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Tuesday 31 March 2009

Do You Know how the APOSTLES died?

Matthew, Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia , killed by a sword wound.
Mark, Died in Alexandria , Egypt , after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.
Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.
John, Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome . However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos . He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
Peter was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross. According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.
James, Just The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller’s club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.
James the Great, son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem . The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.
Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel Was a missionary to Asia . He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey . Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.
Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras , Greece . After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: “I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.” He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.
Thomas Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the sub-continent.
Jude, Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. Matthias the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.
Barnabas, One of the group of seventy disciples, wrote the Epistle of Barnabas. He preached throughout Italy and Cyprus . Barnabas was stoned to death at Salonica.
Paul, Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire . These letters, which taught many of the foundational doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

"But he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22."

Friday 27 March 2009

A BOND SLAVE OF JESUS CHRIST

In Paul's epistles he always opens with his name and, in most instances the phrase, "an apostle of Jesus Christ." But in his epistle to Titus, he opens with the declaration: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness" (Titus 1:1). Saul, as he was also known, commissioned with authority from the chief priests, was anything but godly in his persecution of Messiah's followers. But suddenly, on the road to Damascus, in Acts 9, the Lord stopped him in his tracks: "And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? ..." (Acts 9:4-6). When the Lord appeared to Paul, at Damascus, he was most acutely aware of how wrong he had been, and of how ungodly his life had been without Christ, and it greatly humbled him. Years later this once proud Pharisee wrote that it was only God's grace that had made him the man of God he had become--"an apostle" and the devoted "servant of Jesus Christ" in ministering "the gospel of God" to the Gentiles (Rom.1:1-5). In Ephesians 3:7 he further tells us that he was "made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, given unto me by the effectual working of His power. "Unto me, who am LESS than the LEAST of all saints, is this GRACE given, that I should PREACH among the Gentiles THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST" (Eph. 3:7,8). In our text the word "servant," doulos in the Greek and rendered "bondman" in Textus Receptus, refers to one who serves. Paul was now the willing "servant" of Jesus Christ. Thus he exhorts believers not to be blinded by the devil's lies, "For we preach not ourselves, but CHRIST JESUS THE LORD; and ourselves your SERVANTS for Jesus' sake" (II Cor. 4:5). And because Paul was a faithful "bond slave" of Jesus Christ, he wrote Timothy: "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (II Tim. 4:17,18).

by Russell S. Miller

Wednesday 25 March 2009

Mary or Martha

In Luk 10:38-42, we read, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. Luk 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. Luk 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
We see two different personality types here. The first is the Martha, Martha, type of personality. Martha was excited that Jesus came to visit. She went about preparing food, straightening up and serving her guests. She was looking carefully at what needed to be done and she went after it.
Then there was the Mary, Mary personality type. Mary, loved the words of Jesus, His glory, His majesty and mostly His divine presence. She spent her time sitting quietly at His feet so that she could learn all that He had to teach and receive anything that He had to give. She just wanted more of Jesus.
After working very hard to cook and serve Martha looked around seeing Mary sitting at His feet, she became angry that she was up working like Mary. She asked Jesus to command her to get up and help. If you will look in the last verse, the Lord did not ask Mary to get up, instead to admonished Martha to check out her priorities. Every day of your life you will likely find laundry to be done, dishes to wash, food to prepare and serve or many other common tasks around the house. However, at this time Jesus had come to share with them. It represents the anointing. When the anointing comes down, we must give reverence to the presence of the Holy Spirit. We must choose to be Mary, Mary’s and not Martha, Martha. We must let the revelation sink in that it is the anointing that we need the most.
He told us in His Word found in (Mat 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Do it first, when you get up in the morning. Spend time with Him. Set a certain time and be protective of it..
How can we truly seek His Word, when we are meditating more on the natural things around us?

I believe that a primary lesson to be learned from these scriptures is that the Lord would prefer that we are Mary, Mary type personalities and not the Martha, Martha type personalities. We must be careful to “pray through” each day and not just get “through praying.” Seek Him first. Let Him be your priorities. Is all those little projects your priority or is He? You can have projects, but He must remain your priority. I challenge you with this thought. Do you really think that you can be used of God if you don’t have time to listen to Him?


