Thought for the day
A defense attorney was cross-examining a police officer during afelony trial. It went like this:
Q: Officer, did you see my client fleeing the scene?
A: No sir, but I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender running several blocks away.
Q: Officer, who provided this description?
A: The officer who responded to the scene.
Q: A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?
A: Yes sir, with my life.
Q: WITH YOUR LIFE? Let me ask you this, then, officer -- do you have a locker room in the police station -- a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?
A: Yes sir, we do.
Q: And do you have a locker in that room?
A: Yes sir, I do.
Q: And do you have a lock on your locker?
A: Yes sir.Q: Now why is it, officer, IF YOU TRUST YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS WITH YOUR LIFE, that you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with those officers?
A: You see, sir, we share the building with a court complex, and sometimes defense attorneys have been known to walk through that room.
Sometimes it's best not to pursue a particular line of questioning! But it's true that there are some people we can't trust at all and there are others we can trust with our very lives. Our level of trust is based upon how someone has proven themselves to be faithful in the past. As you probably know from personal experience, it takes months and years to establish a high level of trust, but only a moment to destroy it. Because people do let us down, we are sometimes made to feel that there is no one we can trust. But fortunately, there is someone.
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them -- the LORD, who remains faithful forever." (Psa. 146:3-6, NIV)
Father, thank you for being faithful, for proving over and over that you are indeed a God we can trust with our very lives. While there are others who have let us down, you never have. For that we praise you! May our trust in you be reflected in our willingness to allow you to guide us this day. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
"Believe me," replied Jesus, "if you have faith, without a single doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you should say to this hill, 'Up, and hurl yourself into the sea!', the thing will be done.
Deuteronomy 7:15
And the Lord will take away from you all disease, and will not put on you any of the evil diseases of Egypt which you have seen, but will put them on your haters.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger:
but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
Prayer
Father, though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone. For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope You offer to me which is firm and secure. You will not abandon the work of Your hands but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing. I do not want to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Keep me faithful to the end. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (29 01 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a colonel who issued the following statement to his executive secretary:
"Tomorrow evening at approximately 2000 hours Haley's Comet will be visible in this area, an event that occurs only once every 75 years. Have the men fall out in fatigues, and I will explain this rare phenomenon to them. In case of rain, we will not be able to see anything, so assemble the men in the theater and I will show them films of it.
"The executive secretary passed the order on to the company commander:
"By order of the Colonel, tomorrow at 2000 hours, Haley'sComet will appear above the battalion area. If it rains, fall the men out in fatigues, then march to the theater where the rare phenomenon will take place, something which happens only once every 75 years.
"The company commander passed the order on to the lieutenant:
"By order of the Colonel in fatigues at 2000 hours tomorrow evening, the phenomenal Haley's Comet will appear in the theater. In case of rain in the battalion area, the Colonel will give another order, something which happens once every 75 years.
"The lieutenant told the sergeant:
"Tomorrow at 2000 hours, the Colonel in fatigues will appear in the theater with the phenomenal Haley's Comet, something that happens every 75 years. If it rains, the Colonel will order the comet into the battalion area.
"The sergeant gave the following order to the squad:
"When it rains tomorrow at 2000 hours, the phenomenal 75-year-old General Haley, accompanied by the Colonel, will drive his Comet through the battalion area theater in fatigues.
"Unfortunately, many rumors get started in much the same way. What begins as an innocent statement can quickly transform into an ugly lie after being passed along by several "well-meaning" people. That's why the scriptures warn so strongly about the sin of gossip.
"Without wood, a fire will go out, and without gossip, quarreling will stop. Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrel some person keeps an argument going. The words of a gossip are like tastybits of food; people like to gobble them up." (Proverbs 26:20-22, NCV)
Father, please forgive me of those times when I have been so eager to "gobble up" negative information about others. May I not be so quick to listen to gossip. Keep me from the sin of spreading gossip, even in the name of "good intentions." In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Verses
Mark 5:34
'Daughter,' he said, 'your faith has cured you. Go and God bless you! Go and enjoy your new health, free from the trouble that was your scourge.'
Matthew 8:17
So that the word of Isaiah the prophet might come true: He himself took our pains and our diseases.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "
Luke 18:1
He also spoke to them a parable, that they should pray always and not get weary.
Prayer
Father, help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Give us divinely prescribed vision to see the hosts of the heavenly army who stand guard to protect us or engage in warfare against our enemy in the heavenly realms. We clothe ourselves in Your armor so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. We stand against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. May we walk in confidence rather than fear as we trust You to protect and guide us in all our ways. Amen.
The story is told of a colonel who issued the following statement to his executive secretary:
"Tomorrow evening at approximately 2000 hours Haley's Comet will be visible in this area, an event that occurs only once every 75 years. Have the men fall out in fatigues, and I will explain this rare phenomenon to them. In case of rain, we will not be able to see anything, so assemble the men in the theater and I will show them films of it.
"The executive secretary passed the order on to the company commander:
"By order of the Colonel, tomorrow at 2000 hours, Haley'sComet will appear above the battalion area. If it rains, fall the men out in fatigues, then march to the theater where the rare phenomenon will take place, something which happens only once every 75 years.
"The company commander passed the order on to the lieutenant:
"By order of the Colonel in fatigues at 2000 hours tomorrow evening, the phenomenal Haley's Comet will appear in the theater. In case of rain in the battalion area, the Colonel will give another order, something which happens once every 75 years.
"The lieutenant told the sergeant:
"Tomorrow at 2000 hours, the Colonel in fatigues will appear in the theater with the phenomenal Haley's Comet, something that happens every 75 years. If it rains, the Colonel will order the comet into the battalion area.
"The sergeant gave the following order to the squad:
"When it rains tomorrow at 2000 hours, the phenomenal 75-year-old General Haley, accompanied by the Colonel, will drive his Comet through the battalion area theater in fatigues.
"Unfortunately, many rumors get started in much the same way. What begins as an innocent statement can quickly transform into an ugly lie after being passed along by several "well-meaning" people. That's why the scriptures warn so strongly about the sin of gossip.
"Without wood, a fire will go out, and without gossip, quarreling will stop. Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrel some person keeps an argument going. The words of a gossip are like tastybits of food; people like to gobble them up." (Proverbs 26:20-22, NCV)
Father, please forgive me of those times when I have been so eager to "gobble up" negative information about others. May I not be so quick to listen to gossip. Keep me from the sin of spreading gossip, even in the name of "good intentions." In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Verses
Mark 5:34
'Daughter,' he said, 'your faith has cured you. Go and God bless you! Go and enjoy your new health, free from the trouble that was your scourge.'
Matthew 8:17
So that the word of Isaiah the prophet might come true: He himself took our pains and our diseases.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "
Luke 18:1
He also spoke to them a parable, that they should pray always and not get weary.
Prayer
Father, help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Give us divinely prescribed vision to see the hosts of the heavenly army who stand guard to protect us or engage in warfare against our enemy in the heavenly realms. We clothe ourselves in Your armor so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. We stand against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. May we walk in confidence rather than fear as we trust You to protect and guide us in all our ways. Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (28 01 2009)
Thought for the day
You've heard of Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.") Here are some new "laws", though, that you may not have heard of:
* Lerman's Law of Technology - Any technical problem can be overcome given enough time and money. Corollary - You are never given enough time or money.
* Murphy's First Law for Wives - If you ask your husband to pick up five items at the store and then you add one more as an after thought, hewill forget two of the first five.
* First Law of Living -- As soon as you start doing what you always wanted to be doing, you'll want to be doing something else.
* The Salary Axiom - The pay raise is just large enough to increase your taxes and just small enough to have no effect on your take-home pay.
* Miller's Law of Insurance - Insurance covers everything except what happens.
* Kenny's Law of Auto Repair - The part requiring the most consistent repair or replacement will be housed in the most inaccessible location.
* Second Law of Names - If there are two possible ways to spell a person's name, you will pick the wrong one. Corollary - If there is only one way to spell a name, you will spell it wrong anyway.
* The Grocery Bag Law - The candy bar you planned to eat on the way home from the market is hidden at the bottom of the grocery bag.
* Yeager's Law - Washing machines break down only during the wash cycle.Corollary - All breakdowns occur on the plumbers' day off.
* Lampner's Law of Employment - When leaving work late, you will go unnoticed. When you leave work early, you will meet the boss in the parking lot.
* Troutman's Fifth Programming Postulate - If the input editor has been designed to reject all bad input, an ingenious idiot will discover a method to get bad data past it.
* Lovka's Dilemma - You never get away, you only get someplace else.
The Bible is also filled with laws, everything from "You shall not commit adultery" to "You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together." Some laws are a part of the law of Moses and are no longer binding on us, others are a part of the New Testament and are binding, and some laws are eternal, like this one:
* The Law of Sin and Death -- "The soul who sins shall die." (Ezek. 18:4)
Like many of the laws listed above, it is rather pessimistic and depressing, and rightfully so. We have all sinned, and so we know what the penalty is. Fortunately there is a corollary, though:
* The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ -- If you are "in Christ" and walking "according to the Spirit," you can ignore the Law of Sin and Death (because Christ's death has paid the penalty for sin).
Listen to these words of hope: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:1-2)
May these words encourage those of us who are "in Christ Jesus" and spur us on to live Godly lives.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'
Prayer
Jesus, You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop Godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind’s feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! Amen.
You've heard of Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.") Here are some new "laws", though, that you may not have heard of:
* Lerman's Law of Technology - Any technical problem can be overcome given enough time and money. Corollary - You are never given enough time or money.
* Murphy's First Law for Wives - If you ask your husband to pick up five items at the store and then you add one more as an after thought, hewill forget two of the first five.
* First Law of Living -- As soon as you start doing what you always wanted to be doing, you'll want to be doing something else.
* The Salary Axiom - The pay raise is just large enough to increase your taxes and just small enough to have no effect on your take-home pay.
* Miller's Law of Insurance - Insurance covers everything except what happens.
* Kenny's Law of Auto Repair - The part requiring the most consistent repair or replacement will be housed in the most inaccessible location.
* Second Law of Names - If there are two possible ways to spell a person's name, you will pick the wrong one. Corollary - If there is only one way to spell a name, you will spell it wrong anyway.
* The Grocery Bag Law - The candy bar you planned to eat on the way home from the market is hidden at the bottom of the grocery bag.
* Yeager's Law - Washing machines break down only during the wash cycle.Corollary - All breakdowns occur on the plumbers' day off.
* Lampner's Law of Employment - When leaving work late, you will go unnoticed. When you leave work early, you will meet the boss in the parking lot.
* Troutman's Fifth Programming Postulate - If the input editor has been designed to reject all bad input, an ingenious idiot will discover a method to get bad data past it.
* Lovka's Dilemma - You never get away, you only get someplace else.
The Bible is also filled with laws, everything from "You shall not commit adultery" to "You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together." Some laws are a part of the law of Moses and are no longer binding on us, others are a part of the New Testament and are binding, and some laws are eternal, like this one:
* The Law of Sin and Death -- "The soul who sins shall die." (Ezek. 18:4)
Like many of the laws listed above, it is rather pessimistic and depressing, and rightfully so. We have all sinned, and so we know what the penalty is. Fortunately there is a corollary, though:
* The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ -- If you are "in Christ" and walking "according to the Spirit," you can ignore the Law of Sin and Death (because Christ's death has paid the penalty for sin).
Listen to these words of hope: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:1-2)
May these words encourage those of us who are "in Christ Jesus" and spur us on to live Godly lives.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'
Prayer
Jesus, You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop Godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind’s feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! Amen.
Love?
He met her at a party. She was so beautiful, many guys were chasing after her, while he was so plain and simple, nobody paid attention to him.
At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him, she was surprised, but to be polite, she consented. They went to a nice coffee shop, he was too nervous to say anything, she felt uncomfortable, she thought, please, let me go home.... suddenly he asked the waiter.
