Checed

The "Demon" of Lust?

2009-04-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hey guys I know that its been a while but I have been super busy. Today's topic is something that most people in the world battle with every single day of our lives. To some its the lust of the flesh, to others its the lust of the eyes. I hope this article from the Daily Encounter helps at least one person struggling with lust.

"If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "I have been fighting with a lust demon for years. I have asked GOD to relieve me of this demon but I keep slipping back and doing the same thing all over again. I have just rededicated my life to God and am on my church's outreach team. I want this demon of Satan out of my body never to return. Will you pray for me?"

Hello, Jim (name changed), Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggle with lust. To resolve any problem it is imperative to understand the root cause of the problem. Let me assure you that lust, as with anger, is NOT a demon.

If I am wrongfully angry, that is my problem and when I fail to resolve it, I give the foothold to the enemy. It's the same with lust. Lust is a struggle most red-blooded men struggle with at one time or another. Severe lust, however, is usually a symptom of repressed love or unmet love needs.

As long as you blame the problem on anything outside of yourself, you will never overcome it because lust is a problem within. I don't know who told you it was a demon but I challenge this person to find anywhere in the Bible where it says there is "a demon of lust."

Sure, Satan is the originator of all sin and does tempt us, but most of us don't need the devil or a demon to make, or even cause, us to lust. We can do it all by ourselves because we are all sinners.So how do you overcome? First and foremost, you need not only confess your lust to God, but also ask him to confront you with the real cause of your lust … to show you the root cause of the problem … and then to lead you to the help you need to overcome. Only by facing the truth will you be set free.

Remember too, as David wrote in the Psalms, "The Lord is near to all who call on him; to all who call on him in truth."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whenever I have any problem that I can't resolve, please help me to see the root cause of it and help me to find the support I need to overcome. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Ephesians 4:26-27 (TLB).
2. Psalm 145:18 (NIV).

Credit:Daily Encounter

Chased by Hounds

2009-03-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

King David, the Psalmist wrote: "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."1

A. C. Dixon wrote, "A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: 'Rising early one morning,' he said, 'I heard the baying of a score of deer hounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood.

A moment later, two of the hounds came over, and the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.'

"So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I am afraid of falling and being consumed by temptation and call out to you for help, you always come to my rescue and save me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Psalm 57:1 (NIV).
2. A. C. DIXON as quoted in E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer. Source: Today's Wit & Wisdom Devotional, http://net153.com.

Resting on One's Laurels

2009-02-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."1

In an article in Leadership magazine, J. David Bianchin used the analogy of a basketball game. In "the 1987 NCAA Regional Finals, Louisiana State University was leading Indiana by eight points with only a few minutes left in the game. As is often the case with a team in the lead, LSU began playing a different ball game. The television announcer pointed out that the LSU players were beginning to watch the clock rather than wholeheartedly play the game. As a result of this shift in focus, Indiana closed the gap, won the game by one point, and eventually went on to become NCAA champions."

At the human level, as we have been so graphically reminded by the events of 9-11 and more recent atrocities around the world, we dare not sit on our laurels or base our security on past victories. "Eternal vigilance is [still] the price of freedom." And how much greater is the need for eternal vigilance in the work of the Kingdom of God.

As God's Word says, "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith."2 "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."3

May we, Like the Apostle Paul, say, "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."4

This, by the grace of God, we can do because, as David the Psalmist wrote, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"5

For further help read the article, "Political Correctness Oxymoron" at: ttp://tinyurl.com/ysvo4h

Suggested prayer: "Gracious God, thank you for your great salvation in the gift of your Son, Jesus, and for all the unfathomable blessings you have in store for your children, both in the here-and-now and in the hereafter. However, help me not to rest on my laurels, but to keep my eye on the goal and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. So help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT).
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT).
3. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT).
4. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
5. Psalm 27:1 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Why confess?

2009-01-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsake them shall have mercy"- Proverbs 28:13

In the offence of a person, friend, or neighbour, you must admit your wrong and it becomes their duty to forgive you.
You are then free to seek God's forgiveness.

Why? Because the individual wronged is a creation of God and in injuring him/her you have sinned against the Creator.
A sin against man is a sin against God!

[Taken from 'Steps to Christ']

Abide in Christ!

2009-01-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

How am I to abide in Christ?

In the same way you received him at first.

"As ye have therefore received Christ, Jesus the Lord,so walk ye in Him."
"The just shall live by faith." (Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38.)

You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour.
You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ's sake did all this for you.

By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him -by giving and taking.

You are to give all, -your heart, your will, your service,- give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all, -Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper, -to give you power to obey.

[Source: Steps to Christ p47]

2008-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL

MAY WE ALL HAVE A CHIRST FILLED 2009!!!!

I LOVE YOU.

You Are My Everything

2008-12-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I know its been a while. I have been learning about myself and what Jesus really means to me and should mean to me. You know sometimes we encounter things and experience things to learn and boy have I learnt.

I have learnt that there is NO ONE who Loves us more than Jesus Christ. He will never, leave, forsake or hurt us. He loves us so much that he gave his life for us and that says a lot.

Question: Who do you know in your life would sacrifice EVERYTHING for you? Their riches, power, dignity, Deity, life?

Answer: Jesus!!!

Remember: Inside the will of God, there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success!!! You choose. Read Psalm 118:8

Below is a song from South African Gospel singer Johnathan Butler. This song is very special to me because I believe that this is how we should live and what Jesus should truly mean to all of us!!!! God Bless!!! I Love You All.

You’re my life Lord Jesus (2x)
You’re everything to me
You’re the sweetest song I sing
You are my everything

My hope
My song
My strength
My shield
In you I live and have my being

All I want is Jesus (2x)
Nothing in this world
Compares to what you’re worth
You are my everything

By Johnathan Butler

Please Help Me—I Have a Problem"

2008-11-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'"1

Years ago when I was doing a counselor training course, one of the instructors made the statement, "Whatever bothers you is your problem!" "Hmmm," I thought to myself, "that's an interesting concept—never thought of that before."

At the time I was going through a rough situation personally and was in despair about it. During the course of the training, I explained to my counselor about my predicament and he said, "That must make you angry."

"No," I replied, "I'm just hurt." And he left me with the thought, "That must make you angry!"Shortly after that I went for a long walk, thinking about, "That must make you angry." Then the truth hit me like a bolt of lighting! "Whew," I admitted to myself, "I am angry—very angry!"I was never able to change the person whom I felt had rejected and hurt me so badly, but I was able to change me, and come to terms with my feelings (which I had learned to bury and deny at an early age), and resolve them.

It also helped me to deal with the anger I had towards my father from whom I had been estranged for many years and resolve that impaired relationship. Fortunately, I was able to do this a few months before he died.

My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. What others do to me may or may not be a problem, but how I react and feel is always my responsibility. However, to the degree that I overreact, that is always my problem.It is true; whatever bothers me is my problem.

This can be a hard pill to swallow, but until we accept this reality, we will continue to blame others for our feelings and possibly never resolve our hurts/anger or impaired relationships.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the people in my life whom you have used to confront me with truth and reality. They have been angels in disguise. Help me to always recognize them as such and use their insights to help me become a better, healthier, and more loving and accepting person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 18:13 (KJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

God's Goal Is Not to Make Us Good

2008-11-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

"We proclaim Him [Christ], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete [mature] in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."1

We don't have to be good for goodness sake!In fact, being good may be our worst enemy. It was for the Pharisees! Their external goodness was a cover-up used to avoid facing what they were on the inside. Jesus did not approve of their external religiosity! In fact, he opposed it vehemently.

It can bring a great sense of freedom to realize that God isn't into rules, but rather relationships. And his goal isn't to make us good, but to make us whole; that is, to heal us from the inside out. The end result will be goodness but goodness that comes from a healed heart, and not from adhering to external rules and regulations dictated by legalism.

This is not an excuse to act out in sinful or destructive behaviors or to ignore God's laws which are for our protection. Never! As the Apostle Paul said, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means...."2

What it does mean is that I need to grow towards wholeness and maturity by recognizing my inner brokenness, my weaknesses, and my unresolved character issues and bring them not only to God, but also to a trusted friend and/or counselor for healing and recovery. As a general rule, we got damaged (emotionally) in damaging relationships and we get healed (emotionally) in healing relationships. As James said, "Therefore confess your sins [and faults] to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."3

Again, God's goal is not to make us good, but to make us whole. It's the heart that counts with him, not the externals. If all I have is external goodness, I am no better than the Pharisees. Realize too, that only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, our attitude, our actions, our behavior, and our relationships be "whole-some."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see my broken parts so I can bring them to you for healing. Confront me with my reality, make me whole, and lead me to the help that I need to do this. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Colossians 1:28–29 (NASB).
2. Romans 6:1 (NIV).
3. James 5:16 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Loving Your Enemies

2008-11-25T03:31:00.000-08:00

"But I [Jesus] say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."1

Bob Lewis relates the story of a Christian woman "who owned two prize-winning chickens. One afternoon, the chickens worked their way out of her yard and into her neighbor's garden. The neighbor, known for his hot temper, captured both birds, wrung their necks and then threw their lifeless carcasses across the fence into the Christian's yard.

"The woman was understandably hurt and considered giving her neighbor a piece of her mind. Instead, she took the chickens home and prepared two chicken pot pies. Whereupon she took one to her neighbor and then apologized for not being more watchful of her chickens. The man was speechless. The chicken pot pie coupled with an apology filled him with such a sense of burning shame that his whole life began to change."Need I say more?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I find it real easy to love those who are lovable but don't know how to love my enemies and those who would mistreat me. Please help me to grow in love so that I will always be 'as Christ' to everyone—friend or foe. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:44 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Second Chances

2008-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.'"1

I think most of us enjoy the story of "Jonah and the Whale (Great Fish)."

Jonah was commissioned by God to go to Nineveh and warn the people that if they didn't repent of their wicked, sinful ways, God would destroy them. Jonah didn't like these people and didn't want God to save them, so he boarded a ship and went off in the opposite direction. But God sent a great storm "to shake Jonah up."

However, all aboard the ship were terrified for their lives. When Jonah admitted he was the cause of the storm, the sailors threw him overboard.But God in his mercy sent a big fish to swallow Jonah.

Had God not done this, without a doubt Jonah would have drowned. On the third day, Jonah repented and God caused the great fish to vomit him up on a beach. After Jonah repented and God rescued him, God commissioned him a second time.

Having worked in the area of recovery for a number of years, and specifically in the area of divorce and grief recovery over the past decade, I have seen too many individuals rush into a second marriage without resolving the issues that caused their first marriage to fail—and then see their second marriage and, for some, their third marriage fail.

What many fail to realize is that, in all of life (not just marriage), what we fail to resolve we are destined to repeat … repeat … repeat … until we get it right! The good news is that no matter how many times we fail, God in his mercy and infinite patience will give us a second, third, fourth, fifth, ad infinitum opportunity to get things right.

However, once we get it right, we don't have to go through the same failure again! This is why I encourage divorcees (and others who have failed in other situations) to resolve the issues in their life that caused their marriage or situation to fail so they won't have to go through the same terrible experience.

God wants us to recover, heal and become whole so we won't keep hurting ourselves—and others. Like Jonah, God will keep giving us as many opportunities as we need so we will get it right. That means quitting the blame game, admitting and facing our personal problems, and getting into recovery.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to admit every failure in my life and help me to see the causes behind these failures, and lead me to the help I need to resolve these issues and recover so I can move on with my life in more creative and wholesome ways. Please help me to use every one of my failures as an opportunity to grow and become a better, healthier, more God-honoring person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Power of Gossip

2008-10-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."1

Alan Boone tells the humorous story how, at the end of their first date, a young man takes his favorite girl home. Emboldened by the night, he decides to try for that important first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her:

"Darling, how about a goodnight kiss?"
Horrified, she replies, "Are you mad? My parents will see us!"
"Oh come on! Who's gonna see us at this hour?"
"No, please. Can you imagine if we get caught?"
"Oh come on, there's nobody around, they're all sleeping!"
"No way. It's just too risky!"
"Oh please, please, I like you so much!"
"No, no, and no. I like you too, but I just can't!"
"Oh yes you can. Please?"
"NO, no. I just can't.""Pleeeeease?"

Out of the blue, the porch light goes on, and the girl's sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice the sister says: "Dad says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, he'll come down himself and do it. But for crying out loud tell him to take his hand off the intercom button!"2

Ooops ... Some time ago after teaching a class, I was sharing personally with a friend and my microphone was still turned on! Very embarrassing!

What can be even more devastating and disappointing is when you have shared in confidence something very personal with someone that you trusted, only to find that they have shared it with someone else, and that someone shared it with someone else, and so on. Trust has been broken and you feel betrayed.

How easy it is to gossip. We can do it in numerous ways besides verbal assaults on a person's character. When someone's name is mentioned, all we have to do is say, "Oh, HIM!" in a negative tone of voice—or even give a dirty look at the mention of a person's name.

As another has said, "Most of us would never steal a man's transportation, but think nothing of stealing his reputation."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to guard my tongue, and always ignore and never pass on harmful gossip. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV).
2. Alan Smith, Boone, NC. www.TFTD-online.com.

Credit: Daily Encounter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

2008-10-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday dear ME, Happy birthday to ME!!!!!

An Obedient Heart!!!

2008-09-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Morning all. Sometimes I find myself wondering why I am here. You know we can really let the cares of this passing world take over our lives and take our eyes off what is important.

What is important is living the life Jehovah God placed us here to live. He made us for himself and for his habitation. He deposited things in our lives to be beneficial to others and to give God all the honour and glory.

How many of us can honestly say that we are living within the will of God? I know that if I answer this question right now it would be in the negative. Yep!

