Thought for the day
A young somewhat cocky cowboy was riding his horse one day when he spied a hunched-over old farm hand on a mule. Deciding to have a little fun, the young cowboy drew his six-shooter and told the old man to get down off his mule. He then asked the old man "if he had ever danced" and began to empty his revolver at his feet with great laughter.
The old man slowly turned back to his mule (unamused) and put his hand into his pack and drew a shotgun, aimed it at the now bulletless young cowboy and said, "Did you ever kiss a mule?"To which the young cowboy said with fright, "No, but I have always wanted to!"
There is nothing like a bullet for motivation. What is it, though, that provides you with the motivation to serve God day after day?Perhaps you are motivated by the fear of punishment if you don't. It's a valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about hell.
Or perhaps you are motivated by the hope of reward. Again, it's a valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about heaven.
But I would suggest to you that there is an even higher motive and that is to serve God out of a love and appreciation for all that He has done for us. As a parent, that's what I hope for my children. They may at times obey me to avoid punishment or to gain some reward I've promised them, but I hope that in time they come to listen to me simply because they love and respect me.""We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)Whatever your motivation, may you give your life wholly to God this day!
Verses
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes and said: 'Your reward shall be equal to your faith.'
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And it is in God's power to provide you richly with every good gift; thus you will have ample means in yourselves to meet each and every situation, with enough and to spare for every good cause.
Prayer
Father, we are so very thankful for all the blessings we enjoyed over the past year of 2008. There were many opportunities for rejoicing and many opportunities for trusting. Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot predict the future we can predict Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You’ve made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday prayer & verses (31 12 2008)
Thought for the day
A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch.
"Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom."He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.
Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty."The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty.
"But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door." The jury foreman replied: "Oh, we did look, but your client didn't.
"Oops! It was evident from the way he acted that the defendant didn't really believe the victim was still alive. Let me ask you a question: As the world looks at our lives, is it evident to them that we believe in a living God?
Oh, I know we've made the case, we've argued the evidence, we've proclaimed the truth that "Our God, He is Alive!" But the world may be looking not so much at the evidence we present, as our demeanor, to see if it matches what we say we believe.
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."(I Timothy 4:10-12)May it be evident to the people around us by the way we act that we serve a LIVING God!
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
But we have the same spirit of faith that is described in the Bible, where it says, "I have come to believe, and therefore I have spoken". Yes, we also believe, and therefore we're also speaking,
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
John 15:7
If you stay in me and my words stay in you, then you may ask for whatever you want and it will happen for you.
Romans 10:12
The Lord treats the Jew and the Gentile just alike. The same Lord is Lord of them all. He pours out His riches upon all who call upon Him for help.
PrayerFather, there is nothing we can do in our own power or charm to receive Your favor, but we do receive Your forgiveness as we believe on Jesus and the wondrous work of His redemption through death on a cross. Then we are no longer orphans but are adopted into the family of believers who call You Father. And the amazing blessing is that You call us Your children. We receive You as our Father, our Savior, and our blessed eternal King.
A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch.
"Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom."He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.
Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty."The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty.
"But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door." The jury foreman replied: "Oh, we did look, but your client didn't.
"Oops! It was evident from the way he acted that the defendant didn't really believe the victim was still alive. Let me ask you a question: As the world looks at our lives, is it evident to them that we believe in a living God?
Oh, I know we've made the case, we've argued the evidence, we've proclaimed the truth that "Our God, He is Alive!" But the world may be looking not so much at the evidence we present, as our demeanor, to see if it matches what we say we believe.
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."(I Timothy 4:10-12)May it be evident to the people around us by the way we act that we serve a LIVING God!
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
But we have the same spirit of faith that is described in the Bible, where it says, "I have come to believe, and therefore I have spoken". Yes, we also believe, and therefore we're also speaking,
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
John 15:7
If you stay in me and my words stay in you, then you may ask for whatever you want and it will happen for you.
Romans 10:12
The Lord treats the Jew and the Gentile just alike. The same Lord is Lord of them all. He pours out His riches upon all who call upon Him for help.
PrayerFather, there is nothing we can do in our own power or charm to receive Your favor, but we do receive Your forgiveness as we believe on Jesus and the wondrous work of His redemption through death on a cross. Then we are no longer orphans but are adopted into the family of believers who call You Father. And the amazing blessing is that You call us Your children. We receive You as our Father, our Savior, and our blessed eternal King.
Tuesday prayer & verses (30 12 2008)
Thought for the day
LOVE
The following story is one of my favorites. It comes from Max Lucado's book, "And The Angels Were Silent."
"John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin.
The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding.
Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like."When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. 'You'll recognize me,' she wrote, 'by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel.' So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen.
"I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened: A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose.
As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. 'Going my way, sailor?' she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat.. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes.
The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her.
"This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. 'I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?'
"The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. 'I don't know what this is about, son,' she answered, 'but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!'
"It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive."'Tell me whom you love,' Houssaye wrote, 'And I will tell you who you are.'"The story carries its own application, so I will add no thought of my own.
Simply this scripture:"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40)Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you whom you are.
Verses
Mark 11:23
Truly, I am saying to you, Whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and be thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that that which he says comes to pass, it shall be his.
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 John 3:22
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
Prayer
Jesus, our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto that which is fleeting it deters us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.
LOVE
The following story is one of my favorites. It comes from Max Lucado's book, "And The Angels Were Silent."
"John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin.
The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding.
Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like."When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. 'You'll recognize me,' she wrote, 'by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel.' So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen.
"I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened: A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose.
As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. 'Going my way, sailor?' she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat.. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes.
The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her.
"This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. 'I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?'
"The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. 'I don't know what this is about, son,' she answered, 'but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!'
"It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive."'Tell me whom you love,' Houssaye wrote, 'And I will tell you who you are.'"The story carries its own application, so I will add no thought of my own.
Simply this scripture:"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40)Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you whom you are.
Verses
Mark 11:23
Truly, I am saying to you, Whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and be thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that that which he says comes to pass, it shall be his.
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 John 3:22
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
Prayer
Jesus, our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto that which is fleeting it deters us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday prayer & verse (29 12 2008)
Thought for the day
Jones, a wealthy financier, had on many occasion in the good old days -- when trains were flourishing and coaches were the last word in technological luxury -- crossed the continent by Pullman. He was well known and well served and was accustomed to every convenience, particularly when dining. Imagine his exasperation, then, when it turned out that the chef did not have tutti-frutti ice cream.
"No tutti-frutti?" he shouted. "I always have tutti-frutti."
"I'm sorry, sir," said the waiter, soothingly. "We have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, black walnut, cherry, mocha almond --"
"I want tutti-frutti," cried Jones, banging the table and turning red. "I have always had tutti-frutti and I won't have anything else.
"For miles he muttered, scowled, growled, and snarled at everyone, so that every train employee on board had visions of angry reprisals. Finally, the train stopped at a station; a word to the conductor kept it there while the crew scoured the town for tutti-frutti ice cream.
A whole pint of the dessert was found and all of it was presented to Jones, with huge gobs of cherry sauce on it, together with a sliced banana and a swirl of whipped cream.
"Here is your tutti-frutti ice cream, Mr. Jones," said the quaking waiter.
Jones looked at it with a scowl, then with a sudden swipe of his arm hurled it to the floor, shouting, "I'd rather have my grievance!"
As embarrassing as it is to admit it, I have been in that same situation. There are times when I have been most content to be discontent and have received great enjoyment from being unhappy. And pity the person who tried to appease me and deprive me of the "pity party" I was throwing myself! Have you been there as well?"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
May you find joy this day in a God who richly supplies all your needs!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: the man who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.
Prayer
Father, we confess that it is often easier to be busy about Your kingdom than it is to sit at the feet of the King. Intensify our desire to set aside a segment of each day to be a sacred time with You so that we faithfully read Your Holy Word and prayerfully commune with You. It is in communion with You that we grow in our love and devotion and we become mindful of the great things You do for us. You are the Mighty One who is at work in our lives – Your name is holy. Amen.
Jones, a wealthy financier, had on many occasion in the good old days -- when trains were flourishing and coaches were the last word in technological luxury -- crossed the continent by Pullman. He was well known and well served and was accustomed to every convenience, particularly when dining. Imagine his exasperation, then, when it turned out that the chef did not have tutti-frutti ice cream.
"No tutti-frutti?" he shouted. "I always have tutti-frutti."
"I'm sorry, sir," said the waiter, soothingly. "We have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, black walnut, cherry, mocha almond --"
"I want tutti-frutti," cried Jones, banging the table and turning red. "I have always had tutti-frutti and I won't have anything else.
"For miles he muttered, scowled, growled, and snarled at everyone, so that every train employee on board had visions of angry reprisals. Finally, the train stopped at a station; a word to the conductor kept it there while the crew scoured the town for tutti-frutti ice cream.
A whole pint of the dessert was found and all of it was presented to Jones, with huge gobs of cherry sauce on it, together with a sliced banana and a swirl of whipped cream.
"Here is your tutti-frutti ice cream, Mr. Jones," said the quaking waiter.
Jones looked at it with a scowl, then with a sudden swipe of his arm hurled it to the floor, shouting, "I'd rather have my grievance!"
As embarrassing as it is to admit it, I have been in that same situation. There are times when I have been most content to be discontent and have received great enjoyment from being unhappy. And pity the person who tried to appease me and deprive me of the "pity party" I was throwing myself! Have you been there as well?"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
May you find joy this day in a God who richly supplies all your needs!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: the man who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.