"would you please give me some salt? I'd like to put it in my coffee."
Everybody stared at him, How strange! His face turned red, but still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it.
She asked him curiously; why you have salt in your coffee? He
replied:
"when I was a little boy, I lived near the sea, I like playing in the sea, I could feel the taste of the sea, just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I always think of my childhood, think of my hometown, I miss my hometown so much, I miss my parents who still live there". While saying that tears filled his eyes.
She was deeply touched.
That's his true feelings, from the bottom of his heart. A man who can share his homesickness, he must be a man who loves home, cares about home, has ties to his home.
Then she also started to speak, spoke about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family. That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning of their story.
They continued to date. She found that he was actually a man who meets all her demands; he had tolerance, was kind hearted, warm, careful.
He was such a good person but she almost missed knowing him! Thanks to his salty coffee!
The story ended just like every beautiful love story , the princess married the prince, then they lived happily Ever after... And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in it, as she knew that's the way he liked it.
After 40 years, he passed away, left her a letter which said:
"My dearest, please forgive me, I have been lying my whole life.
This was the only lie I told you---the salty coffee.
Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time, actually I wanted some sugar, but I said salt. It was hard for me to change it, so I just went ahead.I never thought that could be the start of our conversation! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life, but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you about anything. Now I'm dying, I'm afraid of nothing so I can tell you the truth: I don't like the salty coffee, what a strange bad taste.. But I have had the salty coffee for my whole life!
Since I met you, I don't ever feel sorry for everything I did for you. " Having you with me is the biggest thrill of my whole life. If I can live a second time around, I would still want to know you and have you for the rest of my life,even though I have to drink the salty coffee again".
Her tears made the letter totally wet. One day, someone asked
her: how did the salty coffee taste? It was very sweet, she replied.
Love is not to forget but to forgive, not to see but to understand, not to hear but to listen, not to let go but to HOLD ON !!!!
Don't ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.
At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him, she was surprised, but to be polite, she consented. They went to a nice coffee shop, he was too nervous to say anything, she felt uncomfortable, she thought, please, let me go home.... suddenly he asked the waiter.
"would you please give me some salt? I'd like to put it in my coffee."
Everybody stared at him, How strange! His face turned red, but still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it.
She asked him curiously; why you have salt in your coffee? He
replied:
"when I was a little boy, I lived near the sea, I like playing in the sea, I could feel the taste of the sea, just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I always think of my childhood, think of my hometown, I miss my hometown so much, I miss my parents who still live there". While saying that tears filled his eyes.
She was deeply touched.
That's his true feelings, from the bottom of his heart. A man who can share his homesickness, he must be a man who loves home, cares about home, has ties to his home.
Then she also started to speak, spoke about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family. That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning of their story.
They continued to date. She found that he was actually a man who meets all her demands; he had tolerance, was kind hearted, warm, careful.
He was such a good person but she almost missed knowing him! Thanks to his salty coffee!
The story ended just like every beautiful love story , the princess married the prince, then they lived happily Ever after... And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in it, as she knew that's the way he liked it.
After 40 years, he passed away, left her a letter which said:
"My dearest, please forgive me, I have been lying my whole life.
This was the only lie I told you---the salty coffee.
Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time, actually I wanted some sugar, but I said salt. It was hard for me to change it, so I just went ahead.I never thought that could be the start of our conversation! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life, but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you about anything. Now I'm dying, I'm afraid of nothing so I can tell you the truth: I don't like the salty coffee, what a strange bad taste.. But I have had the salty coffee for my whole life!
Since I met you, I don't ever feel sorry for everything I did for you. " Having you with me is the biggest thrill of my whole life. If I can live a second time around, I would still want to know you and have you for the rest of my life,even though I have to drink the salty coffee again".
Her tears made the letter totally wet. One day, someone asked
her: how did the salty coffee taste? It was very sweet, she replied.
Love is not to forget but to forgive, not to see but to understand, not to hear but to listen, not to let go but to HOLD ON !!!!
Don't ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.
Your reward!
Your reward - Pastor Riaan du Toit of Miracle Revival Centre - MRC
I believe this is the time of reward ! It's the time where all your efforts pay off.
In Esther 6:2-3 Mordecai did an awesome thing by saving the king from an assassination attempt and yet it seemed that his honor went unnoticed !
What was his reward ?.....NOTHING !
It may feel that your honorable deeds go unnoticed and unrewarded !
I have great news ! God is about to turn the process around. Somewhere, somehow there is a divine appointment assigned for you and someone's nightmare is your dream breakthrough !
There is a night appointed where someone can't sleep UNTIL.....
Your name is coming up for reward !
Somebody is about to remember !
You will be elevated and lifted up and everybody shall see publically what God had in mind when He decided to bless you ! It's not over, just the beginning !
Take heart and rise up. It is your time for reward. The appointment with the king might seem to have been forgotten but there IS an appointment assigned !
I believe this is the time of reward ! It's the time where all your efforts pay off.
In Esther 6:2-3 Mordecai did an awesome thing by saving the king from an assassination attempt and yet it seemed that his honor went unnoticed !
What was his reward ?.....NOTHING !
It may feel that your honorable deeds go unnoticed and unrewarded !
I have great news ! God is about to turn the process around. Somewhere, somehow there is a divine appointment assigned for you and someone's nightmare is your dream breakthrough !
There is a night appointed where someone can't sleep UNTIL.....
Your name is coming up for reward !
Somebody is about to remember !
You will be elevated and lifted up and everybody shall see publically what God had in mind when He decided to bless you ! It's not over, just the beginning !
Take heart and rise up. It is your time for reward. The appointment with the king might seem to have been forgotten but there IS an appointment assigned !
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (27 01 2009)
Thought for the day
You have, no doubt, heard of the Darwin Awards. These are awards that are issued every year to the people who do the "stupidest stuff" which results in their own death. Recently, I found that these awards have been collected in a book, so I checked it out from the library, and had my wife read to me as we traveled one day. I discovered that her favorite chapter was the one about "Macho Men". These three examples come from that chapter:
There was the story about Larry and his friend Joseph who just last year decided to re-enact the William Tell scene where William shoots an apple off his sons head. But instead of an apple, they used a beer can. Larry put it on his head and Joseph shot. Unfortunately he was no William Tell and he killed his lifelong friend.
Then there was Ken who in 1997 was bitten by a cobra belonging to his friend. He refused to go to a hospital, though, saying, "I'm a man, I can handle it." Well he couldn't. He died a few hours later.
Oh yes, and then there was the story about James who in 1995 couldn’t figure out what was causing the strange noise under his truck, so he asked a friend to drive the truck while he hung underneath. Unfortunately, James' clothing got caught in the drive shaft and, well, you can figure out the rest.
It would still be tragic, but it would be more understandable if these foolish decisions were made by teenagers. But all of the above examples involved grown men, serving as proof that age alone is not a guarantee of maturity. Maturity can best be defined as the ability to make wise choices. It's sad to see an adult with years of experience making immature decisions. It's even sadder in the spiritual realm.
The writers of the New Testament make it clear that we are expected to grow, to mature, as Christians. We come up out of the waters of baptism a new creation, a babe in Christ. It's exciting to experience that new birth. But if, after years in the church, one still has the qualities of an newborn Christian, there is a definite problem.
The Hebrew writer addressed this very issue with his readers:"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Heb 5:11-14, NIV)
May your spiritual life be filled with growth as you continue to feed on God's Word, and may you develop the kind of maturity needed to make wise decisions.
Verses
Matthew 9:29
He then touched their eyes and said, To the measure of your faith it shall be to you.
Isaiah 57:19
"I create the fruit of the lips: peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the Lord, "And I will heal him."
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we desire to have You lead us in the paths of righteousness in the way everlasting. Sometimes the next step we take is clearly visible and other times it is a step of faith as darkness seems to veil Your leading. As we earnestly pray we can trust You who stilled the tempest and turned darkness into light. We pray for discernment and a willing spirit to follow Your leading in all matters. Amen.
You have, no doubt, heard of the Darwin Awards. These are awards that are issued every year to the people who do the "stupidest stuff" which results in their own death. Recently, I found that these awards have been collected in a book, so I checked it out from the library, and had my wife read to me as we traveled one day. I discovered that her favorite chapter was the one about "Macho Men". These three examples come from that chapter:
There was the story about Larry and his friend Joseph who just last year decided to re-enact the William Tell scene where William shoots an apple off his sons head. But instead of an apple, they used a beer can. Larry put it on his head and Joseph shot. Unfortunately he was no William Tell and he killed his lifelong friend.
Then there was Ken who in 1997 was bitten by a cobra belonging to his friend. He refused to go to a hospital, though, saying, "I'm a man, I can handle it." Well he couldn't. He died a few hours later.
Oh yes, and then there was the story about James who in 1995 couldn’t figure out what was causing the strange noise under his truck, so he asked a friend to drive the truck while he hung underneath. Unfortunately, James' clothing got caught in the drive shaft and, well, you can figure out the rest.
It would still be tragic, but it would be more understandable if these foolish decisions were made by teenagers. But all of the above examples involved grown men, serving as proof that age alone is not a guarantee of maturity. Maturity can best be defined as the ability to make wise choices. It's sad to see an adult with years of experience making immature decisions. It's even sadder in the spiritual realm.
The writers of the New Testament make it clear that we are expected to grow, to mature, as Christians. We come up out of the waters of baptism a new creation, a babe in Christ. It's exciting to experience that new birth. But if, after years in the church, one still has the qualities of an newborn Christian, there is a definite problem.
The Hebrew writer addressed this very issue with his readers:"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Heb 5:11-14, NIV)
May your spiritual life be filled with growth as you continue to feed on God's Word, and may you develop the kind of maturity needed to make wise decisions.
Verses
Matthew 9:29
He then touched their eyes and said, To the measure of your faith it shall be to you.
Isaiah 57:19
"I create the fruit of the lips: peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the Lord, "And I will heal him."
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we desire to have You lead us in the paths of righteousness in the way everlasting. Sometimes the next step we take is clearly visible and other times it is a step of faith as darkness seems to veil Your leading. As we earnestly pray we can trust You who stilled the tempest and turned darkness into light. We pray for discernment and a willing spirit to follow Your leading in all matters. Amen.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (26 01 2009)
Thought for the day
At the beginning of a New Year, a high school principal decided to post his teachers' New Year's resolutions on the bulletin board. As the teachers gathered around the bulletin board, a great commotion started. One of the teachers was complaining. "Why weren't my resolutions posted?"
She was throwing such a temper tantrum that the principal hurried to his office to see if he had overlooked her resolutions. Sure enough, he had mislaid them on his desk.
As he read her resolutions he was astounded. This teacher's first resolution was not to let little things upset her in the New Year.
It has been said that "nothing is certain but death and taxes." Perhaps we should add one more thing to that list of certainties -- the breaking of New Year's resolutions! Looking back on 2008, you may be one of the fortunate ones who accomplished exactly what you hoped to accomplish during the year. But, if you're like most of us, you didn't read all the way through the Bible like you intended to, you quit smoking but only for a while then picked up the habit again, or you lost a few pounds only to put them back on again when your diet failed. After experiencing this failure year after year, a person tends to say to himself, "What's the use? Why even bother to try to make these changes?"As an old Chinese proverb puts it, though, "Failure is not falling down. Failure is not getting back up." Or as the Japanese put it, "Fall down seven times, get up eight." If there are areas of your life that you've tried to improve and failed, let this this be the month that you try again.
And if you fail this month, get up and try again next month. Learn from your mistakes and become stronger. God does not turn his back on the Christian who fails (if you question that, you need only look at the story of Peter's denial of Christ). However, He cannot help the Christian who refuses to try any longer."Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hearts, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded....Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:7-8,10)If you have made a resolution to develop a habit that will bring you closer to God or a resolution to get rid of a habit that is pulling you away from God, may God bless you with the strength to accomplish your goal.
