Thought for the day
After experiencing difficulties with his computer, a poor, incognizant user called the system maker's technical support line for
assistance:
Technician: Hello. How can I help you today?
Customer: There's smoke coming from the power supply on my computer...
Tech: Looks like you need a new power supply...
Cust: No, I don't! I just need to change the startup files...
Tech: Sir, what you described is a faulty power supply. You need to replace it....
Cust: No way! Someone told me that I just had to change the system startup files to fix the problem! All I need is for you to tell me the right command...
For the next ten minutes, in spite of the technician's efforts to explain the problem and its solution, the customer adamantly insisted he was right. So, in frustration, the technician responded...
Tech: I'm sorry. We don't normally tell our customers this, but there's an undocumented DOS command that will fix the problem...
Cust: I knew it!
Tech: Just add the line "LOAD NOSMOKE.COM at the end of the CONFIG.SYS file and everything should work fine. Let me know how it goes...
About ten minutes later, the technician received a call back from the customer...
Cust: It didn't work. The power supply is still smoking...
Tech: Well, what version of DOS are you using?
Cust: MS-DOS 6.22...
Tech: Well, that's your problem. That version of DOS doesn't include NOSMOKE. You'll need to contact Microsoft and ask them for a patch. Let me know how it all works out...
When nearly an hour had passed, the phone rang again...
Cust: I need a new power supply...
Tech: How did you come to that conclusion?
Cust: Well, I called Microsoft and told the technician what you had said, and he started asking me questions about the make of the power supply...
Tech: What did he tell you?
Cust: He said my power supply isn't compatible with NOSMOKE...
As humorous as that story may be, the same thing can happen on a spiritual level, and it's not humorous at all. Someone's life "goes up in smoke." Their reaction is to try to find a "patch" to get them through, when what they really need is a new "power supply". Unless we access the power found only in God, we are doomed to a life of frustration. And it is only when we realize the "incompatibility" between our attempts to patch things up and God's power that we are able to finally bring ourselves back to God in submission.
"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers....that you may know....what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Eph. 1:15-20)
Seen any smoke in your life lately? Have you tried replacing the power supply?
Verses
Habakkuk 2:3
But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Numbers 6:24-26
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."
Mark 11:24
"Therefore I am saying to you, All, whatever you are praying and requesting, be believing that you obtained, and it will be yours.
Psalm 112:1,3
Praise the Lord! Happy is the person who fears the Lord. He loves what the Lord commands. His house will be full of wealth and riches. His goodness will continue forever.
Prayer
Father, thank You for loving us enough to warn repeatedly of impending judgment and for showing us the right path of life. Keep us faithful and growing in the process. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (20 02 2009)
Thought for the day
One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his
house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in
the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front
yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the
house.
Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had
been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the
front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room
was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes
filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was
spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile
of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of
clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that
something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still
curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him,
smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home
from work and ask me what in the world I did today?"
"Yes" was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."
We often take for granted those things that others do for us, and it
sometimes takes them stopping for us to appreciate what they do. The same
thing is also true of blessings we enjoy. How often do we think about such
wonderful blessings as electricity and running water? We seem to appreciate
them a lot more after a power outage or a break in the water main!
Ironically, the things which we should be most thankful for (because
they are continually there) are the things we are most likely to take for
granted. Here's a sobering thought -- what if God said one day, "You know
all those thing I usually do for you. Today I didn't do them!"
May we never take for granted what God does for us day after day.
"I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever
and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever
and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness
is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3)
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not give up your hope which will be greatly rewarded. For, having done what was right in God's eyes, you have need of waiting before his word has effect for you.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
2 Corinthians 5:9
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
Matthew 5:44
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Prayer
Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being. Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief. Remind us often, since we can’t see them and can easily forget. We want to be a faithful support to them in prayer and thought. When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation, from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect. It will be an experience beyond description, so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope. We pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his
house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in
the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front
yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the
house.
Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had
been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the
front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room
was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes
filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was
spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile
of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of
clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that
something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still
curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him,
smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home
from work and ask me what in the world I did today?"
"Yes" was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."
We often take for granted those things that others do for us, and it
sometimes takes them stopping for us to appreciate what they do. The same
thing is also true of blessings we enjoy. How often do we think about such
wonderful blessings as electricity and running water? We seem to appreciate
them a lot more after a power outage or a break in the water main!
Ironically, the things which we should be most thankful for (because
they are continually there) are the things we are most likely to take for
granted. Here's a sobering thought -- what if God said one day, "You know
all those thing I usually do for you. Today I didn't do them!"
May we never take for granted what God does for us day after day.
"I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever
and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever
and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness
is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3)
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not give up your hope which will be greatly rewarded. For, having done what was right in God's eyes, you have need of waiting before his word has effect for you.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
2 Corinthians 5:9
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
Matthew 5:44
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Prayer
Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being. Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief. Remind us often, since we can’t see them and can easily forget. We want to be a faithful support to them in prayer and thought. When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation, from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect. It will be an experience beyond description, so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope. We pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (19 02 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a preacher who attended a seminar with many well
known motivational speakers. One of these speakers boldly approached the
pulpit and, gathering the entire crowd's attention, said, "The best years of
my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn't my wife!" The crowd
was shocked!
He followed up by saying, "And that woman was my mother!" The crowd
burst into laughter and he gave his speech which went over well.