In JESUS' name, AMEN

Tuesday 24 March 2009

Mighty Warrior

"When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men…He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them…north of Damascus."
Genesis 14:14-15 NASB

Even though Abraham didn't seem to have any previous military experience, he proved himself to be a mighty warrior. After settling in Canaan, he became involved in a regional conflict when his nephew Lot was captured.Organizing a fighting force, Abraham set out on a daunting task involving complex terrain and obstacles covering hundreds of miles. Yet he demonstrated an ability to track the enemy marauders, even in a difficult environment.When Abraham found the enemy, he cleverly "divided his forces against them by night." He understood the importance of strategy and realized the need to be persistent until victory was achieved. These efforts resulted in complete success, and Lot and all his possessions were recovered.The Bible continually reminds us that Believers are engaged in spiritual warfare. Like Abraham, we're called to be people of faith, following God and being His witnesses amid the battles of life.You must be constantly on guard and ready for spiritual warfare, for "your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). You must be prepared, armed, alert, strong in the Holy Spirit, protected by the shield of faith, and wielding "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:10-17).Today, don't take this matter of spiritual warfare lightly. Pray. Seek God's power and authority. Be ready to fight with confidence and boldness, for you may be attacked at any time. Be filled with faith, confident in God. Trust Him to give you complete victory.


AMEN

Monday 23 March 2009

Purpose of asking

John 14:13 - And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Yesterday we learnt about the grammar behind 'agree' in Matthew 18:19. Today's message is on the same line, only taking a step forward. In today's message the 'ask' has the same TVM as yesterday's 'agree' which is Aorist, Active, Subjunctive.

Thus our asking should be in the same fashion as our agreeing in yesterday's message. Today's message also talks about why we will receive.

Lord Jesus Christ is drawing all mankind to Himself not to glorify Himself, but to glorify the Father through Him. But when we ask for things and favors, do we reflect on the purpose of our asking and whom it is going to glorify or gratify? Is it glorifying us and our ego, or is it going to gratify our lust, our uncontrollable desires?

The scripture gives the reason why the Lord answers our prayer as - 'the Father be glorified in the Son'. Therefore our purpose also needs to be good, so that we are assured receipt of the same.

So let us be clear before we put our hands up to ask, if what we are asking will bring us closer to God or will take us far from the Lord? Will it also glorify Lord Jesus Christ and the Father through us?

AMEN

Sunday 22 March 2009

Unshakable Faith

Unshakable Faith

All Christian's will be faced with opposition, but those with unshakable faith always prevail.The Anakims had been driven out of Hebron by Joshua, now they were back and in control of the territory. Because of Caleb's faithfulness, God granted his request for the city and suburbs of Hebron, determined to drive them back out of the land. "Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old......... ... Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel." (Joshua 14:7-10,12-14) . Although he had to wait 45 years before he could inherit his promised land, there was no record that he found fault with God.Caleb's unshakable faith can be seen in his report as a spy forty-five years ago when he chose to follow God and not listen to the murmuring Israelites. He spoke his convictions and faced opposition of the other spies and the people. He stood alone with Joshua, but never gave up his faith in God. Most of us will face giant Canaanite difficulties in life as well as friends who attempt to discourage us. Surely our faith ought to exceed Caleb's as we have the Lord Jesus Christ right with us. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39).Sometimes we are afraid to speak about our faith when our convictions are unpopular, but the person blessed of God speaks what is in his heart about Him and does not listen to the opposition they are faced with. God always honors the faith of those who believe in Him and His all-sufficient power.

Psalm: 71:7-9"I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."