And, if you should stumble on your journey, may He pick you up and dust you off so that you can continue on the long journey of becoming like Christ.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
We do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen. What is seen is transitory; what is unseen lasts forever.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Galatians 6:7
Make no mistake about this: God is not to be fooled; a man reaps what he sows.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
At the beginning of a New Year, a high school principal decided to post his teachers' New Year's resolutions on the bulletin board. As the teachers gathered around the bulletin board, a great commotion started. One of the teachers was complaining. "Why weren't my resolutions posted?"
She was throwing such a temper tantrum that the principal hurried to his office to see if he had overlooked her resolutions. Sure enough, he had mislaid them on his desk.
As he read her resolutions he was astounded. This teacher's first resolution was not to let little things upset her in the New Year.
It has been said that "nothing is certain but death and taxes." Perhaps we should add one more thing to that list of certainties -- the breaking of New Year's resolutions! Looking back on 2008, you may be one of the fortunate ones who accomplished exactly what you hoped to accomplish during the year. But, if you're like most of us, you didn't read all the way through the Bible like you intended to, you quit smoking but only for a while then picked up the habit again, or you lost a few pounds only to put them back on again when your diet failed. After experiencing this failure year after year, a person tends to say to himself, "What's the use? Why even bother to try to make these changes?"As an old Chinese proverb puts it, though, "Failure is not falling down. Failure is not getting back up." Or as the Japanese put it, "Fall down seven times, get up eight." If there are areas of your life that you've tried to improve and failed, let this this be the month that you try again.
And if you fail this month, get up and try again next month. Learn from your mistakes and become stronger. God does not turn his back on the Christian who fails (if you question that, you need only look at the story of Peter's denial of Christ). However, He cannot help the Christian who refuses to try any longer."Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hearts, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded....Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:7-8,10)If you have made a resolution to develop a habit that will bring you closer to God or a resolution to get rid of a habit that is pulling you away from God, may God bless you with the strength to accomplish your goal.
And, if you should stumble on your journey, may He pick you up and dust you off so that you can continue on the long journey of becoming like Christ.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
We do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen. What is seen is transitory; what is unseen lasts forever.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Galatians 6:7
Make no mistake about this: God is not to be fooled; a man reaps what he sows.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (23 01 2009)
Thought for the day
The Arizona Republic reported this story (so I'm assuming this story really is true!):
"As Terry Mikel was speeding toward Tucson, he passed a car, an unmarked Arizona Highway Patrol car. The officer pulled Terry over. When Terry explained that he was late for a class he was teaching at the University of Arizona, the officer took pity on him and let him off with a warning. Before he went back to his car he said, `Slow down and drive safe.'
"Terry felt obligated to correct him. `Excuse me, Sir, but it should be "Slow down and drive safely. You said, "Drive safe."
"The officer walked back to his car and wrote him a $72 speeding ticket.
"We can't do it, can we? We just can't seem to keep our mouths shut! Looking back, we know we shouldn't have said a word, but at the time we felt so compelled to speak. Maybe you didn't get a ticket as a result, but you've done something just as foolish, haven't you? Maybe even this morning, before reading this message. Maybe even before leaving your house! James was so right when he wrote, "If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body..... For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue." (James 2b,7-8a)
That's not an excuse, incidentally, to let our tongues run wild. Rather, it's a challenge. As hard as it may be to control our tongues, it is essential that we as Christians strive to do just that. We stand to lose more than $72 if we fail to do so.
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)"Lord, we truly want to use our tongues to Your glory this day. As difficult as it may be, help us to guard our mouths as we resist the temptation to speak at those times when we ought to keep quiet. In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
John 14:18
"I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "You must obey the Lord, your God. You must do what the Lord said is right. You must obey all his laws and keep his rules. If you do these things, I will not give you any of the sicknesses I gave the Egyptians. I am the Lord. I am the Lord who heals you."
1 John 5:5
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Mark 11:24
For this reason I say to you, all things such as you go on praying for and asking for, go on believing that you did receive them, and you shall have them.
Prayer
Father, we trust You for You are worthy of implicit confidence. No problem is too difficult for You since Your power is supernatural and unlimited in strength. There is no prayer request that we bring to You that is too perplexing or hard for You to answer, no need too great for You to supply, no misdirected passion too strong for You to restrain; no temptation too powerful for You to deliver us from, and no misery too deep for You to relieve us from, for You are the Strength of our lives. And when we rest on these truths we are confident and trusting and there is no enemy force of which we should be afraid. We come boldly before Your throne of grace with Jesus as our Advocate. Amen.
The Arizona Republic reported this story (so I'm assuming this story really is true!):
"As Terry Mikel was speeding toward Tucson, he passed a car, an unmarked Arizona Highway Patrol car. The officer pulled Terry over. When Terry explained that he was late for a class he was teaching at the University of Arizona, the officer took pity on him and let him off with a warning. Before he went back to his car he said, `Slow down and drive safe.'
"Terry felt obligated to correct him. `Excuse me, Sir, but it should be "Slow down and drive safely. You said, "Drive safe."
"The officer walked back to his car and wrote him a $72 speeding ticket.
"We can't do it, can we? We just can't seem to keep our mouths shut! Looking back, we know we shouldn't have said a word, but at the time we felt so compelled to speak. Maybe you didn't get a ticket as a result, but you've done something just as foolish, haven't you? Maybe even this morning, before reading this message. Maybe even before leaving your house! James was so right when he wrote, "If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body..... For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue." (James 2b,7-8a)
That's not an excuse, incidentally, to let our tongues run wild. Rather, it's a challenge. As hard as it may be to control our tongues, it is essential that we as Christians strive to do just that. We stand to lose more than $72 if we fail to do so.
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)"Lord, we truly want to use our tongues to Your glory this day. As difficult as it may be, help us to guard our mouths as we resist the temptation to speak at those times when we ought to keep quiet. In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
John 14:18
"I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "You must obey the Lord, your God. You must do what the Lord said is right. You must obey all his laws and keep his rules. If you do these things, I will not give you any of the sicknesses I gave the Egyptians. I am the Lord. I am the Lord who heals you."
1 John 5:5
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Mark 11:24
For this reason I say to you, all things such as you go on praying for and asking for, go on believing that you did receive them, and you shall have them.
Prayer
Father, we trust You for You are worthy of implicit confidence. No problem is too difficult for You since Your power is supernatural and unlimited in strength. There is no prayer request that we bring to You that is too perplexing or hard for You to answer, no need too great for You to supply, no misdirected passion too strong for You to restrain; no temptation too powerful for You to deliver us from, and no misery too deep for You to relieve us from, for You are the Strength of our lives. And when we rest on these truths we are confident and trusting and there is no enemy force of which we should be afraid. We come boldly before Your throne of grace with Jesus as our Advocate. Amen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (22 01 2009)
Thought for the day
Every year, MLAW (Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch) holds a contest to find some of the wackiest product labels. Here are some of their favorite labels from the past eight years:
A popular scooter for children warns: "This product moves when used."
A label on an electric hand blender using for "blending, whipping, chopping and dicing," warns: "Never remove food or other items from the blades while the product is operating."
A label on a baby stroller warns: "Remove child before folding."
A brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook on the end warns: "Harmful if swallowed."
A household iron warns users: "Never iron clothes while they are being worn."
A label on a hair dryer reads, "Never use hair dryer while sleeping."
A warning on an electric drill made for carpenters cautions: "This product not intended for use as a dental drill."
The label on a bottle of drain cleaner warns: "If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product."
A can of self-defense pepper spray warns users: "May irritate eyes."
A cardboard car sunshield that keeps sun off the dashboard warns, "Do not drive with sunshield in place."
On a hotel-provided shower cap in a box: fits one head.
Some of those warning labels conjure up some humorous images. Like the last one -- can you imagine trying to fit a shower cap onto two heads at once? Ridiculous, huh?Almost as ridiculous as taking the body of Christ and suggesting it has more than one head. There is one body (Eph. 4:4), and it has only one head. Fortunately, that head is no earthly person or group of people. It is none other than the Son of God himself."And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)
This day, give preeminence and praise to the one who is our head!
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
(for I have to guide my steps by faith, not by what is seen)
Luke 9:2
He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we trust You for You are worthy of implicit confidence. No problem is too difficult for You since Your power is supernatural and unlimited in strength. There is no prayer request that we bring to You that is too perplexing or hard for You to answer, no need too great for You to supply, no misdirected passion too strong for You to restrain; no temptation too powerful for You to deliver us from, and no misery too deep for You to relieve us from, for You are the Strength of our lives. And when we rest on these truths we are confident and trusting and there is no enemy force of which we should be afraid. We come boldly before Your throne of grace with Jesus as our Advocate. Amen.
Every year, MLAW (Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch) holds a contest to find some of the wackiest product labels. Here are some of their favorite labels from the past eight years:
A popular scooter for children warns: "This product moves when used."
A label on an electric hand blender using for "blending, whipping, chopping and dicing," warns: "Never remove food or other items from the blades while the product is operating."
A label on a baby stroller warns: "Remove child before folding."
A brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook on the end warns: "Harmful if swallowed."
A household iron warns users: "Never iron clothes while they are being worn."
A label on a hair dryer reads, "Never use hair dryer while sleeping."
A warning on an electric drill made for carpenters cautions: "This product not intended for use as a dental drill."
The label on a bottle of drain cleaner warns: "If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product."
A can of self-defense pepper spray warns users: "May irritate eyes."
A cardboard car sunshield that keeps sun off the dashboard warns, "Do not drive with sunshield in place."
On a hotel-provided shower cap in a box: fits one head.
Some of those warning labels conjure up some humorous images. Like the last one -- can you imagine trying to fit a shower cap onto two heads at once? Ridiculous, huh?Almost as ridiculous as taking the body of Christ and suggesting it has more than one head. There is one body (Eph. 4:4), and it has only one head. Fortunately, that head is no earthly person or group of people. It is none other than the Son of God himself."And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)
This day, give preeminence and praise to the one who is our head!
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
(for I have to guide my steps by faith, not by what is seen)
Luke 9:2
He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Romans 10:12
This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all, and richly blesses all who call to him.
Prayer
Father, we trust You for You are worthy of implicit confidence. No problem is too difficult for You since Your power is supernatural and unlimited in strength. There is no prayer request that we bring to You that is too perplexing or hard for You to answer, no need too great for You to supply, no misdirected passion too strong for You to restrain; no temptation too powerful for You to deliver us from, and no misery too deep for You to relieve us from, for You are the Strength of our lives. And when we rest on these truths we are confident and trusting and there is no enemy force of which we should be afraid. We come boldly before Your throne of grace with Jesus as our Advocate. Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (21 01 2009)
Thought for the day
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the GoodSamaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama.
Then she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence. "I think I'd throw up!"
I have to confess that the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of my least favorite parables. You may be thinking: "It's a beautiful story that teaches a strong lesson. What's there not to like?" But that's the problem. It teaches a very strong lesson and one that I can't escape.
There's no way to explain this parable away, no way to come up with any fanciful interpretations that soothe my conscience. Every time I read this parable, I realize my shortcomings in the area of meeting the needs of those around me. And the fact that I can relate so well to the priest and the Levite in the story leaves me squirming in my seat. Perhaps you understand what I mean. Allow the words of Jesus to pierce your heart once again:
"But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is myneighbor?' Then Jesus answered and said: 'A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the inn keeper, and said to him, "Take care of him; and whatever more you spend,when I come again, I will repay you." So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?' And he said, 'He who showed mercy on him.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.' "(Luke 10:29-37)"Father, in a world where I am surrounded by pain and suffering, it is so easy to turn my head and shut my eyes. Please forgive me of the times when I have done just that. In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
Revelation 12:11
But they have defeated him because of the Lamb's blood and because of the message of their testimony.