Several weeks later, this minister who had attended the seminar decided
to use that joke to introduce his sermon. As he shyly approached the pulpit
one Sunday morning, he tried to rehearse the joke in his head, but it seemed
a bit foggy to him. Getting to the microphone he said loudly, "The greatest
years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn't my wife!"
His congregation sat shocked.
After standing there for almost 10 seconds trying to recall the second
half of the joke, the preacher finally blurted out "...and for the life of
me, I can't remember who she was!"
Remembering the "punch line" is important in sharing a joke. It's also
important in relating the gospel message. Yes, Jesus was crucified for our
sins. And yes, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. But, if that's all we
remember, then we truly have no reason to rejoice. There's more to the
story!
That's why the apostles were so sad and discouraged when Jesus died.
They forgot the "rest of the story"! Jesus had told them, but they forgot.
"Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son
of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill
Him, and the third day He will be raised up.'" (Matthew 17:22-23)
The gospel, the "good news," is not only that Jesus died to offer us
salvation from sin, but that he rose to give us hope of eternal life. Don't
forget the "punch line"!
Verses
Romans 8:28
Meanwhile we can be sure that God works tirelessly to see that everything that happens fits into a pattern for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Exodus 23:26
and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Galatians 6:7
Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. A man will reap exactly what he plants.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commandments. Plenty and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure forever.
Prayer
O Lord, hear me praying. Listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but You. Each morning I will look to You in heaven and lay my requests before You, praying earnestly. I know You get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore proud sinners will not survive Your searching gaze, for how You hate their evil deeds…But as for me, I will come into Your temple protected by Your mercy and Your love; I will worship You with deepest awe.” Father, it is not the accolades of the world for which we live, but it is the affirmation of Your Word that serves as our trusted guide in all we seek to be and to do. We want to be faithful in the everyday obligations and opportunities that await us. Use us to glorify Your name and for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen
The story is told of a preacher who attended a seminar with many well
known motivational speakers. One of these speakers boldly approached the
pulpit and, gathering the entire crowd's attention, said, "The best years of
my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn't my wife!" The crowd
was shocked!
He followed up by saying, "And that woman was my mother!" The crowd
burst into laughter and he gave his speech which went over well.
Several weeks later, this minister who had attended the seminar decided
to use that joke to introduce his sermon. As he shyly approached the pulpit
one Sunday morning, he tried to rehearse the joke in his head, but it seemed
a bit foggy to him. Getting to the microphone he said loudly, "The greatest
years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn't my wife!"
His congregation sat shocked.
After standing there for almost 10 seconds trying to recall the second
half of the joke, the preacher finally blurted out "...and for the life of
me, I can't remember who she was!"
Remembering the "punch line" is important in sharing a joke. It's also
important in relating the gospel message. Yes, Jesus was crucified for our
sins. And yes, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. But, if that's all we
remember, then we truly have no reason to rejoice. There's more to the
story!
That's why the apostles were so sad and discouraged when Jesus died.
They forgot the "rest of the story"! Jesus had told them, but they forgot.
"Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son
of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill
Him, and the third day He will be raised up.'" (Matthew 17:22-23)
The gospel, the "good news," is not only that Jesus died to offer us
salvation from sin, but that he rose to give us hope of eternal life. Don't
forget the "punch line"!
Verses
Romans 8:28
Meanwhile we can be sure that God works tirelessly to see that everything that happens fits into a pattern for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Exodus 23:26
and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Galatians 6:7
Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. A man will reap exactly what he plants.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commandments. Plenty and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure forever.
Prayer
O Lord, hear me praying. Listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but You. Each morning I will look to You in heaven and lay my requests before You, praying earnestly. I know You get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore proud sinners will not survive Your searching gaze, for how You hate their evil deeds…But as for me, I will come into Your temple protected by Your mercy and Your love; I will worship You with deepest awe.” Father, it is not the accolades of the world for which we live, but it is the affirmation of Your Word that serves as our trusted guide in all we seek to be and to do. We want to be faithful in the everyday obligations and opportunities that await us. Use us to glorify Your name and for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (18 02 2009)
Wednesday 18 02 2009
Hi all, I am currently travelling all over South Africa for work purposes and I experienced trouble with my connections to the web etc but here is my updates again. God Bless
Thought for the day
A man walks into a restaurant with a dog. The hostess says, "You can't bring that dog in here."
"You don't understand," says the man. "This is no regular dog, he can talk."
"Listen, pal," says the hostess. "If that dog can talk, I'll give you a hundred bucks."
The man puts the dog on a stool, and asks him, "What's on top of a house?" "Roof!"
"Right. And what's on the outside of a tree?" "Bark!"
"And who's the greatest baseball player of all time?" "Ruth!"
"I guess you've heard enough," says the man. "I'll take the hundred in twenties." The hostess is furious. "Listen, pal," she says, "get out of here before I call the police."
As soon as they're on the street, the dog turns to the man and says, "Do you think I should have said 'DiMaggio'?"
I wonder if that's the way Peter felt after he made the statement he did in Matthew 17. It was on the Mount of Transfiguration, and there stood Jesus along with Moses and Elijah. Peter was prepared to worship them, because these were obviously the three greatest men of all time. So he said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: If you wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Matt. 17:4).
I love the comment that Mark adds in his account -- "He blurted this out without thinking" (Mark 9:6, The MESSAGE). How great is that? You finally say something that makes it into God's Word and then the writer has to follow your comment with an explanation -- "He really didn't know what he was talking about!"
