Grace^_^4^_^Daily

TRINITAS

2010-06-11T21:39:00.002+07:00

Usaha Awal untuk Menjelaskan mengenai TRINITAS

oleh David Elsafan

Masalah penjelasan dan penjabaran Trinitas memang bukanlah masalah yang seharusnya menjadi konsumsi ukuran pikiran manusia, karena kita sebagai ciptaan bukanlah dirancang untuk dapat melakukan bedah ilmiah mengenai zat dan misteri ke-Allahan. Tetapi tidak salah jika kita menelaah, mempelajari, mengimani apa yang telah dinyatakan kepada kita. Apabila kita renungkan, maka sangatlah sulit bagi sebuah boneka kayu mencoba menerangkan zat, fungsi sel, otak, fungsi tubuh, serta pikiran manusia pembuatnya. Padahal apabila dibandingkan jarak antara boneka kayu dan pembuatnya, kemudian dibandingkan dengan jarak antara ciptaan dan Pencipta, maka masih lebih jauh jarak antara ciptaan dan Pencipta, karena manusia masih tidak bisa menciptakan kayu, hanya bisa membuat boneka, sedangkan Khalik kita menciptakan sesuatu dari yang tidak ada. Dan dalam kehinaan sebuah ciptaan, dan kemuliaan Pencipta inilah yang harus kita sadari, bahwa ilmu pengetahuan manusia itu sangat terbatas dibandingkan dengan kebijaksanaan Pencipta.

Mengingat hal ini, maka tulisan saya akan saya bagi menjadi tiga bagian:

1. Landasan Kepercayaan Kekristenan atas Trinitas.

2. Ulasan Sehubungan Dengan Apa Yang Saya Percayai Mengenai Trinitas

3. Meninjau beberapa ajaran yang bertentangan dengan Trinitas yang telah muncul di gereja kita di Indonesia.

Dengan demikian maka ulasan saya hanyalah sebuah usaha seekor (seorang manusia) yang tidak dalam posisi untuk menguraikan Penciptanya, tetapi membagikan kebahagiaan sebagai ciptaan yang beriman kepada Trinitas.

Tuhan adalah jauh lebih besar daripada yang kita dapat pikirkan, manusia tidak dapat menjangkau pikiran-pikiran Tuhan, tetapi beriman berdasarkan apa yang dinyatakan saja. (Ula 29:29).

Ayub 11:7,8 "Apakah engkau dapat menyelami alam pikiran dan maksud-maksud Allah yang dalam? Apakah dengan penyelidikanmu engkau dapat mengetahui segala-galanya tentang Yang Mahakuasa? (8) Alam pikiran Allah jauh lebih tinggi daripada langit, sedangkan engkau ini siapa? —Jauh lebih dalam daripada dunia orang mati. Apakah yang dapat kauketahui? (FAYH * lihat catatan)

Ayub 37:23 Kita tidak dapat mengerti kehebatan Allah Yang Mahakuasa, tetapi demikian adil serta penuh rahmat dan tidak menindas kita. (FAYH)

Rom 11:33-36 Oh, alangkah menakjubkannya Allah kita! Betapa besar kebijaksanaan, pengetahuan, dan kekayaan-Nya. Betapa tidak terpahami keputusan-keputusan dan cara-cara-Nya! (34) Sebab siapa di antara kita yang dapat mengetahui pikiran Tuhan? Siapa yang sedemikian dalam pengetahuannya, sehingga dapat menjadi penasihat dan pembimbing-Nya? (35) Dan siapakah yang pernah dapat memberikan cukup banyak kepada Tuhan, sehingga dapat menuntut sesuatu dari Dia? (36) Sebab segala sesuatu berasal dari Allah. Segala sesuatu hidup oleh kuasa-Nya dan segala sesuatu itu untuk kemuliaan-Nya. Bagi Dialah kemuliaan untuk selama-lamanya. (FAYH)

*(Catatan: FAYH adalah Firman Allah Yang Hidup, yaitu Alkitab dalam bahasa Indonesia sehari-hari terbitan Kalam Kudus)

Membahas mengenai hal ini adalah hal yang mulia, dan kita semua perlu bergumul dalam doa, sebagaimana Ny. White menulis sehubungan pendekatan pada saat kita mempelajari misteri Ke-Allahan dan juga Yesus yang menjadi manusia.

Inilah kutipan Ny. White sehubungan dengan ruang lingkup yang sangat mulia ini.

When we approach the subject of Christ's divinity clothed with the garb of humanity, we may appropriately heed the words spoken by Christ to Moses at the burning bush, "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." We must come to the study of this subject with the humility of a learner, with a contrite heart. And the study of the incarnation of Christ is a fruitful field, and will repay the searcher who digs deep for hidden truth (MS 67, 1898). {7BC 904.11}.

BAGIAN I

1. LANDASAN KEPERCAYAAN KEKRISTENAN ATAS TRINITAS

Kata Trinitas sendiri tidak pernah disebut dalam Alkitab dan tulisan Ny. White, tetapi pengertian dan pengalaman murid-murid atau umat Tuhan menunjukkan adanya Trinitas.

Definisi teologi dari Trinitas: Term for the Orthodox Christian conception of God as one being in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (The Dictionary of Religious Terms, Donald T. Kauffman, ed., Fleming H. Revell Co., 1967).

Doktrin Trinitas adalah hasil dari iman orang Kristen atas apa yang dinyatakan Alkitab, sehubungan dengan Ke-Allahan.

1. FAKTA YANG PERTAMA: Alkitab menyatakan bahwa Allah itu hanya satu, yang namanya disebut YHWH – (Kemudian ada yang menambahkan huruf hidup diantaranya menjadi Yahweh atau Jehovah, dan ada yang menyebut Yehuwa.)

Ayat-ayatnya: Kel 8:10; 9:14; Ula 4:35; 6:4; 1 Raj 8:60; Maz 83:18; 86:10; 97:9; Yes 42:8; 45:5,6,14,18,21,22; 48:11; Zak 14:9; Mar 12:29-32; Yoh 17:3; 1 Kor 8:4,6; Efe 4:6; 1 Tim 2:5.

Ayat yang terkenal yang selalu dipakai adalah Ula 6:4.

“Dengarlah, hai orang Israel: TUHAN itu Allah kita, TUHAN itu esa!”

(shema Yisrael, Yehovah Eloheinu, Yehovah achad.)

(Syema Ysrael, Adonai Elohenu, Adonay Ehad".)

"Hai umat Israel, dengarkanlah: Yahweh, TUHAN Allah kita, adalah TUHAN yang esa” (FAYH)

Jadi fakta yang ada di Alkitab, bahwa Tuhan (YHWH) adalah Esa, dan kata yang dipakai adalah Achad (tunggal) bukan Yachad (jamak).

2. FAKTA YANG KEDUA: Di Alkitab Allah berbicara mengenai Diri-Nya dalam bentuk jamak – Kej 1:26; 3:22; 11:7.

Apabila kita teliti, maka dari ayat-ayat pertama dalam Alkitab sudah disebutkan adanya:

Allah sang Pencipta, dan pada saat menciptakan sudah menyatakan kejamakannya.

Kej 1:1 Pada mulanya Allah menciptakan langit dan bumi.

Kej 1:2 Bumi belum berbentuk dan kosong; gelap gulita menutupi samudera raya, dan Roh Allah melayang-layang di atas permukaan air.

Kej 1:26 Berfirmanlah Allah: "Baiklah Kita menjadikan manusia menurut gambar dan rupa Kita, supaya mereka berkuasa atas ikan-ikan di laut dan burung-burung di udara dan atas ternak dan atas seluruh bumi dan atas segala binatang melata yang merayap di bumi."

Jadi ada Allah, ada Roh Allah, dan jelas jamak karena menyebut Kita. (di Alquran juga jamak Kami).

Apakah Tuhan tidak mengerti perbedaan Tunggal dan Jamak sehingga membingungkan manusia, atau memang Tuhan sangat mengerti dan menyatakan diri-Nya dalam bentuk satu Kesatuan yang terdiri dari beberapa pribadi (yaitu tiga).

Kemudian dari pernyataan Alkitab, dan Bapa sendiri, ada oknum lain yang berhak memakai kata Allah, yaitu Anak-Nya. (sudah begitu banyak ayat-ayatnya, dan pernah saya kirimkan dalam satu bentuk makalah).

