Thought for the day
Richard Fairchild tells the following story in his book, "Not Far From the Kingdom of God":
In the days of the circuit riders a minister was out riding one afternoon and came upon a man out working in his field.
"Fine day, isn't it?" the minister called out.
"It's fine for you", the man replied, "All you have to do is ride around on that horse thinking about God all day long, while I have to sweat here in this field and then walk home afterward. I don't think it is right you should have things so easy while I have to work so hard."
"On the contrary", the minister answered, "thinking about God is one of the most difficult things you can do. And to prove it, I'll give you this horse if you can think about God and nothing else for one minute."
"You're on," said the man and immediately he sat down in silence. Thirty seconds later he looked up at the minister, and said, "Does that include the saddle?"
I would agree that thinking about God and nothing else is a very difficult thing to do. I would also add, though, that it is just as hard for ministers as it is anyone else!
The apostle Paul wrote, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2).
But our mind is filled nearly every minute of the day with things on this earth -- concerns about things that have happened, concerns about things that will (or might) happen, concerns about what we have (or don't have), concerns about how to get what we don't have, concerns about people that have done us wrong, concerns about what we want others to do for us.
And our mind is so crowded with the things of this world, that there's just not much room left for God. It's hard to think about God and God alone, for there is so much competing for our attention.
Allow me to give you this challenge -- think about God and nothing else for one minute. If you can achieve that goal, strive for five minutes. May thoughts of God increasingly fill your mind so that you can eventually say with the Psalmist all day long, "I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works." (Psalm 145:15)
Verses
Mark 11:23
I solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Get up and throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt at all in his heart, but has faith that what he says will take place, shall have it.
Matthew 10:1
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
Colossians 1:9
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Psalm 112:1,3
Happy the man who feareth the Lord! in His commandments he will greatly delight. Glory and riches are in his house; and his righteousness shall endure forever.
Prayer
Jesus, stir in my heart the desire to be diligently immersed in the Word of God. The deceiver is diligent in planting seeds of doubt, confusion and clever lies always intending to lead me off course in my spiritual walk. As I persevere in reading and applying truths inscribed throughout Your Word I ward off the incessant pleas from Satan to yield to sin. I desire to be Your faithful follower not just for a season but all through eternity. It is my heart’s desire to influence as many as possible to join me in this noble calling. May You find me faithful so that those who watch my life daily may also find me faithful!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (29 10 2009)
Thought for the day
Here are the answers to some questions that you may have had about pregnancy:
Q. Should I have a baby after 35?
A. No, 35 children is enough.
Q. I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A. With any luck, right after he finishes college.
Q. How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?
A. If it's the flu, you'll get better.
Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A.. For men to be the ones who get pregnant.
Q. What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A. Childbirth.
Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she'sborderline irrational.
A. So what's your question?
Q. My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel duringlabor, but pressure. Is she right?
A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an aircurrent.
Q. When is the best time to get an epidural?
A. Right after you find out you're pregnant.
Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A. Yes, pregnancy.
Q. Does pregnancy cause headaches?
A. Pregnancy causes anything you want to blame it for.
Q. Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel andact normal again?
A. When the kids are in college.
The joy of pregnancy and childbirth! Mothers are quick to tell me that those two words don't belong together with the word "joy". And here's a helpful tip (from personal experience) for you fathers. When your wife is in labor and the needle on the graph is showing her contractions, don't ever say, "Is that the highest you can make the needle jump?" At that point, she will not see the humor in the situation. It will only make her angry. (Trust me!)
The Bible refers often to pregnancy and childbirth. But it never speaks of it as a time of joy. Rather, it refers accurately to the "pains of childbirth. "In Romans 8, Paul draws a parallel between what an expectant mother experiences and what we (and all of creation) experience as we await the return of Jesus Christ:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.....We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
(Romans 8:18,22-23, NIV) A mother in labor may feel the pain will never end. With what you are going through right now in your life, you may feel the same way. Someday, though, for God's children, the pain will pass and the joy will be greater than we ever imagined. For that day we "wait eagerly"!
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For as many promises as are promises of God have become in Him yes and are a yes at present. Wherefore also through Him is the Amen to the glory of God through us.
Exodus 23:25
And give worship to the Lord your God, who will send his blessing on your bread and on your water; and I will take all disease away from among you.
Philippians 3:20
But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there.
Romans 12:12
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
1 Corinthians 1:5
So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort;
Prayer
Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our primary focus. But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” So help us not to live in a state of alarm, but to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Here are the answers to some questions that you may have had about pregnancy:
Q. Should I have a baby after 35?
A. No, 35 children is enough.
Q. I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A. With any luck, right after he finishes college.
Q. How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?
A. If it's the flu, you'll get better.
Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A.. For men to be the ones who get pregnant.
Q. What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A. Childbirth.
Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she'sborderline irrational.
A. So what's your question?
Q. My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel duringlabor, but pressure. Is she right?
A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an aircurrent.
Q. When is the best time to get an epidural?
A. Right after you find out you're pregnant.
Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A. Yes, pregnancy.
Q. Does pregnancy cause headaches?
A. Pregnancy causes anything you want to blame it for.
Q. Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel andact normal again?
A. When the kids are in college.
The joy of pregnancy and childbirth! Mothers are quick to tell me that those two words don't belong together with the word "joy". And here's a helpful tip (from personal experience) for you fathers. When your wife is in labor and the needle on the graph is showing her contractions, don't ever say, "Is that the highest you can make the needle jump?" At that point, she will not see the humor in the situation. It will only make her angry. (Trust me!)
The Bible refers often to pregnancy and childbirth. But it never speaks of it as a time of joy. Rather, it refers accurately to the "pains of childbirth. "In Romans 8, Paul draws a parallel between what an expectant mother experiences and what we (and all of creation) experience as we await the return of Jesus Christ:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.....We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
(Romans 8:18,22-23, NIV) A mother in labor may feel the pain will never end. With what you are going through right now in your life, you may feel the same way. Someday, though, for God's children, the pain will pass and the joy will be greater than we ever imagined. For that day we "wait eagerly"!
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For as many promises as are promises of God have become in Him yes and are a yes at present. Wherefore also through Him is the Amen to the glory of God through us.
Exodus 23:25
And give worship to the Lord your God, who will send his blessing on your bread and on your water; and I will take all disease away from among you.
Philippians 3:20
But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there.
Romans 12:12
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
1 Corinthians 1:5
So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort;
Prayer
Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our primary focus. But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” So help us not to live in a state of alarm, but to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses ( 27 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of Morris, a Russian man, who saves his rubles for twenty years to buy a new car. After choosing the model and options he wants, he's not the least bit surprised or even concerned to learn that it will take two years for the new car to be delivered. He thanks the salesman and starts to leave, but as he reaches the door he pauses and turns back to the salesman.
"Do you know which week two years from now the new car will arrive?"
The salesman checks his notes and tells the man that it will be two years to the exact week. The man thanks the salesman and starts out again, but upon reaching the door, he turns back again.
"Could you possibly tell me what day of the week two years from now the car will arrive?"
The salesman, mildly annoyed, checks his notes again and says that it will be exactly two years from this week, on Thursday. Morris thanks the salesman and once again starts to leave. Halfway through the door, he hesitates, turns back, and walks up to the salesman.
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble, but do you know if that will be two years from now on Thursday in the morning, or in the afternoon?"
Visibly irritated, the salesman flips through his papers yet another time and says sharply that it will be in the afternoon, two years from now on Thursday.
"That's a relief !" says Morris. "The plumber is coming that morning!"
We often have to make plans far in advance so as to avoid any conflicts. Before making any commitments -- you know the routine -- we have to pull out the date book. "The kids have got a soccer game that night at 7:00, but the next night is free." Planning ahead isn't wrong; in fact, it's a scriptural principle. What makes it wrong, though, is planning ahead without any thought of God.
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' " (James 4:13-15).
Go ahead! Make your plans! Fill in that date book! Just make sure that God hasn't been left out.
Verses
Matthew 9:29
He touched their eyes. 'Let your prayer be answered in proportion to your faith,' he said.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has its way out, so that it will be possible for you to bear it.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray constantly.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man who fears the LORD, who is ardently devoted to His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his beneficence lasts forever.
Prayer
Father, it is commonly tempting to try to understand You in human terms and measure your worth such as Isaiah prolifically depicts in his prophetic letter. When he describes the means by which we, Your created ones, go about measuring one’s abilities it falls enormously short of what You, in Your divine nature, have done, what You are doing, and what You will do in the future. We are unable to understand or appreciate all there is to know because we are the finite created ones and You are the infinite Creator. There is nothing and no one who can compare with You. You are the most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Your great name we praise! Amen.
The story is told of Morris, a Russian man, who saves his rubles for twenty years to buy a new car. After choosing the model and options he wants, he's not the least bit surprised or even concerned to learn that it will take two years for the new car to be delivered. He thanks the salesman and starts to leave, but as he reaches the door he pauses and turns back to the salesman.
"Do you know which week two years from now the new car will arrive?"
The salesman checks his notes and tells the man that it will be two years to the exact week. The man thanks the salesman and starts out again, but upon reaching the door, he turns back again.
"Could you possibly tell me what day of the week two years from now the car will arrive?"
The salesman, mildly annoyed, checks his notes again and says that it will be exactly two years from this week, on Thursday. Morris thanks the salesman and once again starts to leave. Halfway through the door, he hesitates, turns back, and walks up to the salesman.
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble, but do you know if that will be two years from now on Thursday in the morning, or in the afternoon?"
Visibly irritated, the salesman flips through his papers yet another time and says sharply that it will be in the afternoon, two years from now on Thursday.
"That's a relief !" says Morris. "The plumber is coming that morning!"
We often have to make plans far in advance so as to avoid any conflicts. Before making any commitments -- you know the routine -- we have to pull out the date book. "The kids have got a soccer game that night at 7:00, but the next night is free." Planning ahead isn't wrong; in fact, it's a scriptural principle. What makes it wrong, though, is planning ahead without any thought of God.
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' " (James 4:13-15).
Go ahead! Make your plans! Fill in that date book! Just make sure that God hasn't been left out.
Verses
Matthew 9:29
He touched their eyes. 'Let your prayer be answered in proportion to your faith,' he said.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has its way out, so that it will be possible for you to bear it.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray constantly.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man who fears the LORD, who is ardently devoted to His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his beneficence lasts forever.
Prayer
Father, it is commonly tempting to try to understand You in human terms and measure your worth such as Isaiah prolifically depicts in his prophetic letter. When he describes the means by which we, Your created ones, go about measuring one’s abilities it falls enormously short of what You, in Your divine nature, have done, what You are doing, and what You will do in the future. We are unable to understand or appreciate all there is to know because we are the finite created ones and You are the infinite Creator. There is nothing and no one who can compare with You. You are the most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Your great name we praise! Amen.