Part of the problem is that I am never satisfied with my circumstances. I always think that there is something better out there for me and that God will want me to be happy … Blah! Blah! Blah! You know what I mean, the usual things we say to convince ourselves that our rebellion against God is not really rebellion.

I went to church yesterday morning and our Pastor was saying certain things that pertained to me and I was praying to Heavenly Father yesterday about my situation (which I created myself) and I asked him “Lord, why am I so disobedient?” No matter how much he shows me He loves me and how much I am worth to Him, I always, ALWAYS do something to mess up, be it doing something I am not to do or not doing something I am to do.

Therefore, this morning I was praying again this morning and all I asked Him was for a “Heart to obey Him”. That is all I want is an obedient heart, not to deny him. I also told Him “Lord I am not going to stop bothering you until you give me that new heart”.

Anyway, I was listening to a CD about 7 youths who Jesus carried to hell to show them the suffering of lost souls sent there. One of the youths sited Proverbs 27:20 and I did some research and came upon http://www.letgodbetrue.come/ and the interpretation of this Proverb below.

God Bless and I Love you all.

Proverbs 27:20 - Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

There is always room for one more fool to live a painful and dysfunctional life and die a miserable death! Hell and destruction are never full! Therefore, fools are always lusting after the evil things that will ruin their lives! The eyes of man are never satisfied! Fools rush to their own hurt and loss every day! There is always room for one more! Go on in, fool!

There is no limit to loveless marriages, foolish children, lonely hearts, underemployed sluggards, early deaths, starving dreamers, and other problems. You can join them, reader! Prisons have few vacancies, because another fool shows up to fill the house of pain. Divorce Court never closes, because one more fool chose to marry for lust instead of faith or chose to divorce for feelings instead of facts. A.A. always takes new members, for there is one more lush unwilling to drink water. Hell and destruction are never full.

Fools are hilarious! They always want, wish, and lust for something to make them happy - which they never find! They think a man, a woman, a child, a house, an amount of money, a car, a boat, affection from another fool, marriage, an event, a promotion, or something else will make them happy! But they never find it, no matter how hard and long they look! They are doomed to misery, for they have got on a treadmill to nowhere!

They are never content with what they have, even if it is much; for they imagine there is something more exciting out there to make them happy. So they live frustrated and lonely lives, searching for Nirvana, and then they die and wake up in hell! What a miserable existence! Hell and destruction are never full! A fool's eyes are never satisfied!

Hell and destruction are a miserable and painful life and an unnecessary death (23:13-14). The lake of fire is never full either! It always has a little more room! But the lesson here is about painful lives. You too can destroy your marriage, fail with your children, or live with a lonely and frustrated soul. You too can turn your life into hell and destruction. The grave never says, "Enough" (30:15-16), so fools find new ways to lie and die miserably. No matter how many bodies are cast into the ground each day, there is room for more!

The eyes of man are never satisfied, because man craves anything other than God. There is no end to the lust of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I Jn 2:15-17). Every foolish man thinks a little more of this or that will make him happy. He cannot relax; he dreams of something better; he needs another event to bring him a taste of excitement. He refuses to accept his present circumstances, for he thinks himself too good for them! He thinks in the near future he will discover something to bring peace and joy.

Give a woman a good husband: she wants a different man. Give him a good job: he wants to work for himself. Give her a warm home and children: she wants something to do. Give him a good income: he wants more. Give her a good body: she wants it better. The problem is not improvement; the problem is out-of-control priorities leading to sin. Why do men with beautiful wives divorce more often than those with average wives? Why are women that could be content with the Lord always frustrated and looking for more?

The strange woman - by her sins of fornication and adultery - takes men down to death and hell (2:18-19; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18; Eccl 7:26). But there is always room for one more fool to use the cover of darkness to go near her house to taste her deceitful offerings (7:6-10). He sees her beauty and hears her flattery and is sure he has found the treasure of pleasure. Foolish men are not satisfied with their wives, so the punishing ruin of adultery always has room for one more fool to be accepted into its downward spiral to destruction.

Adam and Eve were not satisfied in Paradise, and it cost them everything. He that loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, which is vanity and vexation of spirit (Eccl 5:10). Covetousness is idolatry and a great evil, which leads to constant frustration and unhappiness (Eph 5:5). Men's hearts always want something else or something more, and this evil fretting against God and lust for new things will take them down to destruction.

Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim 6:6). But fools cannot learn the lesson! They hear it, but they cannot learn it. For they have convinced themselves - deceived themselves - that there is something else that will excite and fulfill their little souls. But the blessed God will never let you find anything positive outside Him, so those who get their eyes and hearts attached to the things of this life are doomed to misery!

Fool! Are you discontent, frustrated, and suffering misery and pain in your life? It is your fault! You have chosen your own lusts over the things of God and heaven. You protect your pet sins; you resent correction by your teachers; and you intend to do things your way. If you will make the blessed God your everlasting portion, you can always be content and filled with joy (Ps 16:11; 73:25-26).

If you choose wisdom, you can find life and escape death (13:14; 14:27). There is also room for one more saint!

Credit: Let God Be True.

Stand Up and Be Counted

2008-09-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all of you my beautiful brothers and sisters in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am sorry that I am not around much to minister to you but as I said in an earlier thread I am really busy and many things are happening all at once in my life. However, one thing remains consistent, that is My Love for Christ Jesus and his Love for us.

I am leaving you with an article written by the Daily Encounter and I hope that it blesses you in a mighty way. Until we meet again - may the Good Lord Bless and Keep You. I Love you all.

"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was in the wrong."1

On more than one occasion Jesus confronted the Pharisees in no uncertain terms for their hypocritical behavior, as did the Apostle Paul to Peter in the above Scripture verse.

So when is it right for us to confront others and when do we need to keep silent?

How do we know when we are reacting in proportion to what has happened or if we are overreacting?

When someone attacks us personally, when do we turn the other cheek?

Or when we see wrong in society, business, or politics, should we speak out or should we look the other way and say nothing?

When people attacked Jesus and accused him falsely, he remained totally non defensive and said nothing because he had nothing to hide. On the other hand, when people misused the house of God and used people for their own ends, or tried to hide their hypocrisy behind a facade of religious piety, or loved their man–made legalistic rules more than they loved people, Jesus spoke out against them in no uncertain terms.

The bottom line is our motive. Jesus always did what he did because he loved God and he loved people. He attacked evil and wrong head on because it was destructive to those whom God loves—us.

Furthermore, Jesus always spoke with authority but was never authoritarian, rigid, controlling or manipulative because he always acted out of pure motives and had no hidden agenda. What we need to do if we are going to make an impact in our world is, first of all, to acknowledge our own shortcomings and with God's help, work to overcome these.

Second, we need to love the things God loves and hate the things he hates and speak out against the things God hates as Jesus did. We need to be angry with these too. We simply cannot love righteousness without hating unrighteousness.

Remember that meekness is not weakness, and also the words of Edmund Burke who said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the insight to discern that which is right and that which is wrong, and give me the courage to stand up and be counted, speak out against and confront the wrong, but always in a loving and Christ–like manner. And help me always to be willing to do my part to bring about change. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Galatians 2:11 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Sand and Stone

2008-09-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Morning guys. I know its been a while but I went on vacation and just got back and you know how it is when you come off vacation your desk at work is swamped.

Anyway I experienced some heavy stuff over the past three weeks but time will not permit me to speak on it just yet since I have a meeting I must run into.

However, be rest assured that I was thinking of you all the time. How much you guys mean to both me and God.

So anyway below is something I got from my friend Larry and I hope its a blessing to you as it has been to me. Until we meet again, may the good Lord bless and keep you.

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT;

AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT,

BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE'.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,

WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE !

AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:

'TODAY MY ST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE '.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,

'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED:

'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE I T DOWN IN SAND,

WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,

WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.'

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

On Barking Dogs and Sleeping Lions

2008-08-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

The follwing message was taken from the Daily Encounter, I hope that it will be a blessing to you as it has been to me. God Bless and I Love You!!!

"Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise ... the weak things of the world to shame the strong ... the lowly things of the world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."1

Irving is credited with having made the remark that "a barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion."

Another way of saying the same thing is that "the race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running."

One of the encouraging aspects about God is that you don't have to be an expert or anything out of the ordinary for him to use you. God uses people just like you and me.

Consider, for example, the men Jesus chose to be his disciples: a couple of fishermen, a despised tax gatherer, a thief, and so on.

Jesus himself didn't attend college or seminary (or the equivalent in his day) but chose as his profession to be a carpenter as was his father, Joseph.

For God to use us, we just need to be available and faithful to his calling, and get adequately trained so we can do the best we can in our service to the Lord. While the disciples weren't qualified to be disciples when Jesus called them, they spent the next three years being trained by the Master Teacher Par Excellence—the Lord himself.

Remember, it's better to be a barking dog than a sleeping lion. What a difference we Christians would make in our family and all our relationships, in our church, and in the world in which we live if we would all pray the following prayer at the beginning of every day:

"Dear God, I'm available. Please make me usable and use me today to be as Christ to my family, to someone in need, and in some way to every life I touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."1.

1 Corinthians 1:26–28 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Be thankful!!

2008-08-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you think you are unhappy, look at them!!!

If you think your salary is low, how about her?

If you think you don't have many friends...

If you think study is a burden, how about her?

When you feel like giving up, think of this man.

If you think you suffer in life, do you suffer as much as he does?

If you complain about your transport system, how about them?

If your society is unfair to you, how about her?

Enjoy life how it is and as it comes

Christians

2008-08-05T07:31:00.001-07:00

Christians
by Maya Angelou

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first... to find her."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does...

but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

When It's all been said and done

2008-07-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Good day to all of you my brothers and sisters in the Lord. This is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.

At last Sunday morning service our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ used his Oracle our Pastor to ask us three questions and for us to truly examine our hearts and answer truthfully.

Question 1:

Jesus asked – Do you love me more than your best friend?

My answer – I paused, thought about my best-friend (my husband), then I said: "Yes Lord I do love you more than my best friend”.

I must confess I really had to think about that which should not be, I felt disappointed in myself because he deserves so much more.

Question 2:

Jesus asked – Why are you serving me?

My answer – The first answer that popped into my head – “Because I have no choice”

This time I felt ashamed since I knew that I should not just serve Him because He is the only way to life everlasting but because I must have a great desire in my heart to bring my end to completion (i.e.) live for him and let his will be done in my life for the edifying of the church, learn and be strong and pass on all that I have learnt to faithful men and women who would then pass it on to other faithful for His honour and glory.

Question 3:

Jesus asked – What does serving me mean to you if you are following friends?

My answer: “Lord what?”

I can just imagine how Peter felt in John 21 (after Jesus’ resurrection) when the Lord Jesus asked Him – Do you love me three times. Do you love me more than them (Peter’s close friends, six of the other 11 disciples).

I can just imagine how Peter felt when the Lord Jesus told him to feed his lambs, feed his sheep and told him how his final days on the earth will be if he chose to truly follow him.

Although Peter knew that he would become blind, crucified and suffer many other trials once he chose to follow Christ, he did – Because he loved Him.

It made me take a step back and look at my walk and sensitized me to the fact that many of us truly don’t comprehend what it truly means to Love Jesus.

How many of us will die for him once it brings honour and glory to Him?

How many of us will take the extra time and effort to feed his lambs (young Christians) and be patient with them the way Jesus has and still is patient with us?

How many of us would serve Him if it means loosing the things and those we love and treasure?

For many of us will be called upon to loose, suffer and die for Him, which would we choose? Would we love life and loose it? Or would we hate our life and live?

This morning (like every morning) my husband turned on praise and worship for us to commune with and praise Elohim whilst getting ready for work. Then I heard a song from Don Moen, which truly crystallized what was said on Sunday, and it really stuck in my spirit, it ached my heart. I must share this food with you.

God Bless and I Love you all.

When it’s all been said and done:

When it's all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I have done For love's rewards

Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great

That you look beyond our weakness

That you found purest gold in miry clay

Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise

Here on earth and in heaven after

For you've joined me at my true home

When it's all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone...

By Don Moen
Album: Thank You Lord

Joy in the Morning ... After the Mourning

2008-07-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."1

Letters such as the following are par for the course in the work that I do:"My fiancée called off our wedding. How can I fill the hollow ache inside me?""My wife left me for another man. How can I even begin to think about the future?"

"After 30 years together, my husband has died. What meaning is there in life for me now?"True, it's easy to believe the principle in today's Bible verse when we don't need it! But for heart-broken people it can seem that "joy in the morning" is a far way off.

The reality is that disappointment, heartache, grief, and sorrow come to all of us at some time or another. Sooner or later we are all going to lose an opportunity, our job, our investment portfolio, or a loved one.

And, as the poet said: "When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and debts are high,

You have to smile but you want to cry.

"It takes time to work through and resolve our grief (and we need supporting friends to help us do this). But when we do, we can come out a more understanding and caring person ... and better able to support others who are going through sad times.

And, in time, joy in the morning will replace our mourning!For whatever encouragement it may be, try to remember that no matter how disappointed you are feeling or how much you are hurting right now, know that every heartache and loss has within it the seeds of opportunity. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price, which, when found, will dwarf your problem.

The greatest success stories are written by people who, against seemingly overwhelming and often insurmountable odds, have accepted their trials and turned them into opportunities for personal growth and stepping stones on their pathway to success.With God's help you and I can do the same. Trust him and choose friends who will empower you to do so.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every disappointment, heartache, sorrow, and trial I experience, help me to always keep trusting my life to you and, in the process, will you please make something beautiful out of my life. Please do this for your glory, and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

God Speaks

2008-07-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning my brothers and sisters, this is the day that the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it. I know it has been a while but I have been busy, however one thing remains the same is my Love and Fear for the Lord and my Love for You.