3. Alkitab menyatakan sifat-sifat Ilahi (Ke – Allahan):

KEKAL (tidak berawal dan berakhir): Kel 3:14; Maz 90:2; 102:24-27; Ibr 1:2; Wah 1:8

MAHA HADIR: 1 Raj 8:27; Max 139:7-12; Jer 23:23,24; Amos 9:2 Ibr 4:13

MAHA TAHU: Maz 139:2-4; 147:4,5; Dan 2:7,8; Yes 40:28; Rom 11:33

MAHA KUASA: Yer 32:17; Maz 107:25-29; Dan 4;17,25,35; Ayub 42:2

TIDAK BERUBAH: 1 Sam 15:29; Maz 33:11; Yes 46:10,11; Ibr 1:12; Yak 1:17

SIFAT (MORAL): Suci, Benar, Penuh Rahmat, Murah Hati, Kasih, Kebenaran, Murni dan sifat-sifat lainnya yang memang menjadi bagian dari alam-Nya)

4. Alkitab menyatakan bahwa Yesus mempunyai sifat-sifat Ke-Allahan (dibawah saya lampirkan sifat-sifat Tuhan yang saya ambil daripelajaran Trinitas karangan Frank Breaden yang sudah diterjemahkan ke bahasa Indonesia – Saya kutip dari Milis atas terjemahan saudara kita)

Yesus disebut Yehovah: (YHWH) Yes 6:5 -- Yoh 12:41; Yes 41:4; 44:6; 48”12’ Wah 1:17; 22:13

5. Alkitab menyatakan bahwa Roh Allah (Roh Kudus, Roh Suci) mempunyai sifat-sifat Ke-Allahan (lihat lampiran)

Roh Kudus juga disebut Yehovah (YHWH): Ibr 3:7 yang merujuk pada peristiwa pengalaman di padang belantara yaitu Maz 95:6-9; (banyak ayat-ayat di Perjanjian Lama yang menyatakan firman Allah, yang disebut sebagai firman Roh Kudus di Perjanjian Baru)

Gambar penjelasan tentang kesamaan Bapa, Anak dan Roh Kudus

TABIAT ALLAH

	MAHA KUASA	MAHA TAHU	MAHA HADIR	KEKEKALAN
BAPA	Why 19 : 6	Ibr 4 : 13	Ef 4 : 6	I Tim 1 : 17
ANAK	Ibr 1 : 3	Kol 2 : 3	Mat 18 : 20	Ibr 1 : 8
ROH KUDUS	Luk 1 : 35	I Kor 2 : 10, 11	Kis 8 : 29, 39	Ibr 9 : 14

GELAR ALLAH

	TUHAN	ALLAH	JURUSELAMAT	KEBENARAN & HIDUP
BAPA	Kis 7: 24	Ibr 1:1	Tit 3:4	Ibr 6: 18; Yoh 5: 26
ANAK	Kis 10 : 36	I Yoh 5 : 20	Tit 2 : 13	Yoh 14: 6; I Yoh 5 : 11, 12
ROH KUDUS	II Kor 3 : 17	Kis 5 : 3,4	Tit 3 : 5	1 Yoh 5: 6, Rm 8 : 10

PERBUATAN ALLAH

	PENCIPTAAN	PENCIPTAAN KEMBALI	TERANG ATAS BIMBANG	TEMPAT TINGGAL (BERTAKHTA)
BAPA	Kis 4 : 24	Ef 4 : 24	1 Yoh 1 ; 5	II Kor 6 : 16
ANAK	Yoh 1 : 3	II Kor 5 : 17	Yoh 8 : 12	Ef 3: 17
ROH KUDUS	Yoh 6: 63	Tit 3 : 5	Yoh 16 ; 13	Rom 8 : 9,11

PENYEMBAHAN DAN PENURUTAN, SEPERTI KEPADA ALLAH

BAPA MENERIMA	Ef 3: 14; Why 5: 8, 12,13; 11 : 16; 19 : 4
ANAK MENERIMA	Ibr 1 : 6; Fil 1 : 10, 11; Yoh 5 : 23; 20: 28; why 5: 8, 12, 13
ROH KUDUS MENERIMA	Ef 6: 18; Yudas 20; Kis 2 : 1-4; 13 : 2; 16: 6, 7; 15 : 28; Why 1 : 4; Ef 2 : 16

6. KESIMPULAN

Dari pernyataan Alkitab atau fakta-fakta itulah Umat Kristen mempercayai Trinitas, yaitu dari pernyataan Allah mengenai diri-Nya, dan bukan usaha untuk menguraikan Konsep Trinitas menurut logika. Kepercayaan mutlak adalah bahwa pernyataan Tuhan itulah yang kita imani, kalau Tuhan menyatakan bahwa dia Esa, dan ke-Esaannya dalam bentuk jamak, maka kita terima seperti itu, maka muncullah istilah Trinitas, oleh sebab itu doktrin tersebut sulit untuk dijabarkan, tetapi bisa dinyatakan faktanya sebagai berikut:

1. Kita percaya bahwa Allah itu satu, yang kekal, Maha Hadir, Maha Tahu, Maha Kuasa, Tidak berubah dan sangat tinggi moral-Nya.

2. Satu Allah ini adalah jamak sesuai dengan pernyataan Tuhan sendiri, yang terdiri dari Bapa, Anak dan Roh Kudus.

3. Ketiganya ini adalah sama dalam alamiahnya, Ketiganya mempunyai alamiah yang sama.

4. Ketiga Oknum ini mempunyai kepribadian dan tugas masing-masing (Anak berbicara kepada Bapa, dan mengutus Roh Kudus).

The oneness existing between the Father and the Son does not affect the distinct personality of each. And though believers are to be one with Christ, their identity and personality are recognized through the whole of this prayer. {14MR 220.4}

No Destruction of Personality.--Christ is one with the Father, but Christ and God are two distinct personages. Read the prayer of Christ in the seventeenth chapter of John, and you will find this point clearly brought out. How earnestly the Saviour prayed that His disciples might be one with Him as He is one with the Father. But the unity that is to exist between Christ and His followers does not destroy the personality of either. They are to be one with Him as He is one with the Father (RH June 1, 1905). {5BC 1148.2}

5. Ketiga Oknum ini sama di dalam hal usia, alamiah, kuasa dan kepribadian.

6. Ketiga Oknum ini satu dalam kehendak, rencana, tujuan (mereka selalu bersatu, bersatu dalam menciptakan manusia, bersatu dalam menebus manusia)

7. Ketiga Oknum ini tidak sama dalam urutan atau jenjang Jabatan (karena Tuhan adalah Tuhan yang teratur dan saling menghargai – Anak menurut Bapa, Roh Kudus menurut Bapa dan Yesus, dan Bapa adalah yang tertinggi dalam jenjang jabatan)

7. Dengan demikian apabila seorang Kristen berbicara mengenai Allah, maka hal inilah yang menjadi dasar pengertian mereka:

1. Apabila kita berdoa, maka doa kita dibawa kepada Bapa oleh Anak-Nya dibawah pengaruh Roh Kudus. Berdoa kepada salah satu, berarti berdoa kepada semuanya.

2. Apabila kita berkata bahwa Allah menciptakan langit dan bumi, maka hal ini berarti diciptakan oleh Bapa melalui Anak-Nya dengan kuasa Roh Kudus.

Jadi untuk bagian pertama ini, kesimpulan akhir adalah: Trinitas adalah istilah yang dibuat untuk merangkumkan apa yang dinyatakan oleh Alkitab, tetapi bukan istilahnya yang kita imani, tetapi kenyataan dari pernyataan Tuhan mengenai diri-Nya itulah yang kita imani.

Artinya kalau Tuhan menyatakan bahwa ada Bapa, dan Bapa menyatakan Anak-Nya, dan Alkitab juga menyatakan ada Roh Allah, serta dalam nama (bukan nama-nama), Bapa, Anak dan Roh Kudus kita membaptiskan manusia, maka kita harus imani hal ini,

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH ALONE

2009-04-21T13:04:00.001+07:00

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8, 9

People are determined to have to do something to win God's favor. In Romans chapter four where God shows us what Abraham's faith was not in, He shows us what people do put their faith in. Study it carefully. They put their faith in: their own merit or good works; religious ceremony (circumcision) or affiliation; and in their keeping the Law or some other rule. It's a faith in a human work of some kind. The problem is not faith. It's what the faith is in! God says man's faith will be put into his account for righteousness if he puts it in the right place or person (Rom. 4:5).

On the one hand, you have a salvation attempted on a works basis. It's received by works through faith. On the other hand, we see God offering today salvation on a grace basis. Grace can't be earned nor bought! It's not only more than what we deserve, it's just the opposite! In the early chapters of Romans, you have every man deserving the wrath of God, being offered the righteousness of God - BY GOD'S GRACE! God's grace is the BASIS for His offer. How is this offer received? By faith, and faith alone!

In the book of Romans we see "the righteousness of God," "justification," and "eternal life" are synonymous terms and are God's gift to those deserving His eternal wrath (Rom. 3:21, 24; 5:1, 17; 6:23). The same is true as we come to Ephesians chapter 2. The same ones who are dead in trespasses and sins and who are headed for the wrath of God (vrs. 1-3) can be saved by God's marvelous grace. God says: "For by grace --you have been saved -- through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (2:8,9). He is saying: the gift of God is eternal life; God's grace is the basis for His offer; and man's faith alone is means of receiving God's gift. God holds man accountable to believe and receive His gift (II Thess. 2:10;12)

By DICK WARE
AMEN

The Lord Will Show You Great and Mighty Things

2009-04-17T12:29:00.005+07:00

Jeremiah 33:3 - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

The scripture tells us to call unto the Lord; the word used for 'call' in many place is also translated as 'cry'. So this calling does not mean just opening our mouth and saying 'Lord I call unto You'. This call needs to come from our spirit, deep within us.

The Lord assures us if we call we will receive an answer. Like a legal document so also in the scripture the answer is not assured immediate and completely on the spot. The word specifies a gradual so much so that it may not even be noticed sometimes. But we are assured over a period of time something unimaginable.

I can stand by this for I have received many, many times unimaginable things not only material things but precious spiritual things more precious then diamonds.

I would like you all to be rich in all areas and experience our mighty God and His glory, so cry out unto Him.

AMEN

Scriptures For Needs

2009-04-17T12:22:00.003+07:00

Mt 6:8......... ......your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Ps 34:10....... .....those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Ps 24:1........ ......The earth is the Lord's, and all it's fullness,...

Ps 50:10....... .....every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

Gen 18:14....... ...Is anything to hard for the Lord?