Tuesday prayer & verses (27 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of two hunters who got a pilot to fly them into the far north for elk hunting. They were quite successful in their venture and bagged six big bucks. The pilot came back, as arranged, to pick them up. They started loading their gear into the plane, including the six elk.
The pilot objected and said, "The plane can only carry four of your elk. Any more than that would weigh the plane down too much. You'll have to leave two of the elk behind.
"The two hunters were both infuriated and insistent. They said, "Last year, we shot six elk and that pilot let us put them all on board. And that plane was the exact same model.
"Reluctantly, the pilot finally permitted them to put all six aboard. But about fifteen minutes after taking off, the engine started to sputter, and within seconds they were hurtling to the ground and crashed into the wilderness.
Climbing out of the wreckage, one hunter said to the other, "Do you know where we are?" "I think so," replied the other hunter. "I think this is about a mile from where we crashed last year!"
We're mighty slow to learn at times. We make a mistake, and you would think we would learn never to make that mistake again, but we often find ourselves right back where we were. We think, "This time it will be different. This time it won't end up the same way." But it often does. Hopefully, though, we eventually reach a level of maturity where we can learn from our mistakes.
Huxley once said, "Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him."And the apostle Paul wrote, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9).
Made any mistakes lately? Thanks to Christ, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. But may you learn from them as you grow closer to God.
Verses
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.
Isaiah 53:4
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
Colossians 2:9
Yet it is in him that God gives a full and complete expression of himself in bodily form.
Psalm 102:17
He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man who fears the LORD, who is ardently devoted to His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his beneficence lasts forever.
Prayer
Father, we acknowledge that endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith filled-life with You. Our persistence is marked by the determination we have 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 and for 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 people. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as 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.
The story is told of two hunters who got a pilot to fly them into the far north for elk hunting. They were quite successful in their venture and bagged six big bucks. The pilot came back, as arranged, to pick them up. They started loading their gear into the plane, including the six elk.
The pilot objected and said, "The plane can only carry four of your elk. Any more than that would weigh the plane down too much. You'll have to leave two of the elk behind.
"The two hunters were both infuriated and insistent. They said, "Last year, we shot six elk and that pilot let us put them all on board. And that plane was the exact same model.
"Reluctantly, the pilot finally permitted them to put all six aboard. But about fifteen minutes after taking off, the engine started to sputter, and within seconds they were hurtling to the ground and crashed into the wilderness.
Climbing out of the wreckage, one hunter said to the other, "Do you know where we are?" "I think so," replied the other hunter. "I think this is about a mile from where we crashed last year!"
We're mighty slow to learn at times. We make a mistake, and you would think we would learn never to make that mistake again, but we often find ourselves right back where we were. We think, "This time it will be different. This time it won't end up the same way." But it often does. Hopefully, though, we eventually reach a level of maturity where we can learn from our mistakes.
Huxley once said, "Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him."And the apostle Paul wrote, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9).
Made any mistakes lately? Thanks to Christ, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. But may you learn from them as you grow closer to God.
Verses
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.
Isaiah 53:4
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
Colossians 2:9
Yet it is in him that God gives a full and complete expression of himself in bodily form.
Psalm 102:17
He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer.
Psalm 112:1,3
Hallelujah. Happy is the man who fears the LORD, who is ardently devoted to His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his beneficence lasts forever.
Prayer
Father, we acknowledge that endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith filled-life with You. Our persistence is marked by the determination we have 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 and for 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 people. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as 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.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (26 10 2009)
Thought for the day
Unfortunately there are some things that children should be learning in school, but don't. Not all of them have to do with academics. For the benefit of our high school and college graduates, here are some basic rules that may not have found their way into the standard curriculum. Some (perhaps all) of these should be credited to Charles Sykes, author of "Dumbing Down Our Kids."
Rule #1: Life is not fair. Get used to it.
Rule #2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. It will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself.
Rule #3: Sorry, you won't make R200,000 a year right out of high school. And you won't be a vice president or have a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uniform that doesn't have a Gap label.
Rule #4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait 'till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure, so he tends to be a bit edgier.
Rule #5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity.
Rule #6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes. Learn from them.
Rule #7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how idealistic you are. And by the way, before you save the rain forest from the blood-sucking parasites of your parents' generation try cleaning out your bedroom.
Rule #8: In some schools they have abolished failing grades. They'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This, of course, bears not the slightest resemblance to anything in real life.
Rule #9: Life is not divided into semesters, and you don't get summers off. They expect you to show up every day. For eight hours. And very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule #10. Television is not real life. Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will not all be solved in 30 minutes, minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs.
Rule #11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Rule #12: Enjoy this while you can. Sure, parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now.
You're welcome.
I think there are some good points to be learned by students in the material above. The message I see repeated throughout is "don't expect for life to be easy." Interestingly enough, that's one of the messages that Jesus left with his disciples. Life for a Christian will not always be easy. At times, it will be very difficult. And sometimes it helps just to know that in advance."Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13).
The good thing is, though, that even when life is not easy, God has promised to provide the strength we need to get through it.
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
Then said the LORD unto me: 'Thou hast well seen; for I watch over My word to perform it.'
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Luke 9:18
And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bestow every grace on you in overflowing measure, so that at all times and in all circumstances you may be adequately provided and may overflow with every kind of good work.
Prayer
Father, depending on the state of our hearts we view the Scripture about the return of Your Son as a warning or as a welcoming. We prepare our hearts by seeking You for the forgiveness of sins and inviting You to reign in our lives. We pray for those we love that they too will make spiritual preparations to be ready for the trumpet sound when the dead in Christ rise first and then we who remain will be caught up to meet Jesus in the skies. We have been warned, we are prepared, and we welcome with great anticipation the second coming of our Lord. We lift up our heads as our redemption draws near. Amen
Unfortunately there are some things that children should be learning in school, but don't. Not all of them have to do with academics. For the benefit of our high school and college graduates, here are some basic rules that may not have found their way into the standard curriculum. Some (perhaps all) of these should be credited to Charles Sykes, author of "Dumbing Down Our Kids."
Rule #1: Life is not fair. Get used to it.
Rule #2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. It will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself.
Rule #3: Sorry, you won't make R200,000 a year right out of high school. And you won't be a vice president or have a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uniform that doesn't have a Gap label.
Rule #4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait 'till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure, so he tends to be a bit edgier.
Rule #5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity.
Rule #6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes. Learn from them.
Rule #7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how idealistic you are. And by the way, before you save the rain forest from the blood-sucking parasites of your parents' generation try cleaning out your bedroom.
Rule #8: In some schools they have abolished failing grades. They'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This, of course, bears not the slightest resemblance to anything in real life.
Rule #9: Life is not divided into semesters, and you don't get summers off. They expect you to show up every day. For eight hours. And very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule #10. Television is not real life. Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will not all be solved in 30 minutes, minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs.
Rule #11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Rule #12: Enjoy this while you can. Sure, parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now.
You're welcome.
I think there are some good points to be learned by students in the material above. The message I see repeated throughout is "don't expect for life to be easy." Interestingly enough, that's one of the messages that Jesus left with his disciples. Life for a Christian will not always be easy. At times, it will be very difficult. And sometimes it helps just to know that in advance."Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13).
The good thing is, though, that even when life is not easy, God has promised to provide the strength we need to get through it.
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
Then said the LORD unto me: 'Thou hast well seen; for I watch over My word to perform it.'
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Luke 9:18
And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bestow every grace on you in overflowing measure, so that at all times and in all circumstances you may be adequately provided and may overflow with every kind of good work.
Prayer
Father, depending on the state of our hearts we view the Scripture about the return of Your Son as a warning or as a welcoming. We prepare our hearts by seeking You for the forgiveness of sins and inviting You to reign in our lives. We pray for those we love that they too will make spiritual preparations to be ready for the trumpet sound when the dead in Christ rise first and then we who remain will be caught up to meet Jesus in the skies. We have been warned, we are prepared, and we welcome with great anticipation the second coming of our Lord. We lift up our heads as our redemption draws near. Amen
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (23 10 2009)
Thought for the day
There is an old story about the Greek Marathon. Muscular, conditioned runners paced nervously near the starting line for the long-distance race. The time was near. They "shook out" their muscles, inhaled deeply, and put on their "game faces."
In the midst of it all, a young stranger took his place at the starting line. His physique was awesome. Taking no notice of the other contestants, he stared straight ahead. Two prizes would be awarded the winner of the Marathon: a magnificent bouquet of flowers and the honor of standing beside the king until the conclusion of other contests.There seemed to be no question among the runners about who would win the prize. It is alleged that the stranger was offered money not to run. Someone else attempted to bribe him with property. Refusing the offers, he toed the mark and awaited the signal to run. When the signal was given, he was the first away.
At the finish line, he was the first to cross, well ahead of the rest. When it was all done, someone asked the young man if he thought the flowers were worth as much as the money and property he had refused. He replied, "I did not enter the race for the flowers. I ran so that I could stand beside my king!"
Those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ are "running the race" (I Cor. 9:24-25). It is a race that has a prize for those who finish (notice, not those who finish first, but all who finish). This prize, according to Paul, is an "imperishable crown." The rewards for those who enter heaven are described in scripture with a lot of terms -- "many mansions", "streets of gold", "tree of life", and the list goes on and on. All of those things are attractive. That's why God tells us about them.
But I would be willing to give up all the streets of gold and settle for a small corner of a shack as long as I can know the reward of being able to stand beside my King. That's what I look forward to more than anything else. It is the one thing that will make heaven the wonderful reward that it will be."...The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him." (Rev. 22:3)
Run the race with diligence. Your King is watching and waits for you at the finish line!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of -- infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Matthew 12:35
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Matthew 21:22
if you have faith you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.'
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You’ve given us the roadmap to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You’ve established that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Just as John the Baptist went before You preparing straight paths, I thank You for going before me preparing the way for my journey. Though Scripture describes the Christian’s walk as being a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will also take me through deep valleys. If I wander off-course I’m grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. Amen.
There is an old story about the Greek Marathon. Muscular, conditioned runners paced nervously near the starting line for the long-distance race. The time was near. They "shook out" their muscles, inhaled deeply, and put on their "game faces."
In the midst of it all, a young stranger took his place at the starting line. His physique was awesome. Taking no notice of the other contestants, he stared straight ahead. Two prizes would be awarded the winner of the Marathon: a magnificent bouquet of flowers and the honor of standing beside the king until the conclusion of other contests.There seemed to be no question among the runners about who would win the prize. It is alleged that the stranger was offered money not to run. Someone else attempted to bribe him with property. Refusing the offers, he toed the mark and awaited the signal to run. When the signal was given, he was the first away.