PEACE - THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Reading: Galatians 5:22

Some years ago as we stood in a funeral home, the daughter of the woman who had passed away, declared, ''I'm amazed at the peace I have at a time like this." I trust that each one of us have experienced such peace in our lives during those times of heartache and difficulty. There are some who may not understand the peace that we have and may look at us with wonder; not knowing the source from which it comes. Our verse in Galatians 5:22 reveals the very source of this peace as we read, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Though our focus is upon peace we see that it does not stand alone but is part of, and dependent on, love. Without Spirit-produced love we will not enjoy this peace in our lives. Peace is an inward tranquility but nonetheless is manifested in the outward man as well. What is also important is that this is not simply a resignation to the fact that we can't change the circumstances, but rather to know that God is at work in our lives conform- ing us more, and more, to His image. Without this realization we will miss out on the opportunity to grow spiritually. As we face each new testing our faith will enable us to look to God and again enjoy His peace. Only the child of God can have this peace because it is the "Fruit of the Spirit," and cannot be generated in the flesh. It begins with faith in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit as we see in Ephesians I:13, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise."

We have so much to be thankful for every day.God continually provides for all our needs. So let’s make Thanksgiving a year-long celebration. —David C. McCasland



By FLOYD BAKER

Saturday 21 March 2009

CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS

CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may
happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it
does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will
compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and un-clutter your life.

7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time;
don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time..

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in
the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

AMEN

WHEN IT SEEMS THERE IS NO MORE HOPE

WHEN IT SEEMS THERE IS NO MORE HOPE

"While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher any more?’ Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, ‘Don't be afraid; just believe’" (Mark 5:35-36 NIV).

The daughter of a synagogue ruler was dying. The man came to Jesus Christ and pleaded that Jesus should come and heal her. Jesus responded immediately to the distressed call and followed the man to his home. However, there was an interruption on the way: another woman tapped a healing from Jesus Christ by mere touching His clothes. As Jesus was apparently pointing out the miracle to people that were following Him, some men came from the synagogue ruler’s house to tell him the sad news: his daughter was dead, and there was no need of bothering Jesus to come and heal her. To those men, there was no more hope for the daughter and her father. Nevertheless, Jesus encouraged the ruler, and went with him to his house to do the unexpected: raising the daughter from the dead!

At times, many people have found themselves in similar situations. They might have been praying to God for a particular thing. It seemed that He was about to answer their prayers, and alas, the unexpected happened. It seemed that there was no more hope. In fact, such people might have lost hope in the situation. Such situation might have led such people to be angry with God or even deny His existence. Why would He allow the situation to become hopeless? Why could He not act fast and demonstrate His power to save the situation?

Well, as Jesus did not focus on the seemingly hopeless situation of the synagogue ruler, but rather encouraged him not to be afraid but to believe in God, such people ought not to focus on their seemingly hopeless situation, but on God who is able to do all things. Jesus told Martha (another woman in a similar situation), "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 NIV).

Are you in similar situation? Does it seem that there is no more hope for you? Have people around you written you off? Jesus is telling you today, "Don’t be afraid; just believe." He can turn that seemingly hopeless situation to a testimony. When it seems there is no more hope, just believe in Him and you will see the glory of God. You will indeed testify to His goodness over that situation in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday 20 March 2009

Wait on the Lord

Wait on the Lord

Psalms 27:14 - Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we read this scripture which talks about waiting on the Lord, we consider this waiting as lying on back and taking it easy - waiting. The waiting this scripture is talking about is not a patient waiting but an impatient waiting. It is an intensive waiting which the Lord asks us to take.

How are we to take this intensive waiting?

If we read the previous lines of this scripture the psalmist says -

Psalms 27:13 - I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

The words 'I had fainted' are added to the original text to make it easy to read. So if we read just the original text, it says 'unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living'.

We all know in Heaven it will be a blessed living, but the Psalmist takes an aggressive stance and wants to see it now in this world. That is the kind of waiting we are supposed to take; an eager, relentless and full of expectation waiting.

For this we need to have strength (good courage) and the Lord will help increase our strength further till we receive our deliverance.

AMEN

WELL OF LIFE

WELL OF LIFE

"Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing".
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Sometimes, surprisingly, nervous exhaustion is created not so much by the events of the day, but by the words of our mouths. According to God, idle talk is a tremendous energy-drainer. Conserving your words and speaking only good is a well of life. God says, "He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips will come to ruin...The mouth of an (uncompromisingly) righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence" (Proverbs 13:3, 10:11, AMP).