Mt 7:7......... .......Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Rom 8:32........ ...He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?

Ps 37:5........ .....Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Luke 6:38........ ..Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.

Eph 3:20........ ...(God) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...

Phil 4:19........ ....And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2Pet 1:3......... ...His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him...

Jer 32:27....... ....Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything to hard for Me?

Mt 11:28....... ....Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Heb 13:5........ ...For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Phil 4:6......... ....Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let you requests be made known to God; ...

Ps. 20:4........ ..may He grant you according to your hearts desire, and fulfill all of your purpose.

Eph 1:3......... ...Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ

AMEN

If You Seek God You'll Find Him

2009-04-17T11:56:00.002+07:00

7 For my mouth will speak truth;
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness;
Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
12 “ I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And find out knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
All the judges of the earth.[a]
17 I love those who love me,
And those who seek me diligently will find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,
And my revenue than choice silver.
20 I traverse the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.
22 “ The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.
23 I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields,
Or the primal dust of the world.
27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there,
When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 When He established the clouds above,
When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
29 When He assigned to the sea its limit,
So that the waters would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;[b]
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men.
32 “ Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD;
36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;
All those who hate me love death.

AMEN

Scriptures for Healing

2009-04-14T12:29:00.001+07:00

Hos 4:6......... ....My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Gal 3:13........ ....Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us...

1Pet 2:24........ ..(Jesus) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness -- by whose stripes you were healed.

Isa 53:5........ .....He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Mt 8:17........ .....He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.

Ps 107:20...... ...He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Prov 3:7......... ...Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Prov 3:8......... ...It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

Ex 15:26....... .....I am the Lord who heals you.

Ps 103:3....... ....Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases...

Ex 23:25....... ....serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.

Prov 16:24....... ..Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Isa 58:8........ .....your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Ps 118:17...... ....I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

Ps 147:3....... ....He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Prov 17:22....... ..A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

3John 2........... ..Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Mk 16:17....... ....these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ...they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

Jas 5:15........ ....the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Jas 5:16........ ...Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

Mt 8:13........ ....Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.

AMEN

Want your desires fulfilled?

2009-04-14T12:28:00.001+07:00

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:3-6

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

The word 'delight' used here is a very tone down translation of the Hebrew word 'anag' it means to dedicate or to make habit of, other than to make merry.

Just making merry in the Lord will not get us the desires of our heart. For this we need to first trust in God be good and make God a habit or dedicate ourselves to Him. This understanding goes well with the other scriptures.

Having a habit is getting into something so much that without knowing we still do it. It is something that goes beyond your mind into our spirit. So we need to make the Lord a part of us not only when we think of Him but even when we are not mentally alert of Him. This can happen only when we make God the top priority in our lives.

AMEN

GRACE AND MERCY

2009-04-12T12:30:00.004+07:00

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

If and when the trial comes, you will find Him waiting there.

"We should always be prepared for circumstances that will arise, and for blessings that are to come, without foreseeing what these circumstances and blessings will be. This preparation consists in attention to present responsibility, and acceptance of present discipline.

"If day by day we first seek divine direction, and then follow it, we shall be ready, when new circumstances arise, for the new blessings which will be offered. Today should be preparation for tomorrow. The only proof that we shall be equal to tomorrow's test is that we are meeting today's test believingly and courageously. The only evidence that we shall be willing for God's will tomorrow is that we are subject to His will today." -W.G.S.

"Our Lord has special reserves of grace for special needs. If ever you feel that you could not go through a certain trial, that if you had to face that, you just could not go through with it, you are taking on something that you have no right to take on.

"If the Lord calls you to go through fire or water, He has a special reserve of grace for you in that. And that grace will be from the throne of grace. It is the throne above, mediating grace for need and suffering as it is required." -T.A-S.

"Let us... come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

GRACE AND MERCY
By Miles Stanford

DESERTS vs GRACE

2009-04-12T11:33:00.004+07:00

It is an interesting fact that in this day of godlessness and lawlessness so much is being said about what we all deserve! Ads in the newspapers and commercials on radio and TV ask:

"Don’t you deserve the very finest automobile?"

"Don’t your children deserve the best?"

"Doesn’t your baby deserve Pampers?"

And even, "Doesn’t your dog deserve Alpo?"

Well, do you really deserve the finest car? Please don’t answer that! Do your children deserve the best -- always? If so you surely have model children -- not at all like their parents! And does your baby deserve Pampers? That’s funny! And does your dog deserve Alpo? That’s ridiculous! Dogs do not "love" or obey you from any moral consideration, nor, for that matter, does your baby, lovable as the darling is. And as to you and your children -- including the baby, the Bible has something to say on this subject.

The Bible says that "by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men for that ALL have sinned [i.e., in Adam]" (Rom. 5:12). You and I were "in Adam" when he sinned. When he sinned, we sinned. Deny this and you might as well agree with the murderer who argued: "My feet and legs didn’t do it; my ears and nose didn’t do it; only my one hand and one or two other parts of my body did it, so the rest should go free."

We believers in Christ should thank God that our blessed Lord took upon Him our just deserts when He died for our sins at Calvary. This is why God’s Word says:

"We declare, I say, at this time, His righteousness for the remission of sins... that [God] might be just, and the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded" (Rom. 3:25-27).

by C. R. Stam
AMEN

WOULD YOU REJECT THE OFFER?

2009-04-12T11:29:00.002+07:00

“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12).

The story was told of a presiding judge who was hearing the case of his own son. The son was convicted of the crime he was accused of. According to the law, the son had to be sentenced to five years of imprisonment with hard labour or pay a fine of certain amount. The father, the judge, pronounced the judgement, but he did not want his son to go to the prison. Therefore, he offered to pay the fine. However, surprisingly, the son rejected the offer!

One would blame this seditious son for rejecting the offer of payment of the fine by his father and for deciding to go to the prison instead. On the other hand, the father had acted justly in sentencing him to prison though he, the father, did not want the son to go to prison. Likewise, our heavenly Father is just for sentencing anyone who does not accept His offer of salvation to eternal damnation. Apostle Paul explained, “For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger against us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair, even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would come and take away those sins. And now in these days also he can receive sinners in this same way because Jesus took away their sins. But isn't this unfair for God to let criminals go free, and say that they are innocent? No, for he does it on the basis of their trust in Jesus who took away their sins” (Romans 3:25-26).

Have you accepted this offer of salvation? Alternatively, would you reject the offer? The writer of the book of the Hebrews warned, “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him” (Hebrews 2:1-3 NIV). Accept Jesus Christ today as your personal Saviour and Lord. Would you be like that rebellious son? Would you reject the offer?

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)
AMEN

FROM DEATH INTO LIFE

2009-04-11T13:13:00.002+07:00

Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:20-21

From death unto life: what a strange and marvelous process! We die, that we might live. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

The greatest moment in the sacrificial work of our Lord He shared with His own: we are crucified with Him! We are baptized into His death: "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death ... For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection" (Rom. 6: 4, 5).

Meanwhile, as we await that which is to come, it is His life that we now live in the flesh. Our anticipation is greater than the greatest of man's most exaggerated dreams. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). "For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself" (Phil. 3:20-21).

This present life-this present world-this age of pain and rejection are difficult. But they are not unbearable. For while suffering the slings and arrows of the ungodly, we are "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2: 13).

In the total expanse of human life there is not a square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, "That is mine!"

AMEN
By Pastor Robert Hanna

Be A Testimony

2009-04-11T12:29:00.002+07:00

Today's Psalm: 32:10 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about."

By remaining faithful to God and His Word, you will be a good testimony and in a position to help others when the Lord calls on you to serve Him. We learn of two more judges who were chosen to guide the Israelites after the death of Abimelech. " And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years. And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead. And Jair died, and was buried in Camon." (Judges 10:1-5). Once again the Israelites went back to their wicked ways, then cried to God to save them, but this time God did not come to their aid. "And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. " (10:11-14). There comes a time when God will only take so much before he stops answering our cries. However, once the Israelites realized that God was not going to save them they put away their strange gods and started serving Him. "And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." (10:16). Sometimes God will allow us to suffer so that we can get right with Him. Many people do not understand how much God really does love us, He is our father so of course He is going to get angry when we continuously live sin knowing well that it is the wrong thing to do. He is no different from an earthly father when he makes us suffer the consequences of our own actions. When we take responsibility for them and change our ways then we get his respect and assistance. Jephthah was a godly man, but because he was an illegitimate child to a harlot he was forced to leave Gilead. "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman." (11:1-2). The Israelites found out quickly though that Jephthah was needed. "And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." (11:8). Like Jephthah, many Christians are alienated even by other Christians because of their background or past and it usually takes a tragedy before they realize their mistake. It is important that we never judge a person by how they were brought up nor their past. We are all sinners and all who accept Jesus as their Savior are saved and no matter what we have done we are saved. God gives us all an opportunity to be a testimony of how we turned from being a worthless sinner to being a righteous servant. By the way, all Christians will experience many tests in life. This is the way that God prepares us for the work He has called us to do. By the grace of God, accept with gratitude all the sorrows that come into your life whether it be through friend or enemy, failures or humiliations because they create the foundation of a wonderful Christ filled life. AMEN

Facing Challenges

2009-04-10T12:55:00.029+07:00

Today's Psalm: 40:10 "I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. "