At the finish line, he was the first to cross, well ahead of the rest. When it was all done, someone asked the young man if he thought the flowers were worth as much as the money and property he had refused. He replied, "I did not enter the race for the flowers. I ran so that I could stand beside my king!"
Those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ are "running the race" (I Cor. 9:24-25). It is a race that has a prize for those who finish (notice, not those who finish first, but all who finish). This prize, according to Paul, is an "imperishable crown." The rewards for those who enter heaven are described in scripture with a lot of terms -- "many mansions", "streets of gold", "tree of life", and the list goes on and on. All of those things are attractive. That's why God tells us about them.
But I would be willing to give up all the streets of gold and settle for a small corner of a shack as long as I can know the reward of being able to stand beside my King. That's what I look forward to more than anything else. It is the one thing that will make heaven the wonderful reward that it will be."...The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him." (Rev. 22:3)
Run the race with diligence. Your King is watching and waits for you at the finish line!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of -- infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Matthew 12:35
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Matthew 21:22
if you have faith you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.'
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You’ve given us the roadmap to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You’ve established that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Just as John the Baptist went before You preparing straight paths, I thank You for going before me preparing the way for my journey. Though Scripture describes the Christian’s walk as being a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will also take me through deep valleys. If I wander off-course I’m grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (22 10 2009)
Thought for the day
There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child.
One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.
A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.
Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, "I wonder what's inside the drum?"
Ah, the wisdom of that man! It reminds me of the wisdom demonstrated by King Solomon when two women came to him fighting over which of them was the true mother of a baby (I Kings 3:16-28). Solomon was, of course, known for his great wisdom.
Solomon wrote, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." (Prov. 3:13-15)
We need to understand, though, that knowledge and wisdom aren't the same thing. If you want to measure a person's knowledge, you give them a test. If they score 90 or above, they have a lot of knowledge. If they score below 50, there's not much knowledge there. But determining the measure of a person's wisdom is much more difficult. You have to look at how he lives and the decisions he makes.
James Draper has said, "Wisdom is the skill to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is not simply information in our heads. It is information that we put to use -- where we live, where we work, and where we play."
We live in a world where everyone seeks knowledge. We value education. We read books. We watch news channels. But how many of us pursue wisdom to the same extent?
Be assured that wisdom is not something that you will stumble into by accident. It's a pursuit. It's a search. It requires an attitude that says, "I want to learn from God how to live, and I want to apply those principles to my life."
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)
Verses
Romans 10:11
'No one who believes in him will have any cause for shame.'
1 Peter 2:24
and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
Mark 16:17
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves steadfastly to prayer, with your minds wide awake and your hearts filled with gratitude.
Philippians 4:19
My God will supply all that you need from his glorious resources in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, when it comes to my heart, I need it to remain soft and pliable so that I do not lose my spiritual sensitivity to hear and obey Your voice like those whose hearts hardened over the years and became dull of their spiritual senses. They no longer hear You or feel Your presence in their life. Their spiritual vision darkened. Help me, Lord, once again to taste and see that You are good. You are the Bread of Life which satisfies my hunger. From You flows the springs of living water that forever quench my thirst. Satan has only temporary substitutes that can entrap me and draw me away from Your eternal pleasures. May I remain vigilant and not turn a deaf ear to Your voice which will only lead to the build up of sin in my life that eventually hardens my heart toward You. Just as I pray this for myself I also pray for others whom I can encourage through my prayer support, by words of hope and through my specific expressions of kindness toward them. I want to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading who prompts me to encourage daily those whom He lays upon my heart. Amen.”
There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, no matter what anyone else said or did. Various attempts were made to do something about the child.
One person told the boy that he would, if he continued to make so much noise, perforate his eardrums. This reasoning was too advanced for the child, who was neither a scientist nor a scholar.
A second person told him that drum beating was a sacred activity and should be carried out only on special occasions. The third person offered the neighbors plugs for their ears; a fourth gave the boy a book; a fifth gave the neighbors books that described a method of controlling anger through biofeedback; a sixth person gave the boy meditation exercises to make him placid and docile. None of these attempts worked.
Eventually, a wise person came along with an effective motivation. He looked at the situation, handed the child a hammer and chisel, and asked, "I wonder what's inside the drum?"
Ah, the wisdom of that man! It reminds me of the wisdom demonstrated by King Solomon when two women came to him fighting over which of them was the true mother of a baby (I Kings 3:16-28). Solomon was, of course, known for his great wisdom.
Solomon wrote, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." (Prov. 3:13-15)
We need to understand, though, that knowledge and wisdom aren't the same thing. If you want to measure a person's knowledge, you give them a test. If they score 90 or above, they have a lot of knowledge. If they score below 50, there's not much knowledge there. But determining the measure of a person's wisdom is much more difficult. You have to look at how he lives and the decisions he makes.
James Draper has said, "Wisdom is the skill to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is not simply information in our heads. It is information that we put to use -- where we live, where we work, and where we play."
We live in a world where everyone seeks knowledge. We value education. We read books. We watch news channels. But how many of us pursue wisdom to the same extent?
Be assured that wisdom is not something that you will stumble into by accident. It's a pursuit. It's a search. It requires an attitude that says, "I want to learn from God how to live, and I want to apply those principles to my life."
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)
Verses
Romans 10:11
'No one who believes in him will have any cause for shame.'
1 Peter 2:24
and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
Mark 16:17
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves steadfastly to prayer, with your minds wide awake and your hearts filled with gratitude.
Philippians 4:19
My God will supply all that you need from his glorious resources in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, when it comes to my heart, I need it to remain soft and pliable so that I do not lose my spiritual sensitivity to hear and obey Your voice like those whose hearts hardened over the years and became dull of their spiritual senses. They no longer hear You or feel Your presence in their life. Their spiritual vision darkened. Help me, Lord, once again to taste and see that You are good. You are the Bread of Life which satisfies my hunger. From You flows the springs of living water that forever quench my thirst. Satan has only temporary substitutes that can entrap me and draw me away from Your eternal pleasures. May I remain vigilant and not turn a deaf ear to Your voice which will only lead to the build up of sin in my life that eventually hardens my heart toward You. Just as I pray this for myself I also pray for others whom I can encourage through my prayer support, by words of hope and through my specific expressions of kindness toward them. I want to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading who prompts me to encourage daily those whom He lays upon my heart. Amen.”
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (21 10 2009)
Thought for the day
I heard about an 80-year-old woman who was arrested for shoplifting. When she went before the judge in Cincinnati he asked her,
"What did you steal?"
She replied "A can of peaches."
The judge asked her why she had stolen the can of peaches and she replied that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can.
She replied, "Six."
The judge said, "Then I will give you six days in jail."
Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment, the woman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something.
The judge said, "What is it?"
The husband said, "She also stole a can of peas."
It's so true that whenever others are found guilty, we want to make sure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I sometimes ask people the question, "Do you want a judge (or a police officer) who shows mercy or one who administers justice?" The answer I get is almost always the same -- if we are standing before the judge or pulled over by the police officer, we want mercy; if others are standing there, we want justice.
The interesting thing about God is that He is perfect in His justice while at the same time full of mercy. How can He be both? When we are guilty of sin, He finds us guilty to the full extent of the law. The penalty for our sin is death -- spiritual death, separation from God (Romans 6:23). But, in His mercy, God has found a way to pay the price Himself.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:21)
Praise God for being the just and holy God that He is, but praise Him as well for being full of grace and mercy.
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
But apart from faith it is impossible to please Him well; for whosoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He has, for those who seek Him earnestly, rewards in store.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, ‘says the Lord, 'Because they called you an outcast saying:"this is Zion; no one seeks her."
John 3:17
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
2 Corinthians 1:11
you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Everyone should do what he has made up his mind to do, not with regret or being forced, because God loves anyone who gives gladly.
Prayer
Father, how inexhaustible are Your resources, Your wisdom and Your knowledge! How impossible it is to search into Your decrees or trace Your footsteps! For You are sovereign, watching over Your people and supplying their every need without exhausting any of Your resources, wisdom or knowledge. We look to You and no other, for there is none like You. Amen.
See Romans 11:33
I heard about an 80-year-old woman who was arrested for shoplifting. When she went before the judge in Cincinnati he asked her,
"What did you steal?"
She replied "A can of peaches."
The judge asked her why she had stolen the can of peaches and she replied that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can.
She replied, "Six."
The judge said, "Then I will give you six days in jail."
Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment, the woman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something.
The judge said, "What is it?"
The husband said, "She also stole a can of peas."
It's so true that whenever others are found guilty, we want to make sure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I sometimes ask people the question, "Do you want a judge (or a police officer) who shows mercy or one who administers justice?" The answer I get is almost always the same -- if we are standing before the judge or pulled over by the police officer, we want mercy; if others are standing there, we want justice.
The interesting thing about God is that He is perfect in His justice while at the same time full of mercy. How can He be both? When we are guilty of sin, He finds us guilty to the full extent of the law. The penalty for our sin is death -- spiritual death, separation from God (Romans 6:23). But, in His mercy, God has found a way to pay the price Himself.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:21)
Praise God for being the just and holy God that He is, but praise Him as well for being full of grace and mercy.
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
But apart from faith it is impossible to please Him well; for whosoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He has, for those who seek Him earnestly, rewards in store.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, ‘says the Lord, 'Because they called you an outcast saying:"this is Zion; no one seeks her."
John 3:17
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
2 Corinthians 1:11
you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Everyone should do what he has made up his mind to do, not with regret or being forced, because God loves anyone who gives gladly.
Prayer
Father, how inexhaustible are Your resources, Your wisdom and Your knowledge! How impossible it is to search into Your decrees or trace Your footsteps! For You are sovereign, watching over Your people and supplying their every need without exhausting any of Your resources, wisdom or knowledge. We look to You and no other, for there is none like You. Amen.
See Romans 11:33
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (20 10 2009)
Thought for the day
There's a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn't wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn't wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn't want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented.
The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister's crib and said: "Tell me about God - I'm starting to forget.
"There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the "rat race" and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, "Tell me about God -- I'm starting to forget."
There are weeks when we've been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because "I'm starting to forget."
There are weeks when we've had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors' appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord's Supper to see God's love and grace because "I'm starting to forget."
There are days when we're so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because "I'm starting to forget."
"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to meet the evil one, and being prepared you shall prevail.
Isaiah 53:5
And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace [is] on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Every temptation that has come your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist; at the time you are tempted he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
Mark 11:24
I therefore tell you that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it; and it shall come to you.
Romans 8:32
He who has not spared even his own Son but has delivered him for us all, how can he fail to grant us all other blessings with him?