Prayer
Father, we confess that it is often easier to be busy about Your kingdom than it is to sit at the feet of the King. Intensify our desire to set aside a segment of each day to be a sacred time with You so that we faithfully read Your Holy Word and prayerfully commune with You. It is in communion with You that we grow in our love and devotion and we become mindful of the great things You do for us. You are the Mighty One who is at work in our lives – Your name is holy. Amen.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday prayer & verses (26 12 2008)
Thought for the day
A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he'd been given. "This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on," he said.
"I know," the owner said, "But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.
"The contractor said, "Well, I don't mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.
"Before chuckling too much, do you recall the last time a cashier charged you too little for an item? Were you as quick to point it out to him or her as you were when you were overcharged?
Isn't it funny how we are willing at times to tolerate mistakes by others as long as we benefit rather than suffer? That's why our standard of right and wrong must be determined by God's Word and not by our own feelings. As impartial as we may try to be, we are too easily swayed by that little voice inside that says, "If it doesn't hurt me, then it must be OK."
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, "On account of your deficient faith; for in truth I tell you, if you should have faith no greater than a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, 'Remove from hence yonder,' and it will remove; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Romans 8:17
and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he'd been given. "This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on," he said.
"I know," the owner said, "But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.
"The contractor said, "Well, I don't mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.
"Before chuckling too much, do you recall the last time a cashier charged you too little for an item? Were you as quick to point it out to him or her as you were when you were overcharged?
Isn't it funny how we are willing at times to tolerate mistakes by others as long as we benefit rather than suffer? That's why our standard of right and wrong must be determined by God's Word and not by our own feelings. As impartial as we may try to be, we are too easily swayed by that little voice inside that says, "If it doesn't hurt me, then it must be OK."
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, "On account of your deficient faith; for in truth I tell you, if you should have faith no greater than a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, 'Remove from hence yonder,' and it will remove; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Romans 8:17
and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday prayer & verses (25 12 2008)
Thought for the day
A husband and wife were driving down a country lane on their way to visit some friends. They came to a muddy patch in the road and the car became bogged. After a few minutes of trying to get the car out by themselves, they saw a young farmer coming down the lane, driving a tractor. He stopped when he saw the couple in trouble and offered to pull the car out of the mud for $50.
The couple accepted and minutes later the car was free. The farmer turned to the husband and said, "You know, you're the tenth car I've helped out of the mud today." The husband looks around at the fields incredulously and asks the farmer, "When do you have time to plow your land? At night?"
"No," the young farmer replied seriously, "Night is when I put the water in the hole.
"There are some people who are always available to help solve problems, and there are others who spend their time making life more difficult for others (and sometimes the same person can do both!). The New Testament is filled with warnings, though, about being a "stumbling block" to others, especially to children and young Christians.
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7)
May your day be filled with opportunities to help others in need. But don't be adding any water to the mud hole!
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, "On account of your deficient faith; for in truth I tell you, if you should have faith no greater than a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, 'Remove from hence yonder,' and it will remove; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Genesis 20:17
So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants. Then they bore children;
Galatians 6:7
Do not be fooled. You cannot fool God. A man will get back whatever he plants!
John 14:13
Whatever you ask the Father in my name, I will do -- that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer
Father, even as You spoke to the prophets of long ago You still speak to the hearts of Your people. You’ve called us out from among the world to stand for righteousness in a godless society. You will not be silenced in a world full of noisy gongs and clanging symbols. As we contemplate the Christmas story we think of young Mary who heard Your special message through the angel. She is a prime example of one whose yielded heart withstood the ridicule and awkwardness of her special role in the conception and birth of the Savior of the world. You continue to speak to us who choose to fear the law of God rather than the law of man. Help us to turn our ears away from worthless noisy gongs and turn our hearts toward Emmanuel, God with us.
A husband and wife were driving down a country lane on their way to visit some friends. They came to a muddy patch in the road and the car became bogged. After a few minutes of trying to get the car out by themselves, they saw a young farmer coming down the lane, driving a tractor. He stopped when he saw the couple in trouble and offered to pull the car out of the mud for $50.
The couple accepted and minutes later the car was free. The farmer turned to the husband and said, "You know, you're the tenth car I've helped out of the mud today." The husband looks around at the fields incredulously and asks the farmer, "When do you have time to plow your land? At night?"
"No," the young farmer replied seriously, "Night is when I put the water in the hole.
"There are some people who are always available to help solve problems, and there are others who spend their time making life more difficult for others (and sometimes the same person can do both!). The New Testament is filled with warnings, though, about being a "stumbling block" to others, especially to children and young Christians.
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7)
May your day be filled with opportunities to help others in need. But don't be adding any water to the mud hole!
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, "On account of your deficient faith; for in truth I tell you, if you should have faith no greater than a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, 'Remove from hence yonder,' and it will remove; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Genesis 20:17
So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants. Then they bore children;
Galatians 6:7
Do not be fooled. You cannot fool God. A man will get back whatever he plants!
John 14:13
Whatever you ask the Father in my name, I will do -- that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer
Father, even as You spoke to the prophets of long ago You still speak to the hearts of Your people. You’ve called us out from among the world to stand for righteousness in a godless society. You will not be silenced in a world full of noisy gongs and clanging symbols. As we contemplate the Christmas story we think of young Mary who heard Your special message through the angel. She is a prime example of one whose yielded heart withstood the ridicule and awkwardness of her special role in the conception and birth of the Savior of the world. You continue to speak to us who choose to fear the law of God rather than the law of man. Help us to turn our ears away from worthless noisy gongs and turn our hearts toward Emmanuel, God with us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday prayer & verses (24 12 2008)
Several years ago, the dazed crew members of a Japanese trawler were plucked out of the Sea of Japan clinging to the wreckage of their sunken ship. Their rescue, however, was followed by immediate imprisonment once authorities questioned the sailors on their ship's loss. Every single one of them claimed that a cow, falling out of a clear blue sky, had struck the trawler amidships, shattering its hull and sinking the vessel within minutes. Impossible!
They remained in prison for several weeks, until the Russian Air Force reluctantly informed Japanese authorities that the crew of one of its cargo planes had apparently stolen a cow wandering at the edge of a Siberian airfield, forced the cow into the plane's hold and hastily taken off for home. Unprepared for live cargo, the Russian crew was ill-equipped to manage a rampaging cow within its hold. To save the aircraft and themselves, they shoved the animal out of the cargo hold as they crossed the Sea of Japan at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Some things sound foolish, but turn out to be true. That includes much of what we believe as Christians. "You believe that God somehow caused a virgin to bear a child, a boy who was fully man and yet fully God? You believe that he actually raised people from the dead and walked on water and fed thousands of people with a plateful of food? You believe that, after being crucified and buried, he somehow managed to raise himself from the dead?"
To many people it sounds too foolish to be believed. But it's all true!"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.....Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Cor. 1:18,21,25)
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
So let us thank God for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;
Mark 11:24
I therefore say to you: Whatever you ask in prayer will be yours, if you will only hold the firm belief that you will receive it.
Philippians 4:19
My God will abundantly and gloriously provide for all your needs, according to His boundless wealth, in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
They remained in prison for several weeks, until the Russian Air Force reluctantly informed Japanese authorities that the crew of one of its cargo planes had apparently stolen a cow wandering at the edge of a Siberian airfield, forced the cow into the plane's hold and hastily taken off for home. Unprepared for live cargo, the Russian crew was ill-equipped to manage a rampaging cow within its hold. To save the aircraft and themselves, they shoved the animal out of the cargo hold as they crossed the Sea of Japan at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Some things sound foolish, but turn out to be true. That includes much of what we believe as Christians. "You believe that God somehow caused a virgin to bear a child, a boy who was fully man and yet fully God? You believe that he actually raised people from the dead and walked on water and fed thousands of people with a plateful of food? You believe that, after being crucified and buried, he somehow managed to raise himself from the dead?"
To many people it sounds too foolish to be believed. But it's all true!"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.....Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Cor. 1:18,21,25)
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
So let us thank God for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;
Mark 11:24
I therefore say to you: Whatever you ask in prayer will be yours, if you will only hold the firm belief that you will receive it.
Philippians 4:19
My God will abundantly and gloriously provide for all your needs, according to His boundless wealth, in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday prayer & verses (23 12 2008)
Thought for the day
The following story comes from Charles Swindoll's book, "Esther" and is credited to Dr. Robert R. Koop:
When Walter started working for the biggest corporation in the world, the personnel director said he would have to start at the bottom and work his way up. So Walter found himself in the basement of the corporation's headquarters building in the mailroom. Walter liked his job, but often daydreamed about what it would be like to be a junior executive, vice-president, president, or even chairman of the board.
One day, as Walter was busy collecting the mail, he heard footsteps in the corner and noticed a small cockroach creeping around. Just as he was about to step on it, he heard a small voice scream: "Don't kill me! Please, don't kill me! I'm Milton the cockroach. And if you spare my life, I promise to grant all of your wishes." That sounded like a pretty good deal to Walter. So he spared Milton the cockroach's life.
Walter's first wish was to get out of the mailroom and be a junior executive. Milton granted that wish. Next Walter wanted to become one of the vice-presidents of the corporation. That wish was granted too. As a matter of fact, Milton the cockroach kept granting every one of Walter's wishes until Walter was finally elevated to be chairman of the board, on the top floor of the headquarters building, of the largest corporation in the world.
Now everybody looked up to Walter and he was very happy. Every so often, Milton the cockroach could hear Walter saying to himself: "I am Walter. Everybody respects me. Everybody knows I'm in control. I'm at the top. No one is bigger or better or more important than me.
"One day as Walter was sitting behind his desk and daydreaming about how important he had become, he heard footsteps on top of the roof. When the sound of the footsteps suddenly stopped, Walter decided to investigate. What he found was a little boy who was on his knees praying.