Review your day or night and do a quick inventory of your words.
Were many of them negative, sarcastic, unforgiving or bitter? Or did you use your words to build up, encourage, appreciate or bless someone?

As you rest and anticipate your day tomorrow, ask the Holy Spirit to make you more aware of the fruit of your mouth. As He empowers more and more of your words, the "dividends" of increased energy will be great.

- Let's Pray Together…
God loves you and wants to answer your prayer.
Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, help me to be more sensitive to my words, guard my mouth, and thus keep the precious Life which You have given me. I thank You for that well of life and look forward to partaking of more of that Life now. Grant me words to edify, encourage and heal others. Let Your words be my words, and may Your Spirit of self-control work diligently within me. I praise You.

In Jesus' Name!

Monday 16 March 2009

“NEVER ALONE!”

“NEVER ALONE!”


Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”


Sometimes, when life is hectic and demanding, we feel like we would like some “alone” time. Have you ever felt that way? For several years, Public Television has chronicled the story of Dick Proenneke, who lived alone in the wilderness for over thirty years.

I have to confess that I love watching this program over and over again. It is not that I would like to be alone like Dick, but to see the creative manner in which he used the resources around him to survive.

In addition to being impressed by Dick’s resourcefulness, I also became aware of something else—he was not totally isolated. There was a bush pilot who made trips into Dick’s remote cabin to bring supplies and mail. I can only imagine the joy he must have felt in receiving mail from his family in California.

We do not have to be isolated in a wilderness like Dick Proenneke to feel alone. We can feel alone even when we are surrounded by a multitude of people. Just look at a picture of people walking down the street of a large city. One person in that huge crowd may feel more alone than actually being alone in the wilderness.

Regardless of where we might be or who might be around us, according to our Scripture for today, we are never alone. Not only is the Lord with us at all times, but He has promised to give us strength and to uphold us with His righteous right hand. Our part is to trust in Him with all our heart. Praise the Lord!

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!



By : Pastor Cecil

Friday 13 March 2009

Moving Past Mistakes and Regrets

Moving Past Mistakes and Regrets

Proverbs 5:7 (Message Bible)


You don't want to end your life full of regrets, nothing but sin and bones, Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life? Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously? My life is ruined…

I have tried to live my life in such a way that when I looked back over my it one day, I’d look back feeling no regrets. I’ve really tried to follow and obey the Lord and do what I believed I was supposed to do but, if I am perfectly transparent with you, I’ve failed many times. I’ve had my moments where I cared more about me than obeying God. I’ve had my moments where my attitude or my words were less than appropriate. I have had my moments where I should have taken a different course of action. I’ve had moments of opportunity to be a better husband to Renee or a better father to my children. For the most, I’m happy with how I’ve walked out my life in the Lord, but as hard as I have tried, I can’t say there aren’t any regrets. I have a few.

Having said that, I refuse to spend too much time mulling over the past feeling bad regarding those few things I regret. When I do reflect on them, I look at them only with short term views - enough to bring them before God, repent, and learn from them so as not to repeat them. God’s Word instructs us what to do with regret saying, For God can use sorrow (or regrets) in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death. (2 Cor. 7:10) Regrets do damage if we don’t forgive ourselves after God does and move on. That does not mean be callous. It means be sincerely sorrowful, make changes, learn from our mistakes or regrets and then move forward.

Some time ago, someone I considered a good friend began to lie to me about something in order to accomplish his agenda. Those lies turned into a nightmare that caused serious hurt and pain. When he was caught, I know at first he felt regret. But instead of admitting it and being sorry for the kind of behavior that led up to it, he decided he didn’t want to take the responsibility for the hurt that was caused by his actions. Thus, his actions and behavior did not change. Today’s Fresh Manna warns us against hardening our heart at those moments of regret and ditching godly sorrow. You don't want to end your life full of regrets, nothing but sin and bones, Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life? Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously? My life is ruined!... (Proverbs 5:7 MSG)

Regrets are something to learn from. That is the purpose of feeling regret – so as to see the error or the thing we do regret and repent from it. Having godly sorrow and making amends is a good thing. It brings healing. But, it then becomes critical that we move on. It’s imperative to know that we will make mistakes and do things we regret. No one escapes that. You might make a wrong decision. You might slip and act or speak out of character. You might come to realize that you tuned out or disobeyed what the Lord was leading you to do. When you do, if you’re spiritually and emotionally normal, you’ll feel regret. When you do feel regret, make amends to God and if possible, and to anyone you are aware of that you hurt. If what you’re regretting has mostly just hurt you – repent before the Lord and turn from it. If you do that – if you’ll learn from what you regret and move forward, minimizing future regrets rather than getting caught in them like quicksand.