Prayer
Father, we read of those in the Bible from generations long ago who lived upright and godly lives. They were discerning and wise in making decisions which helped them make difficult choices, such as Stephen or Joseph. Some of their choices brought about visible blessings but other choices brought forth great sacrifice, persecution, or even death. We also read of those who were proud and foolish, thinking only of themselves, such as Samson or Demetrius the Silversmith. They serve as warnings to us. We want to follow those commended for their faith whose promise of eternal reward awaited them on the other side. Help us as we journey here below to model those from generations past who have been faithful to walk in Your ways. Help us to also appreciate and surround ourselves with people older than us, who set for us an example of wisdom, maturity, and perseverance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
There's a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn't wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn't wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn't want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented.
The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister's crib and said: "Tell me about God - I'm starting to forget.
"There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the "rat race" and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, "Tell me about God -- I'm starting to forget."
There are weeks when we've been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because "I'm starting to forget."
There are weeks when we've had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors' appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord's Supper to see God's love and grace because "I'm starting to forget."
There are days when we're so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because "I'm starting to forget."
"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to meet the evil one, and being prepared you shall prevail.
Isaiah 53:5
And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace [is] on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Every temptation that has come your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist; at the time you are tempted he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
Mark 11:24
I therefore tell you that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it; and it shall come to you.
Romans 8:32
He who has not spared even his own Son but has delivered him for us all, how can he fail to grant us all other blessings with him?
Prayer
Father, we read of those in the Bible from generations long ago who lived upright and godly lives. They were discerning and wise in making decisions which helped them make difficult choices, such as Stephen or Joseph. Some of their choices brought about visible blessings but other choices brought forth great sacrifice, persecution, or even death. We also read of those who were proud and foolish, thinking only of themselves, such as Samson or Demetrius the Silversmith. They serve as warnings to us. We want to follow those commended for their faith whose promise of eternal reward awaited them on the other side. Help us as we journey here below to model those from generations past who have been faithful to walk in Your ways. Help us to also appreciate and surround ourselves with people older than us, who set for us an example of wisdom, maturity, and perseverance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (19 10 2009)
Thought for the day
Two brothers, John and Richard, lived in the same town -- John with his 12-year-old cat, Richard with their 88-year-old mother.
John's whole life was his cat. He never went anywhere without her. One day he was faced with a terrible decision. He had to go to England on business for his company and he couldn't take the cat into England with having to quarantine her for 14 days. He wouldn't do that so he was faced with either losing his job or leaving his cat. Finally he decided to trust his brother with the cat for the week he would be gone. He gave Richard detailed instructions, schedules, food, etc. He flew to London and called Richard every day to make sure Gracie the cat was OK.
On the fifth day when he called, John asked Richard how Gracie was and Richard told him. "Gracie is dead." Well, as you can imagine, John nearly had a heart attack. When he recovered, he said to Richard, "That was the most cruel thing I ever heard. You know how much I loved that cat. Why couldn't you have broken it to me gently?
You could have something like, "Well, she's OK, but she's up on the roof."
And then when I called the next time, tell me, "Oh oh, bad news, she fell off the roof and she's at the vet."
And then the next time break the news that she passed away. At least I would have been a little prepared for the bad news." "Yes, you are right John. I apologize for being so heartless." John accepted Richard's apology for being so uncaring, and then said,
"Oh, by the way, how's Mother?"
Richard said, "Well, John, she's OK, but she's on the roof!"
There are some pieces of information that we just shouldn't even try to hold back. Talking about Jesus falls into that category. I think of Peter and John who were told to stop preaching about Christ and they said, "We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20, NCV) Paul said, "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (I Cor. 9:16b) You can feel the urgency in their voices. I believe that we need to use tact in talking to people about Christ. But sometimes, we are so worried about offending people that we never get around to saying anything at all!Break the news. And break it gently if you wish. Just be careful that your message is not so "gentle" that it's of no value at all.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
Philippians 2:10-11
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me that I may answer thee, -- and tell thee things great and inaccessible which thou hast not known.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will fill every need that you have through his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and desire to turn to You in repentance as I ask You to forgive me of my sins. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for hearing my prayer.”
Two brothers, John and Richard, lived in the same town -- John with his 12-year-old cat, Richard with their 88-year-old mother.
John's whole life was his cat. He never went anywhere without her. One day he was faced with a terrible decision. He had to go to England on business for his company and he couldn't take the cat into England with having to quarantine her for 14 days. He wouldn't do that so he was faced with either losing his job or leaving his cat. Finally he decided to trust his brother with the cat for the week he would be gone. He gave Richard detailed instructions, schedules, food, etc. He flew to London and called Richard every day to make sure Gracie the cat was OK.
On the fifth day when he called, John asked Richard how Gracie was and Richard told him. "Gracie is dead." Well, as you can imagine, John nearly had a heart attack. When he recovered, he said to Richard, "That was the most cruel thing I ever heard. You know how much I loved that cat. Why couldn't you have broken it to me gently?
You could have something like, "Well, she's OK, but she's up on the roof."
And then when I called the next time, tell me, "Oh oh, bad news, she fell off the roof and she's at the vet."
And then the next time break the news that she passed away. At least I would have been a little prepared for the bad news." "Yes, you are right John. I apologize for being so heartless." John accepted Richard's apology for being so uncaring, and then said,
"Oh, by the way, how's Mother?"
Richard said, "Well, John, she's OK, but she's on the roof!"
There are some pieces of information that we just shouldn't even try to hold back. Talking about Jesus falls into that category. I think of Peter and John who were told to stop preaching about Christ and they said, "We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20, NCV) Paul said, "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (I Cor. 9:16b) You can feel the urgency in their voices. I believe that we need to use tact in talking to people about Christ. But sometimes, we are so worried about offending people that we never get around to saying anything at all!Break the news. And break it gently if you wish. Just be careful that your message is not so "gentle" that it's of no value at all.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
Philippians 2:10-11
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me that I may answer thee, -- and tell thee things great and inaccessible which thou hast not known.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will fill every need that you have through his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and desire to turn to You in repentance as I ask You to forgive me of my sins. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for hearing my prayer.”
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (16 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The following story is told in "The Best of Bits and Pieces":
Robert De Vincenzo, the great Argentine golfer, once won a tournament and, after receiving the check and smiling for the cameras, he went to the clubhouse and prepared to leave. Some time later, he walked alone to his car in the parking lot and was approached by a young woman. She congratulated him on his victory and then told him that her child was seriously ill and near death. She did not know how she could pay the doctor's bills and hospital expenses.
De Vincenzo was touched by her story, and he took out a pen and endorsed his winning check for payment to the woman. "Make some good days for the baby," he said as he pressed the check into her hand.
The next week he was having lunch in a country club when a Professional Golf Association official came to his table. "Some of the boys in the parking lot last week told me you met a young woman there after you won that tournament." De Vincenzo nodded.
"Well," said the official, "I have news for you. She's a phony. She has no sick baby. She's not even married. She fleeced you, my friend."
"You mean there is no baby who is dying?" said De Vincenzo.
"That's right," said the official."That's the best news I've heard all week," De Vincenzo said.
Wow! What a beautiful spirit! I wish I could say that I would have reacted the same way, but I know that I would not have. I would have struggled with feelings of resentment. I would have said,
"See if I try to help anyone else again!"
De Vincenzo's attitude is reminiscent of the spirit that God has shown toward us. Despite mankind taking God's goodness for granted, despite our repeated failures, God was willing to give not just a token amount, but the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. He did so, not reluctantly or with resentment, but willingly and gladly, knowing that while most would only show disdain for his gift, some would respond in obedience motivated by faith and love.
"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
May the realization of what God has given motivate you to respond to him, and to reach out to others, with the same kind of love.
Verses
Romans 8:37
but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us.
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.
Ephesians 3:19
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
John 14:14
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
2 Corinthians 9:11
The more you are enriched the more scope will there be for generous giving, and your gifts, administered through us, will mean that many will thank God.
Prayer
Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we seek to guard the truths and commandments entrusted to us through the Holy Scriptures. We don’t want to be swayed by man’s opinions and will not be if we are firmly anchored to the Rock which can’t be moved. We stand firm and strong when we, by conviction of Your Holy Spirit, embrace Your teachings and refute that which conflicts. Help us to be sober and vigilant as our adversary the devil seeks to divide believers and destroy their faith. By the grace of God we will be strong, stand united, and overcome his attacks. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The following story is told in "The Best of Bits and Pieces":
Robert De Vincenzo, the great Argentine golfer, once won a tournament and, after receiving the check and smiling for the cameras, he went to the clubhouse and prepared to leave. Some time later, he walked alone to his car in the parking lot and was approached by a young woman. She congratulated him on his victory and then told him that her child was seriously ill and near death. She did not know how she could pay the doctor's bills and hospital expenses.
De Vincenzo was touched by her story, and he took out a pen and endorsed his winning check for payment to the woman. "Make some good days for the baby," he said as he pressed the check into her hand.
The next week he was having lunch in a country club when a Professional Golf Association official came to his table. "Some of the boys in the parking lot last week told me you met a young woman there after you won that tournament." De Vincenzo nodded.
"Well," said the official, "I have news for you. She's a phony. She has no sick baby. She's not even married. She fleeced you, my friend."
"You mean there is no baby who is dying?" said De Vincenzo.
"That's right," said the official."That's the best news I've heard all week," De Vincenzo said.
Wow! What a beautiful spirit! I wish I could say that I would have reacted the same way, but I know that I would not have. I would have struggled with feelings of resentment. I would have said,
"See if I try to help anyone else again!"
De Vincenzo's attitude is reminiscent of the spirit that God has shown toward us. Despite mankind taking God's goodness for granted, despite our repeated failures, God was willing to give not just a token amount, but the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. He did so, not reluctantly or with resentment, but willingly and gladly, knowing that while most would only show disdain for his gift, some would respond in obedience motivated by faith and love.
"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
May the realization of what God has given motivate you to respond to him, and to reach out to others, with the same kind of love.
Verses
Romans 8:37
but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us.
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.
Ephesians 3:19
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
John 14:14
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
2 Corinthians 9:11
The more you are enriched the more scope will there be for generous giving, and your gifts, administered through us, will mean that many will thank God.
Prayer
Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we seek to guard the truths and commandments entrusted to us through the Holy Scriptures. We don’t want to be swayed by man’s opinions and will not be if we are firmly anchored to the Rock which can’t be moved. We stand firm and strong when we, by conviction of Your Holy Spirit, embrace Your teachings and refute that which conflicts. Help us to be sober and vigilant as our adversary the devil seeks to divide believers and destroy their faith. By the grace of God we will be strong, stand united, and overcome his attacks. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (15 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The author of the following article is unknown to me:
"During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:
'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
"I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade."'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.'