We are faced with challenges in order to develop our godly character and teach us to put our complete faith in God to see us through them. When Saul was a young man, his character seemed to reveal that he was truly humble. After he won his first battle, he humbly professed that salvation came from the Lord, but that humbleness quickly changed to pride as he gained more power. Often many Christians fall into that same pattern, they begin their walk with Christ humbled and eager to please God only to exalt themselves the more successful they become. Saul became a jealous and proud man, wanting all the glory for himself, he was challenged once again when David was anointed to eventually take his place as king. During Saul's reign, the giant warrior Goliath had challenged the Israelite army to send a man to fight him and let the outcome of that fight decide who will serve the other. "And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span........ ...And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us." (I Samuel 17:3-4,8-9). Not one of these men stood up to the challenge, fearing for their lives. Often, we too stand at the sidelines looking at the challenges we face with fear instead of trusting in God to help us through them. Then David came into the Israelite camp, we he saw that they were afraid he offered to fight Goliath. "And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.. ......... ...And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.. ......... ..Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." (17:32,40,45- 46). David put his complete trust in God, knowing that as long as He was with him that he would be able to defeat this giant. David defeated Goliath with a little stone, "And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled." (17:49-51). Following this spectacular victory over Goliath and the Philistines, David was welcomed into the palace of King Saul and was made his trusted captain of the guard. David's rising popularity was too much for Saul. When Saul heard women singing praises about him, he became exceedingly jealous and attempted to kill David by throwing a javelin at him as he was playing his harp. "And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul." (18:8-12). Saul's pride and jealousy controlled him and eventually he became determined to either murder David or cause him to be killed. Like David, we are put through these challenges to see if we will remain faithful and prove worthy of our high calling. The difficulties, handicaps, and suffering in life we face are permitted by God to develop our godly character and allow us to accomplish His will in our lives. We are each accountable for our disposition when handling the challenges that come our way. We can choose to become bitter and resentful, blaming God and others for our troubles or we can choose to put our complete trust in God to lead us to victory. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5).

AMEN

Our Fool Wisdom

2009-04-10T12:44:00.006+07:00

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 3:18-20

The source of all life, all knowledge and all wisdom, is God. When we reason by exercising our own intellect apart from His leading, we make a mockery of true wisdom. 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). When we take it upon ourselves to set our own standards of right and wrong, we err greatly. We then often compound the error by seeking justification for our mistakes and attempting to gloss them over by further demonstrations of human logic. Strangely enough, our search seems always to be one for freedom. In the flesh, we always seek material means to attain freedom. But God tells us, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). And how shall we know the truth? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Our search for freedom ends when we are in Christ-and not before! "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free (II Corinthians 3:17) (Galatians 5:1). In this age of grace, we as members of the body of Christ have an even greater freedom than did His disciples at the time of His earthly ministry. For we are free' from not only the bondage of sin, but also from the letter of the law and all the ceremonies and rituals and sacrifices contained therein. The basic principle, however, is unchanged. "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." 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 Christ Truth can't be judged on the basis of popularity.

By Pastor R. Hanna
AMEN

Devil is the Father of Lies!

2009-04-09T09:01:00.004+07:00

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. Psalm 10:7

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13

'Do not steal. " 'Do not lie. " 'Do not deceive one another. Leviticus 19:11

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil. Proverbs 6:16-19

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Psalm 101:7

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Proverbs 29:12

And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers,

so that no one turns from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah . Jeremiah 23:14

A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. Proverbs 14:5

Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies. Psalm 58:3

They take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Psalm 62:4

They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth. that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me,"
declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:3

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28

You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. Psalm 5:6

Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD. Proverbs 15:11

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

AMEN

What satan wants us to do?

2009-04-09T08:52:00.003+07:00

Satan wants you to worry about things & therefore neglect Kingdom things. Matt 6:32-34

Satan wants you to doubt God. Matt 6:33

Satan wants you to think he has already ruined earth beyond restoration. Matt 6:9-10

Satan does not want you to turn away from your sins & turn to God. Matt 4:17

Satan does not want you to go fishing for men. Matt 4:18-20

Satan wants you to believe that Heaven is EQUAL for everyone. Matt 5:19

Satan does NOT want you to go public with your faith. Matt 10:32-33

Satan does NOT want you to pray so that temptation will overcome you. Matt 14:38

Satan wants you to think you will be a ghost without a body for eternity. Matt 18:3

Satan promotes PRIDE because God wants you to be humble. Matt 18:4

Satan does NOT want us to gather with others to pray something. Matt 18:20

Satan wants you to deceive you until you can deceive yourself without his help. Matt 27:3-7

Satan wants you to overlook baptism as part of the salvation experience. Matt 28:19

Satan wants you to overlook the fact that many were resurrected when Jesus was. Matt 27:52-53

Satan wants us to doubt God. Mark 9:24

Satan wants you to focus on appearance, affluence, & achievement. Mark 9:33-35

Satan wants the Good News about Jesus to be buried & forgotten. Mark 16:15

Satan wants you to doubt that scripture is literal. Mark 10:6

Satan PROMOTES wine & hard liquor, but God recommends against it. Luke 1:13-15

Satan discourages baptism because is shows that we acknowledge God. Luke 7:28-30

Satan wants you give up if the burden begins to get heavy. Luke 9:23

Satan wants you think there might be millions of years between the murder of Abe & creation. Luke 11:49-51

Satan wants you believe you can extend your own life. Luke 12:16-20

Satan wants you to focus on EARTHLY treasure rather than HEAVENLY treasure. Luke 12:34

Satan uses ridicule & peer pressure to try to get you to make the wrong choices. Luke 16:14

Satan wants you to invest your assets in earthly treasure, or just store them. Luke 19:11-27

Satan promotes confusion about the eternity & your heavenly body. Luke 24:37-43

Satan promotes confusion about the Bible & Bible prophecy. Luke 24:44-46

Satan wants you to leave God & prayer OUT of your daily schedule. Luke 22:40

Satan wants you to be UNPREPARED when Jesus returns. Luke 21:27-28

Satan wants you to be discouraged. John 14:27

Satan holds you captive if you are full of bitterness. Repent & Pray. Acts 8:22-23

Satan does NOT want you to witness to others about Jesus. Acts 4:29

Satan wants you to pray lame, ineffective, nonspecific prayers. Acts 28:8-9

Satan fights his battles in your MIND. He wants to make you a slave to sin. Rom 7:21-23

Satan wants you to feel hopeless. Rom 15:13

Satan wants us to only agree with things that seem wise to US. 1Cor 1:19-27

Satan works to prevent people from understanding the truth. 1Cor 2:10-16

Satan does NOT want you to use your gifts for the Kingdom. 1Cor 12:18-20, 27

Satan wants you to change, twist the meaning, or DENY the word of God. Rev 22:18-19

Satan wants you to let your friends die without knowing Jesus. Rev 14:13

Satan wants you to believe that truth changes with the times. Jude 3

Satan send spirits of deception to keep you from knowing truth. 1Joh 4:5-6

Satan does not want you to go to battle in prayer for nations, cities, or individuals. 2Pet 2:7

Satan wants you to gamble with you future by ignoring God. Jam 5:1-3

Satan wants you to think you have trouble because God does not care about you. Jam 1:2

Satan wants you to believe that the virgin birth of our Savior is an impossible myth. 2Tim 4:3-4
Satan wants you to STRETCH the truth or CHANGE truth to fit your needs. 2Tim 2:25-26

Satan traps & holds captive all who oppose the Bible; but the TRUTH sets us free! 2Tim 2:25-26