I am constantly in a battle with myself. Sometimes I know when the heavenly father is speaking to me through his Holy Spirit and then sometimes I am not sure. My husband always tells me “By now you should know when the Lord is speaking to you”.

The funny thing is when I am being admonished, I know. Yeah I am still a little disobedient to Heavenly Father but I am improving daily and by His grace, I will learn to submit fully under his mighty hands and allow the Potter to shape me into the vessel of honour he wants me to be.

Therefore, my problem is when God speaks to me in that still, quiet voice. I know its him sometimes, and then sometimes I wonder if it is just me speaking to myself. You know the Lord Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Therefore, this also tells me that I need to spend more personal time with Him to truly get to know his voice.

On the other hand you must also be able to distinguish when your thoughts are yours and when it is a result of demonic manipulation or influence. When a thought pops up in your mind and your first response is to shun it or it repulses you immediately, usually that is not your thought but your mind is being demonically influenced. So the next time this happens weigh it carefully. Do not leave room for the devil to manipulate, pull down that imagination in the name of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

I am positive that many of you also wonder about when God is speaking to you and when it is yourself. Well below is an article from The Daily Encounter on the topic and I hope that it is a blessing to you as it has been for me. God Bless!

“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 [or direct your paths]."1

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "How can I know when God is speaking to me, or when it is just my own thoughts? I often joke that God needs to throw a brick and hit me upside the head with a note attached!" I can understand how this person feels and feel confident that many other readers struggle with the same question.

I once had a man tell me that God told him that he was to work for me. I did not buy his message. And I wasn't struck down by lightning when I wouldn't give him a job!

When I was a deacon in a former church, this same man and another deacon, when important matters were to be discussed, claimed that God had told them the way it was to be. This could have been the end of any further discussion, for who can argue against God? But my answer to these people where it affects me is that "God hasn't told me yet, so can we discuss the matter further?" These people didn't like me very much!God has never spoken to me in an audible voice but apparently he does to some people.

I believe at least on one occasion God has "spoken" to me in a vivid dream. What we need to be certain of is to test the message to see if it is from God or from myself or any other source. How do we do this?

First, God's message will always be in harmony with his Word, the Bible, and never in opposition to it. I recall hearing one speaker talking about a phenomenon happening in his church saying that it must be a new work of God because it isn't in the Bible! This can be a very misleading path to follow.

Second, when God is speaking to us or leading us, there is a quiet conviction and a sense of inner peace. As his Word says, "Let the peace of God rule in your heart" (Colossians 3:15). When I don't have this inner peace, I have learned the hard way not to act on what I think I should do. In younger days, if what I thought was God speaking to me, I would have been willing to stand on my head in public. But I learned that there is a vast difference between what God is saying (a conviction) and what is my own compulsion. With a conviction there is a sense of freedom and peace. But where the "little voice inside my head" keeps saying, "You have to do this! You have to do this! You have to do this!" and it is distressing me, I can be certain that it is a compulsion and not from God.

Third, God often "speaks to us" or leads us through our circumstances. Speaking personally, as I look back over the years, I can see how God has consistently led me through various and sundry circumstances and as the hymn–writer said, "Jesus led me all the way."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I commit my way to you and trust you with all my heart, you always lead me in the way that I should go. Please help me to learn how to discern when the "voice" I hear is from you or from myself or another source. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Should Christians Ever Divorce? Part I I

2008-07-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife" [or husband].1

Whether we agree with it or not, divorce happens. Some have done all in their power to save their marriage but failed to do so. Then there are those who go into marriage with no sense of responsibility or commitment to make their relationship work.

Today we are speaking about the former, not the latter whose divorce could rarely, if ever, be justified. Unfortunately, some Christians today still see divorced people as second–rate citizens and many churches (and/or fellow Christians) do not accept them fully. As the old saying goes, the church is the only army who shoots its wounded!

Today's church as a whole is very much for families; that is, married families. This in light of the fact that more than half the adults 24 years and older, at least in the U.S., are single! The single world is thus a vast mission field that many, if not most, churches and Christians pretty much close a blind eye to.

The good news is that God doesn't reject divorcees who acknowledge their failure and ask him for his help and forgiveness. Think of the woman at the well who had had several husbands and was not married to the man she was now living with! Did Jesus reject her? No. In fact he used her to take the gospel to the people in her town! We probably would have given her the "left foot of fellowship."

Think, too, of the woman caught in the act of adultery! Did Jesus reject her? No, he didn't. And while he didn't condone her behavior, he loved and accepted her and helped to free her from her sinful lifestyle.

Certainly divorce should ever only be the last step after every honest attempt has been made to save the marriage. But unless both partners are committed to personal honesty, facing the truth about their contribution to the conflict, and are willing to grow, change and work on their own recovery, it is hopeless.

In my experience, I have witnessed that in most failed relationships too many people play the blame–game and as long as they blame the other person for their problems, without facing what they have contributed to the breakup, there is no resolution and there is no hope for resolving the conflict. The reality is that we are as sick—or as healthy—as the people we are attracted to.

God's Word also reminds us to live, if possible, peaceably with all people,2 which is implying that it isn't always possible to do this. And that it is better to live in the corner of the housetop than in a wide house with a quarrelsome partner.3

When we think about what God has to say about divorce, let's not forget the many other Scriptures that apply to relationships.

Another thing I urge divorcees is to see their failed marriage as God's wakeup call for them to face and work through their character issues/weaknesses to ensure that they won't make the same mistake again, for what we don't resolve, we are destined to repeat. And God will allow us to keep repeating our mistakes until we get it! But once we learn what we need to learn, we don't need to keep learning the hard way. What God wants for all of us is to be made whole, for only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, attitude, behavior, actions and relationships be whole–some.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be open and honest in my relationships—with you and with all the important people in my life; help me to face and resolve my character weaknesses, and to be 'as Christ' to others so I will be protected against divorce and other failed relationships. Thank you God for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: Be sure to read my article, "Living Again After Divorce" at: http://tinyurl.com/9g92u

1. Proverbs 21:9 (NIV).

2. Romans 12:18.

3. Proverbs 25:24.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Should Christians Ever Divorce, Part I

2008-07-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

"'For I hate divorce,' says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'and him who covers his garment with wrong,' says the LORD of hosts. 'So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.'"1

A question that arises from time to time asked by Daily Encounter readers has to do with divorce: Should a Christian ever get divorced?I've worked in the area of Divorce and Grief Recovery for the past decade or more, so I have regular contact with people struggling with this issue. For most, it is an extremely painful experience, and terribly disillusioning especially for Christians who sincerely want to do the Lord's will.

I know one man who right now is going through divorce. I believe he has done everything in his power to save his marriage. He has been in counseling for many months working on his side of the marital conflict but, sad to say, his wife has refused to continue in counseling and emphatically declares that her husband is the one who needs to change.

There are many wives who are in a similar situation.

So what should these people do? Should they stay in a toxic, destructive relationship? And what should or can they do when and if their partner files for divorce? Some fight the divorce but for many they have no choice!

True, God hates divorce and he does so because it is so hurtful to those whom he loves. Most divorcees hate divorce too. But let us remember that God also hates everything else that is harmful to his children.

This includes covering up wrong, gossip, lying, cheating, dishonesty, jealousy, pride, legalism, and destructive, abusive or hateful relationships, and hypocritical relationships that put on a good show in public but behind closed doors are anything but loving and kind. Unfortunately, some who "preach that God hates divorce" to those going through it are blind to the fact that God hates their judgmental attitude just as much as he hates divorce.

To be continued ...

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me not to be judgmental of those going through divorce, but rather help me to see my shortcomings, failures and sins and with your help, overcome these. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Malachi 2:16 (NASB).

Credit: Daily Enounter

Lessons from Rabbits

2008-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."1

Scientists were studying the impact of a high-cholesterol diet on heart disease. To measure this effect, they fed a group of genetically similar rabbits the same high-cholesterol diet. To their amazement, half the rabbits developed heart troubles, while the others were normal, with no noticeable heart disease.

This outcome was not explainable, so they bought new rabbits and repeated the study. At the end of two weeks, they obtained the same results. Something was wrong with the research design, but they could not determine the unaccountable variable.

Eventually, they discovered that during the evening the assistant who fed and cared for the rabbits took the rabbits out of their cages and cuddled them and petted them while she changed their bedding and food. However, because she was short, she could not reach the rabbits on the top shelf, so they were simply fed and changed without being picked up. Sure enough, after two weeks, the rabbits on the top row all had heart disease, while the rabbits on the bottom row were healthy. The environment and diet were exactly the same. The only variable was expressed love through touching.2

I'm not suggesting that we ignore a healthy diet. Not at all! But every one of us also needs a healthy diet of love and affection if we are to be and stay healthy.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be so filled with your love that I will always be loving and affectionate towards my loved ones and also (with discretion) to all the people you bring into my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 12:9–10 (NIV).

2. By Marvin Wray in "Wit and Wisdom."

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Fruit of Discipline

2008-06-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."1

"A peach tree stands in our back yard," wrote K. Marshall Strom. "Unpruned, the tree grew big and leafy. It was loaded with peaches, although the fruit was disappointingly small and tasteless.

"The year my husband, Larry, was out of work, he went to work on the tree. When I came home from school one day and saw how far back he had pruned it, I stared in shock. 'You've killed it,' I cried. 'Now we won't have any peaches at all.'"

I was wrong. That spring the pruned branches burst forth with a beautiful blanketing of pink blossoms. Some little green peaches replaced the blossoms. 'Leave them alone,' I begged. Larry ignored me and thinned the fruit."By the end of summer the branches were so heavily laden with fruit they had to be propped up. And the peaches—how large, sweet and juicy they were! There was no denying it: the tree was far better off from the painful cutting it endured."2

I like to constantly emphasize that God's goal is not to make us good but to make us whole. The result will be that genuine goodness will be the outcome of being made whole. But to be made whole usually takes a lot of "pruning" (discipline) by God.

Speaking personally, the only time I ever take a look at myself and break through some defense I have been using to hide some sin or fault, is when I am hurting bad enough. I mean, who wants to change when everything is going great. Not me! I may not like the "pruning" process but I certainly appreciate the result ... fruit!

So, if you are going through a rough time right now, ask God to help you see if there is some lesson he is teaching you, some issue he is wanting you to deal with, or some change he sees you need to make.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that your goal is to make me whole. Please help me to accept and submit to your pruning and discipline and, because of them, please make me a better, more whole person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV).

2. Cited on KneEmail, http://www.oakhillcoc.org/

Credit: Daily Encounter

LOOK UP

2008-06-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

By Charles R. Swindoll

Read 1 Kings 19:10--21

Thanks to God's kind and gentle dealing, Elijah crawled out of the cave. "He departed from there." God graciously nurtured him through rest and refreshment, gave him some wise counsel, and made him feel significant again. Talk about compassion!

Then God allowed Elijah to pass his mantle to Elisha, his successor. But God did more than that, abundantly more. For Elisha "arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him." God not only gave Elijah a successor; He also raised up a close, personal friend---someone who loved Elijah and understood him well enough to help and encourage him.

God has not designed us to live like hermits in a cave. He has designed us to live in friendship, fellowship, and community with others. That's why the church, the body of Christ, is so very important, for it is there that we are drawn together in love and mutual encouragement. We're meant to be a part of one another's lives. Otherwise, we pull back, focusing on ourselves---thinking how hard we have it or how unfair others are.

Elijah reminds us to look up:

Let's look up after the Lord graciously delivers us from depression. Let's look up when He allows us rest and refreshment following an exhausting schedule that has taken its toll on us. Let's look up and thank Him when He gently and patiently speaks to us from His Word after we've climbed out of a pit of self-pity. Let's look up and praise Him when He faithfully provides the companionship and affirmation of a friend who understands and encourages us. Let's look up and acknowledge the Giver more than the gift.

Let's say, "Thank You, Lord, for telling us all about Elijah," who is an unforgettable example that there is nowhere to look but up.

Building for Eternity

2008-06-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men."1

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter."This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well. So it is with us.

We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized it, we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It's the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to live with eternity's values in view and to build a life that will not only be rewarding for me but, more importantly, bring glory to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

1. Colossians 3:23 (NASB).
2. Author Unknown.

Credit: Daily Encounter

When your hut's on fire

2008-06-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.

He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Hope and Endurance

2008-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."1

You may have read the story about the "piano teacher who was affectionately known as Herman. One night at a university concert, a distinguished piano player suddenly became ill while performing an extremely difficult piece. No sooner had the artist retired from the stage when Herman rose from his seat in the audience, walked on stage, sat down at the piano and with great mastery completed the performance.

"Later that evening, at a party, one of the students asked Herman how he was able to perform such a demanding piece so beautifully without notice and with no rehearsal. He replied, 'In 1939, when I was a budding young concert pianist, I was arrested and placed in a Nazi concentration camp. Putting it mildly, the future looked bleak. But I knew that in order to keep the flicker of hope alive that I might someday play again, I needed to practice every day. I began by fingering a piece from my repertoire on my bare board bed late one night.

The next night I added a second piece and soon I was running through my entire repertoire. I did this every night for five years. It so happens that the piece I played tonight at the concert hall was part of that repertoire. That constant practice is what kept my hope alive. Everyday I renewed my hope that I would one day be able to play my music again on a real piano, and in freedom.'"

I'm sure that some of our readers at this time are facing great hardships and may even be in peril for their life. The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to experience great hardships, shipwreck, whippings, and being thrown into prison for his faith. He was the one who wrote today's Scripture verse encouraging the Christians in Rome (who, if they weren't going through persecution at the time, would soon be) to find encouragement and hope in the Word of God. May you and I do the same.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in times of hardship, despair and suffering, please help me to keep practicing my faith every day, putting my trust entirely in you. And please bring me through triumphantly to the last day when I will see you face to face and know you as you are. Grant that this hope and the encouragement from your Word will keep me enduring to the end. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

1. Romans 15:4 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Little Sins

2008-06-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."1

In their book, Living a Power-Filled Life, Bill Tucker with Pat Maxwell talk about a four-hundred-year-old tree that crashed to the forest floor.