The truth is, Peter DIDN'T know what he was saying. He probably thought he was doing Jesus an honor by elevating him to the same level as the great men Elijah and Moses. But God made it clear by His statement which followed that the greatest man who ever lived, the one with all authority, was (and is) His own Son, Jesus Christ.
"This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (Matthew 17:5)
Who is the greatest man who ever lived? The answer is simple. It is not Moses or Elijah. It is not Muhammad or Buddha. It is Jesus Christ. Hear Him -- listen to His words and obey Him.
Verses
Galatians 6:9
So let's not give up the good fight, for our harvest will come in its own good time if we keep on keeping on.
Acts 28:8-9
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
Matthew 25:29
Everyone who uses what he has will get more. He will have much more than he needs. But the one who does not use what he has will have everything taken away from him.'
Matthew 7:11
If then, you, bad though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more readily will your Father that is in the Heavens give what is good to those who ask Him?
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that you may have good success and good health. I know your soul is well.
Prayer
Father, You love us with an everlasting love. Your enduring love stands as the supreme example for us to follow in our human relationships. Even when we have forsaken You and broken our vows, You continue to forgive us and woo us back to Yourself. You are not a god of retribution but a God of mercy. Even when we listen to the world’s counsel and experience dismal failure You pick up the shattered pieces and still call us Your own. Only a God like You deserves our complete loyalty. As we personally experience Your enduring love when we least deserve it, help us to apply the same kind of enduring love to those who least deserve it from us. Only through Your strength can we do even the impossible. Amen.
Hi all, I am currently travelling all over South Africa for work purposes and I experienced trouble with my connections to the web etc but here is my updates again. God Bless
Thought for the day
A man walks into a restaurant with a dog. The hostess says, "You can't bring that dog in here."
"You don't understand," says the man. "This is no regular dog, he can talk."
"Listen, pal," says the hostess. "If that dog can talk, I'll give you a hundred bucks."
The man puts the dog on a stool, and asks him, "What's on top of a house?" "Roof!"
"Right. And what's on the outside of a tree?" "Bark!"
"And who's the greatest baseball player of all time?" "Ruth!"
"I guess you've heard enough," says the man. "I'll take the hundred in twenties." The hostess is furious. "Listen, pal," she says, "get out of here before I call the police."
As soon as they're on the street, the dog turns to the man and says, "Do you think I should have said 'DiMaggio'?"
I wonder if that's the way Peter felt after he made the statement he did in Matthew 17. It was on the Mount of Transfiguration, and there stood Jesus along with Moses and Elijah. Peter was prepared to worship them, because these were obviously the three greatest men of all time. So he said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: If you wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Matt. 17:4).
I love the comment that Mark adds in his account -- "He blurted this out without thinking" (Mark 9:6, The MESSAGE). How great is that? You finally say something that makes it into God's Word and then the writer has to follow your comment with an explanation -- "He really didn't know what he was talking about!"
The truth is, Peter DIDN'T know what he was saying. He probably thought he was doing Jesus an honor by elevating him to the same level as the great men Elijah and Moses. But God made it clear by His statement which followed that the greatest man who ever lived, the one with all authority, was (and is) His own Son, Jesus Christ.
"This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (Matthew 17:5)
Who is the greatest man who ever lived? The answer is simple. It is not Moses or Elijah. It is not Muhammad or Buddha. It is Jesus Christ. Hear Him -- listen to His words and obey Him.
Verses
Galatians 6:9
So let's not give up the good fight, for our harvest will come in its own good time if we keep on keeping on.
Acts 28:8-9
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
Matthew 25:29
Everyone who uses what he has will get more. He will have much more than he needs. But the one who does not use what he has will have everything taken away from him.'
Matthew 7:11
If then, you, bad though you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more readily will your Father that is in the Heavens give what is good to those who ask Him?
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that you may have good success and good health. I know your soul is well.
Prayer
Father, You love us with an everlasting love. Your enduring love stands as the supreme example for us to follow in our human relationships. Even when we have forsaken You and broken our vows, You continue to forgive us and woo us back to Yourself. You are not a god of retribution but a God of mercy. Even when we listen to the world’s counsel and experience dismal failure You pick up the shattered pieces and still call us Your own. Only a God like You deserves our complete loyalty. As we personally experience Your enduring love when we least deserve it, help us to apply the same kind of enduring love to those who least deserve it from us. Only through Your strength can we do even the impossible. Amen.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (09 02 2009)
Thought for the day
Judy, the editor of a trivia publication, was having trouble with her computer. So she called Dave, the computer guy, over to her desk. Dave clicked a couple buttons and solved the problem.
As he was walking away, Judy called after him, "So, what was wrong?"
He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."A puzzled expression ran over Judy's face.
"An ID ten T error? What's that..in case I need to fix it again??
"He gave her a grin, "Haven't you heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," replied Judy."Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out. "She wrote: ID10T
I can sympathize with Judy. I've been there often in my spiritual walk. I look back at some of the stupid mistakes I've made, some of the foolish decisions over the years and can explain in no other way -- they were ID ten T errors!
I tend to make those errors most when I get distracted, when I take my eyes off of God. I focus on what I want, when I want it; nothing else matters. Or I get fascinated and caught up in the material things around me, forgetting the more important matters of spiritual importance. Or I start comparing myself with others, alternating between jealousy (of those who are "better" than I am) and pride (in light of those who are "not as good" as I am). When my eyes are set in the wrong direction, it doesn't take long to commit an ID ten T error.