Even when they were about to die, they did not love their lives more than God.
2 Kings 20:5
"Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
Matthew 1:23
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Colossians 4:2
Be persevering in your prayers and be thankful as you stay awake to pray.
Prayer
Father, Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Without it we would walk in darkness and be led astray. We want to give attention to Your Word but follow its instruction so that we will not drift from the truth. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the GoodSamaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama.
Then she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence. "I think I'd throw up!"
I have to confess that the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of my least favorite parables. You may be thinking: "It's a beautiful story that teaches a strong lesson. What's there not to like?" But that's the problem. It teaches a very strong lesson and one that I can't escape.
There's no way to explain this parable away, no way to come up with any fanciful interpretations that soothe my conscience. Every time I read this parable, I realize my shortcomings in the area of meeting the needs of those around me. And the fact that I can relate so well to the priest and the Levite in the story leaves me squirming in my seat. Perhaps you understand what I mean. Allow the words of Jesus to pierce your heart once again:
"But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is myneighbor?' Then Jesus answered and said: 'A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the inn keeper, and said to him, "Take care of him; and whatever more you spend,when I come again, I will repay you." So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?' And he said, 'He who showed mercy on him.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.' "(Luke 10:29-37)"Father, in a world where I am surrounded by pain and suffering, it is so easy to turn my head and shut my eyes. Please forgive me of the times when I have done just that. In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
Revelation 12:11
But they have defeated him because of the Lamb's blood and because of the message of their testimony.
Even when they were about to die, they did not love their lives more than God.
2 Kings 20:5
"Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
Matthew 1:23
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Colossians 4:2
Be persevering in your prayers and be thankful as you stay awake to pray.
Prayer
Father, Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Without it we would walk in darkness and be led astray. We want to give attention to Your Word but follow its instruction so that we will not drift from the truth. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
2009 the year of the Divine!
By Prophet Riaan du Toit of Miracle Revival Centre.
2009 the year of the Divine!
1 SAMUEL 9
We read about Saul who was a man that stood out in attractiveness and stature. This could represent your life or even your business. It's time to arise and stand out! Saul was looking for his father's beasts of burden. In our normal day to day tasks we sometime miss the significance of our presence. We belittle what we are busy with! God had a divine appointment planned for Saul !
The same with us. God has this awesome, divine appointment planned as we set out about our normal day to day tasks. Important to remember is that someone's problem or nightmare might just be the divine dream or breakthrough you were looking for! Saul replied to his servant that he doesn't know where to look anymore. When you are at that point, look out for divine appointments and connections because at that moment Saul stepped into the meeting with Samuel and it changed his life forever!
Suddenly the divine word spoken over him was about to be fulfilled! Samuel utters these words to Saul, saying whatever the season demands you to do, do it! One qualification: We must realize that God is with us! As Saul turned to do it, God turned him into another man! It's the year where your life will change so muc that you will be turned into another man/woman.
Probably one of the greatest keys for 2009 is the change of heart! The moment Saul's heart changed, the signs came to pass in one day!
Divine intervention!
Divine appointment!
Divine favor!
2009 the year of the Divine!
2009 the year of the Divine!
1 SAMUEL 9
We read about Saul who was a man that stood out in attractiveness and stature. This could represent your life or even your business. It's time to arise and stand out! Saul was looking for his father's beasts of burden. In our normal day to day tasks we sometime miss the significance of our presence. We belittle what we are busy with! God had a divine appointment planned for Saul !
The same with us. God has this awesome, divine appointment planned as we set out about our normal day to day tasks. Important to remember is that someone's problem or nightmare might just be the divine dream or breakthrough you were looking for! Saul replied to his servant that he doesn't know where to look anymore. When you are at that point, look out for divine appointments and connections because at that moment Saul stepped into the meeting with Samuel and it changed his life forever!
Suddenly the divine word spoken over him was about to be fulfilled! Samuel utters these words to Saul, saying whatever the season demands you to do, do it! One qualification: We must realize that God is with us! As Saul turned to do it, God turned him into another man! It's the year where your life will change so muc that you will be turned into another man/woman.
Probably one of the greatest keys for 2009 is the change of heart! The moment Saul's heart changed, the signs came to pass in one day!
Divine intervention!
Divine appointment!
Divine favor!
2009 the year of the Divine!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (20 01 2009)
Thought for the day
Did you hear about the expensive meal at Burger King in Palmdale, California a while back? George Beane ordered two Whopper Jr.s and two Rodeo cheeseburgers when he pulled up to the drive-through window. The cashier forgot that she had entered the $4.33 charge on his debit card, and she punched in the numbers again without erasing the original ones — creating a total bill of $4,334.33. The electronic charge went through to George's checking account and left him penniless.
It's being promoted as "the most expensive meal in history." That seems a little extreme to me. I'm sure there are many other meals which have brought a higher tab than that. But, I would like to cast MY vote for the most expensive meal in history.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate some fruit which turned out to be extremely expensive. It cost them their home in the Garden of Eden. It cost them their relationship with one another. It cost them their relationship with God. And additional costs have been passed down to every man and woman who have lived on the face of this earth ever since.
The truth of the matter is that sin always has consequences. We play games in our mind and try to deny it becuase we like to play with fire thinking that we'll never get burned (even though everybody else has). We like to flirt with sin thinking that "I can do this and it won't hurt anything" but it always does. Sometimes, like Adam and Eve, sin affects our relationship with others around us -- husbands, wives, children, parents, church family, friends. And sin always affects our relationship with God.
And if our sin remains unforgiven, it can cost us our eternal home. It's a high price to pay for a few moments of selfish enjoyment.
Listen to this warning from James: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers." (James 1:13-16)Don't be deceived! Partaking of sin will result in a bill far greater than you ever could have imagined. Even greater than the cost of burgers in California these days.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is that which gives substance to our hopes, which convinces us of things we cannot see.
Matthew 13:15
for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.'
Matthew 11:29-30
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Philippians 4:19
My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus.
God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
Prayer
Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings. But it is much more difficult to bring loving correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your command. Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. When the messenger is pure in motive and the message is received in the right spirit then correction will take place, just as it did with David and Nathan. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Did you hear about the expensive meal at Burger King in Palmdale, California a while back? George Beane ordered two Whopper Jr.s and two Rodeo cheeseburgers when he pulled up to the drive-through window. The cashier forgot that she had entered the $4.33 charge on his debit card, and she punched in the numbers again without erasing the original ones — creating a total bill of $4,334.33. The electronic charge went through to George's checking account and left him penniless.
It's being promoted as "the most expensive meal in history." That seems a little extreme to me. I'm sure there are many other meals which have brought a higher tab than that. But, I would like to cast MY vote for the most expensive meal in history.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate some fruit which turned out to be extremely expensive. It cost them their home in the Garden of Eden. It cost them their relationship with one another. It cost them their relationship with God. And additional costs have been passed down to every man and woman who have lived on the face of this earth ever since.
The truth of the matter is that sin always has consequences. We play games in our mind and try to deny it becuase we like to play with fire thinking that we'll never get burned (even though everybody else has). We like to flirt with sin thinking that "I can do this and it won't hurt anything" but it always does. Sometimes, like Adam and Eve, sin affects our relationship with others around us -- husbands, wives, children, parents, church family, friends. And sin always affects our relationship with God.
And if our sin remains unforgiven, it can cost us our eternal home. It's a high price to pay for a few moments of selfish enjoyment.
Listen to this warning from James: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers." (James 1:13-16)Don't be deceived! Partaking of sin will result in a bill far greater than you ever could have imagined. Even greater than the cost of burgers in California these days.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is that which gives substance to our hopes, which convinces us of things we cannot see.
Matthew 13:15
for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.'
Matthew 11:29-30
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Philippians 4:19
My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus.
God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
Prayer
Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings. But it is much more difficult to bring loving correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your command. Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. When the messenger is pure in motive and the message is received in the right spirit then correction will take place, just as it did with David and Nathan. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (19 01 2009)
Thought for the day
We sometimes refer to someone's actions as "playing God." By that, we usually mean that they are standing in judgment over another person in a way that only God can, or that they are making a decision regarding who will live or who will die. Most of the time, we use that term in a negative way. I heard a story recently, though, told by Mee Spousler that sheds a whole new light on the term "playing God."
Mee tells how she was trying to put her three-year-old son to bed for a nap. When she was unsuccessful, she put him in her bed and laid down with him to encourage him to rest. She fell asleep, but he didn't. When she woke up, she saw him sitting on a chair at the end of the bed, and asked, "Luke, what are you doing?"
"I'm playing God," he replied.
"Playing God?" she asked.
"Yes," he said. "I'm watching over you while you sleep."
What a beautiful thought, because that is what God does. David wrote: "I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me." (Psalm 3:4-5)
Wouldn't it be great if we could all, like that 3-year-old boy, learn to "play God" in ways that would impact this world for good?
We need to "play God" by looking at the hearts of people rather than the clothes they are wearing.
We need to "play God" by forgiving those who have offended us.
We need to "play God" by refusing to allow race or the color of a person's skin to create barriers.
We need to "play God" by being patient, kind, and loving to the the people we deal with throughout the day
We need to "play God" by showing compassion to those who are suffering or in need.
We need to "play God" by keeping our promises and living lives of honesty and integrity.
We need to "play God" by living in such a way that we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father.
I hope and pray that people around you will see you "playing God" this day.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So take up God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks, and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.
Exodus 23:25
"You must serve only the LORD your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will keep you healthy.
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 6:5
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Philippians 4:19
My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus. God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
Prayer
Jesus, when I lean on my own understanding I fall prey to the natural man and limit the work of the supernatural. But when I trust You with all my heart I leave no room for second guessing. Today I want to acknowledge Your presence in every area of my life…family, work, relationships, my alone times. You will bring to pass the divine plans You have for me as You direct me in all my ways. Amen.
God Bless
We sometimes refer to someone's actions as "playing God." By that, we usually mean that they are standing in judgment over another person in a way that only God can, or that they are making a decision regarding who will live or who will die. Most of the time, we use that term in a negative way. I heard a story recently, though, told by Mee Spousler that sheds a whole new light on the term "playing God."
Mee tells how she was trying to put her three-year-old son to bed for a nap. When she was unsuccessful, she put him in her bed and laid down with him to encourage him to rest. She fell asleep, but he didn't. When she woke up, she saw him sitting on a chair at the end of the bed, and asked, "Luke, what are you doing?"
"I'm playing God," he replied.
"Playing God?" she asked.
"Yes," he said. "I'm watching over you while you sleep."
What a beautiful thought, because that is what God does. David wrote: "I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me." (Psalm 3:4-5)
Wouldn't it be great if we could all, like that 3-year-old boy, learn to "play God" in ways that would impact this world for good?
We need to "play God" by looking at the hearts of people rather than the clothes they are wearing.
We need to "play God" by forgiving those who have offended us.
We need to "play God" by refusing to allow race or the color of a person's skin to create barriers.
We need to "play God" by being patient, kind, and loving to the the people we deal with throughout the day
We need to "play God" by showing compassion to those who are suffering or in need.
We need to "play God" by keeping our promises and living lives of honesty and integrity.
We need to "play God" by living in such a way that we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father.
I hope and pray that people around you will see you "playing God" this day.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So take up God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks, and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.
Exodus 23:25
"You must serve only the LORD your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will keep you healthy.
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 6:5
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Philippians 4:19
My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus. God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
Prayer
Jesus, when I lean on my own understanding I fall prey to the natural man and limit the work of the supernatural. But when I trust You with all my heart I leave no room for second guessing. Today I want to acknowledge Your presence in every area of my life…family, work, relationships, my alone times. You will bring to pass the divine plans You have for me as You direct me in all my ways. Amen.