Satan does not want you to LOVE God or SEEK God. Prov 8:17

Satan wants to blind you to the plan God has for your life. Psa 138:7

The Glory of Grace

2009-04-08T12:28:00.002+07:00

If you find it difficult to live the Christian life you are not alone. Many Christians live second-rate lives with feelings of insecurity, discontent, anxiety and impotency. For them, the joy and victory that the gospel of grace promises seem little more than a theoretical illusion, a fleeting ghost in the face of disappointments that trap them in a syndrome of stress, self-pity and depression. Sadly missing are the confidence, assurance and consistency that come from the life of freedom that faith in Jesus Christ brings for every believer. Grace is the answer. Legalism is the enemy. Victory in the Christian life is obtained in the same manner as salvation: by appropriating, receiving, believing-not by works. Rom. 6:11-13 is a key passage every believer needs to master: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." This is the process: Reckon yourself dead unto sin, but alive unto God. How is it possible? Just before the above passage, Paul had explained: "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" (Rom. 6:3). The moment we trust the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we die-with Him. Our baptism into Christ's death sets us free from sin, "For he that is dead is freed from sin" (vs. 7). But grace does not stop there; the wonderful thing is that we can die and yet still "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). It is only after we die-with Christ- that we are able to really start living-again, with Him. Thus Paul goes on to state: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom. 6:17,18,22). All of this is succinctly summed up in a verse every sincere believer should know by heart: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). How can I be dead and alive at the same time? The explanation is clear: it is not I anymore but it is Christ who lives in me and it is His life-His power, energy and wisdom-that is to be on display in my action and attitudes. The wonderful truth is that Jesus Christ gave His life for me at Calvary, so that He might give His life to me when I trusted Him, so that He might live His life through me day by day. This is the glory of grace: not simply that it saves us from eternal damnation in "the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8), there is more, "much more." The glory of God's grace to us in Christ is that His life is available to us right now. Speaking about the saints, Col. 1:27 says: "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." The "riches of the glory of this mystery" is defined as "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This wealth is what God wants His saints to appreciate and rejoice in. If all you understand about grace is that we are not Israel and they are not us, you are missing the real wealth, because the "riches of His grace" are found in God's saving godless sinners and then coming and living His life in them. Being set free from sin and having the life that spoke the universe unto existence living in us is "the riches of the glory of this mystery," indeed! It is this truth of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" that empowers the believer's walk. To be "dead in sin" provides needed freedom from sin's dominion; to be "alive unto God" provides the capacity to use this freedom to bring forth "the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:11).Gal. 4:1,2 demonstrates that a basic difference between a child and an adult is the issue of freedom. What a child is required and forced to do, an adult does voluntarily. What a child does in fear, an adult does in freedom. Freedom is an awesome thing. Although it can be and too often is abused, when it is used for its intended purpose, our freedom in Christ is our most valuable spiritual asset. There are two aspects to freedom: freedom from and freedom for. By God's grace we have been freed from sin-from both its condemnation and its control. Free from guilt and shame. Free from the downward impulses and urges we couldn't stop when in bondage to sin. Free from the tyranny of other's expectations, opinions and demands. But this is not all-not by far. God's grace has also made us free for service. We are free to obey, free to love, free to forgive others as well as ourselves, free to live beyond the limitations of human effort, free to serve and glorify Christ, free to live as adult members of the family of God. When we come to appreciate the freedom of our Sonship, we recognize that we are free to voluntarily do that which formerly we did in fear. As adults we can voluntarily apply the wisdom of God to the details of our lives by making decisions based on the Word of God. God is surely glorified when believers bear the fruits of their righteous standing in Christ. These "fruits of righteousness are by Jesus Christ" - that is, they are mediated through Christ in us. There is literally an outbreak of the righteous character of God on the stage of human history through the lives of believers who bear these fruits. This is of course the result of "the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (I Thess. 2:13). We could never accomplish this by our own doings, no matter how intended, just as an apple tree bears apples because of the life that is in it, so the believer bears fruits of the righteousness because of the life of Christ living through us. When Paul says, "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13), he is referring to the Spirit of God working in the believer's inner man through the Word of God. Our service is not born out of an outward constraint or necessity, but rather is the result of the life of Christ in us working itself out through the members of our body as we voluntarily apply God's wisdom to the details of our lives. Thus it is that "the life is also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" (II Cor. 4:10,11). The glory of God's grace to us in Christ goes far beyond simply what He has and is doing for us. It goes on into the manifestation of what He is doing for Himself through us, for we are simply "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).

Pastor Richard Jordon

AMEN

Just Believe!

2009-04-03T12:17:00.004+07:00

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues. Mark 16:17 Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." Luke 8:50 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. John 1:7 That everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:15 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 1 John 5:1 On the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted. Psalm 116:10. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. Isaiah 43:10 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. John 17:20 Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

AMEN

Why do you need to read bible?

2009-04-02T19:48:00.003+07:00

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Hebrews 5:12 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14 Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him Proverbs 30:5 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12 Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:31-32 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress1 Timothy 4:15 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:8 And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. Ephesians 1:19 So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:5 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. but the word of the Lord stands forever 1 Peter 1:23,25. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it Luke 11:28 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 Look in the scroll of the LORD and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. Isaiah 34:16 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:3 The gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Romans 1:2 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. John 15:3 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up Deuteronomy 11:19

AMEN

Faith Without Works

2009-04-02T19:41:00.003+07:00

Today's Psalm: 136:23-26"Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever."

It's great to have faith in God, but it is not enough to just say you have faith in Him, you must be willing to work to receive His blessings.The conquest of Canaan was completed and the land was divided, not by majority vote, but by the Lord's decree. Although they had received some of the best territory in the promised land, the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim complained that they should have more territory given to them because of their great numbers and what they perceived as their prominent position among the tribes. "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto? And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel. And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only: But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong." (Joshua 18:14-18). Sadly, these two tribes chose the easy way of compromise and let the Canaanites reside within their borders rather than fight for their God-given territory.Often, the blessings of God depend upon our faith in Him, if we are not willing to put a little effort into making things happen what good would it do. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:19-26). It is not enough to have faith in God, we must keep working with that faith knowing that God will lead us to victory.Many people are just plain lazy, they want so many things in life and often wonder why they do not have them. Yet, they never make one effort in obtaining them, constantly seeking someone to help them. We may be Christians, but we are not doormats and although we try to help those in need whether they are saved or not it is sometimes wise to refuse to help those who express no concern for the will of God nor make any effort to help themselves. When we have our priorities centered upon the Lord, we need not fear losing our share of anything. Now, do not mistake "Works by Faith" with "Works of Salvation". No one can work for their salvation, only Jesus is our salvation. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16).Think of Jesus as food, food is essential in providing us with the nutrients we need to stay alive, but if we just look at it and not eat it then we will die. Jesus is essential in providing us with the nutrients we need to stay alive spiritually, but if we just think about Him and not accept Him than we will die spiritually. Making that effort to get to know Him increases our faith even more giving us the encouragement to do more, which in turn blesses us far beyond what we ever imagine.

AMEN

Do You Know how the APOSTLES died?

2009-03-31T12:21:00.002+07:00

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."

A BOND SLAVE OF JESUS CHRIST

2009-03-27T12:43:00.002+07:00

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

Mary or Martha

2009-03-25T17:05:00.000+07:00

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

Mighty Warrior

2009-03-24T12:45:00.002+07:00

"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

Purpose of asking

2009-03-23T12:44:00.000+07:00

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

Unshakable Faith

2009-03-22T07:53:00.004+07:00

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

2009-03-22T07:49:00.004+07:00

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

CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS

2009-03-21T09:25:00.001+07:00

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

2009-03-21T09:07:00.001+07:00

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.

Wait on the Lord

2009-03-20T12:56:00.000+07:00

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

2009-03-20T12:53:00.001+07:00

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!

“NEVER ALONE!”

2009-03-16T12:38:00.000+07:00

“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

Moving Past Mistakes and Regrets

2009-03-13T11:56:00.002+07:00

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

Defeating Discouragement

2009-03-12T12:52:00.000+07:00

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

ALWAYS WATCH AND PRAY

2009-03-11T12:33:00.001+07:00

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

So many things Oh Lord

2009-03-10T12:28:00.000+07:00

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

Staying In God's Will

2009-03-06T11:50:00.000+07:00

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

Better Future

2009-03-04T12:43:00.002+07:00

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?

2009-03-04T12:37:00.002+07:00

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

God is Able

2009-03-03T12:15:00.001+07:00

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

2009-03-03T12:13:00.000+07:00

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.

Remain Silent!

2009-03-02T12:22:00.000+07:00

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

Gbu

Don't Give Up!

2009-02-27T11:57:00.000+07:00

Don't Give Up!

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 The Message13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond thecourse of what others have had to face. All you need toremember is that God will never let you down; he'll never letyou be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to helpyou come through it.

All of us have been tempted to lose hope and give up. But wealways have a choice: focus on God and stay in faith, or focuson the problem and give up.

Problems -- no matter how huge they seem to us -- are noproblem to God. Nothing is too hard, or complicated, for God tosolve. But God wants us to trust Him.

So what should you do when you are being tempted and feel likegiving in and giving up?

Refuse!
Just keep your focus on the Lord and rejoice in Hisfaithfulness. Remember that God cannot lie, and will neverfail. God will see you through.

HEBREWS 10:23 NKJ23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope withoutwavering, for He who promised is faithful.

When the devil tries to steal your faith, he tries to get youto quit speaking in agreement with the Word of God. Don't letit happen! Hold fast to speaking your faith! Keep on sayingwhat the Word of God says about you and your situation. Don'tbe moved by the circumstances.

GALATIANS 6:9 NIV9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper timewe will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Don't grow weary. Keep your eyes on the Lord. His Word willwork and produce a harvest of blessing in your life. Don'tdoubt it!

SAY THIS: I will keep trusting in God and never give up!