He asked the boy, "Are you praying to Walter?" -- after all, he was the chairman of the board of the largest corporation in the world. "Of course not," said the little boy with a smile of innocence. "I'm praying to God!" Walter responded, "Why are you praying to God? I'm the chairman of the board of the largest corporation in the world. What can God do for you that I cannot do for you?" The little boy replied, "God made me and God saved me."Walter was quite disturbed by this turn of events, so he sent for Milton the cockroach as soon as he got back to his office.
"I want to be like God," Walter told Milton. So Milton the cockroach granted Walter's wish and Walter went back to the mailroom in the basement.
One of the most amazing truths in all the Bible is that the great God of this universe would choose to lower himself to the point where he would come to this world, to live a life of poverty and suffer the abuse and scorn that He did.
"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion." (Philippians 2:5-8, The Message)
Verses
1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of Yahweh itself maketh rich, And he addeth no grievance therewith.
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes and said, 'Let it be to you according to your faith.'
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Prayer
Father, You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us, and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual giftings. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
The following story comes from Charles Swindoll's book, "Esther" and is credited to Dr. Robert R. Koop:
When Walter started working for the biggest corporation in the world, the personnel director said he would have to start at the bottom and work his way up. So Walter found himself in the basement of the corporation's headquarters building in the mailroom. Walter liked his job, but often daydreamed about what it would be like to be a junior executive, vice-president, president, or even chairman of the board.
One day, as Walter was busy collecting the mail, he heard footsteps in the corner and noticed a small cockroach creeping around. Just as he was about to step on it, he heard a small voice scream: "Don't kill me! Please, don't kill me! I'm Milton the cockroach. And if you spare my life, I promise to grant all of your wishes." That sounded like a pretty good deal to Walter. So he spared Milton the cockroach's life.
Walter's first wish was to get out of the mailroom and be a junior executive. Milton granted that wish. Next Walter wanted to become one of the vice-presidents of the corporation. That wish was granted too. As a matter of fact, Milton the cockroach kept granting every one of Walter's wishes until Walter was finally elevated to be chairman of the board, on the top floor of the headquarters building, of the largest corporation in the world.
Now everybody looked up to Walter and he was very happy. Every so often, Milton the cockroach could hear Walter saying to himself: "I am Walter. Everybody respects me. Everybody knows I'm in control. I'm at the top. No one is bigger or better or more important than me.
"One day as Walter was sitting behind his desk and daydreaming about how important he had become, he heard footsteps on top of the roof. When the sound of the footsteps suddenly stopped, Walter decided to investigate. What he found was a little boy who was on his knees praying.
He asked the boy, "Are you praying to Walter?" -- after all, he was the chairman of the board of the largest corporation in the world. "Of course not," said the little boy with a smile of innocence. "I'm praying to God!" Walter responded, "Why are you praying to God? I'm the chairman of the board of the largest corporation in the world. What can God do for you that I cannot do for you?" The little boy replied, "God made me and God saved me."Walter was quite disturbed by this turn of events, so he sent for Milton the cockroach as soon as he got back to his office.
"I want to be like God," Walter told Milton. So Milton the cockroach granted Walter's wish and Walter went back to the mailroom in the basement.
One of the most amazing truths in all the Bible is that the great God of this universe would choose to lower himself to the point where he would come to this world, to live a life of poverty and suffer the abuse and scorn that He did.
"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion." (Philippians 2:5-8, The Message)
Verses
1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of Yahweh itself maketh rich, And he addeth no grievance therewith.
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes and said, 'Let it be to you according to your faith.'
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Prayer
Father, You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us, and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual giftings. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday prayer & verse (22 12 2008)
Thought for the day
How do you know when you're getting old?
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
* You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywherethe night before.
* You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
* You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
* You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
* People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
* Dialing long distance wears you out.
* Your little black book contains names ending only in "M.D."
* Your daughter takes you out to dinner, and the cashier takes one look and gives you both Senior discounts.
* You have as students the grandchildren of your former students.* You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.
* Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 years ago today."
* You're proud of your lawn mower.
* The little gray-haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
* You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
* The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your glasses.
* You watch a pretty girl go by and your pacemaker makes the garagedoor open.
* You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!(author unknown)
That last line is almost too sad to be funny. I look around at some of the older saints who are filled with wisdom which has come about from a lifetime of experiences. So much they have to share. So much we have to learn. But no one is paying any attention."The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)Allow me to make a suggestion. The next time you're having a hard time making a decision, talk to an older Christian. Ask their advice. You might be surprised to see what you can learn.
Verses
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who indulge it must eat the fruit of it.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Ephesians 6:18
Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people.
Romans 10:12
Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them.
Prayer
Father, we’re so thankful for Jesus whose infant birth took place in a smelly stable and whose bed was a feeding trough padded with stubbly straw and hay. It was certainly not a welcome setting for the infant born King but we can now see the stable as a composite of this unwelcoming world toward King Jesus. We’re so glad that He was willing to come to earth though He would be rejected by the majority. Mercifully we number among the many who receive Him as our personal Savior. We thank You that He came to deliver us from our fears and release us from our sins. Through Your own eternal Spirit rule in our hearts today and raise us to Your glorious throne on Your appointed day. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
How do you know when you're getting old?
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
* You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywherethe night before.
* You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
* You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
* You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
* People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
* Dialing long distance wears you out.
* Your little black book contains names ending only in "M.D."
* Your daughter takes you out to dinner, and the cashier takes one look and gives you both Senior discounts.
* You have as students the grandchildren of your former students.* You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.
* Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 years ago today."
* You're proud of your lawn mower.
* The little gray-haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
* You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
* The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your glasses.
* You watch a pretty girl go by and your pacemaker makes the garagedoor open.
* You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!(author unknown)
That last line is almost too sad to be funny. I look around at some of the older saints who are filled with wisdom which has come about from a lifetime of experiences. So much they have to share. So much we have to learn. But no one is paying any attention."The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)Allow me to make a suggestion. The next time you're having a hard time making a decision, talk to an older Christian. Ask their advice. You might be surprised to see what you can learn.
Verses
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who indulge it must eat the fruit of it.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Ephesians 6:18
Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people.
Romans 10:12
Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them.
Prayer
Father, we’re so thankful for Jesus whose infant birth took place in a smelly stable and whose bed was a feeding trough padded with stubbly straw and hay. It was certainly not a welcome setting for the infant born King but we can now see the stable as a composite of this unwelcoming world toward King Jesus. We’re so glad that He was willing to come to earth though He would be rejected by the majority. Mercifully we number among the many who receive Him as our personal Savior. We thank You that He came to deliver us from our fears and release us from our sins. Through Your own eternal Spirit rule in our hearts today and raise us to Your glorious throne on Your appointed day. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday prayer & verses (19 12 2008)
Thought for the day
In France, Jacques LeFevrier left nothing to chance when he decided to commit suicide. He stood at the top of a tall cliff and tied a noose around his neck. He tied the other end of the rope to a large rock. He drank some poison and set fire to his clothes. He even tried to shoot himself at the last moment. He jumped and fired the pistol. The bullet missed him completely and cut through the rope above him.
Free of the threat of hanging, he plunged into the sea. The sudden dunking extinguished the flames and made him vomit the poison. He was dragged out of the water by a kind fisherman and was taken to hospital, where he died of hypothermia.
Talk about having a bad day!!! Those of us who are Christians can relate, though, as we seek to put to death what Paul called "the old man", the life we lived before becoming a Christian. Sometimes it's a struggle to get rid of the thoughts and the actions as the "old man" refuses to die.
"Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them." (Colossians 3:5-7)
Father, we seek to destroy all that stands between us and living the holy life you desire for us. Please help us in that effort. In Jesus' name, amen.Have a great day and a great weekend!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
To him who can bring to pass all things far beyond what we ask or think of through the power which is at work in us,
2 Peter 1:3
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
Matthew 12:15
But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there; and great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.
Matthew 21:22
And everything that you pray for with faith, you will obtain."
James 1:4
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Prayer
Jesus, our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto that which is fleeting it deters us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, there is nothing we can do in our own power or charm to receive Your favor, but we do receive Your forgiveness as we believe on Jesus and the wondrous work of His redemption through death on a cross. Then we are no longer orphans but are adopted into the family of believers who call You Father. And the amazing blessing is that You call us Your children. We receive You as our Father, our Savior, and our blessed eternal King.
In France, Jacques LeFevrier left nothing to chance when he decided to commit suicide. He stood at the top of a tall cliff and tied a noose around his neck. He tied the other end of the rope to a large rock. He drank some poison and set fire to his clothes. He even tried to shoot himself at the last moment. He jumped and fired the pistol. The bullet missed him completely and cut through the rope above him.
Free of the threat of hanging, he plunged into the sea. The sudden dunking extinguished the flames and made him vomit the poison. He was dragged out of the water by a kind fisherman and was taken to hospital, where he died of hypothermia.
Talk about having a bad day!!! Those of us who are Christians can relate, though, as we seek to put to death what Paul called "the old man", the life we lived before becoming a Christian. Sometimes it's a struggle to get rid of the thoughts and the actions as the "old man" refuses to die.
"Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them." (Colossians 3:5-7)
Father, we seek to destroy all that stands between us and living the holy life you desire for us. Please help us in that effort. In Jesus' name, amen.Have a great day and a great weekend!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
To him who can bring to pass all things far beyond what we ask or think of through the power which is at work in us,
2 Peter 1:3
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
Matthew 12:15
But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there; and great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.
Matthew 21:22
And everything that you pray for with faith, you will obtain."