God has great mercy on those that desire to learn from their mistakes and refocus on His instructions for life. Psalm 119:77 says, “Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your precepts are my delight. When we blow it, God not only has mercy, but He offers His grace – His supernatural help in times of trouble to those that will admit and turn from their regrets. Proverbs 3:34 says, He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

If you’ve blown it somewhere, don’t get buried in regret. Take care of business with God and with man. Have sincere godly sorrow before the Lord and those appropriate. Then receive the tender mercy of God and His grace to move forward. Let go of the past because you can’t change it. Look forward to the grace of God helping you live your life with as few regrets possible. Let today be that new day. Then move forward in His mercy and grace!

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Thursday 12 March 2009

Defeating Discouragement

Defeating Discouragement


Exo 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today...The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

I have run five marathons (26.3 mile races) in two different locations. I have run the Twin City Marathon in Minneapolis/ St.Paul and I have run Grandma's Marathon up in Duluth. The courses for both are quite different. They are both beautiful in their own way and great to run. But there is something about the Twin Cities Marathon I love more. I love the crowds. There are crowds of people lined the entire 26 miles that cheer you on like you were family. They clap and shout encouragement to you and are the most incredible support you could ever imagine - especially when you have to run the distance of 26 miles. Their voices of encouragement help shut out some of the demons that try to speak into your ear and tell you "you can't make it - quit now" throughout the race. When I run up at Grandma's Marathon, there are long stretches with few or no people and those stretches without the cheering and encouragement are the hardest to run.

There are times in life when we feel God speaking to us. We sense God’s leading and direction to do something in life. He may want us to take on an assignment or task. He speaks to us through His Word or through someone preaching the Word. He may speak to us through a friend or in our quiet time of prayer. But for those that listen, He speaks. Sometimes assignments come. Sometimes they are personal assignments like, "clean up this area of your life," or "get involved at church and do this," or "lose 20 pounds." Whatever it is, He gives us assignments of all different scopes and for all different reasons - some personal and some serving or helping other people.

When He speaks them to us they can sound so exciting. The thinking and meditating and planning to execute what He says begins. It can be challenging but exciting at the same time. The launch into obedience can be exhilarating. But beyond that, to continue in and finish what He has given you to do can become a journey of discouragement or fear - especially if you don't have someone on the sidelines cheering you on. When I ran my marathons amongst all those wonderful people cheering and encouraging – I still had to contend with Satan’s voice of discouragement. The exhortation of others is what helped me overcome Satan’s voice of discouragement and helped me finish. When we are doing what God asks us to do, we may not always be surrounded by those cheerleaders. But, we will always have to contend with the enemy – always! And it won't be to encourage you. And, he’ll often use people to discourage you. Satan's ultimate goal is to get anyone to quit through discouragement and disobey what God asks them to do.

When Moses was given the assignment to lead God's people from Egypt, the entire mission was a challenge to say the least. But, Moses knew he had God speaking to him and leading him. When Moses and the people of Israel started out together, there was great cooperation. Things when smoothly like they usually do in the beginning. Exodus 13:18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. You can see that the people started out fine and left orderly. They were great until the first sign of trouble. Then those voices – not of cheerleading but of discouragement started to speak.


Exo 14:11-12 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Anytime you pursue what God leads you to do, big or small, personal or world changing, you will come up against the adversity of the devil. Any form of obedience to God that is followed through on becomes a threat to Satan. At times like that your own flesh wanting to quit will cry out. You need to be prepared to do what the Apostle Paul exhorted when he said. "I make my body my slave."