God Bless
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (16 01 2009)
Thought for the day
There's a story about two brothers who had terrorized the small town where they lived for decades. They were unfaithful to their wives, abusive to their children, and dishonest in business. They were loud, boisterous and just plain rude to nearly everyone. One day, out of the clear blue, the younger brother died.
The older brother went to the preacher of the local church and said, "Preacher, I'd like you to conduct my brother's funeral. And it's important to me that during the service, you say my brother was a saint.
"The preacher said, "I can't do that. We both know he was far from that."The older brother pulled out his checkbook and said, "Preacher, I'm prepared to give $100,000 to your church. All I'm asking is that you publicly state that my brother was a saint.
"On the day of the funeral, the preacher began his sermon this way. "Everyone here knows that the deceased was a wicked man, a womanizer, and a drunk. He terrorized his employees and cheated on his taxes. "The preacher paused for a second and then continued, "But as evil and sinful as this man was, compared to his older brother, he was a saint!
"The word "saint" may have been Paul's favorite word to describe a Christian. He used it about 60 times (which is especially significant when you realize that he never once used the word "Christian"). Those of us who are Christians are saints, which literally means "holy ones." But we don't often think of ourselves in those terms. We have this mental image of a "holy" person as someone who wears a halo over their head all the time.
Allow me to redirect your thoughts to see that something or someone is "holy" because God is near. The ground where Moses stood was "holy ground" because God was there. Sinai was a "holy mountain" because God was there. The tabernacle and temple were holy buildings (containing two rooms -- the holy place and most holy place) because that's where God was.
And Christians are holy because God is as near as He can possibly get -- He dwells within us."Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Cor. 6:19-20)
If that truth doesn't make a difference in the way we live, nothing will. We are not "saints" because we always act in a holy manner (see the church at Corinth as an example). We are "saints" because God is near, and therein lies the motivation to live in a holy manner, to "be holy; for I am holy." (I Pet. 1:16).
May God's blessings today be with all of you who are "called to be saints"!
Verses
Galatians 6:9
We must never be weary of well-doing. For in due time we shall reap our reward, if we do not get discouraged.
Acts 8:7
For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
Matthew 18:19
"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
1 Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.
Prayer
Father, I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God. Thank You for bearing them all and freeing me from the accuser’s condemnation. I confess my sins to You, both big and small, so that my crimson stains are washed white in the blood of the sinless Lamb of God and not a stain remains. Thank You for being the Sinbearer that redeems me from the slimy pit of mud and mire. You are the Solid Rock on which I firmly stand. You are faithful and just and forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. You put a new song in my mouth and a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for Your wondrous love and forgiveness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
There's a story about two brothers who had terrorized the small town where they lived for decades. They were unfaithful to their wives, abusive to their children, and dishonest in business. They were loud, boisterous and just plain rude to nearly everyone. One day, out of the clear blue, the younger brother died.
The older brother went to the preacher of the local church and said, "Preacher, I'd like you to conduct my brother's funeral. And it's important to me that during the service, you say my brother was a saint.
"The preacher said, "I can't do that. We both know he was far from that."The older brother pulled out his checkbook and said, "Preacher, I'm prepared to give $100,000 to your church. All I'm asking is that you publicly state that my brother was a saint.
"On the day of the funeral, the preacher began his sermon this way. "Everyone here knows that the deceased was a wicked man, a womanizer, and a drunk. He terrorized his employees and cheated on his taxes. "The preacher paused for a second and then continued, "But as evil and sinful as this man was, compared to his older brother, he was a saint!
"The word "saint" may have been Paul's favorite word to describe a Christian. He used it about 60 times (which is especially significant when you realize that he never once used the word "Christian"). Those of us who are Christians are saints, which literally means "holy ones." But we don't often think of ourselves in those terms. We have this mental image of a "holy" person as someone who wears a halo over their head all the time.
Allow me to redirect your thoughts to see that something or someone is "holy" because God is near. The ground where Moses stood was "holy ground" because God was there. Sinai was a "holy mountain" because God was there. The tabernacle and temple were holy buildings (containing two rooms -- the holy place and most holy place) because that's where God was.
And Christians are holy because God is as near as He can possibly get -- He dwells within us."Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Cor. 6:19-20)
If that truth doesn't make a difference in the way we live, nothing will. We are not "saints" because we always act in a holy manner (see the church at Corinth as an example). We are "saints" because God is near, and therein lies the motivation to live in a holy manner, to "be holy; for I am holy." (I Pet. 1:16).
May God's blessings today be with all of you who are "called to be saints"!
Verses
Galatians 6:9
We must never be weary of well-doing. For in due time we shall reap our reward, if we do not get discouraged.
Acts 8:7
For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
Matthew 18:19
"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
1 Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.
Prayer
Father, I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God. Thank You for bearing them all and freeing me from the accuser’s condemnation. I confess my sins to You, both big and small, so that my crimson stains are washed white in the blood of the sinless Lamb of God and not a stain remains. Thank You for being the Sinbearer that redeems me from the slimy pit of mud and mire. You are the Solid Rock on which I firmly stand. You are faithful and just and forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. You put a new song in my mouth and a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for Your wondrous love and forgiveness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (15 01 2009)
Thought for the day
Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:
* Takeoffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.
* If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull thestick back they get smaller. (unless you keep pulling the stick back-- then they get bigger again)
* Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.
* The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep thepilot cool. Want proof? Make it stop; then watch the pilot break outinto a sweat.
* It's best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.
* Every one already knows the definition of a "good landing" is one fromwhich you can walk away. But very few know the definition of a "greatlanding." It's one after which you can use the airplane another time.
* The probability of survival is equal to the angle of arrival.
* Those who hoot with the owls by night should not fly with the eagles byday.
* A helicopter is a collection of rotating parts going round and round andreciprocating parts going up and down -- all of them trying to becomerandom in motion. Helicopters can't really fly -- they're just so uglythat the earth immediately repels them.
* Trust your captain . . . . but keep your seat belt securely fastened.
* There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing:
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
* A fool and his money are soon flying more airplane than he can handle.
* Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of yourtakeoffs.
* Gravity never loses! The best you can hope for is a draw.
* It's better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up therewishing you were down here.
Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one. How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on "things above", than to be anywhere with a mind set on "things below"!
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world. We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher. Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on "things above".
Verses
Romans 8:28
We know that through the work of the Spirit all the different events of life are being made to work for good, for those who keep on loving God, those whom his purpose has called.
Luke 13:16
"So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound--think of it--for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?"
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
1 Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him”
Prayer
Father, because of our human nature we are often drawn to activities and things that have no lasting or eternal value. But we want to earnestly pursue those opportunities which help us to honor You and keep us grounded in the life You have instructed us to live. A half-hearted believer is torn between serving You and the world, so help us to be wholehearted in following You. Then we will be more and more passionate about our walk with You which will naturally turn our eyes away from worthless things. Thank You for preserving our lives not only here, but for all eternity! Amen
Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:
* Takeoffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.
* If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull thestick back they get smaller. (unless you keep pulling the stick back-- then they get bigger again)
* Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.
* The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep thepilot cool. Want proof? Make it stop; then watch the pilot break outinto a sweat.
* It's best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.
* Every one already knows the definition of a "good landing" is one fromwhich you can walk away. But very few know the definition of a "greatlanding." It's one after which you can use the airplane another time.
* The probability of survival is equal to the angle of arrival.
* Those who hoot with the owls by night should not fly with the eagles byday.
* A helicopter is a collection of rotating parts going round and round andreciprocating parts going up and down -- all of them trying to becomerandom in motion. Helicopters can't really fly -- they're just so uglythat the earth immediately repels them.
* Trust your captain . . . . but keep your seat belt securely fastened.
* There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing:
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
* A fool and his money are soon flying more airplane than he can handle.
* Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of yourtakeoffs.
* Gravity never loses! The best you can hope for is a draw.
* It's better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up therewishing you were down here.
Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one. How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on "things above", than to be anywhere with a mind set on "things below"!
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world. We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher. Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on "things above".
Verses
Romans 8:28
We know that through the work of the Spirit all the different events of life are being made to work for good, for those who keep on loving God, those whom his purpose has called.
Luke 13:16
"So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound--think of it--for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?"
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
1 Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him”
Prayer
Father, because of our human nature we are often drawn to activities and things that have no lasting or eternal value. But we want to earnestly pursue those opportunities which help us to honor You and keep us grounded in the life You have instructed us to live. A half-hearted believer is torn between serving You and the world, so help us to be wholehearted in following You. Then we will be more and more passionate about our walk with You which will naturally turn our eyes away from worthless things. Thank You for preserving our lives not only here, but for all eternity! Amen
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (14 01 2009)
Thought for the day
A little genealogical humor:
The following conversation was overheard at a party attended by highsociety people:
"My ancestry goes all the way back to Alexander the Great," said one lady. She then turned to a second lady and asked, "And how far does your family go back?" "I don't know," was the reply. "All of our records were lost in the Flood.
"Genealogy: Tracing yourself back to better people.
I trace my family history so I will know who to blame.
Can a first cousin, once removed, return?
Searching for lost relatives? Win the lottery!
Do I even WANT ancestors?
Every family tree has some sap in it.
Friends come and go, but relatives tend to accumulate.
Genealogists never die, they just lose their roots.
Genealogy: A haystack full of needles. It's the threads I need.
Genealogy: Where you confuse the dead and irritate the living.
Heredity: Everyone believes in it until their children act like fools!
I think my family tree is a few branches short of full bloom. Life is lived forwards, but understood backwards.
Theory of relativity: If you go back far enough, we're all related. It's true -- if you go back far enough, we're all related. The concept of the "brotherhood of man" is a biblical concept. Despite the differences around the world, despite the different cultures, despite the different skin tones, we are all related.
Paul said to the men of Athens: "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being..." (Acts17:26-28a).
Why would Paul make such a statement? Perhaps to say that if you trace your ancestry back only to the time of Abraham, you live in a divided world because you are either a Jew or a Gentile. But, if you trace your ancestry back even further, we are once again united in the realization that we are part of one human family, created by God to be in fellowship with Him. Our realization of the brotherhood of man ultimately affects not only our relationship with one another, but our relationship with God as well.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Now do not drop that confidence of yours; it carries with it a rich hope of reward. Steady patience is what you need, so that after doing the will of God you may receive what you were promised.
Deuteronomy 7:15
The Lord will take away all disease from you. You will not have the terrible diseases that were in Egypt. But he will give them to your enemies.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's
behalf: Be reconciled to God.
1 Peter 3:12
For the Lord is watching his children, listening to their prayers; but the Lord's face is hard against those who do evil.
Prayer
Father, our faith rests in the finished work of Jesus at Calvary. Because of His tremendous sacrifice our sins are forgiven and a place is reserved for us in heaven. We also find rest from our unending troubles in this life as we respond to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Help us to look to You for needed strength and an overcoming spirit as we daily encounter challenges and ongoing burdens. Our burdens can be lifted at Calvary for that is where Jesus bore not only our sins but also our sorrows. Praise be to You, our Father in heaven, who daily bears our burdens. Amen
A little genealogical humor:
The following conversation was overheard at a party attended by highsociety people:
"My ancestry goes all the way back to Alexander the Great," said one lady. She then turned to a second lady and asked, "And how far does your family go back?" "I don't know," was the reply. "All of our records were lost in the Flood.
"Genealogy: Tracing yourself back to better people.
I trace my family history so I will know who to blame.
Can a first cousin, once removed, return?
Searching for lost relatives? Win the lottery!
Do I even WANT ancestors?
Every family tree has some sap in it.
Friends come and go, but relatives tend to accumulate.
Genealogists never die, they just lose their roots.
Genealogy: A haystack full of needles. It's the threads I need.
Genealogy: Where you confuse the dead and irritate the living.
Heredity: Everyone believes in it until their children act like fools!