James 1:4
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Prayer
Jesus, our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto that which is fleeting it deters us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, there is nothing we can do in our own power or charm to receive Your favor, but we do receive Your forgiveness as we believe on Jesus and the wondrous work of His redemption through death on a cross. Then we are no longer orphans but are adopted into the family of believers who call You Father. And the amazing blessing is that You call us Your children. We receive You as our Father, our Savior, and our blessed eternal King.
Light and Momentary
There is no example of a Christ-changed life which is more dramatic than the Apostle Paul. While on his way to Damascus to capture Christians and put them in jail, Jesus blinded Paul and asked: "Why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). When Paul asked who was speaking, Jesus replied: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:5-6).
Jesus identified Paul as "My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). This special selection did not make Paul perfect, but he was gifted with a close relationship with Jesus as well as special insight into the true gospel message.
Paul suffered many hardships and trials during his years of ministry. His life was continually threatened; he was beaten many times, placed in prison for extended periods, and faced the frustration of ministering to people who failed to truly appreciate his message. And yet, Paul weighed his trials on the scale of eternity.2 Corinthians 4:16-17"
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."Paul had learned "the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). This secret involved knowing who he was in Christ and viewing his life from the perspective of eternity. This secret also gave him a new understanding of his trials.
Our life must no longer be viewed with a beginning and an end, but truly as being eternal. Though our days on earth may sometimes be difficult, our days are very few. A hundred years is not even a visible speck on the canvas of eternity; our days are momentary! And the weight of our burdens vanish to nothing when compared to the glory of Heaven; our burdens are truly light! This is the lasting power of an eternal perspective.
God's peace and contentment require us to expand our view to include an eternity we cannot see and a glory we may not understand; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). His peace is available today; it's available in our relationships, our work, our finances, our health, and our ministry.Let's allow the world to see our confidence in His promised eternal glory by the peace which fills our life.
Let's live by the faith of an eternal perspective and be renewed as we rightly consider ALL our trials to be light and momentary.
Jesus identified Paul as "My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). This special selection did not make Paul perfect, but he was gifted with a close relationship with Jesus as well as special insight into the true gospel message.
Paul suffered many hardships and trials during his years of ministry. His life was continually threatened; he was beaten many times, placed in prison for extended periods, and faced the frustration of ministering to people who failed to truly appreciate his message. And yet, Paul weighed his trials on the scale of eternity.2 Corinthians 4:16-17"
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."Paul had learned "the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). This secret involved knowing who he was in Christ and viewing his life from the perspective of eternity. This secret also gave him a new understanding of his trials.
Our life must no longer be viewed with a beginning and an end, but truly as being eternal. Though our days on earth may sometimes be difficult, our days are very few. A hundred years is not even a visible speck on the canvas of eternity; our days are momentary! And the weight of our burdens vanish to nothing when compared to the glory of Heaven; our burdens are truly light! This is the lasting power of an eternal perspective.
God's peace and contentment require us to expand our view to include an eternity we cannot see and a glory we may not understand; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). His peace is available today; it's available in our relationships, our work, our finances, our health, and our ministry.Let's allow the world to see our confidence in His promised eternal glory by the peace which fills our life.
Let's live by the faith of an eternal perspective and be renewed as we rightly consider ALL our trials to be light and momentary.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday prayer & verses (18 12 2008)
Thought for the day
A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.
The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.
Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, "Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn't dance a single step!""So?" asked the duck's former owner, "did you remember to light the candle under the pot?
"Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that's not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to "give light to all who are in the house." In like manner, our Christian lives are to "shine before men." (Matt. 5:16-17).
The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us.We sometimes speak of a "secret Christian" as if that's a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we're not living Christian lives at all. If we don't influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us."For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)." (Eph. 5:8-9)Did you remember to light your candle?
A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.
The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.
Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, "Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn't dance a single step!""So?" asked the duck's former owner, "did you remember to light the candle under the pot?
"Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that's not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to "give light to all who are in the house." In like manner, our Christian lives are to "shine before men." (Matt. 5:16-17).
The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us.We sometimes speak of a "secret Christian" as if that's a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we're not living Christian lives at all. If we don't influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us."For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)." (Eph. 5:8-9)Did you remember to light your candle?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday prayer & verses (17 12 2008)
Thought for the day
A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman immediately hit her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, waving your fist at the guy off in front of you, and swearing at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.
Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."Ouch! We are often eager to communicate our faith by putting cute little bumper stickers on our cars or by wearing jewelry that contains Christian imagery. And there's nothing wrong with that unless we think that the bumper sticker and jewelry can serve as a substitute for actually living a Christ-like life. Few people will be converted by a bumper sticker. But people WILL be impacted (and perhaps eventually changed) by a lifestyle that seeks to put God's Word into practice. And, just as surely, people will be repulsed by a religion that allows the hypocrisy of talking about God without the desire to live for God.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?.....But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (James 2:14,18)May Christ shine through you in what you do and what you say today (whether you have a bumper sticker or not).
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
Galatians 6:7
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself!
You will harvest what you plant.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
1 Corinthians 1:5
For through union with him you became rich in every way -- alike in ability to teach and in ability to learn.
Prayer
Father, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman immediately hit her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, waving your fist at the guy off in front of you, and swearing at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.
Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."Ouch! We are often eager to communicate our faith by putting cute little bumper stickers on our cars or by wearing jewelry that contains Christian imagery. And there's nothing wrong with that unless we think that the bumper sticker and jewelry can serve as a substitute for actually living a Christ-like life. Few people will be converted by a bumper sticker. But people WILL be impacted (and perhaps eventually changed) by a lifestyle that seeks to put God's Word into practice. And, just as surely, people will be repulsed by a religion that allows the hypocrisy of talking about God without the desire to live for God.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?.....But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (James 2:14,18)May Christ shine through you in what you do and what you say today (whether you have a bumper sticker or not).
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
Galatians 6:7
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself!
You will harvest what you plant.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
1 Corinthians 1:5
For through union with him you became rich in every way -- alike in ability to teach and in ability to learn.
Prayer
Father, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's your time
Many people have said that timing is everything and I believe it's so !I therefore want to speak a word over you that says the best is yet to come!
Galatians 6 says that if I will not loose heart, grow weary or relax my courage all things will come! 1 John 7:6 the word decrees that it's our time. In fact anytime is our time. It was so from the beginning. If we read Hebrews 9:11 it says the appointed time came. I believe we have to tap into this miracle moment and do what we have never done before. It's our time, the suitable time for you !
Your opportunity is ready any time! We need to speak life over our valley of dry bones. It's the time for them to arise out of the dead and become alive. Maybe you are faced with such a devastating situation. I want to encourage you to call the breath and life back into that area!
Speak to the bones or husband or finances! Prophecy breath and spirit to enter it and it shall live! A thing to note is that God performed after the prophet spoke or prophesied over those bones. God put flesh on them, God covered it with sinews, God caused a rumbling noise for them to come together. The prophet had to prophesy again before life entered! Don't stop prophesying until LIFE manifests! The impossible is possible! It is YOUR time and it's the right time!
Speak it into being !
Galatians 6 says that if I will not loose heart, grow weary or relax my courage all things will come! 1 John 7:6 the word decrees that it's our time. In fact anytime is our time. It was so from the beginning. If we read Hebrews 9:11 it says the appointed time came. I believe we have to tap into this miracle moment and do what we have never done before. It's our time, the suitable time for you !
Your opportunity is ready any time! We need to speak life over our valley of dry bones. It's the time for them to arise out of the dead and become alive. Maybe you are faced with such a devastating situation. I want to encourage you to call the breath and life back into that area!
Speak to the bones or husband or finances! Prophecy breath and spirit to enter it and it shall live! A thing to note is that God performed after the prophet spoke or prophesied over those bones. God put flesh on them, God covered it with sinews, God caused a rumbling noise for them to come together. The prophet had to prophesy again before life entered! Don't stop prophesying until LIFE manifests! The impossible is possible! It is YOUR time and it's the right time!
Speak it into being !
Pull yourself together
Giraffe are complex creatures. It could be a very healthy specimen, tranquilized or lightly sedated to be transported. If it made up it's mind, it's enough. It dies suddenly because of choice.
Life is like a puzzle, that unless we come together it remains incomplete.Amos 3 says it's impossible to arrive at the same place if walk in different directions. It's impossible to come to the same understanding if we have contrary thoughts and motives. Gather yourself up from your distraction and agree with yourself that this year you will have the breakthrough. Can't move forward and backward at the same time. Something has to come together and it's your thoughts. Gather yourself.
A wavering mind will produce contrary speech. In that state it's impossible to receive from the Lord ANYTHING ! That man finds himself unstable, unreliable and uncertain about everything.
Gather yourself. Too many of God's people are aiming high and planning low. We trust that supernatural things will happen to us but we make carnal plans. When climbing a mountain we reach for the top but wonder how far it's down ! Every step, move and climb is about reaching the top, nothing else
!ISAIAH 52 says shake yourself loose from the dust. Gather yourself and get your mind on what you're doing.
Arise and loose yourself !
Life is like a puzzle, that unless we come together it remains incomplete.Amos 3 says it's impossible to arrive at the same place if walk in different directions. It's impossible to come to the same understanding if we have contrary thoughts and motives. Gather yourself up from your distraction and agree with yourself that this year you will have the breakthrough. Can't move forward and backward at the same time. Something has to come together and it's your thoughts. Gather yourself.
A wavering mind will produce contrary speech. In that state it's impossible to receive from the Lord ANYTHING ! That man finds himself unstable, unreliable and uncertain about everything.
Gather yourself. Too many of God's people are aiming high and planning low. We trust that supernatural things will happen to us but we make carnal plans. When climbing a mountain we reach for the top but wonder how far it's down ! Every step, move and climb is about reaching the top, nothing else
!ISAIAH 52 says shake yourself loose from the dust. Gather yourself and get your mind on what you're doing.