Over the centuries it had been struck by lightning fourteen times, braved great windstorms, and even defied an earthquake. In the end, however, it was killed by little beetles. Boring under the bark, they chewed away its mighty fibers until the giant of the forest lay broken on the ground.

How true it is, it's the little things in life, which at the time seem harmless, but when you put them all together, they can cause great devastation.

''As another has said, "Many a marital grave has been dug by a lot of little digs." And as the ditty puts it:It's the little things that bother us and put us on the rack, you can sit upon a mountain but you can't sit on a tack! But the biggest danger of all is found in our so-called "little sins."

Eventually they will catch up with us and inch by silent inch will drive us farther and farther away from God. And as Edmund Burke said, "By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation."

Sins—large or small—are a spiritual cancer and unless we get the cancer, the cancer will get us. As God's word says, "Be sure your sin will find you out."2

The good news is that God also says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."3

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, your Word warns us about the dangers of sin. Please help me to see and admit to my sins, confess them to you, and receive your forgiveness. And help me to resolve and overcome any habitual sin I may have in my life. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

1. Song of Solomon 2:15 (NIV).

2. Numbers 32:23.

3. 1 John 1:9.

Credit: Daily Encounter

God's 26 Guards

2008-06-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a message that will bring you chills.Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said,

“I'll pray for them later?’On the other hand, has anyone ever called you and said,'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'Read the following story that was sent to me and It may change the way that you may think about prayer and The way you pray. The Lord will bless you.

A missionary on furlough told this true story while Visiting his home church in Michigan

“While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.Two weeks later, I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines.

He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. However, just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.

At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them.It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'At this point in the sermon, One of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet, interrupted the missionary, and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened.

The missionary told the congregation the date and the man who interrupted told him this story: 'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong; I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?' The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary was not concerned with who they were, He was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.

This story is an incredible example of how The Spirit If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it. Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.As you know, if we all take it to heart, we can turn this world toward God once again.As the above true story clearly illustrates,

'With God all things are possible'.More importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful.Give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles. He works in your own daily life.

Who says God does not move on the earth today? Do not tell GOD how Big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your GOD is!

Don't Forget to Pray

2008-05-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord."1

After the days of Moses when the armies of Israel, led by Joshua, were conquering the Promised Land marked out for them by God, the surrounding kings and nations were understandably terrified. This was because God was with the Israelites giving them great victories wherever they went.

However, the men of Gibeon, a nearby country, resorted to trickery and outsmarted Joshua. They sent a delegation to Joshua with the appearance of having come from a distant land so they could deceive Joshua into making a treaty with them. Their donkeys carried worn-out sacks and old wine skins that were cracked and had been mended. They wore old clothes, and worn and patched sandals, and the bread they carried with them was dry and moldy.

Their ruse worked. Joshua signed a treaty with them and only afterwards discovered they were a neighboring people among those countries God had told Joshua to destroy because of their wickedness. They had to live with the consequences as a result.Joshua's mistake was that he made this treaty without praying and inquiring of the Lord! An extremely valuable lesson for all of us to learn!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for including this story in your Word, the Bible, as a graphic reminder for me to seek your guidance and direction for every aspect of my life, so that I will continuously live in harmony with your perfect will. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Joshua 9:14 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Day That Changed the World

2008-05-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

"I [Jesus] am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades [hell]."1

I recall reading about a father who was caught with his two young daughters in a snow storm and lost his way. When night fell he wrapped his jacket around his two girls and lay on top of them to stop them from freezing to death.

The next day they were found by a search party. The two girls were alive and safe, but the father had frozen to death. He gave his life to save the ones he loved. That is what Jesus did for you and me.

He gave his life on the Roman cross some 2,000 years ago to pay for the consequences of our sin—death; that is, spiritual and eternal death which is not the cessation of life but eternal separation from God, the author and creator of all love and life. But when Jesus rose from the grave he forever overcame the power of death and sin.

In so doing, he guaranteed resurrection and eternal life for all who accept him as their personal Lord and Savior.

Rivi Zacharias expresses Christ's death and resurrection simply yet profoundly in the following words: "The disciples were the ones marked out for death. Those who survived Jesus were really the dead. And he, Jesus, the dead one, was really the living one." And because Jesus is the Living One—the day he rose from the grave was the day that changed the world forever. And the day that you and I commit our life to him and receive his free pardon is the day that will change our life—for all eternity. Forever!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for your great sacrifice in giving your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in my place to pay the ransom price for all my sin! And dear Jesus, because you died for me, help me to love you as I ought and to live all the days of my life for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Revelation 1:18 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Church's Impact on the Family

2008-05-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

"Let us not give up meeting together [in church], as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…."1

A study conducted some time ago by sociologist Steven Nock of the University of Virginia showed that couples who regularly attend church are 42% more likely to be married for the first time. And those in the church who were committed to its beliefs had a 23% better chance of having a "very happy" marriage than those who don't attend church.

Furthermore, according to a report by Warren Mueller, where both parents attend church regularly, 72% of their children continue in the faith. Where only the father attends, that percentage drops to 55%, but where only the mother attends, just 15% of the children remain involved in the church.Need I say more?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be an active participant in a healthy church and have positive fellowship (relationships) with fellow Christians both for my own growth and to be an encourager to others. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

1. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV).

Ruth's Letter!!!!

2008-05-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

A blessed good morning to all of you my precious brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it.

I received this from my friend Denzil and I pray that you are blessed by this simple yet effective story.

Sometimes we believe that we have to do some grand thing to help others when its the little things that really matters.

Remember Jesus said "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me" so let us be mindful of how we treat our fellowman because you never know who you are serving. Your little act of kindness can not only bless the person but also you. God Bless and I Love You all.

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter:

Dear Ruth:

I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.

Love Always,

Jesus.

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. 'Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer.' With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. 'Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner.' She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least.'

She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

'Hey lady, can you help us,lady?' Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags. 'Look lady, I ain't got a job, you know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us . Lady , we'd really appreciate it.'

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. 'Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him.' 'Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway.' The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.

As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. 'Sir, wait!' The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. 'Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest.' She handed the man her grocery bag. 'Thank you lady. Thank you very much!' 'Yes, thank you!' It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering. 'You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one.' Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. 'Thank you lady! Thank you very much!'

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. 'That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day.'

Dear Ruth:

It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,

Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wishing all mothers a very Happy Mother's Day

"Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."1

Lee Strobel tells about a mother from Costa Mesa, California who told about the day her three-year old son was on her heels wherever she went. She was having trouble doing her routine chores.

"Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around I would trip over him," she said. "Several times I suggested fun activities to keep him occupied, but he would just smile and say,

'That's alright Mommy I'd rather be in here with you.' He continued to follow me and after the fifth trip, my patience wore thin and I asked him why he was following me constantly."

He said, "My Sunday school teacher told me to walk in Jesus' footsteps but I can't see him so I'm walking in yours."

The greatest way we can teach our children about and show our loved ones the love of Jesus is through the example of how we live, and how we model his love in our everyday life.

As another has said, "We raise not the children we want but the children that we the parents are."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live that people, especially my children (and loved ones), will see Jesus in me and will want to follow in my footsteps and have Jesus in their life too. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Love God ... Love People

2008-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'…and…'Love your neighbor as yourself'."1

Ron Clark of Tasmania, Australia, tells how he "read of a halfway house for men released from prison where they could stay until they got a job and somewhere to live. One young man had been in a penal institution for most of his adult life. One day as he sat in the lounge, the three-year-old daughter of the couple who ran the shelter crawled up onto his lap, put her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. With tears running down his cheeks he said, 'This is the first time I can remember anyone touching me in love.'

"A few weeks later he gave his life to Jesus Christ. God used that unique communication of physical contact and love to break the scars of all those years."

I recall reading in one of Leo Buscaglia's books about a fairly small child who went to a neighbor's house where a husband lived whose wife had died. When she returned home, her mother asked what she did. She said, "I just sat on his lap and helped him cry."

If there were one answer for the ills of the world, it could be summed up in the words of Jesus when he was asked by a lawyer, "Which was the greatest of all the commandments?" To which Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."2

If we truly love God, we will serve him. We will also love people and do all we can to help them because we serve God by serving people.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to love you with all of my heart, soul and mind, and love my neighbor as myself, and to serve you by giving and ministering to others. And help me to always do this with a pure motive—one that will glorify you in all that I am and do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV).

2. Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Topped Up

2008-05-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."1

For any readers who have visited SouthernCalifornia during the New Year, you would probably be aware of and may have seen the incredible New Year's Day Rose Parade in Pasadena. Millions around the world have also seen the parade via TV.

An amusing thing happened in one year's parade when one beautifully decorated float suddenly came to a stand-still. It ran out of fuel!

The irony was that this float was entered by and represented the Standard Oil Company-one of the largest fuel companies of North America. With all their vast oil and gasoline resources they failed to make sure their own vehicle was running on full.

I wonder how often do we—with all the vastresources of God and heaven at our disposal—try to run on an empty love, joy and peace tank when, if we truly trusted God and followed his instructions for getting these needs met, would be certain to keep topped up? And how often do we try to run on an empty spiritual tank by neglecting to spend time with the Lord in worship, praise and daily devotions?

Let us make sure each day that we live inharmony with God's will and his ways so we keep "topped up" and have our love, joy and peace tank filled and running over!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be faithful all year in spending time with you every day in worship, praise, your Word, and prayer; and walk in obedience to make certain I am filled with your Spirit and have my life "topped up" and overflowing with your love, joy and peace, and spread your Son-shine wherever I go. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 15:5 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

When All Else Fails

2008-05-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

"When he [the prodigal son] came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father."1

In his One-Minute Uplift email newsletter Rick Ezell writes, "In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.

"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves.

"Such is the case with us. Sometimes we need to experience a little bit of death before we can enjoy the abundance of life. The Lord will rescue us the moment we have given up trying, realizing that we can't liberate ourselves, and cry to him for help."2

For many of us, like the prodigal son, it's only when all else fails and we hit rock bottom, that we turn to God for help but that's a good thing because only God can rescue us from the jaws of eternal death and damnation.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I finally admit that I have a problem—that I am a sinner—and need help, I discover that you have been waiting patiently for me to come to you so you could rescue and save me from the tragic consequences of sin which is eternal death and separation from you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Luke 15:17-20 (NIV).

2. Rick Ezell, Defining Moments,

Credit: Daily Encounter

I Love You 2

2008-04-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is truly a great blessing and honour to come before you today in the holy name of Jesus Christ. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

A few weeks ago I gave the words of the song below and I did not know the name of the singer (I dont know if she wrote the song). Well I found out her name. Her name is Angie Brown (I don't know if its short for Angela) she is the wife of pastor Clint Brown of Faith World Center of Orlando. So for you who missed the it enjoy.

I Really Love You Lord
You alone I adore
There is nothing I want more than You
You are the one who cares
You alone are always there
There is none who can compare with You
I Love You
I Love You!!!!

The Empty Promise of Promiscuity

2008-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."1

"Recently I've become promiscuous," began 20-year-old Ellen's sad email. "I've been boy crazy for as long as I can remember. My father left my life when I was twelve. My mom worked long hours and had little time for my brother and me after our parents divorced. I don't understand why I feel I can't function without a significant other in my life. I had a baby when I was 16, married at 17, and now I'm 20 and divorced. I'm searching for a 'soul mate' and I'm in love with the idea of love. It's ruining my morals and my values. I feel empty. Can you help?"

The above message was sent to a counselor friend of mine, Dr. Bruce Narramore. Tragically, situations like this in today's permissive society are far too common where so many lonely people seek to fill the empty void and hunger in their heart with false substitutes such as meaningless sex and empty relationships—both of which serve only to increase their sense of despair.

Bruce said, "I encouraged Ellen to seek help to gain an understanding of some of the causes of her problems. I pointed out how the void left by losing her dad and mom programmed her to feel an unusually deep need for human connection which was probably the driving force behind her promiscuity and excessive need for a man in her life. I also told her she could never fill the void coming from those childhood losses through a sexual relationship or even through marriage. We can't fill childhood voids with adult relationships. That is like pouring water through sand. The water is temporarily cooling but soon vanishes. If Ellen doesn't reverse this pattern, she will go through life trying to find the parents she lost through one tragic relationship after another.

"Ironically, not until Ellen becomes emotionally and spiritually strong enough to live without a man will she be ready for a healthy relationship. At that point she will be a mature adult ready for an adult relationship, rather than an emotional child searching for a lost daddy. And she will no longer 'be in love with the idea of love' which is simply a childish fantasy. Instead, she will be ready to love and be loved by a real person."2

Fortunately, Ellen admitted that she had a problem and needed help. She did seek counseling to help her resolve her childhood losses. We trust that she is now well on the road to recovery and ready for healthy relationships. Ellen's situation is a reminder to all who have unresolved losses that they also need to resolve their losses so they can get off the endless merry-go-round of seeking to fill the empty void in their heart by looking for love in all the wrong faces and places and by trying to fill their void with "things" instead of healthy relationships.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to admit to any unhealthy relationships and/or behaviors in my life, see the cause/s of these, and find the help I need to overcome so that I will grow in maturity and learn to fully live and fully love so my life will be a clean channel through which your love can flow to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Matthew 11:28 (NIV).
2. Narramore, Bruce, Project Letter of the Narramore Christian Foundation.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Come Apart and Rest a While

2008-04-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'"1

"According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity.

"Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, 'Now, answer the riddle, if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bows imply.'