You need to know that other voices will speak doubt, unbelief and blame including your own. You’ll hear yourself whining at some point. "This is hard and nothing seems to be going right. I must have missed God." At times like this when deep down you believe you were following God but now your are faced with adversity, know that you will again hear His voice and He will say something like today's Fresh Manna verse. "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today...The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."

At times like this, let Galatians 6:9 cheerlead you from the sidelines. It says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." What's the modern day translation of this? "If you don't quit, you'll win!" Beyond that - measure your own attitude toward others. Are you the voice of exhortation and support or are you being used as the voice of discouragement! I know I’d never complete much of anything if it was for the encouragement of God and the encouragement of others! We all need it! And we all need to here "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today...The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."


In His Love,AMEN

by Pastor Tim Burt

Wednesday 11 March 2009

ALWAYS WATCH AND PRAY

ALWAYS WATCH AND PRAY

Then saith he unto them, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, tarry ye here, and watch with me."-----Matt. 26: 38


Jesus gave the disciples great advice when He said to them, "watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." When Jesus went to the garden to pray, He told the disciples who were with Him, "watch with me." The disciples and Peter promised to befaithful, even unto death, but they fell asleep. The enemy of their souls was out to kill, steal, and destroy, and they needed to pray for themselves. Peter should have been praying when he was sleeping, as we see he later denied the Lord. We also need to watch and pray, as Satan goes about as a roaringlion, seeking whom he may devour." The enemy of our soul is also out todestroy today and uses his wiles to deceive souls. We fail the Lord when we cease to guard our soul by watching and praying. Although these disciples failed the Lord in failing to watch and praywith Him, the Lord never failed them. Jesus is faithful and true,and will not fail His children. We need to be mindful to watch, pray, and live our lives in a way that is worthy of Jesus eachday. One day, this life on earth will be over. All that will matterthen is what we have done with Jesus and how we have livedour lives while we walked this earth. The Christian life is dependent upon faith. We are saved by faith, live by faith, and pray by faith. Communion with God in prayer is the key to all the treasures of heaven, but faith is the hand that uses that key, so we must have faith in God, and be faithful even unto death. Someone once penned a poem with these words of advice: "If I can do some good today,If I can swerve along life's way,If I can something helpful say,Lord, show me how. If I can right a human wrongIf I can help to make one strongIf I can cheer with smile or song,Lord, show me how. If I can aid one in distress,If I can make a burden less,If I can spread some happiness,Lord, show me how." May these thoughts also be the desire of our heart. The Lord will lead andguide us through his blessed Holy Spirit, when we surrender our heart andlife to His service. Always watch and pray!


Blessings in Christ

Tuesday 10 March 2009

So many things Oh Lord

So many things Oh Lord



So many things Oh Lord have been going through my mind
my mind has been spining like a earthquake waiting to be destroyed

Lies are telling me im not going to make it.
Giants telling me give up your not strong to face your tomorrows.

The storms may be hitting my sorrows but there is always tomorrow.

So many things have been overwelming with troubles
helping others now feel its my battles
Snow can be cold but the sunshine mets it away
life is dark sometimes but who said it will be this way ?
thoughts of turning away and thinking of the old times
crave my thoughts but the Lord Jesus give me strenth to
love because with out that iam nothing.

Your rain poors down over all the earth
but the voice of your thunder always gives me a brighter
tomorrow
.

Remembering the old, How you took my prodical life
and brought me to my knees
Oh you will be someday a loving site to see

Always reminding me you will not let me go
Your grace is enough to go many miles A day
So many things have cross my mind
i thank you lord for another glass of your sweet tasting wine
filling me with laughter your so kind
whoever can leave this love when your so everlasting
my days are filled with love and gladness
Even in my days of darkness the light never burns out
because your love is true and most everlasting.
Life is always hopeful when you lead my way
but its always dark when i lead my own way.

Thank you father for the sun and the moon


for your Rainbows reminds me how true your words of comfort is so true.