In Colossians 3, Paul writes at length about all sorts of sin that we need to "put to death" (vss. 5-9). It is significant to me, though, that he begins this chapter talking about where our focus needs to be:"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." (Col. 3:1-2)
Heavenly Father, I humbly seek your forgiveness of those times I have gotten "distracted" and sinned. I have no excuses, I offer no "explanation", I merely acknowledge my foolishness. Please bless my efforts to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and Your will for my life this day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Verses
Mark 11:23
For truly I say to you that whoever says to this mountain, Be taken away, and be thrown into the sea; and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says occurs; whatever he says, it will be to him.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore [our] sicknesses."
Matthew 25:29
Every person who manages his assets wisely will be given additional assets so that he may have an abundance. But the person who does not manage his assets wisely will lose those he has.
Colossians 4:2
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
Prayer
Father, we want to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another since You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. We humble ourselves, therefore, under Your mighty hand, that You may lift us up in due time. We resist the devil’s proud and evil influence as we stand strong, firm and steadfast in the principles set forth in the Scriptures.
Judy, the editor of a trivia publication, was having trouble with her computer. So she called Dave, the computer guy, over to her desk. Dave clicked a couple buttons and solved the problem.
As he was walking away, Judy called after him, "So, what was wrong?"
He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."A puzzled expression ran over Judy's face.
"An ID ten T error? What's that..in case I need to fix it again??
"He gave her a grin, "Haven't you heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," replied Judy."Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out. "She wrote: ID10T
I can sympathize with Judy. I've been there often in my spiritual walk. I look back at some of the stupid mistakes I've made, some of the foolish decisions over the years and can explain in no other way -- they were ID ten T errors!
I tend to make those errors most when I get distracted, when I take my eyes off of God. I focus on what I want, when I want it; nothing else matters. Or I get fascinated and caught up in the material things around me, forgetting the more important matters of spiritual importance. Or I start comparing myself with others, alternating between jealousy (of those who are "better" than I am) and pride (in light of those who are "not as good" as I am). When my eyes are set in the wrong direction, it doesn't take long to commit an ID ten T error.
In Colossians 3, Paul writes at length about all sorts of sin that we need to "put to death" (vss. 5-9). It is significant to me, though, that he begins this chapter talking about where our focus needs to be:"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." (Col. 3:1-2)
Heavenly Father, I humbly seek your forgiveness of those times I have gotten "distracted" and sinned. I have no excuses, I offer no "explanation", I merely acknowledge my foolishness. Please bless my efforts to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and Your will for my life this day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Verses
Mark 11:23
For truly I say to you that whoever says to this mountain, Be taken away, and be thrown into the sea; and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says occurs; whatever he says, it will be to him.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore [our] sicknesses."
Matthew 25:29
Every person who manages his assets wisely will be given additional assets so that he may have an abundance. But the person who does not manage his assets wisely will lose those he has.
Colossians 4:2
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
Prayer
Father, we want to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another since You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. We humble ourselves, therefore, under Your mighty hand, that You may lift us up in due time. We resist the devil’s proud and evil influence as we stand strong, firm and steadfast in the principles set forth in the Scriptures.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (06 02 2009)
Thought for the day
A couple from Bakersfield, California purchased a new boat, but they were having serious problems. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get the boat going. It was sluggish no matter which way they turned or how much power was applied. After an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, hoping someone could tell them what was wrong.
A thorough check on the topside of the boat revealed everything was in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. Then, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking with laughter. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
How often have we been guilty of the same thing? We sputter along in our spiritual lives, wondering why we're not making much progress, wondering why we don't feel any closer to God than we do. We take a spiritual check of the situation and find that we're attending worship regularly, we're reading our Bibles, we're praying. On the surface, everything appears to be what it ought to be. But beneath the surface lurks some sin that we have allowed to latch hold of our lives. And there it lies, unforgiven, maybe even unrecognized, dragging us down.
Though the Hebrew writer used the image of a runner as opposed that that of a boat, the concept is exactly the same: "...(L)et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1).
If your spiritual life is sputtering along, perhaps you would do well to look for sin that lies beneath the surface. Throw off everything that hinders you, and you'll find that things will run a lot more smoothly.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
2 Kings 2:21-22
Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the Lord: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.' "So the water remains healed to this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spoke.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Acts 12:12
So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, Amen.
A couple from Bakersfield, California purchased a new boat, but they were having serious problems. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get the boat going. It was sluggish no matter which way they turned or how much power was applied. After an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, hoping someone could tell them what was wrong.
A thorough check on the topside of the boat revealed everything was in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. Then, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking with laughter. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!
How often have we been guilty of the same thing? We sputter along in our spiritual lives, wondering why we're not making much progress, wondering why we don't feel any closer to God than we do. We take a spiritual check of the situation and find that we're attending worship regularly, we're reading our Bibles, we're praying. On the surface, everything appears to be what it ought to be. But beneath the surface lurks some sin that we have allowed to latch hold of our lives. And there it lies, unforgiven, maybe even unrecognized, dragging us down.
Though the Hebrew writer used the image of a runner as opposed that that of a boat, the concept is exactly the same: "...(L)et us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1).
If your spiritual life is sputtering along, perhaps you would do well to look for sin that lies beneath the surface. Throw off everything that hinders you, and you'll find that things will run a lot more smoothly.
