of the most difficult regions of Asia, need wisdom, endurance and boldness. Ask the Lord to especially strengthen the new believers in their churches. We will be sure to send a full report as soon as we have more information. For those who have never heard, K.P. Yohannan http://www.blogger.com/app/ from team 17Intercessors and prayer warriors.........Let us stand in agreement as we take authority over satan and all of his demons. He is the prince of the air and we command you to stop, cease and desist all assignments you have placed against us concerning Hurricane Ivan, in Jesus' name. We speak to the wind and the waves and command you PEACE BE Still, and render you harmless and ineffective against us. We ask you Abba Father to contend with that which is contending with us. Send angels to do battle with the principalities of darkness over this region. Send angels to guard the entire state of Florida and Cuba as well Lord. We ask the angels to stand on the coasts of Florida and blow this storm away from us. We speak to this storm and command the power to be taken out of it. We speak to the waves and command you to become calm. We speak to the rivers and inter bay areas and command the flooding to stop. We come against the spirits of death, of fear and destruction and send you to the dry places... We loose the Holy Spirit to do whatever needs to be done to protect us and mark every single person in Florida for the kingdom of God. We thank you Lord that you are starting revival in this state and sending your fire and glory into our churches. Let us praise and worship you this Sunday like never before in honor of what you are doing for us and through us. We trust you God and love you with all our hearts. Make us the sons and daughters You created us to be that we may be used mightily of You in these last days. Amen and Amen http://www.blogger.com/app/ Rosie, Captain of team 14I HAVE SOME PRAYER REQUESTS FOR OUR FAMILY. EVERETT IS REALLY STRUGGLING WITH PAIN AND FEELING TIRED A LOT. JOHN IS STRUGGLING WITH PORNOGRAPHY (HE HASN'T TOLD ME, BUT I STRONGLY SUSPECT THAT I'M RIGHT. MY BP WAS UP AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. ALSO, PLEASE PRAY FOR MY WALK WITH MY BEST FRIEND, JESUS! SALVATION FOR POSIE AND HUBBY. RENEWAL OF FAITH FOR CATHY AND SALVATION FOR HER HUBBY. ANDREA IS HAVING MARITAL PROBLEMS. EVERETT'S DAUGHTER, PAIGE AND HER HUSBAND (EVERETT HAS NEVER MET HIM) ARE COMING HERE FOR A VISIT STARTING OCT. 8. (PAIGE IS THE DAUGHTER WHO CAME BACK LAST NOVEMBER FOR EVERETT'S 60TH BIRTHDAY.) ONE MORE, TONIGHT, I WAS SLICING POTATOES FOR SUPPER AND CUT MY LEFT INDEX FINGER. IT BLED A LOT AND IS QUITE SORE.LOVE IN HIM ROSIE submitted by http://www.blogger.com/app/ 1. A little 5 year old, Tamaria, cried all day today at school. The police took her mommy away, last night, for the prison break episode yesterday. Please lift her in your prayers. THANKS, Karen2. Please put Mike Sutton on the prayer line. He suffered 2 strokes and is in emergency surgery tonight (Wed night) because of bleeding in the brain. He is only about 51 years old, if that. Thank you everyone! Suzie This seems to be a week that people are desperately needing prayers. A friend of mine, who has also been my hairdresser for the past 15 years was driving her corvette and it was hit by an 18 wheeler truck..Her body is broken in many places, she has damage to the liver.Blood on the brain which they cannot draw off due to another problem.She has been unconscious since this happened on Thursday nite.I talked to her late that afternoon and asked her if she would be able to make it home through all of the flooded roads-and she said if she couldn''t get through -she would head back this way.I told her she could stay with us. This is the note we left it on.She was on her way back in my direction.But before making it back here.the terrible collision too place.She is on life support and I talked to her son a few minutes ago and he said they expected her to pass away any minute.Please pray for her.love.sallyDear Michael,I thank you for the update on John, we will be praying for Faye, Elizabeth and Helen as well. I appreciate your concern for his salvation in his condition - I