"The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop was trying to make. Aesop explained, 'If you keep a bow always bent, it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit for use when you want it.'"2

So many of us today, including me, (at least in the Western world) are bogged down with being too busy. Much of life seems to be controlled by the tyranny of the urgent—unforeseen crises or needs that daily pop up unexpectedly—all of which are a vivid reminder that I, too, need to "come apart and rest a while—before I come apart." Even Jesus and his disciples, in the midst of their busy ministry, needed to take time out to get some rest. Dare we do less? There are times when we, too, need to loosen the bow.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the reminder that I need, not only to be diligent in my work and service, but also to take time to get needed rest every day. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Mark 6:30-31 (NIV).

2. Our Daily Bread, June 6, 1994

Credit: Daily Encounter

Overcoming Alcoholism

2008-04-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."1

June (name changed), A Daily Encounter reader, writes, "My daughter has been suffering from mental illness (schizophrenia) since she was 20. She has been on medication for 7 years. Because of her illness I took to drinking so I could get to sleep at night. Now I'm addicted to alcohol and can't break the habit. I've been trying for two years to overcome but to no avail. Can you please help?

Unfortunately this anguished mother is not alone. In a survey report from George Barna: "One out of every eight (12%) noted that they are 'dealing with an addiction' that personally haunts them."2

Following is what I suggested to June: Giving up any addiction is never easy and you need to realize that you can't overcome this kind of struggle in your own strength or by going it alone. We're not meant to do this. The Bible teaches us to "bear one another's burdens." This is why you need the support of understanding "fellow strugglers" such as those in an AA (Alcohol Anonymous) support group—as well as God's help.

Oftentimes, too, there is a deeper hidden cause behind addictions. So I suggest that you ask God if there is a deeper cause that he will reveal this to you. Also ask God to lead you to the help you need to resolve this cause as well as overcome your addiction.

I also urge you to join an AA twelve-step support group as this can be a vital part of your recovery.

For Alcoholic Anonymous (and other addictive) Groups your pastor, doctor or the social services in your area should be able to tell you how to find and contact a local AA group. Or you can get information from the AA web site at http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/.
For additional counseling resources go to: http://www.actsweb.org/counseling_resources.php

Whatever you do, don't try to go it alone. We all need understanding and support at times like this. You have taken the first step by saying, "I have a problem—I need help."

The second step (if you haven't already done this) is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior* so you can be honest with God and pray for his help.

The third step is to join an AA twelve-step support group. The Fourth step is to find and join a loving, understanding and accepting church that has support groups for struggling members. And, if necessary, the fifth step may be to seek the help of a qualified, well-trained professional counselor.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whatever problem I have, please give me the courage to admit that I have this problem (name it) and that I need help. And please lead me to the help I need to overcome so my life will bring glory to your name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

*NOTE. To accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and be sure you are a real Christian go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV).
2. Barna Research Group, http://tinyurl.com/j3p5f.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Letter from Hell!!!

2008-04-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Guys my husband got this video from Youtube and I think that it is very important and relevant to every believer. If we truly say that we Love Jesus Christ we would also Love his creation and minister to as many people as possible of Jesus' Love for us all.

God Bless

Depart from Me I know you not!!

2008-04-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I had on new clothes, new sneakers on my feet. I was there for class on time,went to the back and took my seat.

Yeah, I'm moving up, I'm already grown. Soon I'll be graduating, and out on my own.

I talked to some of my friends,we were all having fun. Said some things I shouldn't have said. Did stuff I shouldn't have done.

I knew I was different. I felt God touch my heart, I knew I should set a standard, but then I'd be set apart.

Walking to the bus, I was not looking for strength. I heard the car tires screeching, but now it's too late, I'm standing in this room, and I can see the heavenly gate.

Oh no! I never prayed. I thought I had time to get it straight! An angel walked to me, he had a book in his hand. I knew it was the Book of Life, when would this dream end?

I told him my name, and he began to look, then he looked at me sadly and said "Your name is not in this books".

Angel, this is a dream, No, I can't be dead! He closed the book and turned away, He whispered - You cannot proceed ahead.

No...no this can't be real, Angel, you can't turn me away, let me talk to God, maybe he'll let me stay.

He led me to the gate, Jesus came to me. He did not let me in but said "Beloved what is your need"?

"Jesus", I cried, "please, don't cast me away from you". Tears ran down his face as he said "You knew what you needed to do".

"Lord, please I'm young, I never thought I would die, I thought I'd have plenty of time death caught me by surprise. Lord, I went to church, Please Jesus, I believe."

He said "You would not accept me, My love you would not receive".

Lord, there were too many hypocrites. They weren't being true. He took a step back and asked "What does that have to do with you"?

Lord, my family claimed to be saved, They weren't real. you know. He said, "I died for you, now I have to go".

I fell to my knees crying to Him "Lord, I planned to be real tomorrow". I couldn't make Him understand, I had never felt such sorrow.

Then it hit me hard, I said, "Lord, where will I go"? He looked into my eyes and said, "My child you already know".

"Please Jesus", I begged, the place is so hot.

It seemed to trouble and grieve him, He whispered, "DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT".

Lord, you're supposed to be love, how can you send me to damnation? He replied "With your mouth you said you loved me, But each day you rejected my salvation."

With that in an instant, day turned into night. I never knew such torture could be, Now too late, I know the Bible is right.

If I can tell you anything, Hell has no age, it is a place of torture, Separated from God !

You know, I thought it was funny, a joke, But this one thing is true. If you never accept Jesus Christ, HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU! So please, ask Him into your heart.

God's "Security" Team

2008-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

"When the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all."1

Bruce Ferris wrote, "My wife and I recently saw a television show on The History Channel titled,
'The Man Who Predicted 911.' Long before September 11th, Rick Rescorla, the 62-year-old head of security at the Morgan Stanley Bank, developed an evacuation plan for the bank. The bank's offices were situated high up in the South Tower at the World Trade Center. Rescorla was convinced that Osama Bin Laden would use jet planes to try and destroy the World Trade Center. The plan and its preparation were hugely unpopular with the Morgan Stanley staff, many of whom thought Rescorla was mad.

"On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 hit World Trade Center Tower 1 at 8:46 am. Rick Rescorla ignored building officials' advice to stay put and began the orderly evacuation of Morgan Stanley's 2,800 employees on 20 floors of World Trade Center Tower 2, and 1,000 employees in WTC 5. Rescorla reminded everyone to 'be proud to be an American … everyone will be talking about you tomorrow,' and sang God Bless America and other songs over his bullhorn to help evacuees stay calm as they left the building. Rescorla had most of Morgan Stanley's 2800 employees as well as people working on other floors of WTC 2 safely out of the buildings by the time United Airlines Flight 175 hit WTC 2 at 9:07 a.m.

"After having reached safety, Rescorla returned to the building to rescue others still inside. He was last seen heading up the stairs of the tenth floor of the collapsing WTC 2. His remains were not recovered. As a result of Rescorla's actions, only six of Morgan Stanley's 2800 WTC employees were killed on September 11th, 2001, including Rick and three of his deputies who followed him back into the building.

"The remainder of this very moving broadcast focused on Morgan Stanley Bank employees who, now in tears, were praising and acknowledging Rick Rescorla for having saved their lives from total destruction that day. Many felt so guilty and apologetic [because] they had thought Rick foolish to keep preaching and standing for what he believed would happen if they were not ready. Those interviewed said they would never forget Rick Rescorla. He was their hero."2

The first coming of Jesus Christ is an indisputable fact of history. Be assured, his second coming will be just as certain. His first coming was to give his life to die on the cruel Roman cross to pay the just penalty for your sins and mine so we could receive God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. His second coming will be as King of kings and Lord of lords and to bring judgment on all who have failed or refused to accept God's warning and gift of forgiveness and salvation.
While ancient Noah built the ark he was mocked and ridiculed. None but his immediate family believed God's warning about the impending flood. And as Jesus has warned, it will be the same when he returns to judge the world and destroy all who have rejected his gift of salvation.

If you have never received God's offer of salvation, I urge you to do that today so you are ready for God's day of judgment. For help go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9 and read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious."

On the other hand, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, will you be as a "Rick Rescorla" to help notify all in your circle of influence about the coming of God's judgment and the impending doom of all who refuse to accept God's free gift of salvation. For an extremely simple way to do this go to: http://www.actsweb.org/announce.php.

And for those who live in the U.S. also go https://actscom.com/index.php to order a supply of the Good News business size witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts.

And will you help support the "Rick Rescorlas" who are on "God's security" team warning multitudes of people of God's coming judgment and are spreading God's good news of salvation around the world. To do this go to: https://actscom.com/donate.php

Think of all the people whose lives Rick Rescorla saved. You and I can do the same; that is, help save lives for all eternity. There is no greater privilege and responsibility in the entire world. Will you make this commitment today by genuinely praying the following prayer:

"Dear God, I am available. Please use me to be as a 'Rick Rescorla' and help save lives for all eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Luke 17:26-27 (TLB).
2. Bruce Ferris, http://www.sermoncentral.com/.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Real!!!

2008-04-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

A blessed good day to all of you my brothers and sisters in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I have in the past given you lyrics to deep psalms and hymns sung by brothers and sisters outside of the Caribbean. Today I feel compelled to share with you the words of a song/prayer that has truly ministered to my spirit and heart unlike any other in a long time.

Now this song was sung and written by a local group called The Broadwayboys. This group has been around since my youth. They are my age and because of this I listened to them allot because I felt that being youths themselves, they understood the challenges youths face daily.

To be honest, I am not sure if they are still ministering to people as a group or individually. What I can say is that the Lord has truly given them the grace and anointing to minister to a lonely heart, a broken spirit, a rebellious soul or someone who is just lost and searing for the right answer.

God Bless!!!

REAL – by The Broadway Boys

Real oh Jesus

Father help to be real as I face another day
To please you with my life as I walk along this way
Search my life Oh Lord remove any sinful way
That I may live in truth as you teach me your way

Touch my mouth Oh Lord make pure the words I say
My eyes oh Lord only to see this right way
My feet Oh Lord let them never go astray
Bless my heart with Love and let me love you all the way

(Oh yeah, Hear my cry oh Lord)

There are days when I just get up and go throughout the day
Neglecting Lord your word God just too busy to pray
Walking through the day sowing seeds that led to sin
Never was salt and light, Neglecting holy living

Now I face the fruits and consequences of my wrong ways
Bitter are my times and shorter are my days
No more than ever now Lord I really need your Grace
To walk in your light and not to faint in this race

Father help to be real as I face another day
To please you with my life as I walk along this way
Search my life Oh Lord remove any sinful way
That I may live in truth as you teach me your ways

Lord touch my mouth Oh Lord make pure the words I say
My eyes oh Lord only to see this right way
Bless my feet oh Lord let me never go astray
And touch my heart with love that I may Love You all the way

Why should I frustrate your grace Lord through disobedience?
Want to live like you live but I dwell out your presence,
Want to be used when I’m ready but not pure,
Want to be filled but my vessel insecure.

Or seeking out your power Lord and Your anointing,
But how can new wine be poured into an old wine skin?
You are the Potter Lord and I am the clay,
Mold my life and shape me I pray today.

Real, real Jesus help me to be real
Real, real Jesus help me to be real
Real in my mind, real in my heart, down in my soul
Oh father down in my soul.

Oh Real, real Jesus help me to be real
Real, real Jesus help me to be real
Real in my mind, real in my heart, down in my soul
Oh father down in my soul.

Oh Father help to be real as I face another day
To please you with my life as I walk along this way
Search my life Oh Lord remove any sinful way
That I may live in truth as you teach me your ways

Oh touch my mouth Oh Lord make pure the words I say
Touch my eyes oh Lord only to see this right way
Bless my feet oh Lord let me never go astray
And bless my heart with love that I may Love You all the way

(Oh yeah…oh.. yeah..)

Oh Father teach me to be humble
Lord Help me to be meek
Teach me to be strong even when I’m feeling weak

Teach me to be patient
Lord teach me to be kind
Help me keep a smile when your peace escapes my mind

Lord teach me to be gentle, at times I may be bold
Discipline in my walk, practicing of self control
All these things I pray Lord, let always be in me
For it is by Your spirit and for Your Glory.

Father help to be real as I face another day
To please you with my life as I walk along this way
Search my life Oh Lord remove any sinful way
That I may live in truth as you teach me your ways

Touch my mouth Oh Lord make pure the words I say
Touch my eyes oh Lord only to see this right way
Bless my feet oh Lord let me never go astray
And touch my heart with love and let me Love You all the way

Real Oh Jesus!!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2008-04-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like."1

"Mirror, mirror on the wall ... lie to me!" Don't we sometimes wish?

Either fortunately or unfortunately, mirrors don't lie, unless, of course, the mirror is distorted. If so, its reflection will also be distorted. And if I am not true to my word and do what I say I am going to do, there is something distorted within me. As the old saying goes, "Talk is cheap."

Keeping one's word and promises is a character trait to be highly valued. It is being authentic and maintaining integrity.

Unfortunately, it seems that keeping one's word for many anymore doesn't amount to too much. Like a worker I used some time ago who claimed to be involved in Promise Keepers. It was a joke. He rarely kept either his word or his promises. Sadly, a person who doesn't keep his word or his promises can't be relied upon. Neither can he be trusted. And a person who claims to be a Christian and doesn't genuinely and consistently seek to keep and obey God's Word can't be relied on either. Perhaps not trusted either?

As James said, "Don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does."2

If we are mature, we will act in a mature fashion. If we are responsible, we will act in a responsible manner. And if we are sincere and genuine, we will act accordingly and be known as men and women whose word is their bond.

For after all

It's what we do

Not what we say

That says the most of all.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a man/woman of my word and, with your help, one who seeks to obey your word. Always. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' Name. Amen."