Verses
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want any of you to grow slack, but to follow the example of those who through sheer patient faith came to possess the promises.
2 Kings 2:21-22
Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the Lord: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.' "So the water remains healed to this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spoke.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Acts 12:12
So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, Amen.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (05 02 2009)
Thought for the day
Over the years, I have collected hundreds (maybe even thousands) of stories and anecdotes. Many of those stories are heard and quickly forgotten.
A few of them, though, are so significant that I continue to be reminded of them because of the powerful lessons they teach. This morning's story is one of those that I rank among my favorites:
An ancient Chinese parable tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbor walked by and scoffed, "You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in the year for you to do this."But Tan replied confidently, "I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons'' sons will do the same. Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land."
As I read the Bible, I am reminded that God's work often takes hundreds of years with each generation doing a little bit more until finally God's work is completed. The Hebrew writer tells us (11:13) that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all received promises from God, but those promises were not fulfilled in their generations. They "pecked away" at the mountain one stroke at a time, and later generations received a multitude of blessings.
It is a reminder that we need in our "instant culture". We have gotten used to instant coffee, instant messengers, and a multitude of other products all designed to help us receive what we want as quickly as possible. The result is that when we pray for God's will to be done in our lives, we want it done within the next five minutes. There are great things to be achieved simply by laying a groundwork that succeeding generations can build on.
It is a reminder that I need when I tackle a task that seems to be endless. Many days I have told myself that "the mountain cannot grow" and every chip I take out of the mountain makes it that much smaller, and in time, the mountain will be gone. I hope that if you are facing mountains in your life that this parable will serve as an encouragement to you as well.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58)
Verses
Mark 5:34
Whereupon Jesus said to her, My daughter, thy faith has brought thee recovery; go in peace, and be rid of thy affliction.
Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
2 Corinthians 9:11
So then, growing rich in all things, you will be prepared to show all kinds of generosity--generosity which through our instrumentality produces thanksgiving to God.
PrayerFather, as we fully surrender our hearts to You we will no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but we will be transformed because our minds are being renewed by Your Spirit daily. Though we may be rejected by the world we have been chosen by You. Like living stones You are building us into a spiritual house where Jesus is the precious cornerstone. Because of that we are a strong foundation that can withstand the temptations and forces of evil as we declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness. In doing so You enable us to live as aliens and strangers in this evil world so that we abstain from sinful desires. Amen.
Over the years, I have collected hundreds (maybe even thousands) of stories and anecdotes. Many of those stories are heard and quickly forgotten.
A few of them, though, are so significant that I continue to be reminded of them because of the powerful lessons they teach. This morning's story is one of those that I rank among my favorites:
An ancient Chinese parable tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbor walked by and scoffed, "You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in the year for you to do this."But Tan replied confidently, "I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons'' sons will do the same. Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land."
As I read the Bible, I am reminded that God's work often takes hundreds of years with each generation doing a little bit more until finally God's work is completed. The Hebrew writer tells us (11:13) that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all received promises from God, but those promises were not fulfilled in their generations. They "pecked away" at the mountain one stroke at a time, and later generations received a multitude of blessings.
It is a reminder that we need in our "instant culture". We have gotten used to instant coffee, instant messengers, and a multitude of other products all designed to help us receive what we want as quickly as possible. The result is that when we pray for God's will to be done in our lives, we want it done within the next five minutes. There are great things to be achieved simply by laying a groundwork that succeeding generations can build on.
It is a reminder that I need when I tackle a task that seems to be endless. Many days I have told myself that "the mountain cannot grow" and every chip I take out of the mountain makes it that much smaller, and in time, the mountain will be gone. I hope that if you are facing mountains in your life that this parable will serve as an encouragement to you as well.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58)
Verses
Mark 5:34
Whereupon Jesus said to her, My daughter, thy faith has brought thee recovery; go in peace, and be rid of thy affliction.
Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
2 Corinthians 9:11
So then, growing rich in all things, you will be prepared to show all kinds of generosity--generosity which through our instrumentality produces thanksgiving to God.
PrayerFather, as we fully surrender our hearts to You we will no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but we will be transformed because our minds are being renewed by Your Spirit daily. Though we may be rejected by the world we have been chosen by You. Like living stones You are building us into a spiritual house where Jesus is the precious cornerstone. Because of that we are a strong foundation that can withstand the temptations and forces of evil as we declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness. In doing so You enable us to live as aliens and strangers in this evil world so that we abstain from sinful desires. Amen.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (04 02 2009)
Thought for the day
You will likely recognize the name of Jackie Robinson as the first African-American to play Major League baseball. In his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson faced hatred nearly everywhere he traveled. Pitchers threw fastballs at his head. Runners spiked him on the bases, ugly insults were written on cards and spoken from the opposing dugouts. Even the home crowds in Brooklyn saw him as an object of reproach.
During one game in Cincinnati, the taunts and racial slurs seemed to reach a peak. To make matters worse, Robinson committed an error and stood at second base humiliated while the fans hurled insults at him. Another Dodger, a Southern white man by the name Pee Wee Reese, called timeout. He walked from his position at shortstop toward Robinson at second base, and with the crowds looking on, he put his arm around Robinson's shoulder. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.
That reminds me of a similar story in the Bible. Saul was a most unlikely candidate for Christianity. I doubt if he was on anybody's soul-winning list. Except God's. The reason is that you would have been locked up or killed before you got through the first Bible study. The words Saul and persecution were synonymous. So, Saul had a bit of a problem when he became a Christian. Everybody was afraid to get close to him. The members of the Jerusalem church thought that Paul was pulling a fast one, that he was only pretending to be a disciple (verse 26).