believe the Lord can still reach him - we all will continue to stand with you for him and the family. God bless, sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/app/ wrote:The Lord is so great, awesome, and loving because of His Saving grace and His merciful touch. I talked to Helen, my wife's mother. John is not doing good at all. If he has made his peace with God while going through all this while he has been out, of it,I have been praying that God would send His angels, whom He calls "ministering spirits" to minister to John and to speak to him about his salvation. I have no clue if John is saved or not. Only God as of this moment knows that. I'm praying for God to perform an awesome, earth shaking miracle and raise John up in the bed, aware of all his surroundings, just like God did for me 5 years ago. Please, please, pray that God's will be done. If John has accepted Christ while in this condition, then I would rather the Lord to go ahead and take him home, where there will be no more sickness; no more death; and a new body. As for me, I can live with my leg. Everytime I think of John, my pain takes a back seat. My mind is on him and his health. Faye and Elizabeth, our grandaughter, left about 9:30 this morning and went to the hospital in Ft.Worth at Harris Medhodist Hospital on the fourth floor of the Bluxom building. You can call the waiting room and ask for for Helen and let her know that many a prayer are being said for John. I love you all so very much. The Lord bless you so much. You all are truly my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. God bless you all . In the Love of My Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ, for you and yours Brother Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/app/Catherine Napoli-MascoloPRAYER REQUESTDear prayer warriors, PLEASE pray for a small community church, 10 1/2 years old, with a smallbody. If finances continue as they are going, the church may have to close. They do much for the community, especially they needy, but with the bodybeing so small, the finances are just not there any more. The Pastor has NOT been taking his salary for some time now to try andkeep this church going. God Bless You all~~~~CathyPastor Wilma's grand-daughter Jada is very sick on the way to urgent care, vomited all night was at urgent care yesterday, but got sicker last night, please pray for this 1yr old and her Mother Tami. Pass this on please!!God Bless Betty http://www.blogger.com/app/=Please pray for me to have peace at work. I have the feeling that I am treated this way because of my colour. There are thing that are going on which I need God's intervention. I am weak and I need the power of the Holy Spirit to enable me to win this fight and get promotion which I deserve and be able be financially secured. I really need all your powerful prayers.http://www.blogger.com/app/ (Grace, Martha)=Please pray for God to move and be more in my marriage. ThanksBJ http://www.blogger.com/app/=Please pray that the lord will soften my mothers heart for me and son to go see my dying father. I would also like prayer that my son will come under my authority and appreciate the fact that I have needs that must be attended to as well alongside of his. Open his heart to spiritual things and to attend church once again. That he will be more consistant to perform his responsiblities and chores room and picking up after himself and work off the debt he owes the neighbor and do his homework to graduate this year and not play around so much in life but be more serious about attending to his life towards adulthood. I also have hurt back and ankles that god will heal them after accidents and red blood cell count that was down quite low will come back up to normal and I will get machine for sleep apnea feet will heal from fungus problem (ie diabetic problems) and give me direction about job school and finances.http://www.blogger.com/app/=From: ckEmail: http://www.blogger.com/app/Location: could you pray that God will bless our business that I am able to close some deals to pay my bills and debts=Lord please please spare us from hurricane Ivan it is a catagory 5coming straight towards me Thank you Jesus