"I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy."
When you look at the life of Jesus, one of the things that stands out is the value Jesus placed on people. He didn't just see everybody as a mass of humanity; he made an effort to know people on an individual basis. And as he came to know them, he acknowledged and met their needs.
The story of Zacchaeus is typical of so many of Jesus' encounters: "Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' " (Luke 19:2-4).
People deserve our attention and care, even those people who may seem to be "insignificant". By the way, do you know the name of the person who cleans your school or workplace? If not, I encourage you to find out.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not lose the courage that you had in the past. It has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Matthew 12:34
"Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
John 14:14
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Romans 5:17
For if, through that one person's transgression, death is king through that person, far more surely will those who receive the overflowing of grace and the gift of righteousness reign as kings in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, we place our hope in You knowing that You direct our paths this day. There is much on our hearts that we are praying about and believing that You will answer. But our faith and joy do not depend only upon Your answering our prayers, but rather the marvelous work that You have done and are doing in our lives. You’ve forgiven us our sins and You’ve written our names in the Lamb’s book of life. May we be joyful in You and the ongoing work You are doing in the spiritual realm, invisible to our eyes and the eyes of others, but very much alive in our spirit. As we allow You to do Your inner work the outflowing fruit in our lives will reveal the changes You make within us. We thank You for it in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The author of the following article is unknown to me:
"During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:
'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
"I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade."'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.'
"I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy."
When you look at the life of Jesus, one of the things that stands out is the value Jesus placed on people. He didn't just see everybody as a mass of humanity; he made an effort to know people on an individual basis. And as he came to know them, he acknowledged and met their needs.
The story of Zacchaeus is typical of so many of Jesus' encounters: "Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' " (Luke 19:2-4).
People deserve our attention and care, even those people who may seem to be "insignificant". By the way, do you know the name of the person who cleans your school or workplace? If not, I encourage you to find out.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not lose the courage that you had in the past. It has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Matthew 12:34
"Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
John 14:14
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Romans 5:17
For if, through that one person's transgression, death is king through that person, far more surely will those who receive the overflowing of grace and the gift of righteousness reign as kings in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, we place our hope in You knowing that You direct our paths this day. There is much on our hearts that we are praying about and believing that You will answer. But our faith and joy do not depend only upon Your answering our prayers, but rather the marvelous work that You have done and are doing in our lives. You’ve forgiven us our sins and You’ve written our names in the Lamb’s book of life. May we be joyful in You and the ongoing work You are doing in the spiritual realm, invisible to our eyes and the eyes of others, but very much alive in our spirit. As we allow You to do Your inner work the outflowing fruit in our lives will reveal the changes You make within us. We thank You for it in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (14 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The following are actual statements found in insurance forms where car drivers attempted to summarize the details of an accident in the fewest words.
1. Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.
2. I thought my window was down, but I found out it was up when I put my head through it.
3. I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
4. A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
5. The guy was all over the road, I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
6. I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment.
7. I had been shopping for plants all day, and was on my way home. As I reached the intersection, a hedge sprang up obscuring my vision and I did not see the other car.
8. I had been driving for forty years, when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.
9. As I approached the intersection, a sign suddenly appeared in a place where no sign had ever appeared before. I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.
10. My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.
11. An invisible car come out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.
12. The pedestrian had no idea which direction to run, so I ran over him.
13. I saw a slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car.
14. An indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
15. The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out of its way when it struck my front end.
Excuses, excuses! We can come up with some "hum-dingers" in order to make it sound like it wasn't our fault. Making excuses is easy. Taking responsibility is much more difficult. But, in our relationship with God, it is essential."If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(I John 1:8-9)
Done something wrong lately? Don't make excuses. Be honest with yourself and with God. And if you have to be out driving today, please do watch out for those invisible cars! :-)
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not now throw aside that former joyful confidence of yours.
It carries with it a great reward. It is absolutely necessary that you should remain constant if you are ready to do the will of God and receive the promised blessings.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
John 16:24
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete."
2 Corinthians 9:7
That is true. Yet each person must make up his own mind what he will give. He must not be pushed or compelled to give. God loves the man who is happy when he gives.
Prayer
Father, like the Psalmist, I pray that You will teach me Your way and that I will walk in Your truth. Give me a pure, undivided heart that I may fear Your name. When I’m tempted to compromise my faith help me to remember that You want a pure heart, one that is not trying to serve both God and man. I want Your favor more than the approval of others, so help me to stay true to Your principles and reject that which contradicts or lessens the full meaning of Your spoken truths. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
The following are actual statements found in insurance forms where car drivers attempted to summarize the details of an accident in the fewest words.
1. Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.
2. I thought my window was down, but I found out it was up when I put my head through it.
3. I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
4. A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
5. The guy was all over the road, I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
6. I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment.
7. I had been shopping for plants all day, and was on my way home. As I reached the intersection, a hedge sprang up obscuring my vision and I did not see the other car.
8. I had been driving for forty years, when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.
9. As I approached the intersection, a sign suddenly appeared in a place where no sign had ever appeared before. I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.
10. My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.
11. An invisible car come out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.
12. The pedestrian had no idea which direction to run, so I ran over him.
13. I saw a slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car.
14. An indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
15. The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out of its way when it struck my front end.
Excuses, excuses! We can come up with some "hum-dingers" in order to make it sound like it wasn't our fault. Making excuses is easy. Taking responsibility is much more difficult. But, in our relationship with God, it is essential."If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(I John 1:8-9)
Done something wrong lately? Don't make excuses. Be honest with yourself and with God. And if you have to be out driving today, please do watch out for those invisible cars! :-)
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not now throw aside that former joyful confidence of yours.
It carries with it a great reward. It is absolutely necessary that you should remain constant if you are ready to do the will of God and receive the promised blessings.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
John 16:24
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete."
2 Corinthians 9:7
That is true. Yet each person must make up his own mind what he will give. He must not be pushed or compelled to give. God loves the man who is happy when he gives.
Prayer
Father, like the Psalmist, I pray that You will teach me Your way and that I will walk in Your truth. Give me a pure, undivided heart that I may fear Your name. When I’m tempted to compromise my faith help me to remember that You want a pure heart, one that is not trying to serve both God and man. I want Your favor more than the approval of others, so help me to stay true to Your principles and reject that which contradicts or lessens the full meaning of Your spoken truths. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (13 10 2009)
Thought for the day
A story is told about two great Italian symphony conductors, Toscanini and Mascagni. Mascagni was a proud, egotistical, unbelievably terrible character. Just to give you an idea of what he was like, he dedicated one of the operas he wrote to himself. Well, Mascagni resented Toscanini because of Toscanini's popularity.
One day, a committee in charge of putting on a music festival in Milan inquired as to whether Toscanini and Mascagni would both lead the orchestration. Mascagni was so jealous of Toscanini that he didn't even try to hide it. So he said, "I will conduct on one condition -- that I am paid more money than Toscanini." The management agreed, and at the close of the festival, Mascagni received his fee -- one lira. Toscanini had conducted for nothing, and Mascagni came out looking like a fool.
Let me remind you of a story in the Old Testament. King Saul had a son named Jonathan, who was likely next in line to inherit the throne. Then along came a singer by the name of David. Not only was he a singer, he was also a great shepherd, a giant-killer, articulate, poetic, a supreme musician -- he had all kinds of abilities. One person with so much talent could be a very unpopular fellow.
And with Saul he was. Saul hated him. He was jealous of David. The people were giving David more praise than Saul. Maybe David would even try to take the throne! So, one day, in a fit of fury, Saul grabbed his spear and threw it at David, trying to kill him.
Now we don't know much about Saul's son, Jonathan. We don't know anything about his musical ability, or his articulation or much of anything else about him. But, scripture does let us know one very important thing about him -- Jonathan never had any jealousy of David. You may say, "Well, he didn't stand to lose as much as Saul." But he did. He was in line for the throne, and from the human perspective it could one day have been his. But the Bible says this about Jonathan, "And he [Jonathan] loved him [David] as he loved his own soul." (I Samuel 20:17).
Do you see what made the difference between Saul and Jonathan? It was a difference of love. Saul was jealous, and Jonathan wasn't. The reason is that Jonathan loved David, and love can't be jealous (I Cor. 13:4).
So how are YOU doing? Do you ever get jealous over someone who owns more than you, is more attractive than you, has a better job than you, is more eloquent than you, is smarter than you, is thinner than you, wears nicer clothes than you, drives a nicer car than you, has more friends than you, has a happier marriage than you, gets better grades than you, and so on?
Strive to grow in love, because love can't be jealous.
Verses
Romans 8:37
But in all this He who loved us helps us win an overwhelming victory.
Matthew 9:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 15:7
"But if you keep on living in me, and my words keep on living in you, you can ask for anything you want and you'll get it.
Joshua 1:8
And the book of this law shall not depart out of thy mouth, and thou shalt meditate in it day and night, that thou mayest know how to do all the things that are written in it; then shalt thou prosper, and make thy ways prosperous, and then shalt thou be wise.
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 story is told about two great Italian symphony conductors, Toscanini and Mascagni. Mascagni was a proud, egotistical, unbelievably terrible character. Just to give you an idea of what he was like, he dedicated one of the operas he wrote to himself. Well, Mascagni resented Toscanini because of Toscanini's popularity.
One day, a committee in charge of putting on a music festival in Milan inquired as to whether Toscanini and Mascagni would both lead the orchestration. Mascagni was so jealous of Toscanini that he didn't even try to hide it. So he said, "I will conduct on one condition -- that I am paid more money than Toscanini." The management agreed, and at the close of the festival, Mascagni received his fee -- one lira. Toscanini had conducted for nothing, and Mascagni came out looking like a fool.
Let me remind you of a story in the Old Testament. King Saul had a son named Jonathan, who was likely next in line to inherit the throne. Then along came a singer by the name of David. Not only was he a singer, he was also a great shepherd, a giant-killer, articulate, poetic, a supreme musician -- he had all kinds of abilities. One person with so much talent could be a very unpopular fellow.
And with Saul he was. Saul hated him. He was jealous of David. The people were giving David more praise than Saul. Maybe David would even try to take the throne! So, one day, in a fit of fury, Saul grabbed his spear and threw it at David, trying to kill him.
Now we don't know much about Saul's son, Jonathan. We don't know anything about his musical ability, or his articulation or much of anything else about him. But, scripture does let us know one very important thing about him -- Jonathan never had any jealousy of David. You may say, "Well, he didn't stand to lose as much as Saul." But he did. He was in line for the throne, and from the human perspective it could one day have been his. But the Bible says this about Jonathan, "And he [Jonathan] loved him [David] as he loved his own soul." (I Samuel 20:17).