After all, that was a perfect plan -- pretend to become a member of the church, get the names of all of the members, call the Sanhedrin and then take the whole bunch to prison. Sounds like a spy story, doesn't it? But, they weren't about to fall for that one! But Barnabas accepted him.
There are a couple of things about Barnabas that we need to imitate. First of all, he was a man who insisted on believing the best in others. When others suspected Saul of being a spy, Barnabas insisted on believing he was genuine and real. The world is largely divided into people who think the best of others and people who think the worst of others. "[Love] doesn't keep track of wrongs....never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up." (I Corinthians 13:5,7, GOD'S WORD).
Barnabas was also a person who didn't hold a man's past against him. It happens so often that whenever a man makes a mistake, he is forever condemned in our eyes. It is a wonderful characteristic of God that he doesn't hold our past sins against us. We, too, should never condemn a man just because he has failed in the past.
What a great example! We've all been there -- standing in need of someone to face our problems with us. And we have those around us who need the encouraging arm around the shoulder.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (Galatians 6:1-2)
Verses
Matthew 21:21
'I tell you truly,' Jesus answered, 'if you have unquestioning faith, you will be able to do not only what was done to the fig tree, but even if you were to say to this hill: "Be picked up and flung into the sea," it will happen.
Exodus 23:25
Worship only me, the LORD your God! I will bless you with plenty of food and water and keep you strong.
Acts 26:18
'to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Luke 19:46
saying to them, "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, 'My house will be called a house of prayer.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!"
PrayerFather, we thank You for our five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling that are essential to our lives as we gather and disseminate information from our sensory glands. As we interact with others today we want to be the aroma of Christ as the Holy Spirit makes us adequate for the task before us. We choose to focus on what You can do through us, not on what we do in our own strength. May others look beyond our inadequacies and take in the fragrance of Christ as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.
You will likely recognize the name of Jackie Robinson as the first African-American to play Major League baseball. In his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson faced hatred nearly everywhere he traveled. Pitchers threw fastballs at his head. Runners spiked him on the bases, ugly insults were written on cards and spoken from the opposing dugouts. Even the home crowds in Brooklyn saw him as an object of reproach.
During one game in Cincinnati, the taunts and racial slurs seemed to reach a peak. To make matters worse, Robinson committed an error and stood at second base humiliated while the fans hurled insults at him. Another Dodger, a Southern white man by the name Pee Wee Reese, called timeout. He walked from his position at shortstop toward Robinson at second base, and with the crowds looking on, he put his arm around Robinson's shoulder. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.
That reminds me of a similar story in the Bible. Saul was a most unlikely candidate for Christianity. I doubt if he was on anybody's soul-winning list. Except God's. The reason is that you would have been locked up or killed before you got through the first Bible study. The words Saul and persecution were synonymous. So, Saul had a bit of a problem when he became a Christian. Everybody was afraid to get close to him. The members of the Jerusalem church thought that Paul was pulling a fast one, that he was only pretending to be a disciple (verse 26).
After all, that was a perfect plan -- pretend to become a member of the church, get the names of all of the members, call the Sanhedrin and then take the whole bunch to prison. Sounds like a spy story, doesn't it? But, they weren't about to fall for that one! But Barnabas accepted him.
There are a couple of things about Barnabas that we need to imitate. First of all, he was a man who insisted on believing the best in others. When others suspected Saul of being a spy, Barnabas insisted on believing he was genuine and real. The world is largely divided into people who think the best of others and people who think the worst of others. "[Love] doesn't keep track of wrongs....never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up." (I Corinthians 13:5,7, GOD'S WORD).
Barnabas was also a person who didn't hold a man's past against him. It happens so often that whenever a man makes a mistake, he is forever condemned in our eyes. It is a wonderful characteristic of God that he doesn't hold our past sins against us. We, too, should never condemn a man just because he has failed in the past.
What a great example! We've all been there -- standing in need of someone to face our problems with us. And we have those around us who need the encouraging arm around the shoulder.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (Galatians 6:1-2)
Verses
Matthew 21:21
'I tell you truly,' Jesus answered, 'if you have unquestioning faith, you will be able to do not only what was done to the fig tree, but even if you were to say to this hill: "Be picked up and flung into the sea," it will happen.
Exodus 23:25
Worship only me, the LORD your God! I will bless you with plenty of food and water and keep you strong.
Acts 26:18
'to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Luke 19:46
saying to them, "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, 'My house will be called a house of prayer.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!"
PrayerFather, we thank You for our five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling that are essential to our lives as we gather and disseminate information from our sensory glands. As we interact with others today we want to be the aroma of Christ as the Holy Spirit makes us adequate for the task before us. We choose to focus on what You can do through us, not on what we do in our own strength. May others look beyond our inadequacies and take in the fragrance of Christ as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Tuesday prayer verses (03 02 2009)
Thought for the day
As those of you who are college students know, at the end of each semester you are asked to fill out a form evaluating the teacher and the text. The following comments were taken from MIT forms in the fall of 1991:
"Have you ever fell asleep in class and awoke in another? That's the way I felt all term."
"The recitation instructor would make a good parking lot attendant. Tries to tell you where to go, but you can never understand him."
"Text is useless. I use it to kill roaches in my room."