Arise and loose yourself !
Tuesday prayer & verses (16 12 2008)
Thought for the day
Fred Craddock tells the story of a missionary family in China who was forced to leave the country sometime after the communists took over. One day a band of soldiers knocked on the door and told this missionary, his wife, and children that they had two hours to pack up before these troops would escort them to the train station.
They would be permitted to take with them only two hundred pounds of stuff. Thus began two hours of family wrangling and bickering -- what should they take? What about this vase? It's a family heirloom, so we've got to take the vase. Well, maybe so, but this typewriter is brand new and we're not about to leave that behind. What about some books? Got to take a few of them along.
On and on it went, putting stuff on the bathroom scale and taking it off until finally they had a pile of possessions that totaled two hundred pounds on the dot. At the appointed hour, the soldiers returned. "Are you ready?" they asked. "Yes." "Did you weigh your stuff?" "Yes, we did." "Two hundred pounds?" "Yes, two hundred pounds on the dot." "Did you weigh the kids?" "Um, . . . no." "Weigh the kids!" And in an instant the vase, the typewriter, and the books all became trash. Trash!
None of it meant anything compared to the surpassing value of the children. If only it were that easy for us. If we had to make a physical choice, the choice would be easy. What's worth more -- your child or a computer? If you could only take one with you, which would it be? That's easy; it's a no-brainer. But seldom does the choice come wrapped in such easy-to-open paper.
Too often, it sounds more like this: What's more important -- spending time with your family or staying at work a couple of extra hours to get caught up? "Don't ask me to make that choice! My family is important to me. It's just that I really need to get this done! After all, I'm only doing it for provide for them." Still, there are times when the question won't go away:
Which is more important?And there are times when we are forced to admit that we've been gathering hundreds of pounds of "trash" while neglecting that which is of greatest importance.
"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8)But God bless each one of you with the wisdom to choose that which is of greatest value.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
1 Samuel 12:23
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Psalm 112:1,3
O praise the LORD. Happy is the man who fears the LORD and finds great joy in his commandments. His house shall be full of wealth and riches; righteousness shall be his for ever.
Prayer
Father, we praise You because there is no dreaded sin in our life that surpasses the all-sufficient grace You freely give to all who believe. It is through no merit of our own for we are deserving of death and eternal punishment. But through the tremendous sacrificial death of Your Son, Jesus, we are freed from all our guilty stains of sin. No greater love can we know this side of heaven. In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus, we give You thanks. Amen.
Fred Craddock tells the story of a missionary family in China who was forced to leave the country sometime after the communists took over. One day a band of soldiers knocked on the door and told this missionary, his wife, and children that they had two hours to pack up before these troops would escort them to the train station.
They would be permitted to take with them only two hundred pounds of stuff. Thus began two hours of family wrangling and bickering -- what should they take? What about this vase? It's a family heirloom, so we've got to take the vase. Well, maybe so, but this typewriter is brand new and we're not about to leave that behind. What about some books? Got to take a few of them along.
On and on it went, putting stuff on the bathroom scale and taking it off until finally they had a pile of possessions that totaled two hundred pounds on the dot. At the appointed hour, the soldiers returned. "Are you ready?" they asked. "Yes." "Did you weigh your stuff?" "Yes, we did." "Two hundred pounds?" "Yes, two hundred pounds on the dot." "Did you weigh the kids?" "Um, . . . no." "Weigh the kids!" And in an instant the vase, the typewriter, and the books all became trash. Trash!
None of it meant anything compared to the surpassing value of the children. If only it were that easy for us. If we had to make a physical choice, the choice would be easy. What's worth more -- your child or a computer? If you could only take one with you, which would it be? That's easy; it's a no-brainer. But seldom does the choice come wrapped in such easy-to-open paper.
Too often, it sounds more like this: What's more important -- spending time with your family or staying at work a couple of extra hours to get caught up? "Don't ask me to make that choice! My family is important to me. It's just that I really need to get this done! After all, I'm only doing it for provide for them." Still, there are times when the question won't go away:
Which is more important?And there are times when we are forced to admit that we've been gathering hundreds of pounds of "trash" while neglecting that which is of greatest importance.
"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8)But God bless each one of you with the wisdom to choose that which is of greatest value.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
1 Samuel 12:23
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Psalm 112:1,3
O praise the LORD. Happy is the man who fears the LORD and finds great joy in his commandments. His house shall be full of wealth and riches; righteousness shall be his for ever.
Prayer
Father, we praise You because there is no dreaded sin in our life that surpasses the all-sufficient grace You freely give to all who believe. It is through no merit of our own for we are deserving of death and eternal punishment. But through the tremendous sacrificial death of Your Son, Jesus, we are freed from all our guilty stains of sin. No greater love can we know this side of heaven. In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus, we give You thanks. Amen.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Monday prayer & verses (15 12 2008)
Thought for the day
I heard a story recently about a student named Donald MacDonald from the Isle of Skye (in Scotland), who was admitted into the prestigious Oxford University, and was living in the hall of residence in his first year there. His clan was so excited that one of their own had made it into the upper class of education, but they were concerned how he would do in "that strange land."
After the first month, his mother came to visit." And how do you find the English students, Donald?" she asked."Mother," he replied in his thick brogue. "They're such terrible, noisy people. The one on that side keeps banging his head against the wall, and won't stop. The one on the other side screams and screams and screams, away into the night."
"Oh Donald! How do you manage to put up with these awful noisy English neighbors?"
"Mother, I do nothing. I just ignore them. I just stay here quietly, playing my bagpipes..."
Sometimes it helps to realize that when we find people to be so irritating, it may well be that they find us to be the same (and perhaps for better reason). Even deeds done with the best of intentions can be irritating. Solomon said, "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him." (Proverbs 27:14).
I suppose we could ask ourselves the question, "What am I doing that may be irritating others around me?" But I think we would be better served to ask it in a more positive way: "What am I doing to be a blessing to others around me?"
"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Proverbs 15:23)
Verses
Romans 10:17
But there can be no faith if there is no opportunity of hearing the message, and there can be no opportunity of hearing unless there is someone to deliver the message.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthew 16:19
I shall give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth [forbid to be done], shall have been already bound [forbidden to be done] in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth [permit to be done], shall have already been loosed in heaven [permitted to be done].
1 Samuel 12:23
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth; in order that he might fulfil his covenant which he hath sworn unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
PrayerFather, it is in bitterness, revenge and self-pity that we become useless to others and toxic to ourselves. But through expressions of forgiveness and love we are granted inner strength and power beyond ourselves to move forward, and it is there that we find healing and restoration for our wounded souls. May we not live in the past or turn to our own destructive vices but find deliverance and victory through the enduring work of the Holy Spirit that brings comfort, conviction, and cleansing. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Amen.
I heard a story recently about a student named Donald MacDonald from the Isle of Skye (in Scotland), who was admitted into the prestigious Oxford University, and was living in the hall of residence in his first year there. His clan was so excited that one of their own had made it into the upper class of education, but they were concerned how he would do in "that strange land."
After the first month, his mother came to visit." And how do you find the English students, Donald?" she asked."Mother," he replied in his thick brogue. "They're such terrible, noisy people. The one on that side keeps banging his head against the wall, and won't stop. The one on the other side screams and screams and screams, away into the night."
"Oh Donald! How do you manage to put up with these awful noisy English neighbors?"
"Mother, I do nothing. I just ignore them. I just stay here quietly, playing my bagpipes..."
Sometimes it helps to realize that when we find people to be so irritating, it may well be that they find us to be the same (and perhaps for better reason). Even deeds done with the best of intentions can be irritating. Solomon said, "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him." (Proverbs 27:14).
I suppose we could ask ourselves the question, "What am I doing that may be irritating others around me?" But I think we would be better served to ask it in a more positive way: "What am I doing to be a blessing to others around me?"
"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Proverbs 15:23)
Verses
Romans 10:17
But there can be no faith if there is no opportunity of hearing the message, and there can be no opportunity of hearing unless there is someone to deliver the message.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthew 16:19
I shall give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth [forbid to be done], shall have been already bound [forbidden to be done] in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth [permit to be done], shall have already been loosed in heaven [permitted to be done].
1 Samuel 12:23
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth; in order that he might fulfil his covenant which he hath sworn unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
PrayerFather, it is in bitterness, revenge and self-pity that we become useless to others and toxic to ourselves. But through expressions of forgiveness and love we are granted inner strength and power beyond ourselves to move forward, and it is there that we find healing and restoration for our wounded souls. May we not live in the past or turn to our own destructive vices but find deliverance and victory through the enduring work of the Holy Spirit that brings comfort, conviction, and cleansing. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Amen.
Bible facts
Bible Facts – The Books of the BibleThe Old Testament has 17 Historical, 5 Poetical, and 17 Prophetic books in it.
The 17 Historical Books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
The 5 Poetical Books are: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon,
The 17 Prophetic Books are: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
The New Testament has 4 Gospels, Acts, 21 Epistles, and Revelation in it.
The 4 Gospels are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
The 21 Epistles are: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
Bible Facts – Miscellaneous FactsThe Bible contains 1189 chapters. The Old Testament has 929 chapters and the New Testament has 260 chapters. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, and the shortest is Psalm 117. The longest verse is Esther 8:9, and the shortest is John 11:35.
The Bible was written:
over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100)
over 40 generations
over 40 authors from many walks of life (i.e. - kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars)
in different places (i.e. - wilderness, dungeon, palaces)
at different times (i.e. - war, peace)
in different moods (i.e. - heights of joy, depths of despair)
on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe)
in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek)
Bible Facts – Miscellaneous FactsVarious passages which speak of Jesus Christ as God – John 1:1, John 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:11, and Colossians 1:16.