I think my family tree is a few branches short of full bloom. Life is lived forwards, but understood backwards.
Theory of relativity: If you go back far enough, we're all related. It's true -- if you go back far enough, we're all related. The concept of the "brotherhood of man" is a biblical concept. Despite the differences around the world, despite the different cultures, despite the different skin tones, we are all related.
Paul said to the men of Athens: "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being..." (Acts17:26-28a).
Why would Paul make such a statement? Perhaps to say that if you trace your ancestry back only to the time of Abraham, you live in a divided world because you are either a Jew or a Gentile. But, if you trace your ancestry back even further, we are once again united in the realization that we are part of one human family, created by God to be in fellowship with Him. Our realization of the brotherhood of man ultimately affects not only our relationship with one another, but our relationship with God as well.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Now do not drop that confidence of yours; it carries with it a rich hope of reward. Steady patience is what you need, so that after doing the will of God you may receive what you were promised.
Deuteronomy 7:15
The Lord will take away all disease from you. You will not have the terrible diseases that were in Egypt. But he will give them to your enemies.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's
behalf: Be reconciled to God.
1 Peter 3:12
For the Lord is watching his children, listening to their prayers; but the Lord's face is hard against those who do evil.
Prayer
Father, our faith rests in the finished work of Jesus at Calvary. Because of His tremendous sacrifice our sins are forgiven and a place is reserved for us in heaven. We also find rest from our unending troubles in this life as we respond to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Help us to look to You for needed strength and an overcoming spirit as we daily encounter challenges and ongoing burdens. Our burdens can be lifted at Calvary for that is where Jesus bore not only our sins but also our sorrows. Praise be to You, our Father in heaven, who daily bears our burdens. Amen
Prophetic word - 2009 will be Devine!
From the prophet's desk (Pastor Riaan du Toit - Miracle Revival Centre)
What a Year of challenges 2008 has been. Still it seems to continue!
Thomas Edison said that he had never known a day of failure in his life! After having tried 2000 times with the light bulb, he said he found 1999 ways that it didn't work!
In GENESIS 40:13-15 Joseph interpreted the dream of the butler and baker. He specifically requested that they must not forget about him. Could it be that:
a) We feel left out this year?
b) We feel everybody else is elevated but we are stuck?
c) We have done nothing to deserve this!
I'm here to tell you that there is a word in the heavens over your life that rings out "RESTORATION" Your time is coming! Someone’s nightmare was designed to be your dream break-through! The word says that two full years before Joseph stepped into the palace he was assigned to step into someone’s dream! You have already met the one's that would change your destiny, they just kind of forgot about you!
Prepare yourself, it's time for your miracle appointment! We hear in part and when it doesn't work out we want to turn our back and run but we have not heard it all! Prophesy unfolds the mystery little by little! There is always opposition and assault on the prophetic and purpose!
Would the enemy not like to try oppose and defeat the prophetic word over your life? I believe God placed us in 2008 so we could manifest in 2009. God set us up forgreatness! God is about to release us from the dungeon to the palace!
Just hang in there !2009 will be divine !
What a Year of challenges 2008 has been. Still it seems to continue!
Thomas Edison said that he had never known a day of failure in his life! After having tried 2000 times with the light bulb, he said he found 1999 ways that it didn't work!
In GENESIS 40:13-15 Joseph interpreted the dream of the butler and baker. He specifically requested that they must not forget about him. Could it be that:
a) We feel left out this year?
b) We feel everybody else is elevated but we are stuck?
c) We have done nothing to deserve this!
I'm here to tell you that there is a word in the heavens over your life that rings out "RESTORATION" Your time is coming! Someone’s nightmare was designed to be your dream break-through! The word says that two full years before Joseph stepped into the palace he was assigned to step into someone’s dream! You have already met the one's that would change your destiny, they just kind of forgot about you!
Prepare yourself, it's time for your miracle appointment! We hear in part and when it doesn't work out we want to turn our back and run but we have not heard it all! Prophesy unfolds the mystery little by little! There is always opposition and assault on the prophetic and purpose!
Would the enemy not like to try oppose and defeat the prophetic word over your life? I believe God placed us in 2008 so we could manifest in 2009. God set us up forgreatness! God is about to release us from the dungeon to the palace!
Just hang in there !2009 will be divine !
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (13 01 2009)
Thought for the day
Theme songs for the bible characters:
Someone has suggested the following theme songs for Bible characters (Warning: some of these are real oldies!):
Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"
Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise"
Lazarus: "The Second Time Around
"Esther: "I Feel Pretty"
Job: "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues"
Moses: "The Wanderer"
Jezebel: "The Lady is a Tramp"
Samson: "Hair"Salome: "I Could Have Danced All Night"
Daniel: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Joshua: "Good Vibrations"
Peter: "I'm Sorry"
Esau: "Born To Be Wild"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "Great Balls of Fire!"
The Wise Men: "When You Wish Upon a Star"
Elijah: "Up, Up, and Away"
Methuselah: "Stayin' Alive"
Nebuchadnezzar: "Crazy"
There was no theme song suggested for Jesus Christ. May I suggest the following song, entitled "A New Song," first sung by those two famous groups, "The Four Living Creatures" and "The Twenty-Four Elders":
"You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.....Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev. 5:9-10,12)
I look forward to joining them someday in this great song of praise. Worthy is the Lamb!
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Matthew 1:21
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
2 Corinthians 9:10
God supplies seed for the farmer to sow and bread for him to eat. He will also supply you with all the seed you need to sow deeds of kindness. He will give you a big harvest of kind deeds.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I will never fully comprehend the depth of Your sacrificial death where we see man at his worst and God at His best. In my place You took my guilt and shame as You became the guilt offering pouring out Your life unto death and taking on my iniquity. You gave all so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they were washed white as snow, cleansed by the saving blood of the sinless Lamb. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. I walk in newness of life and in the power of the resurrected Savior. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus! You are risen, You are risen indeed! Amen.
Theme songs for the bible characters:
Someone has suggested the following theme songs for Bible characters (Warning: some of these are real oldies!):
Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"
Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise"
Lazarus: "The Second Time Around
"Esther: "I Feel Pretty"
Job: "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues"
Moses: "The Wanderer"
Jezebel: "The Lady is a Tramp"
Samson: "Hair"Salome: "I Could Have Danced All Night"
Daniel: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Joshua: "Good Vibrations"
Peter: "I'm Sorry"
Esau: "Born To Be Wild"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "Great Balls of Fire!"
The Wise Men: "When You Wish Upon a Star"
Elijah: "Up, Up, and Away"
Methuselah: "Stayin' Alive"
Nebuchadnezzar: "Crazy"
There was no theme song suggested for Jesus Christ. May I suggest the following song, entitled "A New Song," first sung by those two famous groups, "The Four Living Creatures" and "The Twenty-Four Elders":
"You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.....Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev. 5:9-10,12)
I look forward to joining them someday in this great song of praise. Worthy is the Lamb!
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Matthew 1:21
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
2 Corinthians 9:10
God supplies seed for the farmer to sow and bread for him to eat. He will also supply you with all the seed you need to sow deeds of kindness. He will give you a big harvest of kind deeds.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I will never fully comprehend the depth of Your sacrificial death where we see man at his worst and God at His best. In my place You took my guilt and shame as You became the guilt offering pouring out Your life unto death and taking on my iniquity. You gave all so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they were washed white as snow, cleansed by the saving blood of the sinless Lamb. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. I walk in newness of life and in the power of the resurrected Savior. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus! You are risen, You are risen indeed! Amen.
Stop compromising.
In the book of Numbers Balak wanted Balaam to curse certain people promising him wealth and that Balak would promote him. In our daily life how many times do your superiors or co workers come to you asking that you need to do harm to a co-worker (gossip etc) and then you will have a promotion or will excel in your career. How many times have you been told that if you will not speak your believes and religion at work you will have a great future e’g “please do not say God Bless you to someone say anything but that.
Balaam carried out his and lived by the word of the Lord not only when it is Sunday but all the time, have anyone awarded a contract or been awarded a contract that is going against the principles of the Word?
Nu 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
Nu 22:17 For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
Nu 22:18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
After Balaam refused to curse and give in to Balak’s promises he instead blessed them, you might not get that promotion or deal but if you do God’s will He will make good on His promises of bestowing great wealth and health unto them that follow God’s principles. Go out from now on and whoever you talk to or write to “Bless” them instead of following what the world has to offer. God’s pro mises is anyway much greater than what they can offer –it all belongs to God anyway.
We need to be more bold in showing who we are serving and our doings should be reflecting that. People must say if they see you “I can see that man/woman serves God” it must be transparent.
Nu 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Nu 24:11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
Balaam prophesied over himself that his eyes and ears need to open to se/hear what God wants to share with us and to ask God to show us the hidden. We need to start to prophesy over ourselves and what we want, prophesy that God must show us the hidden “good and bad” and then work with it.
Nu 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
Nu 24:3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
Nu 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Jas 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Jas 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Jas 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Jas 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Jas 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Balaam carried out his and lived by the word of the Lord not only when it is Sunday but all the time, have anyone awarded a contract or been awarded a contract that is going against the principles of the Word?
Nu 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
Nu 22:17 For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
Nu 22:18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
After Balaam refused to curse and give in to Balak’s promises he instead blessed them, you might not get that promotion or deal but if you do God’s will He will make good on His promises of bestowing great wealth and health unto them that follow God’s principles. Go out from now on and whoever you talk to or write to “Bless” them instead of following what the world has to offer. God’s pro mises is anyway much greater than what they can offer –it all belongs to God anyway.
We need to be more bold in showing who we are serving and our doings should be reflecting that. People must say if they see you “I can see that man/woman serves God” it must be transparent.
Nu 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Nu 24:11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
Balaam prophesied over himself that his eyes and ears need to open to se/hear what God wants to share with us and to ask God to show us the hidden. We need to start to prophesy over ourselves and what we want, prophesy that God must show us the hidden “good and bad” and then work with it.
Nu 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
Nu 24:3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
Nu 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Jas 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Jas 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Jas 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Jas 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Jas 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (11 01 2009)
Thought for the day
Despite having a love for Scotland and for Scottish music, I felt these had to be shared with you:
Q. Why do pipers always walk when they play?
A. Moving targets are harder to hit.
Q. How do you get two bagpipes to play in perfect unison?
A. Shoot one.
Q. What's the difference between a bagpipe and an onion?
A. No one cries when you chop up a bagpipe.
Q. What's the difference between a bagpipe and a trampoline?
A. You take off your shoes when you jump on a trampoline.
Q. How can you tell a piper with perfect pitch?
A. He can throw a set of bagpipes into the middle of a pond and not hit any of the ducks.
Q. How is playing a bagpipe like throwing a javelin blindfolded?
A. You don't have to be very good to get people's attention.
Q. What's the difference between a lawn mower and a bagpipe?
A. You can tune the lawn mower; and the owner's neighbors are upset if you borrow the lawn mower and don't return it.
Q. What's the difference between a dead piper in the road and a dead country singer in the road?A. The country singer may have been on the way to a recording session.
Q. What's the range of a bagpipe?
A. Twenty yards if you have a good arm.
Q. How can you tell if a bagpipe is out of tune?
A. Someone is blowing into it.
Q. What's one thing you never hear people say?
A. "Oh, that's the pipe player's Porsche."
Q. What's the definition of "optimism'?
A. A piper with a pager.Bagpipes get a lot of abuse. They are so different from most other musical instruments (when is the last time you saw a bagpipe included in a symphony orchestra?).
Most people complain about the noise they make, but I have to say that I like bagpipes. I don't know whether it's because I really like their music or (more likely) because they make me think of Scotland, which is one of my favorite places in all the world.