"a merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Prov 17:22

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS

2009-02-27T11:54:00.000+07:00

~SPIRITUAL WEAPONS~

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ----2 Cor. 10: 3-4
************ ********* ******
As long as we walk this earth, there will be earthly battles in service for our Lord. Each one of us have a choice as to which methods we will use in fighting these battles. We can choose the methods of men, or of God. God is in absolute control of all things and it is up to us to believe his Word by faith. The Apostle Paul assures all believers that God's mighty weapons of prayer, faith, hope, love, God's Word and Holy Spirit are powerful. In Ephesians 6, Paul also tells us to use every piece of God's armor to resist Satan's attacks and stand true to God in the midst of them. We use God's approval as a "breastplate" against the enemy. Satan often attacks the heart or seat of emotions, one's self-worth, and trust. God's approval is his righteousness, or the breastplate which will protect us. It is only by "his righteousness" that we are made worthy, and have his protection upon our lives. God approves of us because He sent his only Son to die for us and we accept his supreme sacrifice by faith.
**In the Old Testament, the Breastplate of the High Priest contained a pocket called "pouch of judgment" which held the 'Urim and Thummim'.... the two stones which decided the will of God. "Urim" meant lights and the "Thummim" means 'completeness or upright, innocence or integrity'. It also meant complete truth. These stones were always with the High Priest for use in a crisis in the Old Testament. These were a means of obtaining an answer from God when needed, regarding any problem which concerned Israel. Joshua was also guided by the Urim and Thummin in leading Israel into Cannan. These two stones were also used in dividing the land to the tribes, and as to who would inherit certain lots or portions. The order of the Priesthood was settled by this means as in 1 Chr. 24: (5-7; 25-9). Some claim that one stone was a "yes" and the other meant "no," so that whichever one the priest took out would be a direct answer, either affirmative or negative. This system of obtaining an answer was referred to as "casting lots," which meant the answer came out of the pouch of decision of the breastplate of judgment. Regardless of how the decision was made, it was always the will of God. The priests began to be corrupt in the days of Samuel, so prophets were raised up to take their place in speaking to men in behalf of God. From Samuel's time on, prophets were used more than priests.
Under the New Covenant of Grace, we have been given God's Word to guide us, and His Holy Spirit which speaks to us in many ways and through His servants to help lead us in paths of righteousness. We know God has divine plans for his children and works all things out for good to those that love Him. God has plans for good. (Jer. 29: 11). Keep holding on to his promises. Throughout history, God has led his people through life on to final perfection. This is sometimes referred to by some as God's "divine providence." Nothing in the universe happens by luck, chance, or fortune. Even through there are trials and suffering, God in his divine providence can bring all things to work for good, as in the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. We also see how God brought forth the greatest of good from the crucifying of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because he arose in victory and power, we have a blessed hope of eternal life.
Truth is a strong belt that girds us against the lies of the enemy. Our shield is faith and salvation is our helmet. The Word of God guards us in this list of spiritual armor. When one is tempted and tried, they can trust in the truth of God's word. For every temptation there is a way of escape. The shoes, as a piece of spiritual armor, are used in "readiness to spread the Good News." Satan wants God's children to think that telling others the good news is a worthless and hopeless task or that the size of the task is too big. He makes Christians believe the negative responses are too much to handle. The shoes God gives us are the motivation to keep on proclaiming the truth which can only be found in God. This is the "good report," or good news of the Gospel, which everyone needs to hear. There are many ways we can share the good news of the gospel, and as the doors of opportunity are opened. We share by first making others aware of their need for Jesus. We should be ready to give an answer to every man of the hope which we have within our heart with meekness & fear. When we deal with pride in people's lives that can keep them from a relationship with the Lord, we might be tempted to use our own methods, but only God's methods will be effective in tearing down strongholds.
God's mercy is shown to us all through the Word of God. We are also shown how to stand strong in the Lord and the power of his might, by his Spirit. There are examples of God's strengthening and saving power by his Spirit, throughout his Word. As God quickens it to our remembrance, we can proclaim these truths and help plant seed in hearts and lives. One plants, one waters, but God alone gives the increase.
God's weapons are not carnal, but are mighty, and can tear down strongholds and barriers. Earthly plans may fail, but the plan of God will stand forever. Strongholds must crumble and fall at the name and power of Jesus. May the Lord be exalted as He goes forth victorious in battle with an everlasting Kingdom. We are to go forth with our Lord and never turn back. We are protected by the lord as we go forward, but if we turn back, we are not promised his protection. The victory is just ahead, as we march on. Our Lord has already won the war and we can have a blessed assurance in the God of our future.

MIGHTY WARRIOR
There is never a problem without One to solve itNever a mountain too high to climb,There is never a worry that his peace cannot cover itJesus is with us all of the time.
We always face battles in service for the LordBut the war has already been won,With his armor of light we can stay in the fight,As we trust in the Father and lean on the Son.
He is a "Mighty Warrior" who supplies our every needThere is no reason we should fear,His weapons are mighty to tear down each stronghold,And His armor will protect us as to Him we draw near.
Blessings in Christ.

“Jesus is the answer to every unanswerable question”

2009-02-23T12:46:00.000+07:00

“Jesus is the answer to every unanswerable question”

The book of Amos chapter 5 verses 4-6 and 21-24 says “4For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 6Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. 21I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. 22Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. 23Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. 24But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Beloved, we need to seek the Lord our God when we can find him (Isa 55:6). I believe God is everywhere we are only if we give room for His presence to flow within us. Remember, it is not all about fasting, going to church and participating in all the activities in the church but it is more of personal fellowship with God. As His word said from the text of today, “seek ye me, and ye shall live” no one who seeks God in true and in spirit in all his/her activities ever live a life of regrets (Psa 34:10)

It is 8:17am here in Mabushi, Abuja. Beloved, always remember that “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” (Psa 34:10) Have a wonderful day and God be with you.

GB you

"TRUST IN JESUS!"

2009-02-23T12:39:00.001+07:00

"TRUST IN JESUS!"

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
When you come to the end of yourself—it is the time to come to Jesus. It often occurs when we lose someone or something that is precious to us. In the dark night of our soul, Jesus is the light!
We must demonstrate such a trust and dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, that we will feel Him holding us in His loving arms when we pass through the valley of the shadow of death.
In 1879, Louisa M.R. Stead was happily married and the mother of a four year old daughter. The small family was enjoying a pleasant picnic along the sea shore when a call for help was heard. They spotted a boy drowning in the sea.
Mr. Stead charged into the water in an attempt to save the lad. In his panic the boy pulled his rescuer below the waves where they both perished in clear view of Louisa and her daughter. In her time of grief, Louisa penned the words of the familiar hymn, 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.
(1) 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word, Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ "
CHORUS: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more.
(2) How I love to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood, Just in simple faith to plunge me, 'Neath the healing, cleansing flood! CHORUS:
(3) Yes, I've learned to trust in Jesus, And from sin and self to cease. Now from Jesus simply taking, life and rest and joy and peace. CHORUS:
(4) I'm so glad I learned to trust Him, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that He is with me, He'll be with me to the end. CHORUS:
To access 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus, this week's free inspirational video from GloryScapes. com, please go to: http://www.glorysca pes.com/tissoswe ettotrustinjesus

From Sinner to SalvationScripture

2009-02-23T12:37:00.001+07:00

From Sinner to Salvation

Scripture:

Psalms 51:5Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (NIV)Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (NIV)Psalm 51:2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin (NIV)A close friend of mine said he stopped going to church and he stopped praying because he was a mess. He said he felt like he disappointed God and was too ashamed to go back and ask for forgiveness. I explained to him that God STILL had work for him to do. We have all sinned and have at one time or another fallen short of the glory of God. I’m a sinner is no excuse and that type of negative thinking must stop because it blocks blessing. If we are to reverse the curse and move from sinner to salvation we must remember that our Father will never forsake us. He gave us his Word on that! All we have to do is ask God for forgiveness. Once you do that, you have been forgiven and your iniquity has been forgotten by God. You are now on the road to God’s salvation. Be blessed.

Mary - Saying Yes

2009-02-23T12:34:00.001+07:00

Mary - Saying Yes

Selections from Luke 1

The angel Gabriel was sent by God ... to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph.... Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS.... Mary asked the angel, How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man? The angel replied to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy child to be born will be called the Son of God.... For nothing will be impossible with God. Consider me the Lord's slave, said Mary. May it be done to me according to your word. Try reading this passage, not in the light of Christmas, but in the darkness of the years before it. Put yourself in the room with Mary. Listen to what the angel is asking her to believe. Would you be afraid? Yes. Upset? Yes. Would you be able to say ... yes? How do we know whether something we've seen, felt, or heard is really from God? What proof did Mary have once her eyes readjusted to the now dim-looking sunlight, once her heart rate slowed down, once the boom of the angel's voice gave way to the whistle of a songbird? Nothing except a pretty good hunch. But as she waited, little things began to happen. Waves of morning sickness. Jabs and kicks from her womb that awakened her in the night. When it's God, the proof keeps coming, as we watch and wait.Look At It This Way ...He found the little dull town, the dusty street, the right house. In obedience, he went in, stood before the astonished girl, and spoke. An angel's voice, speaking in the accents of Nazareth. Mary was not a feeble girl weak and without spunk, imagination, or initiative. Subsequent action proves that. But she was meek. Never confuse weak with meek. She was meek as Moses was meek -- strong and holy enough to recognize her place under God. Thoughts of what people would say, what Joseph would say, or how she would ever convince them that she had not been unfaithful were instantly set aside. Mission accomplished, the angel left her. Back he flies, past Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, beyond the Southern Cross and the Milky Way, and finally to the firmament of his native world where the will of the God of all those heavens and firmaments is always done, and always done perfectly. He brought back a message: On that planet, in Galilee, in a town called Nazareth, in the house to which God had sent him, the girl named Mary had said yes. Elisabeth Elliot A Final Thought:The whole premise of Christianity is beyond understanding a God who became man, a man who became our perfect sacrifice. Do we always have to understand in order to obey?