Various passages which speak of Jesus Christ's humanity – John 1:14, Luke 2:7, Luke 2:40, Luke 8:23, John 4:6 and Hebrews 4:15.
Types of biblical prayers:
Confession (Psalm 51; Luke 18:10-24)
Praise (1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Luke 1:46-55)
Thanksgiving (Psalm 105:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Petition (Genesis 24:12-14; Acts 1:24-26)
Intercession (Exodus 32:11-13; Philippians 1:9-11)
Commitment (1 Kings 8:56-61; Acts 4:24-30)
Forgiveness (Daniel 9:4-19; Acts 7:60)
Confidence (Psalm 23; Luke 2:29-32)
Benediction (Numbers 6:24-26; Jude 24)
The 17 Historical Books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
The 5 Poetical Books are: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon,
The 17 Prophetic Books are: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
The New Testament has 4 Gospels, Acts, 21 Epistles, and Revelation in it.
The 4 Gospels are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
The 21 Epistles are: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
Bible Facts – Miscellaneous FactsThe Bible contains 1189 chapters. The Old Testament has 929 chapters and the New Testament has 260 chapters. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, and the shortest is Psalm 117. The longest verse is Esther 8:9, and the shortest is John 11:35.
The Bible was written:
over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100)
over 40 generations
over 40 authors from many walks of life (i.e. - kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars)
in different places (i.e. - wilderness, dungeon, palaces)
at different times (i.e. - war, peace)
in different moods (i.e. - heights of joy, depths of despair)
on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe)
in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek)
Bible Facts – Miscellaneous FactsVarious passages which speak of Jesus Christ as God – John 1:1, John 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:11, and Colossians 1:16.
Various passages which speak of Jesus Christ's humanity – John 1:14, Luke 2:7, Luke 2:40, Luke 8:23, John 4:6 and Hebrews 4:15.
Types of biblical prayers:
Confession (Psalm 51; Luke 18:10-24)
Praise (1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Luke 1:46-55)
Thanksgiving (Psalm 105:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Petition (Genesis 24:12-14; Acts 1:24-26)
Intercession (Exodus 32:11-13; Philippians 1:9-11)
Commitment (1 Kings 8:56-61; Acts 4:24-30)
Forgiveness (Daniel 9:4-19; Acts 7:60)
Confidence (Psalm 23; Luke 2:29-32)
Benediction (Numbers 6:24-26; Jude 24)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
God's many names reveal much about Him
The Bible uses a variety of names for God. He calls things what they are, and He calls Himself what He is.
Some of His names describe His attributes and characteristics. Others are His titles of position, power and authority. The Bible calls Him "the Ancient of Days" and "the Most High." He is revealed as our Creator, our Father, our Provider, our Lord, our King, our Healer, our Redeemer and our Savior.
To understand the importance of the meaning of a divine name, let's examine the most significant name for God in the Old Testament. In Hebrew it is Yahweh, often translated LORD (in capital letters). This name distinguished Him from the false gods of other nations. It set Him apart as the living, true God to the people of Israel.
Yahweh is derived from a Hebrew root word meaning "to be." God used this word in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God His name. God responded that His name is "I AM WHO I AM" or, perhaps even more accurately, "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE."
Consider this illustration: God made His presence known to ancient Israel during the time of the Exodus in a pillar of fire by night and a covering cloud by day. He had already made Himself known to Moses through a bush that burned but was not consumed by the fire. This name makes it clear that the living God, as He relates to us, can be—and can do—whatever He desires. He can reveal His power and presence to us in any manner He chooses.
The Bible tells us that the name Yahweh designates "the Everlasting God" (Genesis 21:33). In meaning it is similar to "Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" in the Greek language (Revelation 22:13). It can be translated into English as "the Eternal."
These descriptions of God clearly express that our Creator has always existed and will always exist. He not only has everlasting life in Himself, He also has the power to grant immortality as a gift to those who please Him.
In translating God's names from one language to another, preserving the meaning of the name—not its phonetic sound—is important. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. The names of God are freely translated from the Hebrew into the Greek, setting us a clear example that translating God's names from one language to another is perfectly acceptable.
Just remember, God wants us to recognize and acknowledge Him for what He is. Therefore, it is the meaning, not the sound or spelling, of His names that is of greater importance as the Bible is translated from one language to another.
Some of His names describe His attributes and characteristics. Others are His titles of position, power and authority. The Bible calls Him "the Ancient of Days" and "the Most High." He is revealed as our Creator, our Father, our Provider, our Lord, our King, our Healer, our Redeemer and our Savior.
To understand the importance of the meaning of a divine name, let's examine the most significant name for God in the Old Testament. In Hebrew it is Yahweh, often translated LORD (in capital letters). This name distinguished Him from the false gods of other nations. It set Him apart as the living, true God to the people of Israel.
Yahweh is derived from a Hebrew root word meaning "to be." God used this word in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God His name. God responded that His name is "I AM WHO I AM" or, perhaps even more accurately, "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE."
Consider this illustration: God made His presence known to ancient Israel during the time of the Exodus in a pillar of fire by night and a covering cloud by day. He had already made Himself known to Moses through a bush that burned but was not consumed by the fire. This name makes it clear that the living God, as He relates to us, can be—and can do—whatever He desires. He can reveal His power and presence to us in any manner He chooses.
The Bible tells us that the name Yahweh designates "the Everlasting God" (Genesis 21:33). In meaning it is similar to "Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" in the Greek language (Revelation 22:13). It can be translated into English as "the Eternal."
These descriptions of God clearly express that our Creator has always existed and will always exist. He not only has everlasting life in Himself, He also has the power to grant immortality as a gift to those who please Him.
In translating God's names from one language to another, preserving the meaning of the name—not its phonetic sound—is important. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. The names of God are freely translated from the Hebrew into the Greek, setting us a clear example that translating God's names from one language to another is perfectly acceptable.
Just remember, God wants us to recognize and acknowledge Him for what He is. Therefore, it is the meaning, not the sound or spelling, of His names that is of greater importance as the Bible is translated from one language to another.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Be happy with what you have
Read this and then reread it. Especially the last part...
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses.
With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. Hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.
She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.' I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. 'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice.. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front.
I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.
'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wra pping and found it almost unreal.
How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are. This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden..
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.
Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure. For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses.
With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. Hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.
She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.' I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. 'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice.. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front.
I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.
'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wra pping and found it almost unreal.
How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are. This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden..
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.
Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure. For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.
Friday prayer & verses (12 12 2008)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.
As the man's breath and voice returned he said, "I'm ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?"
The doctor smiled and said, "I'll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking."
It's true, isn't it, that when you're facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!
We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, "Lord, if you'll just see me through this, I'll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!" or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we're willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.
Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, "To me, to live is Christ." In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things prove advantageous for their true good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Matthew 8:17
This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, "He took our sicknesses and bore our diseases."
Romans 8:34
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Matthew 7:11
Even though you are bad, you know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him."
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know of the loving-favor shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. He was very rich, but He became very poor for your good. In that way, because He became poor, you might become rich.
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts.
You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us, and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual gifting. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.
As the man's breath and voice returned he said, "I'm ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?"
The doctor smiled and said, "I'll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking."
It's true, isn't it, that when you're facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!
We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, "Lord, if you'll just see me through this, I'll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!" or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we're willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.
Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, "To me, to live is Christ." In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things prove advantageous for their true good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Matthew 8:17
This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, "He took our sicknesses and bore our diseases."
Romans 8:34
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Matthew 7:11
Even though you are bad, you know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him."
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know of the loving-favor shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. He was very rich, but He became very poor for your good. In that way, because He became poor, you might become rich.
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts.
You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us, and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual gifting. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Why did Jesus fold the burial face napkin
This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating in the emails so; I'll start it, if it touches you and you want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the graveclothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from theentrance.She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of thetomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciples outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' headwas folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important?
Absolutely!Is it really significant? Yes!In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin hadto do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and theservant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up thatnapkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!!
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the graveclothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from theentrance.She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of thetomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciples outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' headwas folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important?
Absolutely!Is it really significant? Yes!In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin hadto do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and theservant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up thatnapkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thursday prayer & verses (11 12 2008)
Thought for the day
Admit it, you've been there (and you may be there again in just a few days). You receive a gift that makes you grimace -- an orange tie with purple stripes, perhaps, or a battery-operated radish peeler. You can't be impolite and say, "I don't like it. I want to exchange it." So what do you say?
Fortunately someone has come up with "The Top Ten Things to Say About a Christmas Gift You Don't Like":
10. Hey! Now there's a gift!
9. Well, well, well ...
8. What a shame! If I hadn't recently shot up 4 sizes, this would've fit.
7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!
4. I love it -- but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.
2. To think -- I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
1. "I really don't deserve this.
"Whatever you say, you know you'll be standing in line at Wal-Mart for hours with everyone else who received gifts that were just as horrible.
There's a beautiful story in 2 Corinthians 8 about a gift that the churches of Macedonia gave to Paul to help out needy Christians in Jerusalem. It was a gift that Paul was reluctant to receive. Not because there was anything wrong with it. Quite the opposite -- it was a generous gift. Perhaps too generous. The Christians who gave it were not at all wealthy, so the gift seemed excessive.
"For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints." (2 Cor. 8:3-4)The reason that their gift was so generous and so special, though, was because of another gift they had given: "And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God." (2 Cor. 8:5)
Want to give a gift that will never need to be exchanged? Give yourself wholeheartedly to the Lord. It's certain to be exactly what He wants this year!