Do you see what made the difference between Saul and Jonathan? It was a difference of love. Saul was jealous, and Jonathan wasn't. The reason is that Jonathan loved David, and love can't be jealous (I Cor. 13:4).
So how are YOU doing? Do you ever get jealous over someone who owns more than you, is more attractive than you, has a better job than you, is more eloquent than you, is smarter than you, is thinner than you, wears nicer clothes than you, drives a nicer car than you, has more friends than you, has a happier marriage than you, gets better grades than you, and so on?
Strive to grow in love, because love can't be jealous.
Verses
Romans 8:37
But in all this He who loved us helps us win an overwhelming victory.
Matthew 9:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 15:7
"But if you keep on living in me, and my words keep on living in you, you can ask for anything you want and you'll get it.
Joshua 1:8
And the book of this law shall not depart out of thy mouth, and thou shalt meditate in it day and night, that thou mayest know how to do all the things that are written in it; then shalt thou prosper, and make thy ways prosperous, and then shalt thou be wise.
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.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (12 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling.
"CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL! MORE OIL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM NOW! WE NEED MORE OIL! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK! CAREFUL! CAREFUL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP! ARE YOU CRAZY! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL! USE MORE SALT! THE SALT!!"
The wife was very upset, "What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don't know how to fry an egg?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted you to know what it's like for me when I am driving the car and you're sitting next to me."
Without making specific judgments about wives giving advice to their husbands while driving (or about husbands giving advice to their wives while cooking!), let me simply say that we all need to be conscious of how we give advice to others. The author of the book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject. In fact, the words “tongue”, “mouth”, “lips” and “words” are mentioned in Proverbs almost 150 times!
Consider these words of advice about giving advice:
Know all the facts before you give advice – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” (Prov. 18:13)
Give advice in a calm manner – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)
Be careful about giving unsolicited advice – “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)
But when advice is needed, be prepared to give godly advice – “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Prov. 15:28)
Above all, give advice out of a sincere love for your friend – “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Prov. 27:5-6)
When you give advice, may it be "a word fitly spoken" (Prov. 25:11) because "a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Prov. 15:23)
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Matthew 9:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Proverbs 28:25
He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for workers in Your vineyard who helped to build a firm Biblical foundation in our lives over the years. They obeyed Your leading; they prayed, prepared, and delivered Your divine truths in an age appropriate instructional manner so that we could grow in the ways of the Lord from our youth into our adult years. Thank You especially for their loving devotion and faithful service. There is a difference in those who are motivated solely by duty rather than conviction and devotion. May our sense of duty be a direct result of our devotion to Your great cause; the salvation of souls, love toward the body of Christ, and discipleship through instruction of Your Holy Word and by our godly example. May we be counted among the faithful, in our relationship to You and in our relationship to others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling.
"CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL! MORE OIL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM NOW! WE NEED MORE OIL! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK! CAREFUL! CAREFUL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP! ARE YOU CRAZY! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL! USE MORE SALT! THE SALT!!"
The wife was very upset, "What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don't know how to fry an egg?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted you to know what it's like for me when I am driving the car and you're sitting next to me."
Without making specific judgments about wives giving advice to their husbands while driving (or about husbands giving advice to their wives while cooking!), let me simply say that we all need to be conscious of how we give advice to others. The author of the book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject. In fact, the words “tongue”, “mouth”, “lips” and “words” are mentioned in Proverbs almost 150 times!
Consider these words of advice about giving advice:
Know all the facts before you give advice – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” (Prov. 18:13)
Give advice in a calm manner – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)
Be careful about giving unsolicited advice – “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)
But when advice is needed, be prepared to give godly advice – “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Prov. 15:28)
Above all, give advice out of a sincere love for your friend – “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Prov. 27:5-6)
When you give advice, may it be "a word fitly spoken" (Prov. 25:11) because "a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Prov. 15:23)
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Matthew 9:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Proverbs 28:25
He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for workers in Your vineyard who helped to build a firm Biblical foundation in our lives over the years. They obeyed Your leading; they prayed, prepared, and delivered Your divine truths in an age appropriate instructional manner so that we could grow in the ways of the Lord from our youth into our adult years. Thank You especially for their loving devotion and faithful service. There is a difference in those who are motivated solely by duty rather than conviction and devotion. May our sense of duty be a direct result of our devotion to Your great cause; the salvation of souls, love toward the body of Christ, and discipleship through instruction of Your Holy Word and by our godly example. May we be counted among the faithful, in our relationship to You and in our relationship to others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (09 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of an elderly woman who decided to have her portrait painted. She told the artist, "Paint me with diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, emerald bracelets, a ruby broach, and Rolex watch."
"But you are not wearing any of those things," replied the artist.
"I know," she said. "It's in case I should die before my husband. I'm sure he'll remarry right away, and I want his new wife to go crazy looking for the jewelry."
Those of you who are Muppet fans will recall that one of Kermit the Frog's most famous lines was, "It's not easy being green." But I disagree. Shakespeare called jealousy "the green sickness", and we often speak of people being "green with envy".
And, in that regard, it's all too easy being green!It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world -- those who are millionaires and those who would like to be. And that's one example of jealousy, but it's only a piece of it. When someone else does an outstanding thing or receives an honor and I say, "That's great!", but inside I wish that I were in that position, that's jealousy. When someone else receives all the attention because of their reputation or wit or ability to speak, and I think I ought to be the center of attention, that's jealousy too.
Solomon said long ago, "Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4). Paul lists jealousy as one of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20.We don't like to think of jealousy and envy as being all that bad. We like to think of works of the flesh being things like murder (that's terrible!), fornication (what a horrible sin!), and drunkenness (disgraceful for any Christian to consider!). But we sometimes forget that envy is in that same list in Galatians 5.If we want to overcome jealousy, we need only remember that love and jealousy are mutually exclusive
Paul says that in I Corinthians 13:4 that "Love does not envy." Rather, love will "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15).The greater our love for others, the less jealous we will be (more on this Monday)
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the complete armor of God. So when the evil days come, you will be able to make a stand and hold your ground after the battle is over.
John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2 Corinthians 5:15
And Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Don't let anything interfere with your prayer life.
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that it may be well with you in all respects and that you may be in as good health physically as you are spiritually.
Prayer
Jesus, we look forward with tremendous anticipation to the day You appear in the clouds with power and great glory; as You come to claim Your chosen Bride, the redeemed and purified. The dead in Christ will arise and be caught up to meet You in the skies as we together exalt and glorify You, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Help us to be faithful and true and to live in glad expectancy of Your unannounced appearing as signs of Your coming multiply revealing to the redeemed that the glorious event is drawing closer.
The story is told of an elderly woman who decided to have her portrait painted. She told the artist, "Paint me with diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, emerald bracelets, a ruby broach, and Rolex watch."
"But you are not wearing any of those things," replied the artist.
"I know," she said. "It's in case I should die before my husband. I'm sure he'll remarry right away, and I want his new wife to go crazy looking for the jewelry."
Those of you who are Muppet fans will recall that one of Kermit the Frog's most famous lines was, "It's not easy being green." But I disagree. Shakespeare called jealousy "the green sickness", and we often speak of people being "green with envy".
And, in that regard, it's all too easy being green!It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world -- those who are millionaires and those who would like to be. And that's one example of jealousy, but it's only a piece of it. When someone else does an outstanding thing or receives an honor and I say, "That's great!", but inside I wish that I were in that position, that's jealousy. When someone else receives all the attention because of their reputation or wit or ability to speak, and I think I ought to be the center of attention, that's jealousy too.
Solomon said long ago, "Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4). Paul lists jealousy as one of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20.We don't like to think of jealousy and envy as being all that bad. We like to think of works of the flesh being things like murder (that's terrible!), fornication (what a horrible sin!), and drunkenness (disgraceful for any Christian to consider!). But we sometimes forget that envy is in that same list in Galatians 5.If we want to overcome jealousy, we need only remember that love and jealousy are mutually exclusive
Paul says that in I Corinthians 13:4 that "Love does not envy." Rather, love will "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15).The greater our love for others, the less jealous we will be (more on this Monday)
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the complete armor of God. So when the evil days come, you will be able to make a stand and hold your ground after the battle is over.
John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2 Corinthians 5:15
And Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Don't let anything interfere with your prayer life.
3 John 2
Dear friend, I pray that it may be well with you in all respects and that you may be in as good health physically as you are spiritually.
Prayer
Jesus, we look forward with tremendous anticipation to the day You appear in the clouds with power and great glory; as You come to claim Your chosen Bride, the redeemed and purified. The dead in Christ will arise and be caught up to meet You in the skies as we together exalt and glorify You, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Help us to be faithful and true and to live in glad expectancy of Your unannounced appearing as signs of Your coming multiply revealing to the redeemed that the glorious event is drawing closer.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (08 10 2009)
Thought for the day
A man was going up to bed, when his wife told him he'd left the light on in the garden shed - she could see it from the bedroom window. But he said that he hadn't been in the shed that day. He looked himself, and there were people in the shed, stealing things. He rang the police, but they told him that no one was in his area, so no one was available to catch the thieves. He said OK, hung up, counted to 30 and rang the police again. "Hello. I just rang you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed? Well, you don't have to worry about them now, I've just shot them all."
Within five minutes there were half a dozen police cars in the area, an Armed Response unit, the works. Of course, they caught the burglars red-handed. One of the policeman said to this man:
"I thought you said you'd shot them!" He replied, "I thought you said there was no one available!"
The same thing happens frequently in my life. Someone asks me to do something and I respond, "I don't have the time." Often, what I mean by that is, "I don't regard this as important enough." The truth is, we find (or make) the time to do whatever we regard to be important.
Someone has said you can tell a person's priorities by looking at his checkbook. There is a great deal of validity to that. We are willing to spend money on the things we think are important. But perhaps a greater indicator of our priorities would be our planning books -- a record of how our time is spent. For all of us, choices must be made. We don't have time to do everything, so we must choose those things which are of greatest importance to us. Just be careful that your choices are those things which are also most important to God.
The greatest men and women in the Bible were not those with the greatest resources or talents, but they were men and women who made themselves available to be used by God whenever He called. May God never hear us say, "Sorry, but I'm not available!""Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Eph. 5:15-17, NIV)
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
Now, without faith it is impossible to please Him at all. For he who comes to God must of the necessity in the nature of the case believe that He exists, that He also becomes a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him out.
Matthew 8:17
so that that should be fulfilled which was spoken through Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
Psalm 1:1-3
Happy the man who never goes by the advice of the ungodly, who never takes the sinners' road, nor joins the company of scoffers, but finds his joy in the Eternal's law, poring over it day and night. He is like a tree planted by a stream, that bears fruit in due season, with leaves that never fade; whatever he does, he prospers.