"In this class, the syllabus is more important than you are."
"Text makes a satisfying `thud' when dropped on the floor."
"Textbook is confusing... Someone with a knowledge of English should proofread it."
"Help! I've fallen asleep and I can't wake up!"
"Recitation was great. It was so confusing that I forgot who I was, where I was, and what I was doing -- it's a great stress reliever."
"He is one of the best teachers I have had...He is well-organized, presents good lectures, and creates interest in the subject. I hope my comments don't hurt his chances of getting tenure."
"He teaches like Speedy Gonzalez on a caffeine high."
"Information was presented like a ruptured fire hose -- spraying in all directions, no way to stop it."
"What's the quality of the text, you ask? `Text is printed on high quality paper.'
"I can remember that it was easier to say nice things about some of my teachers in college than it was some of the others. However, when it comes to evaluating my spiritual "Teacher" and his text, I can't begin to say enough good things. How would I evaluate the text?"
All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NCV)
And the teacher?"LORD, teach me what you want me to do, and I will live by your truth. Teach me to respect you completely. Lord, my God, I will praise you with all my heart, and I will honor your name forever. You have great love for me...." (Psa. 86:11-13a).
Praise to Him who is the greatest teacher we have ever known! May our ears always be attentive to his instruction!
Verses
1 John 5:4
For whoever is born of God triumphs over the world; and this is the victory which conquers the world, even our faith.
Exodus 23:26
No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Jude 1:20
But you, my friends, must fortify yourselves in your most sacred faith. Continue to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Father God, I’m often tempted to add my voice to the crowd or simply blend in with the majority opinion. But because I choose to follow You I want to obey Your Law rather than the conflicting laws of human origin; I want to hear Your voice rather than the conflicting voice of others; I want to yield to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit rather than the prevailing philosophy of my day. I choose to follow You and I want to do so no matter the cost. Make me strong enough, courageous enough, and prayerful enough that I will stand even when others fall. When it feels as though I am standing alone remind me that You and I are a majority. When I stand up for You I stand in victory no matter the temporal consequences. It would seem that Jesus was defeated in His physical death and the seeming hopeless days that followed. But His triumph came when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven where He sits at Your right hand interceding for us. Remind us that obedience is required today that we might experience victory tomorrow. In Jesus Mighty Name - Amen
As those of you who are college students know, at the end of each semester you are asked to fill out a form evaluating the teacher and the text. The following comments were taken from MIT forms in the fall of 1991:
"Have you ever fell asleep in class and awoke in another? That's the way I felt all term."
"The recitation instructor would make a good parking lot attendant. Tries to tell you where to go, but you can never understand him."
"Text is useless. I use it to kill roaches in my room."
"In this class, the syllabus is more important than you are."
"Text makes a satisfying `thud' when dropped on the floor."
"Textbook is confusing... Someone with a knowledge of English should proofread it."
"Help! I've fallen asleep and I can't wake up!"
"Recitation was great. It was so confusing that I forgot who I was, where I was, and what I was doing -- it's a great stress reliever."
"He is one of the best teachers I have had...He is well-organized, presents good lectures, and creates interest in the subject. I hope my comments don't hurt his chances of getting tenure."
"He teaches like Speedy Gonzalez on a caffeine high."
"Information was presented like a ruptured fire hose -- spraying in all directions, no way to stop it."
"What's the quality of the text, you ask? `Text is printed on high quality paper.'
"I can remember that it was easier to say nice things about some of my teachers in college than it was some of the others. However, when it comes to evaluating my spiritual "Teacher" and his text, I can't begin to say enough good things. How would I evaluate the text?"
All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NCV)
And the teacher?"LORD, teach me what you want me to do, and I will live by your truth. Teach me to respect you completely. Lord, my God, I will praise you with all my heart, and I will honor your name forever. You have great love for me...." (Psa. 86:11-13a).
Praise to Him who is the greatest teacher we have ever known! May our ears always be attentive to his instruction!
Verses
1 John 5:4
For whoever is born of God triumphs over the world; and this is the victory which conquers the world, even our faith.
Exodus 23:26
No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Jude 1:20
But you, my friends, must fortify yourselves in your most sacred faith. Continue to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Father God, I’m often tempted to add my voice to the crowd or simply blend in with the majority opinion. But because I choose to follow You I want to obey Your Law rather than the conflicting laws of human origin; I want to hear Your voice rather than the conflicting voice of others; I want to yield to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit rather than the prevailing philosophy of my day. I choose to follow You and I want to do so no matter the cost. Make me strong enough, courageous enough, and prayerful enough that I will stand even when others fall. When it feels as though I am standing alone remind me that You and I are a majority. When I stand up for You I stand in victory no matter the temporal consequences. It would seem that Jesus was defeated in His physical death and the seeming hopeless days that followed. But His triumph came when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven where He sits at Your right hand interceding for us. Remind us that obedience is required today that we might experience victory tomorrow. In Jesus Mighty Name - Amen
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (02 02 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a country lad who was hired for a salesman's job at a city department store. It was one of those massive stores that has every department imaginable. In fact it was the biggest store in the world - you could get anything there.The boss said, "You can start tomorrow, Friday morning, and I'll come and see you when we close up.
"When the boss looked up the young man the next day at closing time, he saw him shaking hands with a beaming customer. After they parted, he walked over and asked, "Well, that looked good! How many sales did you make today?"
"That was the only one," said the young salesman.