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things prove advantageous for their true good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 4:20-21
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Psalm 147:4
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Romans 8:31
To all this there is a corollary. If God is for us, who or what can possibly be against us?
Prayer
Father, we think of Rahab’s obedience in hanging the scarlet cord from the window of her home which brought safety and deliverance for her and all her household. It would seem that the scarlet cord is symbolic of the blood of the Passover lamb that was posted on the houses of the Israelites during their mighty deliverance from captivity in Egypt. And, on the personal level, when we receive Jesus as our Savior we post His sinless blood on the doors of our hearts so that we are freed from the captivity of Satan’s tyranny. We are protected from our deserved judgment for sins, because Your Son, Jesus, bore our sins for us. Thank You for making provision for us just as the spies made provision for Rahab. But even greater is that Your provision for salvation is not just for this life but for all eternity. We give You thanks in Jesus name. Amen.
Admit it, you've been there (and you may be there again in just a few days). You receive a gift that makes you grimace -- an orange tie with purple stripes, perhaps, or a battery-operated radish peeler. You can't be impolite and say, "I don't like it. I want to exchange it." So what do you say?
Fortunately someone has come up with "The Top Ten Things to Say About a Christmas Gift You Don't Like":
10. Hey! Now there's a gift!
9. Well, well, well ...
8. What a shame! If I hadn't recently shot up 4 sizes, this would've fit.
7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!
4. I love it -- but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.
2. To think -- I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
1. "I really don't deserve this.
"Whatever you say, you know you'll be standing in line at Wal-Mart for hours with everyone else who received gifts that were just as horrible.
There's a beautiful story in 2 Corinthians 8 about a gift that the churches of Macedonia gave to Paul to help out needy Christians in Jerusalem. It was a gift that Paul was reluctant to receive. Not because there was anything wrong with it. Quite the opposite -- it was a generous gift. Perhaps too generous. The Christians who gave it were not at all wealthy, so the gift seemed excessive.
"For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints." (2 Cor. 8:3-4)The reason that their gift was so generous and so special, though, was because of another gift they had given: "And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God." (2 Cor. 8:5)
Want to give a gift that will never need to be exchanged? Give yourself wholeheartedly to the Lord. It's certain to be exactly what He wants this year!
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things prove advantageous for their true good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 4:20-21
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Psalm 147:4
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Romans 8:31
To all this there is a corollary. If God is for us, who or what can possibly be against us?
Prayer
Father, we think of Rahab’s obedience in hanging the scarlet cord from the window of her home which brought safety and deliverance for her and all her household. It would seem that the scarlet cord is symbolic of the blood of the Passover lamb that was posted on the houses of the Israelites during their mighty deliverance from captivity in Egypt. And, on the personal level, when we receive Jesus as our Savior we post His sinless blood on the doors of our hearts so that we are freed from the captivity of Satan’s tyranny. We are protected from our deserved judgment for sins, because Your Son, Jesus, bore our sins for us. Thank You for making provision for us just as the spies made provision for Rahab. But even greater is that Your provision for salvation is not just for this life but for all eternity. We give You thanks in Jesus name. Amen.
I Know
I Know
I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?
I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?
I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?
I know He is the healer, so why do I speak of sickness?
I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?
I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?
I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?
I know He is my strength and salvation, so why do I feel weak?
I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?
I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?
I know that tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?
I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him?
I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
I Know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time?
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?
I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?
I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?
I know He is the healer, so why do I speak of sickness?
I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?
I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?
I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?
I know He is my strength and salvation, so why do I feel weak?
I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?
I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?
I know that tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?
I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him?
I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
I Know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time?
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Wednesday prayer& verses (10 12 2008)
Thought for the day
In a terrible accident at a railroad crossing, a train smashed into a car and pushed it nearly four hundred yards down the track. Though no one was killed, the driver took the train company to court.
At the trial, the engineer insisted that he had given the driver ample warning by waving his lantern back and forth for nearly a minute. He even stood and convincingly demonstrated how he'd done it. The court believed his story, and the suit was dismissed.
"Congratulations," the lawyer said to the engineer when it was over. "You did superbly under cross-examination.""Thanks," he said, "but he sure had me worried.""How's that?" the lawyer asked.
"I was afraid he was going to ask if the lantern was lit!"
In a similar way, we often go through our lives afraid that someone will ask us a particular question. "If someone asks me why I believe in God and not evolution, what will I say?" "What if someone asks me how I can possibly believe in the resurrection?" "What do I say if someone asks me why I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God, or why I believe that it teaches this or that?"
Instead of being detrimental as in the case of the engineer above, though, such questions provide us with an opportunity to share our faith."But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)Don't be afraid for anyone to ask!
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Then don't lose your courage. There's a great reward for it.
You need endurance to do what God wants and so to get what He promised.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give as he has decided in his heart. He should not give, wishing he could keep it. Or he should not give if he feels he has to give. God loves a man who gives because he wants to give.
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, amen.
In a terrible accident at a railroad crossing, a train smashed into a car and pushed it nearly four hundred yards down the track. Though no one was killed, the driver took the train company to court.
At the trial, the engineer insisted that he had given the driver ample warning by waving his lantern back and forth for nearly a minute. He even stood and convincingly demonstrated how he'd done it. The court believed his story, and the suit was dismissed.
"Congratulations," the lawyer said to the engineer when it was over. "You did superbly under cross-examination.""Thanks," he said, "but he sure had me worried.""How's that?" the lawyer asked.
"I was afraid he was going to ask if the lantern was lit!"
In a similar way, we often go through our lives afraid that someone will ask us a particular question. "If someone asks me why I believe in God and not evolution, what will I say?" "What if someone asks me how I can possibly believe in the resurrection?" "What do I say if someone asks me why I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God, or why I believe that it teaches this or that?"
Instead of being detrimental as in the case of the engineer above, though, such questions provide us with an opportunity to share our faith."But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)Don't be afraid for anyone to ask!
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Then don't lose your courage. There's a great reward for it.
You need endurance to do what God wants and so to get what He promised.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give as he has decided in his heart. He should not give, wishing he could keep it. Or he should not give if he feels he has to give. God loves a man who gives because he wants to give.
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, amen.
Tuesday prayer & verses (09 12 2008)
Thought for the day
Jeremy was not a normal child. He had a terminal illness which affected both his body and his mind. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to a religious elementary school. At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. He was a frustration to his teacher and to all the children in the class.
Springtime came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Their teacher told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg with this assignment: "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"All the children responded enthusiastically, "Yes, Miss Miller!" All of them, that is, except for Jeremy.
He just listened carefully, his eyes never leaving the teacher's face. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? The teacher thought perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them, but she got busy and forgot.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in a large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Miss Miller found a flower. She said, "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life. When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked real. The teacher held it up. She said, "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine!
"Next, the teacher found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My daddy helped me!"Then the teacher opened the fourth egg. But the egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and, obviously, he didn't understand her instructions. If only she hadn't forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?"
A bit flustered, the teacher said, "But Jeremy -- your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too!
"Truly, the greatest symbol of new life is found in an empty tomb!
"But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." (Matt. 28:5-7)"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Rom. 8:11)
May you come to know the true life which is found in Him who was responsible for that empty tomb.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not then throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward. You need endurance, if you are to do God's will and win what he has promised.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Joshua 1:8
Don't stop reading this book of the Law, but day and night think of what it says, so you can be careful to do everything written in it; then you will prosper and succeed.
Prayer
Father, regardless of our birth genealogy, whether we’re born to peasant or royalty, when we are born into the Kingdom of God we become Your children and all are on equal standing at the foot of the cross. We are not just born into Your Kingdom but we were purchased with the precious sinless blood of Jesus. There is no higher calling and no greater privilege granted to the human race. Thank You for the spirit of sonship that invites each of us to call You Abba Father. This is possible only because of Christ Jesus who gave His all that we might be born again and receive eternal life. Amen
Jeremy was not a normal child. He had a terminal illness which affected both his body and his mind. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to a religious elementary school. At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. He was a frustration to his teacher and to all the children in the class.
Springtime came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Their teacher told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg with this assignment: "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"All the children responded enthusiastically, "Yes, Miss Miller!" All of them, that is, except for Jeremy.
He just listened carefully, his eyes never leaving the teacher's face. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? The teacher thought perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them, but she got busy and forgot.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in a large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Miss Miller found a flower. She said, "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life. When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked real. The teacher held it up. She said, "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine!
"Next, the teacher found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My daddy helped me!"Then the teacher opened the fourth egg. But the egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and, obviously, he didn't understand her instructions. If only she hadn't forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?"
A bit flustered, the teacher said, "But Jeremy -- your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too!
"Truly, the greatest symbol of new life is found in an empty tomb!
"But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead." (Matt. 28:5-7)"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Rom. 8:11)
May you come to know the true life which is found in Him who was responsible for that empty tomb.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not then throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward. You need endurance, if you are to do God's will and win what he has promised.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Joshua 1:8
Don't stop reading this book of the Law, but day and night think of what it says, so you can be careful to do everything written in it; then you will prosper and succeed.
Prayer
Father, regardless of our birth genealogy, whether we’re born to peasant or royalty, when we are born into the Kingdom of God we become Your children and all are on equal standing at the foot of the cross. We are not just born into Your Kingdom but we were purchased with the precious sinless blood of Jesus. There is no higher calling and no greater privilege granted to the human race. Thank You for the spirit of sonship that invites each of us to call You Abba Father. This is possible only because of Christ Jesus who gave His all that we might be born again and receive eternal life. Amen
Monday, December 08, 2008
The rapture - Chapter 3
Chapter 3
The rapture doctrine – Trash or Truth?