In a way, Christians are like bagpipes. We are "different" from the world around us. We are often looked down upon because we don't "fit in" with everybody else. And any attractiveness that we may have is not due to anything that we may do, but because of our relationship to Jesus Christ and his kingdom.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." (I Peter 2:9-11)Through the "music" of our lives today, may people be reminded of the kingdom we represent.
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Mark 1:35
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Prayer
Father, in our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heavenbound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. Amen.
Despite having a love for Scotland and for Scottish music, I felt these had to be shared with you:
Q. Why do pipers always walk when they play?
A. Moving targets are harder to hit.
Q. How do you get two bagpipes to play in perfect unison?
A. Shoot one.
Q. What's the difference between a bagpipe and an onion?
A. No one cries when you chop up a bagpipe.
Q. What's the difference between a bagpipe and a trampoline?
A. You take off your shoes when you jump on a trampoline.
Q. How can you tell a piper with perfect pitch?
A. He can throw a set of bagpipes into the middle of a pond and not hit any of the ducks.
Q. How is playing a bagpipe like throwing a javelin blindfolded?
A. You don't have to be very good to get people's attention.
Q. What's the difference between a lawn mower and a bagpipe?
A. You can tune the lawn mower; and the owner's neighbors are upset if you borrow the lawn mower and don't return it.
Q. What's the difference between a dead piper in the road and a dead country singer in the road?A. The country singer may have been on the way to a recording session.
Q. What's the range of a bagpipe?
A. Twenty yards if you have a good arm.
Q. How can you tell if a bagpipe is out of tune?
A. Someone is blowing into it.
Q. What's one thing you never hear people say?
A. "Oh, that's the pipe player's Porsche."
Q. What's the definition of "optimism'?
A. A piper with a pager.Bagpipes get a lot of abuse. They are so different from most other musical instruments (when is the last time you saw a bagpipe included in a symphony orchestra?).
Most people complain about the noise they make, but I have to say that I like bagpipes. I don't know whether it's because I really like their music or (more likely) because they make me think of Scotland, which is one of my favorite places in all the world.
In a way, Christians are like bagpipes. We are "different" from the world around us. We are often looked down upon because we don't "fit in" with everybody else. And any attractiveness that we may have is not due to anything that we may do, but because of our relationship to Jesus Christ and his kingdom.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." (I Peter 2:9-11)Through the "music" of our lives today, may people be reminded of the kingdom we represent.
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Mark 1:35
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Prayer
Father, in our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heavenbound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. Amen.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Special Groceries list
Please read right until the end.
SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.
John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'
John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir.'
'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.'Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.
The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it.
Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.
'THE POWER:
When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in your and your families' life . So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen
May you always walk with Angels God Bless!
I AM CLAIMING THIS FOR YOU
Three things will happen to you this coming week:
(1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect;
(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;
(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same, Amen.
My prayer for you today:
The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is Awesome! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this:
Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings. Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens.
Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen
Peace and Blessings...
SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.
John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'
John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir.'
'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.'Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.
The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it.
Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.
'THE POWER:
When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in your and your families' life . So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen
May you always walk with Angels God Bless!
I AM CLAIMING THIS FOR YOU
Three things will happen to you this coming week:
(1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect;
(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;
(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same, Amen.
My prayer for you today:
The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is Awesome! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this:
Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings. Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens.
Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen
Peace and Blessings...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (09 01 2009)
Thought for the day
An elderly widow and widower were dating for about five years. The man finally decided to ask her to marry. She immediately said "yes".
The next morning when he awoke, he couldn't remember what her answer was! "Was she happy? I think so, wait, no, she looked at me funny..."After about an hour of trying to remember to no avail, he got on the telephone and gave her a call.
Embarrassed, he admitted that he didn't remember her answer to the marriage proposal."Oh", she said, "I'm so glad you called. I remembered saying 'yes' to someone, but I couldn't remember who it was.
"How could a person possibly forget something so important?! Unfortunately, I know the answer to that question all too well. It's not that I forgot to get married to what's-her-name. No, my problem is that I forget to thank God for the many blessings that He has showered on me. In fact, sometimes I forget to even recognize those blessings.
The words of David speak to me:"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things..." (Psalm 103:1-5a)Now, if I can just remember where I put my checkbook! :-)
Verses
Romans 4:21
and being fully assured that God was able to perform what He had promised.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
Acts 2:36
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."
Colossians 4:2
Keep up strongly in prayer; attend to it diligently with the offering of thanks,
PrayerFather, we want to continue to live in You; our faith being rooted and built up in You and strengthened through teaching from the Holy Scriptures and from following the example of godly believers. Help us to be faithful in our walk, in our talk, in our actions, and in expanding our spiritual knowledge so that we will walk in amanner that pleases You and honors Your holy name. Amen .
An elderly widow and widower were dating for about five years. The man finally decided to ask her to marry. She immediately said "yes".
The next morning when he awoke, he couldn't remember what her answer was! "Was she happy? I think so, wait, no, she looked at me funny..."After about an hour of trying to remember to no avail, he got on the telephone and gave her a call.
Embarrassed, he admitted that he didn't remember her answer to the marriage proposal."Oh", she said, "I'm so glad you called. I remembered saying 'yes' to someone, but I couldn't remember who it was.
"How could a person possibly forget something so important?! Unfortunately, I know the answer to that question all too well. It's not that I forgot to get married to what's-her-name. No, my problem is that I forget to thank God for the many blessings that He has showered on me. In fact, sometimes I forget to even recognize those blessings.
The words of David speak to me:"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things..." (Psalm 103:1-5a)Now, if I can just remember where I put my checkbook! :-)
Verses
Romans 4:21
and being fully assured that God was able to perform what He had promised.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
Acts 2:36
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."
Colossians 4:2
Keep up strongly in prayer; attend to it diligently with the offering of thanks,
PrayerFather, we want to continue to live in You; our faith being rooted and built up in You and strengthened through teaching from the Holy Scriptures and from following the example of godly believers. Help us to be faithful in our walk, in our talk, in our actions, and in expanding our spiritual knowledge so that we will walk in amanner that pleases You and honors Your holy name. Amen .
Thursday prayer & verses (08 01 2009)
Thought for the day
A man asked his wife, "What would you most like for your birthday?
"She said, "I'd love to be ten again."
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off theywent to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park -- the DeathSlide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Everything there was, she rode. She staggered out of the theme park five hours later, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.
Into McDonalds they went, where she was given a Double Big Mac with extra fries and a strawberry shake. Then off to a theater to see Star Wars--more burgers, popcorn, cola and sweets. At last she staggered home with her husband and collapsed into bed.
Her husband leaned over and asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being ten again?"One eye opened and she groaned, "Actually, I meant dress size.
"That story reminds me of what happened to James and John. They came to Jesus with a request. Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"(Mark 10:36)."They said to Him, 'Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand andthe other on Your left, in Your glory.'" (Mark 10:37).
Jesus told them they really didn't know what they were asking for. He asked them, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Mark 10:38).
Their response? "Of course!" However, what they had in mind (prestige,power and glory) wasn't the same thing Jesus had in mind (persecution,suffering and servanthood). Jesus gave them exactly what they asked for,but it wasn't at all what they were hoping for when they made the request!
So often, the same thing happens in my life. God has a way of answering my requests, my prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So put on all the armor of God. Then you will be able to stand firm when days are evil, and to hold your ground to the end.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth will be allowed in heaven.'
Colossians 4:2
Keep up strongly in prayer; attend to it diligently with the offering of thanks,
Prayer
Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
A man asked his wife, "What would you most like for your birthday?
"She said, "I'd love to be ten again."
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off theywent to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park -- the DeathSlide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Everything there was, she rode. She staggered out of the theme park five hours later, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.
Into McDonalds they went, where she was given a Double Big Mac with extra fries and a strawberry shake. Then off to a theater to see Star Wars--more burgers, popcorn, cola and sweets. At last she staggered home with her husband and collapsed into bed.
Her husband leaned over and asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being ten again?"One eye opened and she groaned, "Actually, I meant dress size.
"That story reminds me of what happened to James and John. They came to Jesus with a request. Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"(Mark 10:36)."They said to Him, 'Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand andthe other on Your left, in Your glory.'" (Mark 10:37).
Jesus told them they really didn't know what they were asking for. He asked them, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Mark 10:38).
Their response? "Of course!" However, what they had in mind (prestige,power and glory) wasn't the same thing Jesus had in mind (persecution,suffering and servanthood). Jesus gave them exactly what they asked for,but it wasn't at all what they were hoping for when they made the request!
So often, the same thing happens in my life. God has a way of answering my requests, my prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So put on all the armor of God. Then you will be able to stand firm when days are evil, and to hold your ground to the end.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth will be allowed in heaven.'
Colossians 4:2
Keep up strongly in prayer; attend to it diligently with the offering of thanks,
Prayer
Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (07 01 2009)
Thought for the day
"Many years ago, at Stanford Hospital, there was a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza.'
"As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away?'
"Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give her all his blood.
"What a beautiful example of love! We can easily measure our love for others by how much we are willing to do for them. There are some people I love enough to drive across town and run an errand for them. There are other people I love enough to be awakened at 3:00 in the morning if they need someone to talk to.
But there are very few people I love enough to give my very life."Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13-14)I'm not asking you to die for anyone today. But I do want you to ask yourself this question: "How much am I willing to do for those whom I say that I love?"
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out).
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
1 Timothy 6:17
Continue charging the rich of this world to stop being haughty and not to fix their hope on a thing so uncertain as riches, but on God who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment;
Prayer
Father, along with the Psalmist David, we pray for relief from our distress. We pray that the light of Your face would shine upon us, for You have filled our hearts with greater joy than when grain and new wine abound. You give us a sense of security when we lie down so that we can sleep in peace; for You alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety. We lie down and sleep and we wake again, because You sustain us. We will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against us on every side. From You, O God, comes deliverance and You shower Your blessings upon Your people. Thank You for caring for us, for sustaining us, and for providing for us. Amen.
"Many years ago, at Stanford Hospital, there was a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza.'
"As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away?'
"Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give her all his blood.
"What a beautiful example of love! We can easily measure our love for others by how much we are willing to do for them. There are some people I love enough to drive across town and run an errand for them. There are other people I love enough to be awakened at 3:00 in the morning if they need someone to talk to.
But there are very few people I love enough to give my very life."Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13-14)I'm not asking you to die for anyone today. But I do want you to ask yourself this question: "How much am I willing to do for those whom I say that I love?"
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out).
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
1 Timothy 6:17
Continue charging the rich of this world to stop being haughty and not to fix their hope on a thing so uncertain as riches, but on God who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment;
Prayer
Father, along with the Psalmist David, we pray for relief from our distress. We pray that the light of Your face would shine upon us, for You have filled our hearts with greater joy than when grain and new wine abound. You give us a sense of security when we lie down so that we can sleep in peace; for You alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety. We lie down and sleep and we wake again, because You sustain us. We will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against us on every side. From You, O God, comes deliverance and You shower Your blessings upon Your people. Thank You for caring for us, for sustaining us, and for providing for us. Amen.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (06 01 2009)
Thought for the day
The following two news stories come from Reuters:
"A Ukraine businessman who bought a pager for each member of his staff as a New Year gift was so alarmed when all 50 of them went off at the same time that he drove his car into a lamp post. The unnamed businessman was returning from the pager shop when the accident happened,
" the Fakty daily newspaper reported. "With no more than 100 metres to go to the office, the 50 pagers on the back seat suddenly burst out screeching. The businessman's fright was such that he simply let go of the steering wheel and the car ploughed into a lamp post. After he had assessed the damage to the car, the businessman turned his attention to the message on the 50 pagers. It read: 'Congratulations on a successful purchase!' "
"Normally accidents like this shouldn't happen," reasoned a Caputh, Germany, police spokesman. "A motorist following driving instructions on the satellite navigation computer in his BMW drove down a ferry ramp into the Havel River without realizing the only way he could cross the river was to wait for the ferry. The 57-year-old driver was not injured. This sort of thing can happen when people rely too much on technology.