1. James 1:22–24 (TLB).

2. James 1:22–25 (TLB).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Night Jesus Came!!!

2008-04-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

A pleasant good morning to all my brothers and sister is the Lord and Savour Jesus Christ. A friend of mines Denzil, sent me this poem and I really would love to share it with you. May it minister to us all. God Bless

It was the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not one in the house ..

The Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come there ..

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their head..

And Mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took a nap ...

When out of the east there rose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter ...

Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and lifted the sash ...

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here ....

The light of His face made me cover my head... was Jesus returning just like He'd said? ...

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself ...

In the Book of Life which he held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man ...

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name, when He said "it's not here" My head hung in shame ...

The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father above ...

With those who were ready He rose without sound, while all of the others were left standing around ...

I fell to my knees but it was too late, I'd waited too long and thus sealed my fate ...

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, Oh, if only I'd known that this was the night ....

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear the coming of Jesus is now drawing near ...

There's only one life and when comes the last call, We'll find out that the Bible was true after all.

B - Basic

I - Instruction

B - Before

L - Leaving

E - Earth

Jesus You're Beautiful!!!

2008-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

OK Guys so this is another song that really ministers to my entire being. The Lord has used his daughter Ce Ce Winan to convey how most of us feel about OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, BIG BROTHER, LOVER OF OUR SOUL, ADVOCATE, HIGH PRIEST, words can not express who he is and what he means to us - CHRIST JESUS!!!!!!

Jesus; Bright as the Morning Star

Jesus; How can I tell you how beautiful you are to me?

Jesus; Song that the Angels sing

Jesus; Dearer to my Heart than anything,

Sweeter than springtime

Purer than sunshine

Ever my song will be

Jesus You're Beautiful to me.

I LOVE YOU!!!!

2008-04-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Guys this song really ministers to my heart, spirit, body and soul. I don't know the name of the singer (God bless her soul) but God is really using her to do magnificent things. Enjoy!!!

I Really Love You Lord

You alone I adore

There is nothing I want more than You

You are the one who cares

You alone are always there

There is none who can compare with You

I Love You

I Love You!!!!

Overcoming Resentment

2008-03-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

"So get rid of your feelings of hatred [anger/ resentment]. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty."1

Also, "If you are angry [resentful], don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the Devil."2

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "How do you find release from resentment?"

First, admit exactly how you feel. Realize, too, that feelings are amoral; that is in and of themselves they are neither right nor wrong, they just are. It's what we do with them (and the cause of them) that is either right or wrong—creative or destructive.

Second, also realize that resentment is often a result of jealousy and anger. For instance, a jealous person is very often angry at either the person who received a promotion or some gift, recognition, or benefit he or she felt they were more deserving of and angry at the one who did the giving or gave the promotion.

Third, recognize that jealousy is often a byproduct of one's insecurity and poor self-image.

Fourth, to resolve resentment it is imperative that one resolves his or her anger. For help to do this read, "Taming Your Anger" at: http://tinyurl.com/b439f

Finally, one needs to fully forgive the one they feel has hurt them—whether the hurt is justified or not (often it isn't). However, without resolving one's hurt and anger, it is virtually impossible to forgive the one you feel has hurt you. After the hurt and anger are resolved, forgiveness becomes a simple choice—we either choose to forgive or choose to hang on to our hurt, anger and resentment.

As Loren Fischer so wisely said, "The difference between holding on to a hurt [resentment] or releasing it with forgiveness is the difference between laying your head at night on a pillow filled with thorns or a pillow filled with rose petals." And as another put it, "Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whenever I am feeling resentful, please help me to see the causes behind my resentment—be it insecurity, jealousy, hurt and/or anger—and find the help I need to deal with and resolve these issues so I will always freely forgive all who have hurt me as you have freely forgiven me for all of my sins. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

For further help read "Forgiveness: The Power That Heals" at: http://tinyurl.com/3bw3q3 and for resolving anger read, "Taming Your Anger" at: Taming Your Anger at: http://tinyurl.com/b439f

1. 1 Peter 2:1 (TLB).
2. Ephesians 4:26-27 (TLB).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Successful Failures

2008-03-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

"For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again."1

Chances are you've read about all of the following failures who ended up making a great impact in their chosen field of endeavor.

For example, as a young man Abraham Lincoln went to war as a captain and returned as a private.

Winston Churchill failed sixth grade.

Thomas Edison's teachers said he was "too stupid to learn anything."

Albert Einstein didn't speak until he was 4-years-old and didn't read until he was 7.

Louis Pasteur was only a mediocre pupil in undergraduate studies and ranked 15th out of 22 students in chemistry.

Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded.

F. W. Woolworth was not allowed to wait on customers when he worked in a dry goods store.

When Bell telephone was struggling to get started, its owners offered all their rights to Western Union for $100,000. The offer was disdainfully rejected with the pronouncement, "What use could this company make of an electrical toy."

An expert said of Vince Lombardi: "He possesses minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation."

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Babe Ruth is famous for his past home-run record, but for decades he also held the record for strikeouts.

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas."

Charles Schultz of "Peanuts" fame had every cartoon he submitted rejected by his high school yearbook staff—and Walt Disney wouldn't hire him.

After his first audition, Sidney Poitier was told by the casting director, "Why don't you stop wasting people's time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?"

When Lucille Ball began studying to be actress in 1927, she was told by the head instructor of the John Murray Anderson Drama School, "Try any other profession."2

And so the stories go on. For a more detailed and intriguing list visit: http://tinyurl.com/2bxktg.

What we learn from these people is that none of these people gained instant success. They suffered rejection, setbacks and failures—but they had a passion for what they wanted to do and stuck with it until they made it.

And for those of us who believe God has a purpose for our life we need to do the same, and in the words of Winston Churchill: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to discover my God-given life purpose and with your help pursue it with great enthusiasm and never, never, never, never give up. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV).
2. Source: Self-Efficacy Site, http://tinyurl.com/2bxktg

Credit: Daily Encounter

I'd Give My Life

2008-03-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."1

In the October 2000 issue of Decision magazine, an anonymous young man wrote in with the story of how he became a follower of Jesus. Years before he was caught in a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol abuse. His older brother, Terry, had once participated in this lifestyle, too, but Terry had recently become a Christian and that brought about an immediate change in his lifestyle. He enthusiastically shared his faith with anyone he came across.

A few months after Terry's conversion, the supermarket where he worked was robbed. One of the robbers shot Terry in the back. As Terry hung between life and death in the hospital, his younger brother finally turned to God and began to pray. He finally gave his life to Christ. He was able to tell Terry of his decision just a few days before Terry's death.

A few months later, Terry's brother got a job at the same supermarket where Terry had been shot. He began telling a colleague about his faith in Christ. This colleague told him that his older brother, Terry, had done the same thing. Then he added, "Your brother said that he would give his life if you could come to know the Lord Jesus."2

NOTE: To be sure you know Jesus as your Savior read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Gracious God, how can I ever thank you enough for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who gave his life on the cross so that I might have all my sins forgiven and spend forever in Heaven with you. And Jesus, because you gave your life freely for me, please help me to live my life fully for you and your Kingdom. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 5:6-8 (NIV).
2. "My Brother's Love," Decision, October, 2000, p. 30.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Danger of Setting Dates for Christ's Return

2008-03-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] will come at an hour when you do not expect him."1

It is amazing how intensely some people get caught up in the setting of dates regarding Christ's return and the end of this age. Jesus said that only God, the Father, knew the exact time his return would be. And yet whenever predictions are made with a specific date for Christ's return, there are gullible people who believe it and give up all they have in preparation for that day.

Over the centuries there have been various theories as to when and how the world might end. If you google "date setters" on the web, you will learn that over the past 2000 years there have been many who have claimed that the world would end or that Christ would return on a certain date. Obviously they were all wrong. Following are just two of the many.
German mathematician, Michael Stifel, based on his study of Revelation, calculated that God's Day of Judgment would be on October 19, 1533.2

Charles Taze Russell, founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, calculated 1874 to be the year of Christ's return. It was then changed to 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914 with later dates.3
Unfortunately, because of these and modern-day fanatics, many people, including Christians, ignore or even shy away from the biblical teaching about Christ's coming again and the end of this age as we now know it.

However, Jesus himself promised that he would come again.4 The angels of God assured the astounded followers of Jesus on the day of his ascension into heaven following his death, burial and resurrection saying, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."5 According to Jesus' words (when he was on earth) only God the Father knew the date and time of his return to earth.6

The fact is that Jesus is coming again. We just don't know when. It may not be for a hundred, or a thousand years, or it may be today. The important thing is to be sure that you are ready, for when we least expect it, Jesus will come again. As Theodore Epp said, we need to "live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow."

To be sure you are ready for Christ's return read, "How to Be Sure You're a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the wonderful hope that Christians have in that Jesus is coming again to take all his true followers to be with him forever in Heaven. Please help me to live as if he were coming back today so I will always be ready for Jesus' return. Above all, please use me to tell as many people as possible about your wonderful life-saving gospel message. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV).

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Stifel

3. http://www.preservedwords.com/rapture.htm

4. John 14:1.5. Acts 1:11 (NIV).6. Mathew 24:35-36.

NOTE: ACTS does not necessarily endorse the websites listed in 2 and 3 above.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Six Powerful Words

2008-03-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

"But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.'"1

I have read how a parts manager for a small electronics shop had occasion to order part No. 669 from the factory. But when he received it he noticed that someone had sent part No. 699 instead.

Furious at the factory's incompetence, he promptly sent the part back along with a letter giving them a piece of his mind. Less than a week later, he received the same part back with a letter containing just four words: "TURN THE PART OVER."2

Sadly, too many of us are a too quick to blame others for our "mistrakes" and too slow to apologize for them.

When it comes to relationships, blaming others for our problems can be disastrous. Tell me ... I've taught in divorce recovery classes for years and I'd say about 90 percent of the divorcees I've worked with primarily blame their former spouse for the break up of their marriage—without even considering that every one of us contributes something to a failed relationship.

True, we all make mistakes, but the one who wins in the long run is not the one who plays the blame-game but the one who can say and genuinely mean it, "I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Furthermore, the only person God can help is the one who can say from the heart, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your loving mercy for always forgiving me when I genuinely confess my sins and failures to you—and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

Note: For additional help read, "Forgiveness: The Power That Heals" at Forgiveness: The Power That Heals: http://tinyurl.com/3bw3q3

1. Luke 18:13 (NLT).
2. Sunday Funnies Humor, http://www.net153.com/best.htm

Credit: Daily Encounter

1. Dreams: God's Forgotten Language?

2008-02-28T04:31:00.000-08:00

"Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."1

Dreams not only give valuable personal insights but also have given many creative insights. Some inventors, for example, have received profound ideas from dreams. I recall reading how the inventor, Elias Howe, designed the first sewing machine. He was having great difficulty in conceiving a workable needle. When he was close to running out of money, he had an unusual dream. He dreamt that he was about to be executed because he failed to design a sewing machine for the king of a strange country.

In his dream he was surrounded by guards, all of whom held spears that had been pierced with holes near the tip. Howe woke up and immediately rushed to his workshop. The perfect concept for the sewing machine needle came to him in this dream. Within a few hours the first sewing machine design was well on the way to being completed.

I have heard it said that the theory of relativity came to Einstein in either a dream or a vision. Apparently he saw it on a beam of light. I have also read that the design for the first radio tube came to the inventor in a dream.

Was it time for these discoveries to come into the world and did God give them to the persons who were trained to understand them and put them to use? Or did they just happen by chance? I prefer to think the former.

So whatever we think about dreams, as we said yesterday, they are a God-given gift in that he gave us the ability to dream. Whether we repress them as many do, ignore them as most do, or use them for creative purposes as some do is entirely up to each individual.

If you want to remember your dreams, keep a pen and pad at your bedside and record any dream that makes a strong impression on your mind. Speaking personally, dreams have given me some valuable insights for growth and recovery.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the God-given ability to dream. Whenever I have a dream that is meant to help me grow, resolve an issue, do a good deed, help someone in need, or gain a valuable insight, please help me to interpret it correctly and use it for the purpose for which it was given. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Joel 2:28 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth

2008-02-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple weeks, God has been saying time and time to his people to get ready, prepare ourselves for his eminent return. There is a great urgency in his admonitions. He is coming soon, very soon.

I have purposed in my heart and by the grace of God that when he returns for his bride I am ready to go with him because I really don’t want to be like the foolish virgins, when the bridegroom came, they were found lacking the extra oil and they went to get it but by the time they received this oil, it was too late, the door was shut and the wedding feast began.

(Matthew 25:1-13).

I don’t want to be caught lacking the extra oil.

Further more I don’t want to be left back in the great tribulation or in the millennium. You choose.

"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus] will come [again] at an hour when you do not expect him."1

When one of my nephews was only five, he heard me talking about Christmas being the time when we celebrate Jesus Christ's coming to earth. He wanted to know if Jesus would come back to earth again. I assured him that Jesus promised that he would come back again.2

According to Bible scholars the return of, or second coming of, Jesus Christ is called the Rapture which comes from the Latin word "Rapare" which means to take away or to snatch out.

Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he was "snatched away" and taken up to heaven. While Jesus' disciples were standing there looking up in amazement, two angels appeared to them and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."3

Jesus' first coming to earth 2000 years ago is an undeniable fact of history. His second coming is just as certain. The critical issue is to be ready for Christ's return. According to God's Word here's what will take place at the rapture: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we [true followers of Jesus] who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."4

Jesus is coming again just as he went. It could be today. He said that he would come at an hour when we do not expect him.5

To be absolutely sure you are ready for the rapture be sure to accept God's invitation for forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. To do so click on the God's Invitation" button below or for further help click on the "Know God" button or on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again I thank you for the promise of Christ's return. Thank you for your great salvation and the promise of a home in Heaven for all who believe in and have accepted you as their Savior. Help me to be sure I am ready today for Christ's return by having repented of my sins, asked for and accepted your forgiveness and received Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: For an interesting depiction of the Rapture click on: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes.