1. What about 1 Thessalonians 4:17?
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I believe that we who are alive and remain shall be caught up, but not as the church has been told. If the earth is round as we have come to believe, then if I’m caught up (height) those in China are caught down (descent). If He comes as a thief in the night (darkness) it means those in the light on the other side of the world will not be taken.
I believe that we will be caught up the same as Paul experienced in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Was caught up to the 3rd Heaven; something to note, there’s no height involved as we have been toughed. What I have come to know from scripture is that heaven is not a place but a dimension.
Paul never left the earth but was caught up (so also Phillip)!, Paul also calls it paradise which he just previously called heaven or 3rd heaven.
The main point is caught up does not mean leaving the earth; I believe we shall be caught up (keep in mind not leaving earth (in the clouds).
Clouds in Strongs Hebrew and Greek (G3507) defines it as cloudiness or cloud (singular), reading this in context means we shall be caught up in the CLOUD. I believe paradise or heaven is not up there somewhere.!
Luke 23:43
Lu 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Invisible/Higher life).
Paradise – (d) Park; Eden; Place of happiness, right after these words Jesus gave up the Holy Ghost and died!
Genesis 2:8
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Genesis 2:15
Ge 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
God has never removed the Garden of Eden or Paradise or Heaven if you will, it’s still exactly where God left it, God however did remove man though!!!
Could it be that Eden was an invisible realm or Higher life where man was placed to rule the Visible and Lower life?
Man messed it up and God kicked man out of the Invisible, Higher life and shut it. It is still exactly where God placed it but man now dwells in the Visible and Lower life.
Genesis 1:26-27
Ge 1:26 And God said, Let us (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) 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.
Ge 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.
Something happens prior to the creation of man that makes man even more like God!
Ge 2:6 But there went up a mist (fog, vapour) from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
Meaning before God made man a cloud appeared because man had to be exactly like God (God dwells in the cloud).
Ge 2:7 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.
Man was conceived in a cloud – placed in dust-breathed into by God-became a living soul. God has never moved Eden but He moved man. Eden (or heaven or 3rd heaven or paradise) is exactly where God left it, on earth, but God moved man.
2. What else lies in this dimension?
Luke 16:20-26
Lu 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, Lu 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Lu 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Lu 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Lu 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Lu 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Lu 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Lazarus and the rich man both lived on earth.
Heaven and hell is on the same level.
The saw each other and could speak to each other.
It is not height but dimension.
There is this gulf between heaven and hell that can’t be crossed.
Revelation 5:13
Re 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
They are all on the same created plain and no height difference.
James 1:17
Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
It is not height but dimension, anything that comes from God is always higher and anything from heaven will always come down because it’s on a higher authority, rank and purity. If you were looking for your answer from heaven (height wise) it must fall because there’s no other way of getting there.
The rapture doctrine – Trash or Truth?
1. What about 1 Thessalonians 4:17?
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I believe that we who are alive and remain shall be caught up, but not as the church has been told. If the earth is round as we have come to believe, then if I’m caught up (height) those in China are caught down (descent). If He comes as a thief in the night (darkness) it means those in the light on the other side of the world will not be taken.
I believe that we will be caught up the same as Paul experienced in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Was caught up to the 3rd Heaven; something to note, there’s no height involved as we have been toughed. What I have come to know from scripture is that heaven is not a place but a dimension.
Paul never left the earth but was caught up (so also Phillip)!, Paul also calls it paradise which he just previously called heaven or 3rd heaven.
The main point is caught up does not mean leaving the earth; I believe we shall be caught up (keep in mind not leaving earth (in the clouds).
Clouds in Strongs Hebrew and Greek (G3507) defines it as cloudiness or cloud (singular), reading this in context means we shall be caught up in the CLOUD. I believe paradise or heaven is not up there somewhere.!
Luke 23:43
Lu 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Invisible/Higher life).
Paradise – (d) Park; Eden; Place of happiness, right after these words Jesus gave up the Holy Ghost and died!
Genesis 2:8
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Genesis 2:15
Ge 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
God has never removed the Garden of Eden or Paradise or Heaven if you will, it’s still exactly where God left it, God however did remove man though!!!
Could it be that Eden was an invisible realm or Higher life where man was placed to rule the Visible and Lower life?
Man messed it up and God kicked man out of the Invisible, Higher life and shut it. It is still exactly where God placed it but man now dwells in the Visible and Lower life.
Genesis 1:26-27
Ge 1:26 And God said, Let us (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) 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.
Ge 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.
Something happens prior to the creation of man that makes man even more like God!
Ge 2:6 But there went up a mist (fog, vapour) from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
Meaning before God made man a cloud appeared because man had to be exactly like God (God dwells in the cloud).
Ge 2:7 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.
Man was conceived in a cloud – placed in dust-breathed into by God-became a living soul. God has never moved Eden but He moved man. Eden (or heaven or 3rd heaven or paradise) is exactly where God left it, on earth, but God moved man.
2. What else lies in this dimension?
Luke 16:20-26
Lu 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, Lu 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Lu 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Lu 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Lu 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Lu 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Lu 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Lazarus and the rich man both lived on earth.
Heaven and hell is on the same level.
The saw each other and could speak to each other.
It is not height but dimension.
There is this gulf between heaven and hell that can’t be crossed.
Revelation 5:13
Re 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
They are all on the same created plain and no height difference.
James 1:17
Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
It is not height but dimension, anything that comes from God is always higher and anything from heaven will always come down because it’s on a higher authority, rank and purity. If you were looking for your answer from heaven (height wise) it must fall because there’s no other way of getting there.
The rapture - Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
The rapture doctrine – Trash or Truth?
1. What about the Marriage Supper of Luke 12:35-46
Lu 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
Lu 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
The Master is at the Marriage feast and the servants not.
Lu 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Not to take them away but have them sit to serve them.
Lu 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Lu 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
If He is planning to come as a thief in the night, the announcement of His coming with the trumpet will totally give Him away.
Lu 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
It does not read that we must be ready because we will be going in a moment that we don’t anticipate it!
Lu 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
For who is this parable? The Jews, the Church, the rapture expectants!
Lu 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
The Lord said: IT IS FOR THE FAITHFULL STEWARDS.
Lu 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Lu 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
Doesn’t sound to me if the faithfull stewards got raptured! That’s not a bad deal if you’re faithfull, sounds to me like they stay and rule.
Lu 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
Some servants say the master is late in coming and therefore becomes unfaithfull!
Lu 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
2. What about the Tribulation of Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:3
Mt 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Jesus was talking to His disciples (not unsaved world), He told them what THEY would go through! This is the end of age and not the end of time, it is the end of the Law and a time of Grace and Mercy with Christ.
Matthew 24:5-33
Mt 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mt 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mt 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mt 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mt 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mt 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mt 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mt 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Mt 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Mt 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mt 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
It is for the sake of the elect shortened, it means they go THROUGH IT!
Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mt 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
Mt 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
Mt 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mt 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Mt 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mt 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mt 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mt 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mt 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
But it doesn’t stop there, this was not written for us!!!!!!!
Mt 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
There was a tribulation for the generation He was speaking to, all that written by Daniel the Prophet and all that Christ spoke of concerning tribulation was fulfilled at 70 A.D.
Daniel 10:1
Da 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
Daniel 12:12
Da 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
John 16:33
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
NO MORE TRIBULATION – not PRE-; not MID-; not POST-; you have overcome IN CHRIST!
Romans 2:7-10
Ro 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Ro 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Ro 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Ro 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
There will be those who get tribulation! But it was not designed for me though, if you are in Christ and righteous it is not for you.
The rapture doctrine – Trash or Truth?
1. What about the Marriage Supper of Luke 12:35-46
Lu 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
Lu 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
The Master is at the Marriage feast and the servants not.
Lu 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Not to take them away but have them sit to serve them.
Lu 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Lu 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
If He is planning to come as a thief in the night, the announcement of His coming with the trumpet will totally give Him away.
Lu 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
It does not read that we must be ready because we will be going in a moment that we don’t anticipate it!
Lu 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
For who is this parable? The Jews, the Church, the rapture expectants!
Lu 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
The Lord said: IT IS FOR THE FAITHFULL STEWARDS.
Lu 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Lu 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
Doesn’t sound to me if the faithfull stewards got raptured! That’s not a bad deal if you’re faithfull, sounds to me like they stay and rule.
Lu 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
Some servants say the master is late in coming and therefore becomes unfaithfull!
Lu 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
2. What about the Tribulation of Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:3
Mt 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Jesus was talking to His disciples (not unsaved world), He told them what THEY would go through! This is the end of age and not the end of time, it is the end of the Law and a time of Grace and Mercy with Christ.
Matthew 24:5-33
Mt 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mt 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mt 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mt 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mt 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mt 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mt 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mt 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Mt 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Looks like some will go through a tribulation!
Mt 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Mt 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mt 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
It is for the sake of the elect shortened, it means they go THROUGH IT!
Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mt 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
Mt 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
Mt 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mt 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Mt 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mt 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mt 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mt 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mt 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
But it doesn’t stop there, this was not written for us!!!!!!!
Mt 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
There was a tribulation for the generation He was speaking to, all that written by Daniel the Prophet and all that Christ spoke of concerning tribulation was fulfilled at 70 A.D.
Daniel 10:1
Da 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
Daniel 12:12
Da 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
John 16:33
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
NO MORE TRIBULATION – not PRE-; not MID-; not POST-; you have overcome IN CHRIST!
Romans 2:7-10
Ro 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Ro 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Ro 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Ro 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
There will be those who get tribulation! But it was not designed for me though, if you are in Christ and righteous it is not for you.
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