JESUS ALSO WEPT

2009-02-20T12:04:00.000+07:00

JESUS ALSO WEPT

The Lord is touched by the feelings of our infirmities. He also wept and shed tears. The shortest verse in the Bible is "Jesus wept" in John 11: 35. We hear this verse quoted often but sometimes do not understandthe full significance and revelation of God's compassion. Jesus lovedMary, Martha and Lazareth, and he also loves us. When He heard of the sickness which Lazarus was experiencing, he stayed two days longer in the place where he had received the message instead of going at the time heheard the news. Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for theglory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."--Jn. 11: 4, When Jesus told his disciples they would be going to Judea, they protested, as they knew the Jews there had been looking for Jesus, wanting to stone him. He told them that Lazarus had fallen asleep, but he would go that he might awaken him out of sleep. Jesus spoke to them of the death of Lazareth, but they thought he was speaking oftaking a rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly that Lazarus was dead. Mary and Martha both declared that their brother would not have died if Jesus had been there. Martha went out to meet Jesus on the road and expressed faith in her brother's resurrection at the judgment and also confessed that she believed Jesus to be Christ when he proclaimed to her that "he was the resurrection and the life." The divine side of Jesus knew that he was going to bring Lazarus back from the grave, but his human side was deeply moved and visibly distressed when he saw the sisters and those who had come out from Jerusalem weeping to share in their sorrow. Jesus also wept with them. His love for Lazareth was great and he was moved at the grief of those who loved Lazarus also. These seemed to be focused on the earthly aspect of the death of Lazarus and did not see things as Jesus saw them as to Himbeing the resurrection and life who was able to call forth Lazarus from the dead. Many believeJesus also wept at the unbelief of the people who did not understanding that He could call forthlife at any time, as He was the resurrection and the life. Many today still do not believein our risen Savior and that he has power to give new life and hope. Jesus also shed tears, but knew that Lazarus would live again and his resurrection would glorify the Father. We are never told not to weep at the death of Christian friends or loved ones, but we are told not to weep in the same way as those who have no hope. The Apostle Paul told us to comfort ourselves with the words of Jesus, who will descend from heaven and call forth the righteous dead in Christ. Those who are aliveand remain will also be caught up to meet Him in the clouds. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. We are comforted, along with Paul, in our Christian hopebut sorrowful over those who refuse to accept Christ or who turn theirback on God and go back into sin. Paul rejoiced over those who were rejoicingbut wept over those whose eyes were fixed on the earthly, rather than theheavenly. We see from God's holy Word that those who go through life rejoicing overthe things of the flesh will weep when they face the Lord in judgment. Weare to rejoice in our blessed hope and know that He will one day transform ourlowly bodies into a glorious body like unto His body. It will be a gloriousprivilege for those who hear the Son of God say, "come you who are blessed of my Father and enter into the Kingdom prepared for you." God will wipe awayall tears and there will be peace, joy, and love, forevermore. May we see the love and compassion of Jesus in Scripture and understandhow much he cares for each person. John stressed in his gospel that we have aGod who cares. The Greeks had a concept of a God with no emotions or involvement with humans which was false. We see a God of compassion, one who experienced sorrow,and other feelings. We do not have to be afraid to reveal our innermost feelings to the Lord. He knows and understands because He also experienced emotions and cares for His own. His love will never fail and is the greatest love of all. When Satan tries to discourage and cause doubt, we can tell him we serve a God who cares. If you're sad or brokenhearted today, take your cares to Jesus. He is the menderof broken hearts and will give peace and joy which the world cannot give.Remember, tears are a language which God understands. "Jesus never fails!" Blessings In Christ,Jo Ann Kelly © 2009, 2003J. P.'s Inspirationshttp://www.my. homewithgod. com/jpinspiratio ns/This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,for non-profit ministering purposes *^*^*^^*^^*^ ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*
~JESUS IS TOUCHED BY OUR FEELINGS~ Our Lord is touched by the feelings of our infirmitiesFor mankind he was wounded and bore the stripes,He knows the deepest sorrows and woes of our hearts,He alone was willing to bear our grief and lay down his life. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus with a heart full of compassion and loveThere is no other who can take our burdens and give us peace,He is a God of mercy who reigns with power from above,His lovingkindness bestowed to us will never cease. We have one who is with us in the darkness night,His comfort will always be there,He will open blinded eyes and restore spiritual sight,We have a Loving God who will always care. Blessings In Christ,Jo Ann Kelly © 2009, 2003J. P.'s Inspirationshttp://www.my. homewithgod. com/jpinspiratio ns/This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,for non-profit ministering purposes *^*^*^^^*^*^ *^*^*^^*^ ^*^Quotes and One-Liners It is not guided missiles but guided morals, that is our great need today. Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.
Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling. - Margaret B. RunbeckIt is not length of life, but depth of life. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him.To pay the price of obedience, is to escape the cost of disobedience.If God had wanted us to be permissive, He would have given us the Ten Suggestions. *^*^*^*^*^*^ ^*^*^*

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55: 8 - 11

Pray in the name of Jesus

2009-02-20T12:02:00.000+07:00

Pray in the name of Jesus

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present. 1 Corinthians 5:4That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. Hebrews 13:15You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:24He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17 I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" Jn. 14:6."For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:16I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. - Mark 6:56Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2.

ur Goals???

2009-02-19T12:47:00.000+07:00

What are Your Goals

Definitions:
Goal: the purpose toward which effort is put forth

Success: the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted

Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalms 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God , and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Life Application:
Many people fail to achieve health, wealth and other forms of prosperity; they chalk their efforts up as being unsuccessful and feel that they have failed at reaching their goals. Some people live an unfulfilled life because they don’t have any goals. My question to you is, do you have the right goals?

The Christian goal is found in Jesus ’ command to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to follow the instructions Jesus gave to his disciples. These are to be our goals. Through the Word we are told how to achieve success. If you have set out to be successful in achieving your goals, seek ye first the Kingdom of God , and all his righteousness and everything that your heart desires shall be given to you. God Bless!

My Manna

2009-02-19T12:43:00.000+07:00

My Manna

"The hand of the Lord hath wrought this." Job 12:9.
Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history.
It was presented to the King of England to blaze in his crown of state.

The King sent it to Amsterdam to be cut.
It was put into the hands of an expert lapidary.
And what do you suppose he did with it?
He took the gem of priceless value, and cut a notch in it.
Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument, and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand cleft in twain.

What recklessness!
What wastefulness!
What criminal carelessness!
Not so.
For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned.
Drawings and models had been made of the gem.
Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care.
The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world.
Do you say that blow was a mistake?
It was the climax of the lapidary's skill.

When he struck that blow-
- he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapeliness, radiance, and jewelled splendour.
That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was, in fact, its perfect redemption.
For, from those two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.
Sometimes, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life.
The blood spurts.
The nerves wince.
The soul cries out in agony.

The blow seems to you an apalling mistake.

But it is not-
- for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God.
And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe.
Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King.
As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you.
Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from its depths, blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you.

In one of George MacDonald's books occurs this fragment of conversation:
"I wonder why God made me," said Mrs. Faber bitterly. "I'm sure I don't know what was the use of making me!"
"Perhaps not much yet," said Dorothy, "but then He hasn't done with you yet. He is making you now, and you are quarrelling with the process!"

Is Your Ability to See God Blinded?

2009-02-18T12:42:00.002+07:00

Is Your Ability to See God Blinded?

Have You Told A Friend or Loved One About: "How's It Going? :-)))™"
Knowing, Believing, & Trusting In God's Word Is The Beginning of theEternal Relationship. ..

Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things . . . —Isaiah40:26

The people of God in Isaiah’s time had blinded their minds’ ability to see Godby looking on the face of idols. But Isaiah made them look up at the heavens;that is, he made them begin to use their power to think and to visualizecorrectly. If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in natureand will realize that it is holy and sacred. We will see God reaching out to usin every wind that blows, every sunrise and sunset, every cloud in the sky,every flower that blooms, and every leaf that fades, if we will only begin touse our blinded thinking to visualize it.

The real test of spiritual focus is being able to bring your mind and thoughtsunder control. Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idolyourself? Is it your work? Is it your idea of what a servant should be, or maybeyour experience of salvation and sanctification? If so, then your ability to seeGod is blinded. You will be powerless when faced with difficulties and will beforced to endure in darkness. If your power to see has been blinded, don’t lookback on your own experiences, but look to God. It is God you need. Go beyondyourself and away from the faces of your idols and away from everything elsethat has been blinding your thinking. Wake up and accept the ridicule thatIsaiah gave to his people, and deliberately turn your thoughts and your eyes toGod.

One of the reasons for our sense of futility in prayer is that we have lost ourpower to visualize. We can no longer even imagine putting ourselves deliberatelybefore God. It is actually more important to be broken bread and poured-out winein the area of intercession than in our personal contact with others. The powerof visualization is what God gives a saint so that he can go beyond himself andbe firmly placed into relationships he never before experienced.

Groups/Devotionals
Authorized By The Oswald Chambers Publications Association, Ltd.My Utmost for His Highest Daily Devotional is provided by RBC Ministries©2009 RBC Ministries—Grand Rapids, MI 49555-0001------------ --------- -------
"There is no other way under the heavens! Learning how to trust, andcontinuing to trust in God is the only way to get ready for the thingswe're not ready for. Have you NOT learned that vital personal lessonyet?"

Anyone can offer the leftovers. Only those who love God more than anything elsewill serve up the very best for Him. —Joe Stowell

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”I hear the blessed Savior call;How can I make a lesser sacrificeWhen Jesus gave His all? —Ackley

No sacrifice we make is too great for the One who sacrificed His all.

"a merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Prov 17:22

__._,_.___

Is Your Ability to See God Blinded?

2009-02-18T12:42:00.000+07:00

Is Your Ability to See God Blinded?

Have You Told A Friend or Loved One About: "How's It Going? :-)))™"
Knowing, Believing, & Trusting In God's Word Is The Beginning of theEternal Relationship. ..

Be not Conformed to this World

2009-02-17T12:46:00.000+07:00

Be not Conformed to this World

(Rom 12:2 KJV)
And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Conformed To fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern, to fashion ones-self according to..
Transformed To be metamorphosed, to be changed. In biology, a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly.
Renewing To be renovated
Mind The intellect. The understanding
Prove To test, to approve, to discern, to examine
Good Good in any sense
Acceptable well-pleasing
Perfect Complete in moral character, full grown

(Exo 23:2a KJV)
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;

(Deu 18:9 KJV)
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,
thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

(John 7:7 KJV)
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth,
because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

(John 15:19-20 KJV)
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:
but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you.
{20} Remember the word that I said unto you,
The servant is not greater than his lord.
If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;
if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

(John 17:14-15 KJV)
I have given them thy word;
and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world.
{15} I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

(1 Cor 3:18-21a KJV)
Let no man deceive himself.
If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world,
let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
{19} For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
{20} And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
{21} Therefore let no man glory in men....