We do not endorse any of the other links on this page.

1. Matthew 24:44 (NIV).

2. See John 14:3.

3. Acts 1: 11 (NIV).

4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV).

5. See Matthew 24:44.

Weep With Those Who Weep

2008-02-22T05:24:00.000-08:00

"When Jesus saw her [Mary] weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

'Where have you laid him [Lazarus]?' he asked. 'Come and see, Lord,' they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, 'See how he loved him.'"1

Chuck Swindoll in his book Killing Giants, Pulling Thorns, tells about "a little girl who lost a playmate in death and one day reported to her family that she had gone to comfort the sorrowing mother.

"'What did you say?" asked her father.
"'Nothing,' she replied. 'I just climbed up on her lap and cried with her.'"

What did Jesus do when his friend Lazarus died? He wept.

Rare is the friend who knows how to weep with those who weep.

Also, know when to be silent.

In the same book Chuck tells about Joe Bayly who lost three of his children. He quotes from Joe's book, The view from a Hearse. Joe writes: "I was sitting, torn by grief. Someone came and talked to me of God's dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked constantly. He said things I knew were true. I was unmoved, except to wish he'd go away. He finally did.

"Another came and sat beside me. He didn't talk. He didn't ask me leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour or more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, left. "I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go."2

This visitor and the little girl were being as Jesus to hurting people. May God help us all to be and do likewise.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me a tender and sensitive heart and help me to be as Jesus to hurting and sorrowing people. Help me to be silent when I need to be silent, speak kindly when a tender word is needed, and to weep with those who weep. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 11:33-36 (NIV).
2. Today's Daily Encounter is taken from I Hate Witnessing-A Handbook for Effective Christian Communications, by Dick Innes (2003 edition), p. 89. Available at: www.actscom.com/store.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Learning to Be Upfront

2008-02-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."1

The story is told how a good friend of Henry Ford was very upset because Ford didn't buy a large life insurance policy from him.
When he asked why he had purchased the policy from a total stranger and not from him, Ford replied, "You never asked me."

When somebody wants something from me, I want them to ask me directly, and not beat around the bush or try to manipulate me, etc., etc.

According to the words of Jesus, God wants us to do the same—to be direct, detailed, and determined; that is, to ask directly for what we want—"For he who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

I wonder, too, how many of our personal contacts would come to Jesus if only we asked or invited them to—even if it is through giving or sending them an attractive and appropriate piece of gospel literature, or sending and recommending the web address of a suitable gospel web site. For help see the article, "Too Important Not to Share" at: http://www.actsweb.org/announce.php

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be direct and up front in all my communications with you—and my closest friends. Help me to ask for and earnestly seek every blessing and good gift that you long to give me. And give me the courage to invite my friends and family to accept you as their personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Jesus, Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

I'd Rather Have Jesus

2008-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Apostle Paul wrote, "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."1

On a recent TV program Joy and I saw George Beverly Shea, now 98, being interviewed by Bill Gaither. Close to the beginning of the Billy Graham Crusades back in 1947 (made "famous" in 1949) Mr. Shea has been the BGC team soloist.

Over the years I've attended several Graham Crusades in both Australia and the U.S. When in Chicago, I and a few other college students "cheated" a little. We joined the choir so we could get a great seat and observe the evangelist close up. We were reasonably good singers back then anyhow. In every one of these crusades it was always inspiring to hear Bev Shea with his rich baritone voice sing his signature song which was, "I'd Rather Have Jesus"

I didn't realize it until I heard Shea on the TV interview that he wrote the music of this well-known gospel song—the words of which are a devotion in and of themselves.

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway,
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause; I
'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I'd rather be true to His holy name.

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs,
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, grant that I, too, will always be able to sing from my heart, and truly mean it, the words of the song, 'I'd Rather Have Jesus.' So help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Philippians 3:8 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Does God Care?

2008-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."1

My twenty-something son came to see me last night. He was terribly distraught over a broken relationship that triggered a lot of pain from the past. As I hugged him, he sobbed his heart out on my shoulder. I am so thankful that he felt safe enough to do this knowing that it is always okay to share his feelings with me no matter what those feelings are.

At times like these I have little to say—I feel my silence and giving him my presence speaks the loudest. I do, however, assure him of my love and acceptance no matter what.

Unfortunately—usually more by men than women—when our kids or anyone else is hurting, we want to fix them and wax eloquent with unsolicited advice—advice that is totally divorced from the need of the moment and totally misses the opportunity to be as Jesus to one who is hurting. What people need when they are troubled is a listening ear, an understanding heart, and a shoulder to cry on.

At a time like this the question is often asked, "Where is God when our heart is breaking ... does he care? Strange enough, right while my son was sobbing his heart out, the following gospel song was being sung on my computer. It brought tears to my eyes.

Does Jesus care when my heart is painedToo deeply for mirth or song,As the burdens press, and the cares distress,And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when I've tried and failedTo resist some temptation strong;When for my deep grief there is no relief,Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"To the dearest on earth to me,And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks –Is it aught to Him? Does He see?2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you do care when my heart is breaking. Help me to always remember this and sense your comforting presence knowing that when I commit and trust my life to you, you will, in time, turn my mourning into rejoicing and I will become a richer, healthier, more caring person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT).
2. Frank E. Graeff, 1901.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Why Temptation Is Like Ice Cream

2008-01-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."1

Nelson Searcy tells of a study that was conducted about the best tasting ice cream. Members of the control group were blindfolded and given all kinds of vanilla ice cream to taste—quality brand ice cream, gourmet ice cream, homemade ice cream, cheap ice cream and everything in between.

It didn't matter if it was gourmet, brand name, or homemade ice cream, "The number one determining factor was the percentage of fat in the ice cream. In other words, the more fat that was in the ice cream, the more people liked it."

As Searcy stated, "Now, isn't that one of the ironies of life? Why can't fried chicken, which happens to be my favorite food, be as good for you as an apple? I have never heard a doctor say—'A fried chicken leg a day will keep the doctor away.' The reason they say that is because if you had fried chicken every morning for breakfast, it would probably keep the doctor nearby because your cholesterol would shoot up. I guess I'll have to settle for apples."2

And who doesn't like a good fatty ice cream? As a kid we even used to pour pure cream over our ice cream. Yum! Yum! We had no idea how unhealthy that was.

Temptation, too, can have an overpowering attraction and appeal. It can look fabulous and at first taste very inviting—but in the long run its effects are deadly. It reminds me of an extremely beautiful fish that is found on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It's only very small but its sting is incredibly painful. It needs to be avoided at all cost. Same with sin. Regardless how attractive it appears, its end result is deadly so it needs to be avoided at all costs. As Searcy said, "When we give in to temptation, we always regret it because in the long run we always give up something greater for instant gratification right now."3

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to remember that while sin's temptation can be very appealing, it always pays self-destructive dividends. Through your Spirit please give me the strength to resist the lures of the evil one—and the good sense to always depend on you and not try to fight it in my own strength. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).
2. Nelson Searcy. Source KneEmail. kneemail-subscribe@welovegod.org.
3. Ibid.

The Search That Cannot Wait

2008-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

You know, death always makes you reflect on what really matters in this life. It makes you question why are we here.

On January 17th 2008, I lost both my beloved grandfather and my young cousin. It shows that death is no respecter of persons, it can happen to anyone of us at anytime.

I had not seen my cousin Alicia for sometime and to be honest never got to opportunity to minister to her of God's mercy and goodness so I have been wrestling with grief and guilt since I really don't know if she got the chance and if she did took the chance to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour.

Grandad on the other hand was always close to my heart. We loved him deeply. Although he had his less than likable ways he loved us anyway and we him.

He left for Texas, U.S.A. right after thanksgiving and I knew that I would never see him again in this life. We prayed fervently for his salvation. We were happy he was with my Aunt who is also a believer in Jesus Christ and when he died, although we cried (my son and I), I felt a calming peace come over me because I know that he made it and now both him and daddy (he died in 1994) is eagerly awaiting our entrance into paradise.

So I implore you, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, please answer the door for he is knocking.

"Behold, now is 'the acceptable time,' behold, now is 'the day of salvation.'"1

Following the news of ex-Beatle George Harrison's death on December 1, 2001, anchor Anne Curry of television's TODAY show interviewed Anthony DeCurtis, a writer for Rolling Stone magazine. DeCurtis talked at length about Harrison's search for a meaningful spiritual life. Speaking of the Beatles, Curry said, "Apparently Harrison was the most spiritual of the group; in a recent interview, he said, 'Everything else in life can wait, but the search for God cannot wait.'"2

I don't know whether Harrison ever found God or not. I surely hope he did. I suspect, however, like too many, he may have made the search for God a complicated thing when the easiest way to find God is a simple belief in God's Word which says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"3 — and a simple prayer such as, "God, I believe in Jesus. Please be merciful to me a sinner."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that I don't have to search to find you because you have found me and have revealed yourself in your Son, Jesus Christ, and that all I have to do is to confess that I am a sinner, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died on the cross to save me from my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

For help read "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" by clicking on the Know God link below or going to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. 2. Corinthians 6:2 (NASV).
2. Dave Slagle, Lawrenceville, GA., http://www.preachingtoday.com/.
3. John 3:16 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Cordless Jump Rope

2008-01-21T06:15:00.000-08:00

"For the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done."1

In his Thought for the Day devotional Alan Smith said, "Perhaps you have heard about the latest invention. This report came through the AP news service this week:

"If you think keeping fit is merely mind over matter, Lester Clancy has an invention for you—a cordless jump-rope. That's right, a jump-rope minus the rope. All that's left are two handles, so you jump over the pretend rope.

"And for that idea kicking around Clancy's head since 1988, the U.S. Patent Office this month awarded the 52-year-old Mansfield, Ohio, man a patent."

"It's perfect for the clumsy, Clancy said, 'If you're still jumping, you're still using your legs as well as your arms, and getting the cardiovascular workout. You just don't have to worry about tripping on the rope....'

"As one professor pointed out in the article, you could accomplish the same thing using two toilet paper holders!"2

Naturally we laugh at such an absurd invention, but as Alan Smith points out, "And yet, there are things in the spiritual realm that are just as ridiculous. There are some who want to hold on to the handles of 'faith' without a rope of 'works.' There are others who want to hold onto the handles of 'a God of mercy and grace' without a rope of 'a God of justice and holiness.' There are some who want to hold onto the handles of 'Christianity' without a rope of 'love.' There are some who want to hold onto the handles of accepting Jesus as 'Savior' but want to leave off the rope of accepting Jesus as 'Lord' of their lives."3

In the end, as today's Scripture reminds us, we will be rewarded by God on the basis of what we have done and how we have lived—not on the basis of what we professed. Some of us may be holding only a couple of "religious sticks."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to become all that you envisioned for me to be when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, be genuinely committed to you, live in harmony with your will, and enthusiastically serve you with my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 16:27 (NIV).
2. Alan Smith, "Thought for the Day," June, 02, 2006, http://www.tftd-online.com
3. Ibid.

Judgment Day Is Coming

2008-01-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."1

In a sermon Matt Woodley shared how, "On the first day teaching his class of 250 college freshmen, R. C. Sproul carefully explained the assignment of three term papers. Each paper was due on the last day of September, October, and November. Sproul clearly stated there would be no extensions (except for medical reasons).

At the end of September 225 students dutifully turned in their papers, while 25 remorseful students quaked in fear. 'We're so sorry,' they said. 'We didn't make the proper adjustments from high school to college, but we promise to do better next time.' He bowed to their pleas for mercy, gave them an extension, but warned them not to be late next month.

"At the end of October rolled around, 200 students turned in their papers, while 50 students showed up empty-handed. 'Oh, please,' they begged, 'it was homecoming weekend, and we ran out of time.' Sproul relented once more but warned them, 'This is it. No excuses next time. You will get an F.'

"The end of November came and only 100 students turned in their papers. The rest told Sproul, 'We'll get it in soon.'

"'Sorry,' Sproul replied. 'It's too late now. You get an F.'

"The students howled in protest, 'That's not fair!'

"'Okay,' Sproul replied, 'you want justice, do you? Here's what's just: you'll get an F for all three papers that were late. That was the rule, right?'

"'The students had quickly taken my mercy for granted,' Sproul later reflected. 'They assumed it. When justice suddenly fell, they were unprepared for it. It came as a shock, and they were outraged.'"2

God has clearly put every Christian on notice that every one of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of how we have lived our life here on earth.1 And for those who have never received Jesus as their Savior they will stand before God at the Great White Judgment Throne of God and be judged for their sins and will have to pay the just penalty thereof because they never accepted Jesus as their Savior and asked for and accepted God's forgiveness.

As God's Word says, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."3

Whatever you do, don't ignore God's warning and don't take God's mercy for granted. "Behold, now is 'the acceptable time,' behold, now is 'the day of salvation.'"4 If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior and asked God for forgiveness for all your sins, I urge you, dear reader, to do that today.

For help click on the Know God go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your Word that tells me what I need to do to have my sins forgiven; and thank you for giving Jesus, your Son, to pay the penalty for all my sins through his death on the cross. And thank you for giving me a clear warning that 'As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.'5 letting me know that it is imperative that I make things right with you today as it is too late after I die. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV).

2. Matt Woodley, in the sermon "The Grieving Heart of God," http://www.preachingtoday.com/485663.

See Revelation 20:12-15.

4. 2. Corinthians 6:2 (NASV).

5. Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Fear the Lord and Live!

