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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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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