For having a Humble Child like heart




Lord you want this child to trust and obey
for many days will seem like i can walk on water
but with your arms holding me so tight i can make another tomorrow


AMEN

Friday 6 March 2009

Staying In God's Will

Selections From Matthew 1

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by means of the Holy Spirit. So Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

He knew that he hadn't - he hoped and prayed that she hadn't - this just couldn't be happening. Still, Mary had never been known to lie to him before. What's a nice guy like Joseph doing in a mess like this? To help us see the miracles that occur inside the walls of God's will.

Does God ever speak to you in dreams? The Bible certainly bears out the practice. Joseph did, Jacob did, Nebuchadnezzar, and others. Job's friend, Elihu, said: "God does speak in one way, then in another, but a person may not notice it. In a dream, a vision of the night, when a deep sleep falls upon people amid slumber on their bed" (Job 33:14–15). Certainly dreams are often born from the day's events or from pizza eaten too late at night. But stay open to God's communicating through your dreams. It's been done before.

Look At It This Way ...

Many of us want God to speak to us and give us an assignment. However, we are not interested in making any major adjustments in our lives. Biblically, that is impossible. Every time God spoke to people in Scripture about something He wanted to do through them, major adjustments were necessary. They had to adjust their lives to God. Once the adjustments were made, God accomplished his purposes through those he called.

Adjustments may be required in one or more of the following areas: in your circumstances (like job, home, finances), your relationships (family, friends, business associates), your thinking (prejudices, methods, your potential), your commitments (to family, church, job, plans, tradition), your actions (how you pray, give, serve), your beliefs (about God, his pur-poses, his ways, your relationship to him). The list could go on an on. To go from your ways, thoughts, and purposes to God's will always requires a major adjustment. Once you have made the necessary adjustments, you can follow God in obedience.

A Final Thought:

God's work is bigger than any one person, yet it is performed through a God-guided network of individuals who are willing to swim the currents of His will. Are you?


by : Henry Blackaby

Wednesday 4 March 2009

Better Future

Better Future

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6.
Are you discouraged today?
Are you afraid of an uncertain future?

The Bible tells the story of a time when Jesus' disciples were not only discouraged, but they were afraid for their very lives.

Jesus had told them to get into a boat and go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and they obeyed.
But when they were a considerable distance from land, a fierce storm arose that terrified them.

Jesus, who had been on a mountain praying, went to meet the disciples, walking on the water.
Thinking He was a ghost, the disciples cried out in fear.
So Jesus immediately told them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27.

There are two simple reasons the disciples didn't have to be afraid:

First-
Jesus would help them weather the storm.

Second-
He had told them to go to the other side, which meant that they would reach the other side.

Jesus knows where you are at this very moment.
He knows what you are experiencing.

He is telling you to be courageous-
- because He is with you.
There is a brighter tomorrow for you!

Even if you have failed,
- even if you have made a mistake,
- it isn't over.

You can still learn from that mistake.
And get out of the situation you are in.

God has a future for each of us.
Jeremiah 29:11 "one of my all-time favourite verses, says, "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."
God will complete the work He has begun in your life. "

WHO SHALL SEPARATE US?

WHO SHALL SEPARATE US?

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8:35).


True Christians have been saved from the penalty of sin for one reason alone: because of "the love of God, which is [manifested] in Christ Jesus our Lord." St. John wrote by divine inspiration: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [satisfaction] for our sin."We love Him because He first loved us" (I John 4:10,19). Let us understand this clearly and remember it always. It is not our love to Him, but His love to us, that saves us -- and it is His love to us that keeps us saved. This is where we must begin the Christian life. A wayward husband returned to his grieving wife one day, after many months of living in sin. Sobbing his heart out in remorse and shame, he told her how often he had longed to be home again with the wife he knew to be so true to him. Asked why, then, he had not returned sooner, he explained that he was ashamed; to which his wife replied: "John, I want you to know something and never forget it: I love you." John sobbed in response: "Who wouldn’t want to live for a woman like this!" Just so it is the knowledge that Christ loves us no matter what; that nothing shall ever separate us from His love; it is this that makes the sincere believer determine, by God’s grace, to be always true to Him. Thus the Scripture doctrine of the believer’s eternal security in Christ by no means leads to careless living. On the contrary, it affords the greatest possible motivation to "live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Tit. 2:11,12).
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world. It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.
The joy of the Christian life isknowing that God can handle anything we hand over to Him.