(2 Cor 4:3-4 KJV)
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
{4} In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

(2 Cor 6:14-18 KJV)
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:
for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness?
{15} And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
{16} And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God;
as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
{17} Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
{18} And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

(Gal 1:3-5 KJV)
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father,
and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
{4} Who gave himself for our sins,
that he might deliver us from this present evil world,
according to the will of God and our Father:
{5} To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(Eph 2:1-10 KJV)
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
{2} Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
{3} Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past
in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;
and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
{4} But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
{5} Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)
{6} And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
{7} That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
{8} For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast.
{10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(Eph 4:17-24 KJV)
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
{18} Having the understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart:
{19} Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
to work all uncleanness with greediness.
{20} But ye have not so learned Christ; {21} If so be that ye have heard him,
and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
{22} That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
{23} And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
{24} And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(James 4:4 KJV)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses,
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(1 Pet 1:14-16 KJV)
As obedient children,
not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
{15} But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
{16} Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

(1 Pet 4:2-5 KJV)
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men,
but to the will of God.
{3} For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles,
when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine,
revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
{4} Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot,
speaking evil of you:
{5} Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

(2 Pet 1:4-9 KJV)
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
{5} And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge; {6} And to knowledge temperance;
and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
{7} And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
{8} For if these things be in you, and abound,
they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
{9} But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off,
and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(2 Pet 2:19-22 KJV)
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:
for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
{20} For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
they are again entangled therein, and overcome,
the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
{21} For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness,
than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
{22} But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb,
The dog is turned to his own vomit again;
and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

(1 John 2:15-17 KJV)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
{16} For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.
{17} And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

(1 John 3:13 KJV)
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

(1 John 4:4-6 KJV)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
{5} They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world,
and the world heareth them.
{6} We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us;
he that is not of God heareth not us.
Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

~REASSURANCE~

2009-02-17T12:37:00.000+07:00

~REASSURANCE~

Scripture Reading: II Thessalonians 2: 1-5Paul now specifically aims at assuring his readers that they will not go through the day of the Lord. He had taught them, when personally with them, about this day from the Old Testament (vs. 5). Meanwhile false prophets claiming to speak "by the Spirit" (vs. 2) had entered in teaching that the day of the Lord had already come. A spurious letter, or letters, had arrived claiming Pauline authorship asserting that the Tribulation. was upon the Thessalonians. Had the Lord failed to come for His own?It would be easy for the Thessalonians to conclude that the persecutions they were experiencing were what the prophets of old had predicted. This certainly disturbed their calmness. So much so, that many had even quit their daily occupations (3:10-12). Their lives had certainly been disrupted by eschatological teaching. Paul says that "that day shall not come except there come a falling away first" (KJV). "That day" refers back to the "day of the Lord" of verse two. All texts read "day of the Lord" not "day of Christ." The exact translation of verse three reads "for that day will not be except there come the apostasy first." What apostasy is Paul referring to that must precede the day of the Lord? If it is a general departure from the faith, how does that assure the Thessalonians (and us) that Christians will not go through the day of the Lord? How would we know when the apostasy begins? The basic and simple meaning of the word "apostasy" (verb, aphistemi) is simply departure. (Lk. 2:37; 4:13; 13:27; Acts 12:10; II Cor. 12:8; II Tim. 2:19 etc.). What "departure" had Paul previously taught the Thessalonians about? What departure guarantees them, and us, that believers will not go through the day of the Lord? The answer is in I Thessalonians 4:13-18. The departure of the church from the world satisfies our inquiry. So once again Paul is asserting a pre-tribulational rapture. We can be sure of our safety in this regard.by - Amazing Grace
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.
THOUGHT TO PONDER THIS WEEK FEBRUARY 8, 2008Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us.Oswald Chambers 2Co 3:4 Such is the confidence which we have through Christ in the presence of God; 2Co 3:5 not that of ourselves we are competent to decide anything by our own reasonings, but our competency comes from God.

“SECURE POSSESSIONS!”

2009-02-16T12:45:00.000+07:00

“SECURE POSSESSIONS!”
DAILY-E-VOTIONAL BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART

“SECURE POSSESSIONS!”
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The entire world seems to be in a state of financial collapse. Retirement accounts that seemed to be adequate for the golden years melt like a snowman in 80 degree weather! Those of us who possess the least seem to be the least concerned. Why is that? According to today’s Scripture, it has to do with where our heart is.

Over the years I have heard comments from people who fail to honor God with their giving. They say that they want to wait until; the house sells, they get a raise, they receive their inheritance, they receive their income tax refund and so on it goes. They say that then they will have more to give to the work of the Lord.

Do you recall the incident when Jesus was in the temple courts? He saw rich people putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a widow put in a very small amount. Jesus commented that the woman had put in more than all of the others. They gave out of their surplus, but she gave out of what little she had to live on. Read about it in Luke 21:1-4.

It is a tragedy that many individuals—even some churches—place more confidence in the treasures of this world—that will pass away, than in heavenly treasures that will last forever and forever.

It is time for a heart examination: What treasures mean the most to you? Where are your treasures being stored? One second into eternity, what treasures will have the most value?

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

Daily Golden Footprints

2009-02-16T12:28:00.000+07:00

Daily Golden Footprints
Harsh Words

Have you ever been guilty of speaking to your wife or children more harshly than anyone else? Some people think that I should be able to act like a feel around my family. I have to ask you to think about it. Is that fair? You are supposed to love them the most and yet you treat them like you love them the least. If you think about it, it is unfair. It is kind of like when you are driving in a car when someone pulls out in from of you. The driver yells at the other driver or curses him. Did it do any good for the bad driver with the windows closed and their backs turned? Only the person in the front seat was subject to that outburst. They didn’t do anything. Is that fair?

Another thing I have to remind you of is that the harsh words that you might speak set your person into the course of action that line up with the words that you spoke. First of all, they have been proven scientifically that negative words and emotions are unhealthy for your physical body.

Speaking your words in faith aloud is called framing your world. You will be building a frame for your actions as you become doers of the Word. Think about the harsh words that you are saying to those you love. Do you really want them all to come to pass? (Rom 4:17… and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Do you really believe them? Another thing is I have heard people say, well, they should love me, why should I have to work at being so polite around them? Please, that is a poor excuse. The ones that you love deserve your effort at politeness more than anyone else. If a man told you that he was madly in love with you, then said to you what a dumb idiot you are, would you believe that he was madly in love with you?

We are instructed to live peaceably together. (Romans 12:18) If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Harsh Words stir up anger and begin wars. (Proverbs 15:1) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.(Proverbs 15:2) The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

It is important that we watch our words. (Ephesians 5:4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Words are important. They are what we live according to. What you say is what you get. (Matthew 4:4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Corrupt=means impairment of integrity. When you allow your words to be corrupted, you impair your integrity. (Ephesians 4:29) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. You are commanded to only allow good words come forth from your mouth which will be found good for the use of edification and minister only grace to those you hear it. Harsh words never help.

When I was first married many years ago, the Lord led me to this scripture. (Ephesians 4:26) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. You see, you will have differences of opinion, but differences can be expressed without anger, harshness, or rudeness. And if you do find your temper rising, be sure to forgive each other before you go to bed. Do not ever let it hang on and hang on. Let it go. Anger which is left to fester will turn to bitterness.

Unresolved anger between husband and wife can hinder prayers from being answered. (1 Peter 3:7) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Acting on the Word is critical, but re-acting properly is just as important. (1 Peter 3:8) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

You reap what you sow. You sow the word of God in a courteous manner, then that is what you will reap.

In Him,
Prophetess Frances Lloyd
www.dailygoldenfoot prints.com
footprints@dailygol denfootprints. com

Personal Note to our precious subscribers: I want to give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done for us in recent weeks. I praise Him for His Healing touch in my abdomen where he healed and removed the mass that doctors had reported was definitely there before the surgery and gone after they got in there to operate. I thank the Lord that I am cancer free according to the promises of God and the surgeon’s tests

I thank God that He has provided for all our financial needs these weeks that I have been fighting this illness and going through this major surgery and difficult recovery. I thank Him for healing more each day my incision which had burst open just after the staples came out. Praise God, after only four weeks it is already half way closed up. When it started it was several inches long and five inches deep. It has closed more than halfway already. It is my understanding that it can take a year or more to heal normally. With God’s help it is only a few weeks! The doctors recommend bed rest for a few more weeks to allow this to completely recover from all this. I thank God for His continual help in meeting this budget and any extra expenses incurred each month. This month in addition to the medical expenses and regular bills, our main computer went down. The mother board was fried. Praise God, because of God’s faithfulness, it is now replaced. The Lord supernaturally supplied us a new computer so you won’t miss your daily Rhema of encouragement. Agree with us that we will be able to retrieve all of the information from the old computer. We still have to maintain monthly budgets plus extras from this physical battle. If you would like to help with this, please use www.PayPal.com or write Frances Lloyd, 211 Northgate, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.

It is our privilege to pray over each of your prayer requests. The word says that “if any two shall agree,” it will be done for them by my father which is in heaven. We are here to agree with you that the perfect will of God be accomplished in all of your needs according to His promises. Feel free to send in your prayer requests.