A.S.A.P.

2004-09-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

Always Say A Prayer (A.S.A.P.)by Lisa Engelhardt
There's work to do, deadlines to meet, you've got no time to spare, but as you hurry and scurry;
Always say a prayer.
In the midst of family chaos, "quality time" is rare.Do your best;let God do the rest:Always say a prayer. It may seem like your worries, are more than you can bear.Slow down and take a breather;Always say a prayer.God knows how stressful life is;He wants to ease our cares,and He'll respond a .s.a.p.
ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER !!
God Bless....

Perfect Peace

2004-09-10T13:32:00.000-04:00

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of "Peace".
Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest ... Perfect Peace.
"I choose THIS one!" proclaimed the King. "Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the REAL meaning of Peace."
God Bless,
Debra

The White Throne...

2004-09-09T21:39:00.000-04:00

I saw the Lord sitting on a large white throne. A long long line of people were gathered before Him. I was standing to the side observing all of this.
I was bewildered by the fact that all of these people had no face. Where their face should have been, there was just a blank. Each time a person came before the Lord, He would open up a book and read out of it all the things this person had done.
EACH PERSON BEGAN TO SCREAM
Everything was recorded; and the Lord read the whole book from beginning to end. Every person in this particular line was being judged, and condemned to hell.
Each time the Lord would tell each person they were condemned, the person would begin to scream, and cry, and beg the Lord for just one more chance. The Lord had tears rolling down His own cheeks, but would shake His head, telling each person they had had plenty of opportunities to repent and live for Him. This went on for quite some time.
Finally, the Lord looked over at me, and asked me, "Why aren't you doing anything?" I was confused. "What would you have me to do, Lord?" I replied.
"Pray," the Lord replied.
So, I began to pray, but not really with any fervency. After a short time of this, the Lord turned to me with concern and said, "Look at these people. Really look at them." As I did so, their faces came into focus.
They became people I knew vaguely. They were acquaintances. I began to pray a bi t more fervently for them. After a time, the Lord turned to me again with stronger sternness, and said, "Look at these people once again." Now the people became friends.
PRAY HARDER
"You must pray harder, " the Lord admonished me. I began to pray a bit harder. But still, the long line of people would come before the Lord, He would read them their life's story from their own personal book, and then be condemned.
Once again the Lord turned to me, this time in anger. He was still weeping over the souls who were being condemned.
"Do you really understand and comprehend what is happening here?" the Lord asked me. "Behold !!" Then, a hole opened up behind the long line of people. I glanced towards the hole.
There was an awful darkness coming from it. I heard screams, and shouts, and wails, and moans coming from the hole. "Go and look," the Lord commanded me.
I didn't want to. I was scared, but it was as if a hand were at my back forcing me to the edge of this black hole.
When I reached the edge of this black hole, I glanced down in it. Then, I drew back in terror and horror. I could see down the black hole. It appeared to be a long, descending tunnel.
THERE WERE FLAMES
I could see a seething, roiling mass of people at the bottom of this hole. They were so crowded together they appeared to have no space between them at all.
There were flames, and a red orange glow coming from the bottom of this black hole. I smelled sulphur (like matches). I saw fire and flames. I felt the intense heat of the fire. I saw maggots crawling all over the bodies of the people at the bottom of the black hole.
The people were on fire, yet were not being consumed by the fire. But, they were screaming out in agony and pain from the fire. They were looking up towards the opening of the black hole. Their hands and arms were raised upwards. They were shifting and moving restlessly like huge waves.
And they were screaming. Screaming for deliverance, for mercy. But there was no mercy. There was no deliverance. I drew back from the edge of the black hole in terror and horror and despair.
THERE WERE ALL GOING TO BE CONDEMNED
I turned back towards the Lord sitting on His throne. He was still reading from the books. Now I saw a large, endless stack of books piled next to His throne. And I knew that every one of the people who those books were written about, were going to be condemned. I looked at the long, endless line of people gathered before the Lord, waiting to be judged.
Now, I saw every face clearly. They were my friends, my family, my relatives. And they were being condemned.
I WAS BESIDE MYSELF!!
And I saw them being cast into the black hole, and I heard them as they screamed as they fell down the long tunnel.
The Lord turned to me, with tears streaming down His cheeks, and said, "Now pray." I began to weep and scream out to God to have mercy on these people. As each person was condemned, I ran to the edge of the black hole and tried to pull them back out of the black hole.
I would grab their hands and arms, and try to hold onto them. But they would slip from my grasp. I was beside myself, trying desperately to keep these people I loved from going down the black hole.
"LET GO, THE LORD TOLD ME!"
I reached out and grasped onto the Lord, then reached down with my other arm into the black hole to try and grab people out of the black hole. "Let go," the Lord told me.
"If I let go of you, I'll go into the hole myself," I protested. "Let go," the Lord said again.
I let go. It was as if unseen hands were holding onto me. I laid down next to the edge of the black hole, reached down inside of it, trying to grab ahold of and grasp onto the people who were falling down into the black hole.
I felt like I myself was being burned from the fire and the flames. At times, I felt as if "claws" reached out from the black hole and struck at me. I felt burns on my arms, and saw scratches appear on my arms.
I was weeping, and calling out to God for the deliverance of these, my loved ones. I was begging God to have mercy on my loved ones, and to not condemn them to the black hole.
"It's easier to pray for the lost when they are your own loved ones," the Lord said to me. "Remember, all the lost are My loved ones.
I want My children to begin to pray for these, My lost children, as you are praying for them now. I would raise up a generation of intercessors to stand in the gap for My lost children. These intercessors will feel the heat of the battle, and be burned by it.
The forces of hell will come against them, and attack them. Yet, I will be with them, and will hold onto them. . .
. . . Now will you pray?"

Something to think about !!

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2004-09-07T20:17:00.000-04:00

Overstock

Commitments for Parents...

2004-09-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

I will always love and respect my child for who he is and not who I want him to be.
I will give my child space - to grow, to dream, to succeed, and even, sometimes, to fail.
I will create a loving home environment and show my child that she is loved, whenever and however and however I can.
I will, when discipline is necessary, let my child know that I disapprove of what he does, not who he is.
I will set limits for my child and help her find security in the knowledge of what is expected of her.
I will make time for my child and cherish our moments together, realizing how important - and fleeting - they are.
I will not burden my child with emotions and problems he is not equipped to deal with, remembering that I am the parent and he is the child.
I will encourage my child to experience the world and all its possibilities, guiding her in its ways and taking pains to leave her careful, but not fearful.
I will take care of myself physically and emotionally so that I can be there for my child when he needs me.
I will try to be the kind of person I want my child to grow up to be - loving, fair-minded, moral, giving and hopeful.
Author Unknown