Prayer
Father, help me not to strive for worldly riches that would cause me to place my hope in material wealth that is only temporal. I know that money cannot buy love, joy, peace, forgiveness or lasting security. I cannot expect my riches to fulfill my greatest need since money cannot solve matters of the heart, but You do. For the riches You have entrusted to me I want to be wise, accountable, and generous toward those who have less, all the while laying up treasures in heaven that await me when I get to my final and lasting home. Amen.
A man was going up to bed, when his wife told him he'd left the light on in the garden shed - she could see it from the bedroom window. But he said that he hadn't been in the shed that day. He looked himself, and there were people in the shed, stealing things. He rang the police, but they told him that no one was in his area, so no one was available to catch the thieves. He said OK, hung up, counted to 30 and rang the police again. "Hello. I just rang you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed? Well, you don't have to worry about them now, I've just shot them all."
Within five minutes there were half a dozen police cars in the area, an Armed Response unit, the works. Of course, they caught the burglars red-handed. One of the policeman said to this man:
"I thought you said you'd shot them!" He replied, "I thought you said there was no one available!"
The same thing happens frequently in my life. Someone asks me to do something and I respond, "I don't have the time." Often, what I mean by that is, "I don't regard this as important enough." The truth is, we find (or make) the time to do whatever we regard to be important.
Someone has said you can tell a person's priorities by looking at his checkbook. There is a great deal of validity to that. We are willing to spend money on the things we think are important. But perhaps a greater indicator of our priorities would be our planning books -- a record of how our time is spent. For all of us, choices must be made. We don't have time to do everything, so we must choose those things which are of greatest importance to us. Just be careful that your choices are those things which are also most important to God.
The greatest men and women in the Bible were not those with the greatest resources or talents, but they were men and women who made themselves available to be used by God whenever He called. May God never hear us say, "Sorry, but I'm not available!""Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Eph. 5:15-17, NIV)
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
Now, without faith it is impossible to please Him at all. For he who comes to God must of the necessity in the nature of the case believe that He exists, that He also becomes a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him out.
Matthew 8:17
so that that should be fulfilled which was spoken through Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
Psalm 1:1-3
Happy the man who never goes by the advice of the ungodly, who never takes the sinners' road, nor joins the company of scoffers, but finds his joy in the Eternal's law, poring over it day and night. He is like a tree planted by a stream, that bears fruit in due season, with leaves that never fade; whatever he does, he prospers.
Prayer
Father, help me not to strive for worldly riches that would cause me to place my hope in material wealth that is only temporal. I know that money cannot buy love, joy, peace, forgiveness or lasting security. I cannot expect my riches to fulfill my greatest need since money cannot solve matters of the heart, but You do. For the riches You have entrusted to me I want to be wise, accountable, and generous toward those who have less, all the while laying up treasures in heaven that await me when I get to my final and lasting home. Amen.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (07 10 2009)
Thought for the day
I have enjoyed these thoughts from kids, though I do not know the original source:
CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE
"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." --Manuel, age 8
ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE
"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life."--John, age 9
"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't wantto do it. It takes too long." --Glenn, age 7
ON THE ROLE OF BEAUTY AND HANDSOMENESS IN LOVE
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." --Anita, age 8
"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet."--Brian, age 7
CONCERNING WHY LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS
"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." --Gavin, age 8
CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE
"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when 'Dinosaurs' is on television." --Jill, age 6
"Love is foolish ... but I still might try it sometime."--Floyd, age 9
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." --Dave, age 8
"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hardenough." --Regina, age 10
SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores."--Del, age 6
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love."--Alonzo, age 9
Those of us who are older smile because we know that children have such a limited understanding of what love is (although Alonzo has learned something that many adults haven't yet learned!). And yet, our own view of love is limited as well. And certainly our expression of love is limited and faulty.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (I John 4:7-8)
May you look to God for the ultimate example of love as you seek to be more loving toward others today.
Verses
Romans 10:11
Everyone who believes on Him shall not be put to shame.
Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
Matthew 17:20
So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
John 15:7
If you remain in me, and my utterances remain in you, What you may will, ask for yourselves, and it shall be done for you.
1 Timothy 6:17
Give this command to those who are rich with things of this world.
Tell them not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not their money. Money cannot be trusted, but God takes care of us richly.
He gives us everything to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, at this moment we turn our hearts to You and thank You for Your grace that meets our most pressing needs. It also helps us to say “no” to those temptations that are common to all and purifies us so that we are eager to do that which is good. Your grace helps us to rise above the struggles of this world and most especially as we focus on the perfect, everlasting life to come when the glorious appearing of Jesus is seen by those He redeemed. Fill us with anticipation and expectancy while we wait, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
I have enjoyed these thoughts from kids, though I do not know the original source:
CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE
"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." --Manuel, age 8
ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE
"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life."--John, age 9
"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't wantto do it. It takes too long." --Glenn, age 7
ON THE ROLE OF BEAUTY AND HANDSOMENESS IN LOVE
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." --Anita, age 8
"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet."--Brian, age 7
CONCERNING WHY LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS
"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." --Gavin, age 8
CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE
"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when 'Dinosaurs' is on television." --Jill, age 6
"Love is foolish ... but I still might try it sometime."--Floyd, age 9
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." --Dave, age 8
"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hardenough." --Regina, age 10
SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores."--Del, age 6
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love."--Alonzo, age 9
Those of us who are older smile because we know that children have such a limited understanding of what love is (although Alonzo has learned something that many adults haven't yet learned!). And yet, our own view of love is limited as well. And certainly our expression of love is limited and faulty.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (I John 4:7-8)
May you look to God for the ultimate example of love as you seek to be more loving toward others today.
Verses
Romans 10:11
Everyone who believes on Him shall not be put to shame.
Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
Matthew 17:20
So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
John 15:7
If you remain in me, and my utterances remain in you, What you may will, ask for yourselves, and it shall be done for you.
1 Timothy 6:17
Give this command to those who are rich with things of this world.
Tell them not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not their money. Money cannot be trusted, but God takes care of us richly.
He gives us everything to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, at this moment we turn our hearts to You and thank You for Your grace that meets our most pressing needs. It also helps us to say “no” to those temptations that are common to all and purifies us so that we are eager to do that which is good. Your grace helps us to rise above the struggles of this world and most especially as we focus on the perfect, everlasting life to come when the glorious appearing of Jesus is seen by those He redeemed. Fill us with anticipation and expectancy while we wait, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (06 10 2009)
Thought for the day
Samuel Goldwyn, the movie producer who founded Goldwyn Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer was known for his misuse of the English language. Here are some of my favorite Goldwynisms:
"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."
"Any man who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined."
"In two words, impossible."
When Goldwyn's secretary asked him if she should destroy files that were more than ten years old, he answered, "Yes, but keep copies."
"Tell them (the actors) to stand closer apart."
"For your information, just answer me one question!'
"Go see that turkey for yourself, and see for yourself why you shouldn't see it."
"Can she sing? She's practically a Florence Nightingale."
"Give me a couple of years and I'll make that actress an overnight success."
"True, I've been a long time making up my mind, but now I'm giving you a definite answer. I won't say yes and I won't say no -- but I'm giving you a definite maybe."
Sounds like he was giving someone the runaround! Some folks accused the apostle Paul of doing the same thing. He said he was planning to come to Corinth, but those plans changed, so some of the Corinthians accused Paul of being fickle, saying one thing and meaning another.
Paul assured the Corinthians that his intent was never to deceive, that his message was founded in Jesus Christ, in whom there is no deceit. "Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us -- by me, Silvanus, and Timothy -- was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Cor. 1:17-20).
Praise be to God who keeps every one of His promises, and not with a "definite maybe". Yes, yes, yes!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
To him who can do infinitely more than all we ask or think, through his power which is at work in us,
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And we are healed because of his wounds.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Proverbs 28:25
The ambitious in soul stirreth up strife, But he that trusteth in Yahweh shall be enriched.
Prayer
Father, before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. You care for all of creation, the order of the universe, all people from past generations to the present, and You work powerfully and invisibly in our hearts. We are humbled by Your greatness and touched by Your kindness. We give You thanks and trust You for that which we don’t understand. We see only the fringes of Your ways, but that reminds us that Your power is what creates the works established by Your hands. You are our God, the rock in whom we trust and take refuge. Amen.
Samuel Goldwyn, the movie producer who founded Goldwyn Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer was known for his misuse of the English language. Here are some of my favorite Goldwynisms:
"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."
"Any man who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined."
"In two words, impossible."
When Goldwyn's secretary asked him if she should destroy files that were more than ten years old, he answered, "Yes, but keep copies."
"Tell them (the actors) to stand closer apart."
"For your information, just answer me one question!'
"Go see that turkey for yourself, and see for yourself why you shouldn't see it."
"Can she sing? She's practically a Florence Nightingale."
"Give me a couple of years and I'll make that actress an overnight success."
"True, I've been a long time making up my mind, but now I'm giving you a definite answer. I won't say yes and I won't say no -- but I'm giving you a definite maybe."
Sounds like he was giving someone the runaround! Some folks accused the apostle Paul of doing the same thing. He said he was planning to come to Corinth, but those plans changed, so some of the Corinthians accused Paul of being fickle, saying one thing and meaning another.
Paul assured the Corinthians that his intent was never to deceive, that his message was founded in Jesus Christ, in whom there is no deceit. "Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us -- by me, Silvanus, and Timothy -- was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Cor. 1:17-20).
Praise be to God who keeps every one of His promises, and not with a "definite maybe". Yes, yes, yes!
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
To him who can do infinitely more than all we ask or think, through his power which is at work in us,
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And we are healed because of his wounds.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Proverbs 28:25
The ambitious in soul stirreth up strife, But he that trusteth in Yahweh shall be enriched.
Prayer
Father, before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. You care for all of creation, the order of the universe, all people from past generations to the present, and You work powerfully and invisibly in our hearts. We are humbled by Your greatness and touched by Your kindness. We give You thanks and trust You for that which we don’t understand. We see only the fringes of Your ways, but that reminds us that Your power is what creates the works established by Your hands. You are our God, the rock in whom we trust and take refuge. Amen.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (05 10 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of two polite people who are having dinner together. On the table there is a dish with one big piece of fish and one small piece of fish.
They politely say to each other: "You may choose first."
"No, you may choose first." This goes on for a while.
Then the first person says, "OK, I'll take first."
And he takes the BIG piece of fish.
The second person says, "Why did you take the big piece? That's not polite!"
The first person says, "Which piece would *you* have taken?"
The second person replies, "Why, I would have taken the SMALL piece, of course."
The first person says, "Well, that's what you have now!"