by C. R. Stam

Tuesday 3 March 2009

God is Able

God is Able

God is able to give peace- John 14:27God is Able to save - James 4:12. God is Able to answer Prayer - Ephesians 3:20-21God is Able to save from the furnace heat - Daniel 3:13-18. God is Able to save from the lion's mouth - Daniel 6: 18-24. God is Able to save from all uncleanness - Ezekiel 36:29. God is Able to help us through his word - Acts 20:32God is Able to save from our sins - Matthew 1:21. God is Able to make us stand - Romans 14:4. God is Able to build us up - Acts 20:32. God is Able to keep us from evil - 2 Thessalonians 3:3. God is Able to keep us from falling - Jude 24. God is Able to present us faultless - Jude 24.God is Able to keep that which we commit to Him -2 Timothy 1: 12. God is Able to perform His promises - Romans 4:21. God is Able to do more than we ask - Ephesians 3:20. God is Able to make all grace abound - 2 Corinthians 9:8. God is Able to subdue all things to Himself - Philippians 3:21. God is God is Able to raise us from the dead - Hebrews 11: 19. God is Able to succour the tempted - Hebrews 2: 18God is Able to save from death - Hebrews 7:25.God Is Able to Heal Our Diseases- Matthew 9:27,28God Is Able to Supply Our Needs- 2 Corinthians 9:8.God is Able to destroy both body and soul in hell. Matthew 10:28God is able to make every impossible as possible. Luke 1:37God able to strengthen when we are weak. Joel 3:10, Hebrews 4:16God is able to deliver us from enemies. I Samuel 14:6, I Samuel 17:47

A GOOD SOLDIER

A GOOD SOLDIER

Scripture Reading: II Timothy 2:3, 4The true Christian has three enemies: "the course of this world", "the prince of the power of the air", and "the lusts of our flesh" (Ephesians 2:2,3). None of these will ever give in to the new life or the new divine nature that the Christian has in Christ Jesus. We are in a war with these enemies as long as we are in these physical bodies. Many dear believers don't even know there is a battle going on (Galatians 5:17). What a shame! If there are no battles and no war, what do we need soldiers for?Saul of Tarsus went from being the persecutor of the "Church of God", to being the persecuted Apostle Paul. The switch came about because of his salvation, and because of the "program of God's Grace" committed to him. The switch from the persecution of the Jerusalem Church and the Twelve Apostles, to the Apostle Paul and the Body of Christ, proves God's program of salvation was being changed. Members of the Body of Christ are in a warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil. That is why Paul wrote to Timothy to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (II Timothy 2:3). Satan apposes the Gospel of Grace, but he doesn't have much of a problem with you, if you are already being conformed to this world system (Romans 12:2), and being defeated by your fleshly desires (Gal. 5:19-21). In fact, you are probably a good advertisement for Satan's cause. God's message to Timothy is also His message to you who are saved today. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!" "Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ!" "Don't be entangled with the affairs of this life!" Why? Because, the furtherance of the Gospel of Grace is at stake involving eternal souls being saved, and Christians being established in the Truth. By God's grace, may you not be found AWOL!
Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world. It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,who created all things by Jesus ChristTruth can't be judged on the basis of popularity.

Monday 2 March 2009

Remain Silent!

Remain Silent!
When you are angryA quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated. Proverbs 14:17 When You don't have all the factsHe who answers before listening? that is his folly and his shame. Proverbs 18:13When It's time to listenA wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13When you should be working insteadAll hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 When you may have to eat your words laterThe tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21When It would destroy a friendshipA perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28When It would destroy a reputationA scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. Proverbs 16:27When Ashamed of your words laterThe words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8When You want to appear wiseEven a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.Proverbs 17:28 When Tempted to joke about sinFools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Proverbs 14:9 When You haven't verified the storyDo you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20When you are flattered.But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues. Psalm 78:36When you are speaking to wicked person.A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue. Proverbs 17:4
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