"We do rely a lot on technology, don't we? From pagers and satellite navigation systems to cell phones and fax machines, we have become more and more dependent upon our world of technology. It is important, though, that we step back every now and then and remind ourselves,
"We can survive without all these gadgets, but we cannot survive without God.
"In Psalm 20, David expressed it this way:"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)Chariots and horses were certainly not wrong; no more so than modern gadgets. But it was necessary to reinforce the truth that our faith in not in such things, but in God Almighty.
Verses
Romans 10:11
Everyone who is believing on Him shall not be disgraced.
Luke 9:6
So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Romans 5:10
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
James 5:17-18
Elijah was a human being like ourselves -- he prayed hard for it not to rain, and no rain fell for three and a half years; then he prayed again and the sky gave rain and the earth gave crops.
3 John 2
My dear friend, I pray that you may in all respects prosper and enjoy good health, just as your soul already prospers.
Prayer
Father, we pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we’re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
The following two news stories come from Reuters:
"A Ukraine businessman who bought a pager for each member of his staff as a New Year gift was so alarmed when all 50 of them went off at the same time that he drove his car into a lamp post. The unnamed businessman was returning from the pager shop when the accident happened,
" the Fakty daily newspaper reported. "With no more than 100 metres to go to the office, the 50 pagers on the back seat suddenly burst out screeching. The businessman's fright was such that he simply let go of the steering wheel and the car ploughed into a lamp post. After he had assessed the damage to the car, the businessman turned his attention to the message on the 50 pagers. It read: 'Congratulations on a successful purchase!' "
"Normally accidents like this shouldn't happen," reasoned a Caputh, Germany, police spokesman. "A motorist following driving instructions on the satellite navigation computer in his BMW drove down a ferry ramp into the Havel River without realizing the only way he could cross the river was to wait for the ferry. The 57-year-old driver was not injured. This sort of thing can happen when people rely too much on technology.
"We do rely a lot on technology, don't we? From pagers and satellite navigation systems to cell phones and fax machines, we have become more and more dependent upon our world of technology. It is important, though, that we step back every now and then and remind ourselves,
"We can survive without all these gadgets, but we cannot survive without God.
"In Psalm 20, David expressed it this way:"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)Chariots and horses were certainly not wrong; no more so than modern gadgets. But it was necessary to reinforce the truth that our faith in not in such things, but in God Almighty.
Verses
Romans 10:11
Everyone who is believing on Him shall not be disgraced.
Luke 9:6
So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Romans 5:10
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
James 5:17-18
Elijah was a human being like ourselves -- he prayed hard for it not to rain, and no rain fell for three and a half years; then he prayed again and the sky gave rain and the earth gave crops.
3 John 2
My dear friend, I pray that you may in all respects prosper and enjoy good health, just as your soul already prospers.
Prayer
Father, we pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we’re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Monday prayer & verse (05 01 2009)
Thought for the day
I saw him in the church building for the first time last Wednesday. He was in his mid 70's with silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the Good News with him. He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ.
I had asked him a few years ago, "Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking. He hesitated, then with a bitter smile he told me of a childhood experience some sixty years ago.
He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them. The Bible class had been very exciting. He had never heard such songs and stories before. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before.
After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, "Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come worship the Lord." He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls, looked at his bare, dirty feet and said, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" And he never did.
There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart. I'm sure the Bible teacher meant well, but what if she had studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James? What if she had put her arms around that dirty, ragged little boy and said, "Son, I'm so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus!"
I pray that I might ever be open to the tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.
Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time last Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him saying, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" .... and I wept.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, 'You sit here in a good place,' and say to the poor man, 'You stand there,' or, 'Sit here at my footstool,' have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren:
Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:1-6)
Verses
Isaiah 40:8
The grass dies, and the flowers fall. But the word of our God will live forever."
Matthew 12:22
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Luke 19:46
"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer', but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
1 Timothy 6:17
Tell those who are wealthy in this world's goods not to be arrogant, and not to place their hopes on money with all its uncertainty, but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, as the year unfolds I want to keep my soul’s anchor embedded in the Rock of Ages. Help me to be unwavering in my faith and confident as I meditate on Your many promises. You promise never to abandon me; instead You carefully guide me through turbulent waters as I cling tightly to Your hand. Even as I daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2008 I am absolutely certain I will enjoy Your constant presence and guidance in my life and those I love in the new year of 2009. You are faithful and I am grateful. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
I saw him in the church building for the first time last Wednesday. He was in his mid 70's with silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the Good News with him. He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ.
I had asked him a few years ago, "Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking. He hesitated, then with a bitter smile he told me of a childhood experience some sixty years ago.
He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them. The Bible class had been very exciting. He had never heard such songs and stories before. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before.
After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, "Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come worship the Lord." He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls, looked at his bare, dirty feet and said, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" And he never did.
There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart. I'm sure the Bible teacher meant well, but what if she had studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James? What if she had put her arms around that dirty, ragged little boy and said, "Son, I'm so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus!"
I pray that I might ever be open to the tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.
Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time last Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him saying, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" .... and I wept.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, 'You sit here in a good place,' and say to the poor man, 'You stand there,' or, 'Sit here at my footstool,' have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren:
Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:1-6)
Verses
Isaiah 40:8
The grass dies, and the flowers fall. But the word of our God will live forever."
Matthew 12:22
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Luke 19:46
"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer', but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
1 Timothy 6:17
Tell those who are wealthy in this world's goods not to be arrogant, and not to place their hopes on money with all its uncertainty, but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, as the year unfolds I want to keep my soul’s anchor embedded in the Rock of Ages. Help me to be unwavering in my faith and confident as I meditate on Your many promises. You promise never to abandon me; instead You carefully guide me through turbulent waters as I cling tightly to Your hand. Even as I daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2008 I am absolutely certain I will enjoy Your constant presence and guidance in my life and those I love in the new year of 2009. You are faithful and I am grateful. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (02 01 2009)
Thought for the day
I love the following "urban legend" which involves a question in a physics degree exam:
"Describe how to determine the height of a skyscraper with a barometer."One student replied: "Tie a long piece of string to the neck of the barometer, then lower the barometer from the roof of the skyscraper to the ground.
The length of the string plus the length of the barometer will equal the height of the building.
"This highly original answer so incensed the examiner that the student was failed immediately.
He appealed on the grounds that his answer was indisputably correct, and the university appointed an independent arbiter to decide the case. The arbiter judged that the answer was indeed correct, but did not display any noticeable knowledge of physics.
To resolve the problem it was decided to call the student in and allow him six minutes in which to provide a verbal answer which showed at least a minimal familiarity with the basic principles of physics.
For five minutes the student sat in silence, forehead creased in thought. The arbiter reminded him that time was running out, to which the student replied that he had several extremely relevant answers, but couldn't make up his mind which to use.
On being advised to hurry up the student replied as follows:
"Firstly, you could take the barometer up to the roof of the skyscraper, drop it over the edge, and measure the time it takes to reach the ground. The height of the building can then be worked out from the formula H = 0.5g x t squared. But bad luck on the barometer.
"Or if the sun is shining you could measure the height of the barometer, then set it on end and measure the length of its shadow. Then you measure the length of the skyscraper's shadow, and thereafter it is simple matter of proportional arithmetic to work out the height of the skyscraper.
"But if you wanted to be highly scientific about it, you could tie a short piece of string to the barometer and swing it like a pendulum, first at ground level and then on the roof of the skyscraper. The height is worked out by the difference in the gravitational restoring force T = 2 pi sq root(l / g).
"Or if the skyscraper has an outside emergency staircase, it would be easier to walk up it and mark off the height of the skyscraper in barometer lengths, then add them up.
"If you merely wanted to be boring and orthodox about it, of course, you could use the barometer to measure the air pressure on the roof of the skyscraper and on the ground, and convert the difference in millibars into feet to give the height of the building.
"But since we are constantly being exhorted to exercise independence of mind and apply scientific methods, undoubtedly the best way would be to knock on the janitor's door and say to him 'If you would like a nice new barometer, I will give you this one if you tell me the height of this building'.
"It Just goes to show that there are lots of different ways to measure the height of a building. But suppose you wanted to measure something a little more abstract -- your Christianity, for example. How would you go about doing that?Some folks simply look around at everyone else and see how their lives compare. "Well, I'm not as immoral as most of the people I know." "I'm certainly better than the hypocrites that go to church down there.
"Paul said, though, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Cor. 10:12)
They're not wise because we have to measure ourselves using a higher standard. The standard we must use is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ."....till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:11-13)Using God's Word as our guide, we all see just how far we have yet to grow. I encourage you to take measure of your life today as you strive to grow in Christ.
Verses
Luke 1:37
Because nothing is difficult for God.
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whatever you forbid on earth, Heaven shall forbid; and whatever you allow on earth, Heaven shall allow.'
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.
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, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we’re on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.
I love the following "urban legend" which involves a question in a physics degree exam:
"Describe how to determine the height of a skyscraper with a barometer."One student replied: "Tie a long piece of string to the neck of the barometer, then lower the barometer from the roof of the skyscraper to the ground.
The length of the string plus the length of the barometer will equal the height of the building.
"This highly original answer so incensed the examiner that the student was failed immediately.
He appealed on the grounds that his answer was indisputably correct, and the university appointed an independent arbiter to decide the case. The arbiter judged that the answer was indeed correct, but did not display any noticeable knowledge of physics.
To resolve the problem it was decided to call the student in and allow him six minutes in which to provide a verbal answer which showed at least a minimal familiarity with the basic principles of physics.
For five minutes the student sat in silence, forehead creased in thought. The arbiter reminded him that time was running out, to which the student replied that he had several extremely relevant answers, but couldn't make up his mind which to use.
On being advised to hurry up the student replied as follows:
"Firstly, you could take the barometer up to the roof of the skyscraper, drop it over the edge, and measure the time it takes to reach the ground. The height of the building can then be worked out from the formula H = 0.5g x t squared. But bad luck on the barometer.
"Or if the sun is shining you could measure the height of the barometer, then set it on end and measure the length of its shadow. Then you measure the length of the skyscraper's shadow, and thereafter it is simple matter of proportional arithmetic to work out the height of the skyscraper.
"But if you wanted to be highly scientific about it, you could tie a short piece of string to the barometer and swing it like a pendulum, first at ground level and then on the roof of the skyscraper. The height is worked out by the difference in the gravitational restoring force T = 2 pi sq root(l / g).
"Or if the skyscraper has an outside emergency staircase, it would be easier to walk up it and mark off the height of the skyscraper in barometer lengths, then add them up.
"If you merely wanted to be boring and orthodox about it, of course, you could use the barometer to measure the air pressure on the roof of the skyscraper and on the ground, and convert the difference in millibars into feet to give the height of the building.
"But since we are constantly being exhorted to exercise independence of mind and apply scientific methods, undoubtedly the best way would be to knock on the janitor's door and say to him 'If you would like a nice new barometer, I will give you this one if you tell me the height of this building'.
"It Just goes to show that there are lots of different ways to measure the height of a building. But suppose you wanted to measure something a little more abstract -- your Christianity, for example. How would you go about doing that?Some folks simply look around at everyone else and see how their lives compare. "Well, I'm not as immoral as most of the people I know." "I'm certainly better than the hypocrites that go to church down there.
"Paul said, though, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Cor. 10:12)
They're not wise because we have to measure ourselves using a higher standard. The standard we must use is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ."....till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:11-13)Using God's Word as our guide, we all see just how far we have yet to grow. I encourage you to take measure of your life today as you strive to grow in Christ.
Verses
Luke 1:37
Because nothing is difficult for God.
Acts 9:34
And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whatever you forbid on earth, Heaven shall forbid; and whatever you allow on earth, Heaven shall allow.'
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.
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, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we’re on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.
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