New Collegiate Dictionary defines a polite person as someone who is "marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy." The quality of politeness is one which seems to be disappearing in our society. As I grew up, I was taught to say, "Yes, ma'am" and "Yes, sir", terms not often heard by young people today. Even the words "please" and "thank you" are not used as often as they should be.
Some might say that politeness is a "small" thing, and it is, but that doesn't mean it is insignificant. Politeness is a lot like salt -- you don't always pay attention to it when it is present, but it is very obvious that something is lacking when it is absent.
Of all people, Christians should be most polite because politeness is a characteristic of agape love."
"Remind the believers to....be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people." (Titus 3:1-2, NCV)"[Love] does not behave rudely."(I Cor. 13:5a) Make an effort today to see that the love you show to others around you includes the quality of politeness.
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
"You see correctly," the LORD told me. "I'm watching over My word to make it come true."
Jeremiah 33:6
'Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Philippians 2:13
For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.
Colossians 4:2
Persevere in prayer; and be watchful in it, and in giving thanks.
James 1:4
Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
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. Amen.
The story is told of two polite people who are having dinner together. On the table there is a dish with one big piece of fish and one small piece of fish.
They politely say to each other: "You may choose first."
"No, you may choose first." This goes on for a while.
Then the first person says, "OK, I'll take first."
And he takes the BIG piece of fish.
The second person says, "Why did you take the big piece? That's not polite!"
The first person says, "Which piece would *you* have taken?"
The second person replies, "Why, I would have taken the SMALL piece, of course."
The first person says, "Well, that's what you have now!"
New Collegiate Dictionary defines a polite person as someone who is "marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy." The quality of politeness is one which seems to be disappearing in our society. As I grew up, I was taught to say, "Yes, ma'am" and "Yes, sir", terms not often heard by young people today. Even the words "please" and "thank you" are not used as often as they should be.
Some might say that politeness is a "small" thing, and it is, but that doesn't mean it is insignificant. Politeness is a lot like salt -- you don't always pay attention to it when it is present, but it is very obvious that something is lacking when it is absent.
Of all people, Christians should be most polite because politeness is a characteristic of agape love."
"Remind the believers to....be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people." (Titus 3:1-2, NCV)"[Love] does not behave rudely."(I Cor. 13:5a) Make an effort today to see that the love you show to others around you includes the quality of politeness.
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
"You see correctly," the LORD told me. "I'm watching over My word to make it come true."
Jeremiah 33:6
'Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Philippians 2:13
For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.
Colossians 4:2
Persevere in prayer; and be watchful in it, and in giving thanks.
James 1:4
Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
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. Amen.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (02 10 2009)
Thought for the day
A 6-year-old girl once asked her father, "What do you have to do to become a doctor?"
Her father said, "You have to do extremely well in school, take a lot of math and science, get into an excellent college, make the highest grades possible, and then go to med school, and follow that with an internship. Then you can start your own practice. Honey, as smart as you are, you can be anything you want to be."
The little girl thought about that and then asked, "What do you have to do to be queen?"
I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but I want to let you know that there's a verse in the Bible that you may have mis-interpreted for many years. I know that I have. You see, many of us have heard lessons which promote positive thinking. We've been told, "If you can see it, you can achieve it." So, if you're a golfer, visualize getting through the golf course at 4 under par. If you need to lose weight, visualize what your life will be like when you're 60 pounds thinner. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, visualize yourself with the position and the salary you desire.
And the verse we have often used to give us the strength to achieve these things is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
There are, no doubt, some Christian athletes headed to compete in the Olympics who anticipate bringing home a gold medal because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Now I don't dispute that there is great value in having a vision of where we want to be and what we want to accomplish. And I don't dispute that God will bless us with strength in all endeavors that glorify Him. But I believe it is wrong to teach that anyone can accomplish anything because God will give you the strength.
Not every little boy with a dream of playing in the Sprinbok Squad or the National Cricket Team is going to achieve that. Not every athlete that quotes Philippians 4:13 this week will bring home a gold medal from the World championships. And you can dream about being king or queen all you want to -- dreaming it won't make it happen.
The truth is that for many of us, young or old, life is not always going to turn out exactly like we thought it would. And when people are made to think that if you believe something with all your heart, it will come to pass, then when it doesn't happen that way, they get discouraged, depressed, feel like failures, get angry, or they give up. Christians may even begin to lose their faith in God. "God, how could you let this happen to me? This is not what I wanted! You promised I could do all things!"
When you look at the context of Philippians 4:13, though, it contains a more powerful message than we ever imagined. In the previous verse, Paul writes, "I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Phil. 4:12).
What is it that Paul can do through Christ? He can be content no matter what the situation -- whether he has plenty or he has nothing, whether he comes in first place with a gold medal or he comes in last place, whether he makes the team or he doesn't make the team. Whatever the circumstance, whatever he may have or not have, Paul learned to be content, to be joyful.
Why?
Because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" May this verse serve as an encouragement to you, not to achieve great victories in life, but to find joy even in the midst of defeat.
Verses
Luke 17:6
He said to them, If you have faith even as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea; and it would obey you.
Isaiah 53:5
But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray regularly.
2 Corinthians 9:10
He who provides seed for sowing and bread for eating will provide plenty of seed for you and give you more and more opportunities to let it grow into works of charity.
Prayer
Father, as You call us to be busy about Your harvest work, You equip us to do Your will. We look to You for favor and for direction as we obediently follow You. “Lord of The Harvest, send workers into Your harvest field.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A 6-year-old girl once asked her father, "What do you have to do to become a doctor?"
Her father said, "You have to do extremely well in school, take a lot of math and science, get into an excellent college, make the highest grades possible, and then go to med school, and follow that with an internship. Then you can start your own practice. Honey, as smart as you are, you can be anything you want to be."
The little girl thought about that and then asked, "What do you have to do to be queen?"
I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but I want to let you know that there's a verse in the Bible that you may have mis-interpreted for many years. I know that I have. You see, many of us have heard lessons which promote positive thinking. We've been told, "If you can see it, you can achieve it." So, if you're a golfer, visualize getting through the golf course at 4 under par. If you need to lose weight, visualize what your life will be like when you're 60 pounds thinner. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, visualize yourself with the position and the salary you desire.
And the verse we have often used to give us the strength to achieve these things is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
There are, no doubt, some Christian athletes headed to compete in the Olympics who anticipate bringing home a gold medal because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Now I don't dispute that there is great value in having a vision of where we want to be and what we want to accomplish. And I don't dispute that God will bless us with strength in all endeavors that glorify Him. But I believe it is wrong to teach that anyone can accomplish anything because God will give you the strength.
Not every little boy with a dream of playing in the Sprinbok Squad or the National Cricket Team is going to achieve that. Not every athlete that quotes Philippians 4:13 this week will bring home a gold medal from the World championships. And you can dream about being king or queen all you want to -- dreaming it won't make it happen.
The truth is that for many of us, young or old, life is not always going to turn out exactly like we thought it would. And when people are made to think that if you believe something with all your heart, it will come to pass, then when it doesn't happen that way, they get discouraged, depressed, feel like failures, get angry, or they give up. Christians may even begin to lose their faith in God. "God, how could you let this happen to me? This is not what I wanted! You promised I could do all things!"
When you look at the context of Philippians 4:13, though, it contains a more powerful message than we ever imagined. In the previous verse, Paul writes, "I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Phil. 4:12).
What is it that Paul can do through Christ? He can be content no matter what the situation -- whether he has plenty or he has nothing, whether he comes in first place with a gold medal or he comes in last place, whether he makes the team or he doesn't make the team. Whatever the circumstance, whatever he may have or not have, Paul learned to be content, to be joyful.
Why?
Because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" May this verse serve as an encouragement to you, not to achieve great victories in life, but to find joy even in the midst of defeat.
Verses
Luke 17:6
He said to them, If you have faith even as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea; and it would obey you.
Isaiah 53:5
But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray regularly.
2 Corinthians 9:10
He who provides seed for sowing and bread for eating will provide plenty of seed for you and give you more and more opportunities to let it grow into works of charity.
Prayer
Father, as You call us to be busy about Your harvest work, You equip us to do Your will. We look to You for favor and for direction as we obediently follow You. “Lord of The Harvest, send workers into Your harvest field.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Upward Fruit
UPWARD FRUIT
The sound of Newness and Forward rings fresh in my ear!
Rain is a forerunner of new growth. As the rain fall in the natural and causes the hidden seed that was embedded to sprout, likewise when the rain of the Spirit falls, it will cause that which was hidden for so long to sprout and prove that the soil is not barren!
We consider a piece of ground and glance over it with a careless eye, observing nothing. The next moment we take a breath and call it barren because we see nothing! In the life of those around you, take great care when you look over the fields of their lives. Even though you may glance at the nothingness, there may be seed deeply embedded that was just waiting for the rain. Rain has the power to reveal what was hidden for many dry seasons.
In 2 KINGS 19:29-30 Hezekiah speaks of a sign. He breaks up the produce after rain in a few categories:
There is fruit in our lives that grows of itself, needs no assistance;
There is fruit that comes voluntarily and needs no coaxing or begging;
There is fruit that needs effort put in and contribution on your part.
Irrespective what is required to have the fruit manifest in our lives, we need the key ingredient which is RAIN!
In this awesome portion of scripture the key of fruit is explained!
First the root goes downward BEFORE the fruit goes upward!
At times we can’t understand the downward, but I want you to know that there is an upward afterward!
You were not born be caught in the downward forever but God has designed the upward as well.
Take heart, take courage, you are on the upward!
The sound of Newness and Forward rings fresh in my ear!
Rain is a forerunner of new growth. As the rain fall in the natural and causes the hidden seed that was embedded to sprout, likewise when the rain of the Spirit falls, it will cause that which was hidden for so long to sprout and prove that the soil is not barren!
We consider a piece of ground and glance over it with a careless eye, observing nothing. The next moment we take a breath and call it barren because we see nothing! In the life of those around you, take great care when you look over the fields of their lives. Even though you may glance at the nothingness, there may be seed deeply embedded that was just waiting for the rain. Rain has the power to reveal what was hidden for many dry seasons.
In 2 KINGS 19:29-30 Hezekiah speaks of a sign. He breaks up the produce after rain in a few categories:
There is fruit in our lives that grows of itself, needs no assistance;
There is fruit that comes voluntarily and needs no coaxing or begging;
There is fruit that needs effort put in and contribution on your part.
Irrespective what is required to have the fruit manifest in our lives, we need the key ingredient which is RAIN!
In this awesome portion of scripture the key of fruit is explained!
First the root goes downward BEFORE the fruit goes upward!
At times we can’t understand the downward, but I want you to know that there is an upward afterward!
You were not born be caught in the downward forever but God has designed the upward as well.
Take heart, take courage, you are on the upward!
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