"Only one!?!" blurted the boss. "Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. You'll have to do better than that! Well, how much was the sale worth?""$227,340 and change," said the young man.
The boss paused for a moment, blinking a few times. "H... H... How did you manage that?!?"
"Well, when he came in this morning and I sold him a small fish hook. Then, I sold him a medium hook, and then a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one, and then a big one. I then sold him a spear gun, a wetsuit, scuba gear, nets, chum, and coolers. I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down the coast. We decided he would probably need a new boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty-foot schooner with the twin engines. Then, he said that his Volkswagen probably wouldn't be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him the new Deluxe Cruiser, with a winch, storage rack, rust proofing, and a built-in refrigerator. Oh, and floor mats.
"The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, "You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook?!"
"No," answered the salesman. "He came in to buy a blanket." "A blanket?""Yeah, an extra blanket for the couch. He just had a fight with his wife. I said to him, 'Well, your weekend's ruined, so you may as well go fishing...'"One thing leads to another.
And that's the way it should work in our spiritual lives. An old Chinese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." So it is with Christianity. We look ahead to where we want to be, and we take a step. Then another. And another. As we grow and mature in Christ, we continue to add virtue upon virtue. "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Wherever you are in your spiritual life, I pray that you'll take a step up today, adding something that will make you a little more in the image of Jesus Christ. As you add one thing to another, you will be much closer to that goal by the end of 2009.
Verses
Mark 9:23
Jesus said, "It is not a question of whether I can do anything; rather, it is a question of whether you can believe. Anything can happen if you can believe."
Matthew 4:23
Now Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Jude 1:20
But you, my friends, must fortify yourselves in your most sacred faith. Continue to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joshua 1:8
Let this book of the law be ever on your lips and in your thoughts day and night, so that you may keep with care everything in it; then a blessing will be on all your way, and you will do well.
Prayer
Father, help me to be Your hand extended to those in need. We so often complain about our own needs but in reality much of our own needs are met as we reach out to others in need. Your Scripture declares, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Help us not to put off that which You lay upon our hearts. May our gentle and loving touch be the finger of God reaching down from heaven to earth. We were created in Your image and we desire to portray Your loving character as well. Whet our appetite for spiritual food that brings sustenance, growth and experience as we partake of the Bread of Life. May our hearts hunger for the wonderful promises, provisions, and principles revealed throughout Your Holy Scripture. As we regularly feast on these nourishing nuggets we become mature and strengthened so that we can trust You in times of famine. Keep us tasting and keep us trusting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The story is told of a country lad who was hired for a salesman's job at a city department store. It was one of those massive stores that has every department imaginable. In fact it was the biggest store in the world - you could get anything there.The boss said, "You can start tomorrow, Friday morning, and I'll come and see you when we close up.
"When the boss looked up the young man the next day at closing time, he saw him shaking hands with a beaming customer. After they parted, he walked over and asked, "Well, that looked good! How many sales did you make today?"
"That was the only one," said the young salesman.
"Only one!?!" blurted the boss. "Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. You'll have to do better than that! Well, how much was the sale worth?""$227,340 and change," said the young man.
The boss paused for a moment, blinking a few times. "H... H... How did you manage that?!?"
"Well, when he came in this morning and I sold him a small fish hook. Then, I sold him a medium hook, and then a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one, and then a big one. I then sold him a spear gun, a wetsuit, scuba gear, nets, chum, and coolers. I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down the coast. We decided he would probably need a new boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty-foot schooner with the twin engines. Then, he said that his Volkswagen probably wouldn't be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him the new Deluxe Cruiser, with a winch, storage rack, rust proofing, and a built-in refrigerator. Oh, and floor mats.
"The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, "You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook?!"
"No," answered the salesman. "He came in to buy a blanket." "A blanket?""Yeah, an extra blanket for the couch. He just had a fight with his wife. I said to him, 'Well, your weekend's ruined, so you may as well go fishing...'"One thing leads to another.
And that's the way it should work in our spiritual lives. An old Chinese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." So it is with Christianity. We look ahead to where we want to be, and we take a step. Then another. And another. As we grow and mature in Christ, we continue to add virtue upon virtue. "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Wherever you are in your spiritual life, I pray that you'll take a step up today, adding something that will make you a little more in the image of Jesus Christ. As you add one thing to another, you will be much closer to that goal by the end of 2009.
Verses
Mark 9:23
Jesus said, "It is not a question of whether I can do anything; rather, it is a question of whether you can believe. Anything can happen if you can believe."
Matthew 4:23
Now Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Jude 1:20
But you, my friends, must fortify yourselves in your most sacred faith. Continue to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joshua 1:8
Let this book of the law be ever on your lips and in your thoughts day and night, so that you may keep with care everything in it; then a blessing will be on all your way, and you will do well.
Prayer
Father, help me to be Your hand extended to those in need. We so often complain about our own needs but in reality much of our own needs are met as we reach out to others in need. Your Scripture declares, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Help us not to put off that which You lay upon our hearts. May our gentle and loving touch be the finger of God reaching down from heaven to earth. We were created in Your image and we desire to portray Your loving character as well. Whet our appetite for spiritual food that brings sustenance, growth and experience as we partake of the Bread of Life. May our hearts hunger for the wonderful promises, provisions, and principles revealed throughout Your Holy Scripture. As we regularly feast on these nourishing nuggets we become mature and strengthened so that we can trust You in times of famine. Keep us tasting and keep us trusting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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