2008-01-17T04:04:00.001-08:00

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere (fear) me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."

Deuteronomy 4:9,10

Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in your cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

2 Chronicles 19:8,9

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:8-10

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Wait on the LORD

Light, space, zest - that's God! So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you're on. Don't throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats. I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.

Psalm 27:1, 11-14

Credit: Ara Max

Before You or Your Kids Say, "I Do."

2008-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

"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."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "My son is seeing a young woman who is trying to force him to marry right away even though they hardly know each other. Is there any way I can advise him?"

As your son is legally an adult, there isn't much you can do unless he seeks your counsel. If he were my son and asked for my counsel and is a Christian, the following is what I would do:

1. I would encourage him to pray earnestly for God's direction and especially that God would reveal to him the truth, both about himself and about his lady friend, and their relationship. When physical attraction and/or need is strong, couples are very often blind to reality, marry before they really know each other, and alas too late discover they made a big mistake. However, when seeing the truth before marriage, at least the one earnestly seeking the truth knows what he/she needs to do.

2. I would urge him to receive the best possible pre-marriage counseling with his potential life partner as this is an excellent way to see the truth about each other and to see if they are well suited for each other or otherwise.

3. I would warn him that anyone who is pushing to get married too soon and before receiving adequate pre-marriage counseling is either very needy and over-dependent and/or hiding a character weakness—possibly a serious one—and wants to hook a partner before his/her flaws are discovered.

4. If my son is a Christian and his lady friend is not—based on God's Word I would let him know that this is a big NO-NO. As God's word wisely advises, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"2 For a healthy and strong relationship it is very important that both are emotionally mature and spiritually in harmony with each another.

5. Above all, I would encourage my son to earnestly seek God's guidance regarding this relationship and to make sure he and his potential spouse pray together regularly and put God first in both their personal life and relationship should they decide to, or not to, marry. If they don't do this before marriage, it isn't too likely they will do it afterwards.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a fine Christian example to my children so that they, seeing my life, will want you to be first in their life and always seek your guidance and seek to live in harmony with your will. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).
2. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Blessings in Disguise

2008-01-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect [mature] and complete, needing nothing."1

I have read how, during the Great Depression, Wallace Johnson, a dynamic Christian, was fired from his job at a saw mill. To Wallace and his wife this was a devastating loss. So what did Wallace do? He mortgaged his house and went into the building business. Within five years he was a multi-millionaire and was the founder of Holiday Inn.

Wallace said, "If I could locate the man who fired me I would sincerely thank him for what he did. At the time it happened, I didn't understand why I was fired. Later I saw that it was God's unerring and wondrous plan to get me into the ways of his choosing."

So, dear reader, are you going through a rough time—a time of loss or disappointment? If so, be sure to ask God what this painful experience is seeking to teach you and prepare you for so that you can become a more fruitful Christian and servant of the Lord.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in all of life's painful experiences please help me see that there is always some lesson you are seeking to teach me to help me become a more mature and fruitful Christian and a more effective witness of your saving power. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. James 1:2-4 (NLT).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Not Just for Today!!!

2008-01-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

"Jesus said, 'By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'"1

There is something new and afresh in the atmosphere. I feel it, I know it. Now is a time different from times gone by. Its a time of dealing with the things of the Lord differently, with more determination and more fever. Now is not the time for games, to be caught sleeping or to play Church its a new season.

I implore each and everyone of you who knows Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, listen and obey when the Lord speaks to you. Do not be branded as wicked and slothful. For the Harvest is plenty but the labourers are few.

Please do not be like the foolish virgins who, when the Bridegroom came were locked out of the wedding ceremony because they did not have the extra oil. Instead be like the wise virgins who went with the bridegroom into the wedding ceremony for they had their extra oil.

I beseech those of you who do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please open up your hearts to him. Open your hearts when you hear that still, small voice in the night, in the quiet minutes of the day when he is calling you. Open the door and let him in when he comes knocking.

Below are some words of advice to practice to make some difference in this wicked world:

Smile at a stranger; listen to some one's heart; hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them.

Drop a coin where a child can find it.

Learn something new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are.
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest. Cherish all your todays."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your blessings of this past year and help me throughout the New Year to always be a channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 13:35 (NIV).
2. Marcella's Inspiring Collection, http://tinyurl.com/w9nb9.

Credit: Daily Encounter

We humble Ourselves!!!!

2008-01-10T03:53:00.000-08:00

OK Guys so there's the awesome, spirit filled servant of God named Paul Baloche and he ministers to people through praise and worship. One of his albums is called God of Wonders. I really enjoy listening to this album because it really ministers to my spirit man and helps restore my faith.

I've also noticed that most of the songs on this album are taken from scripture within the bible which is God's holy, blessed word. No wonder there is such a great anointing in this music.

I chose one of these songs from this album to share with you. The last song I took from this album was the 'Prayer of Jabez' (1 Chron 4:9-10) and if you look in one of my older threads in late 2007 you would see that prayer there.

I hope you enjoy it and may it truly minister to you and bless you in some way.

We Humble Ourselves (2 Chronicles 7:11-22)

You O Lord are a Holy God (Jesus)

Your Ways are Perfect and Just

Slow to anger and abounding in Love

You have shown us your Father's heart (Heavenly Father)

But we Your people have turned from You

Resisting Your Power and Grace

Taking our lives into our hands

We have stumbled and lost our way.

So we humble ourselves before You

And confess our unfaithfulness towards You

Forgive our sins remove our shame

Restore the church that bears Your name

That revival may come to the land once again

We humble ourselves

We humble ourselves....

This Pastor Has Guts

2008-01-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all of you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is truly a great blessing and honour to come before you today. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it.

This morning I was checking my email and I came across this very interesting mail sent by my colleague Gailann and I wan to share it with you. May the Holy Spirit minister to you when you read it. God bless and God is Love!!!!

It seems prayer still upsets some people. Please read-

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

Heavenly Father, We come before you today To ask your forgiveness and To seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good" But that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and Called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline Our children and called it Building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor’s Possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air With profanity and Pornography and called it Freedom of speech and expression.

We have ridiculed the time Honored values of our Forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free; Amen!

"The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio Program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.

With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our Nation (World) and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "a nation under God."

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."

Credit: Christ Jesus

Peace, Peace

2008-01-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

Hear the Word of God: "For you know very well that the day of the Lord [Christ's second coming to earth] will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."1

The Personnel Journal reported this incredible statistic: since the beginning of recorded history, the entire world has been at peace less than eight percent of the time! In its study, the periodical discovered that of 3530 years of recorded history, only 286 years saw peace. Moreover, in excess of 8000 peace treaties were made—and broken.2

I have read that one of the fastest growing religions today is the Islamic faith. Muslims would have us believe that theirs is a religion of peace and all the while their radicals are on a slaughter rampage throughout various parts of the world. While it is not politically correct to say so, but the reality is that the world today is not in a clash of cultures between Islam and the West but in a religious war whose attackers don't wear a uniform, hide behind innocent civilians including children, and use our freedoms to expand and ultimately either kill or subdue us into their strict control of their legalist religious laws—and in so doing take away our freedom! That is, they are using our freedom to take away our freedom.

I recall an old pastor friend saying that all of the signs that Jesus and the Bible predicted that would precede Christ's second coming to earth have actually been happening since he was here on earth—but today they are all standing up at once!

Jesus is coming again. That is just as certain as was his first coming some 2000 years ago. What if it were today? Would you be ready? Or would you be left behind? For help to be sure you are ready to meet Jesus face to face click on the "Know God" button or link below or on http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have promised in your Word, the Bible, that Jesus is coming again to take to Heaven all his true followers. Please help me to be sure that I am ready for his possible soon return. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (NIV).
2. Today In The Word, June, 1988, p.33.

Finding What You Look for

2008-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."1

You may have read about the teenage boy who lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the eyepiece in her hand.

"How did you manage to find it, Mom?" the teenager asked.

"We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150."2

What we look for and see in life is largely determined by our values. More often than not when kids inherit a small fortune which cost them nothing and for which they did nothing to earn it, they pretty much blow it within two years. Also, if suffering people don't have any value to us, we will largely ignore them and not do anything to help them.

Furthermore, if I don't see people the way God sees them—lost sinners in need of a Savior and of such infinite value to God that he gave his Son, Jesus, to come to earth and die on a cruel Roman cross to pay the penalty for all our sins—I won't do anything to seek to influence them for Jesus nor do anything to help win them to him.

What we value is what we seek after and find.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to set priorities for what I value most in life and give of my best to seek, find and fulfill what these values imply—and help me to ensure that these values are in direct harmony with your eternal values. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV).
2. Alan Smith, TFTD (Thought for the Day)

It's a New Season!!!!!

2008-01-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

It's a new season
It's a new day
Fresh anointing is coming my way
It's a season of Power
And prosperity
It's a new season

And its coming to me!!!!

Hey morning to all of you my Beautiful brothers and sisters. This is the day that the Lord has mad, I will rejoice and be glad in it, for truly he has been good to me!!!!

I am so excited about this new year for I know with it will come new opportunities, both spiritually and physically and I am ready to embrace it with Jesus by my side. No more will I weep for the past for old things are past away and all things has become new.

So today, I am challenging you embrace the new for with it brings new surprises and great joy.

God Bless!!!!!

1. Paralyzed by Pleasure

2007-12-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all. I know that like me you are looking forward to a brighter future in 2008.

Like you I have been faced with many many challenges which sometimes, I must confess, got the better of me. However, as time progressed I learned more and more to rely on the one that loves me more than I can ever know - JESUS!!!!

I truly pray that all of us would learn from and take life's lessons from 2007 and grow and improve in 2008.

I also learned that friends come in all forms. Sometimes the ones you think are there for you are not and the ones who truly care you don't see.

I am therefore taking this forum to thank each and every one of my true friends for being there for me in your own special way over the past year and I look forward to being a blessing to you as you have been to me in 2008 and beyond.

To my special friend Nicholas (Steups), thank you for always being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and the voice of reason on numerous occasions. Though we had our ups and downs, there were many more ups and I truly appreciate you. May God richly bless you and your family.

To all my other friends, well-wishers and readers of this Blog, I truly hope that in one way or the other that Jesus Christ made an impact in your life through this Blog and other avenues and may the Lord God Jesus Christ be truly magnified in your lives in 2008.

I Love You!!!!!

"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin."1

Some time ago I read the following story taken from The Prairie Overcomer magazine.
The man huddled on the cabin floor was slowly freezing to death. It was high in the Rockies in southwestern Alberta, and outside a blizzard raged. John Elliott had logged miles that day through the deep snows of the mountain passes. As he checked for avalanches and as dusk and exhaustion overcame him he had decided to "hole-up."

He made it wearily to his cabin but somewhat dazed with fatigue, he did not light a fire or remove his wet clothing. As the blizzard blasted through the cracks in the old cabin walls, the sleeping forest ranger sank into oblivion, paralyzed by the pleasure of the storm's icy caress.
Suddenly, however, his dog sprang into action, and with unrelenting whines, finally managed to rouse his near-comatose friend. The dog was John's constant companion, a St. Bernard, one of a long line of dogs famous for their heroics in times of crisis.

"If that dog hadn't been with me, I'd be dead today," John Elliott says. "When you're freezing to death you actually feel warm all over, and don't wake up because it feels too good."2
How easy it is for those of us, especially in the West, to get lulled into sleep by the pleasures of this world's riches and what money can do for us ... or for others who get lulled into sleep by the pleasures of sin, which as today's Scripture says, all pass away.

Sometimes God sends or at least allows and uses setbacks or problems that come into our life to awaken us out of our sleep to the reality of the situation we are in—to save us from spiritual bankruptcy and for some, to save from eternal death.

Whenever I am going through difficult times I ask God, "What lesson is there in this experience that you are seeking to teach me. What is it that I need to learn?" I encourage you to do the same.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, if I am asleep in my complacency to the reality of my spiritual condition, please send into my life whatever it takes to awaken me to reality, help me to see exactly what I need to do, and give me the good sense and courage to act accordingly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

Note: If you have never accepted God's forgiveness be sure to read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV).

2. The Prairie Overcomer, published by the Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alberta Canada.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Life Is a Gift

2007-12-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

"Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."1

"There was a blind girl [or so the story goes] who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

"One day someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything—including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said, 'Just take care of my eyes dear.'

Too often we change when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there when times were painfully unbearable.

Life is a gift, so today: Before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion. Before you complain about your life, think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but is barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house that someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

And before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin and all will answer to one Maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, try to put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around. Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.

"Enjoy the moment. It may not come around again."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in the midst of life's trials help me always to count my many blessings—one by one—and learn to always give thanks for these and be grateful for what I do have and not complain about what I don't have. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NIV).

2. Author unknown. Source: Marcella's Inspiring Collection, http://tinyurl.com/w9nb9

Credit: Daily Encounter

Will Jesus Come to Earth Again?

2007-12-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "In my Father's home [heaven] there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me."1

Year after year with "tireless regularity and eternal patience," God reminds the world every Christmas that he sent his Son, Jesus, to save lost mankind. Christmas is also God's reminder that Jesus is coming back to earth for all who have accepted him as their personal Lord and Savior.

His first coming is an indisputable fact of history. His second coming to end this world age is just as certain. According to Bible scholars, there are 1,845 references in the Old Testament and 318 in the New Testament about Christ's second coming to earth. This means for every prophecy in the Bible about Christ's first coming—every one of which was fulfilled in minute detail—there are eight about his second coming!

Jesus is coming again. God has promised this in his Word, the Bible. Jesus himself promised it as well. And all the signs that Jesus and the Bible said would immediately precede his return are evident today, also reminding us that Christ's return could be very soon. If it were today, would you be ready?

Christmas is also a reminder to all Christians that Jesus has commissioned all of us to spread his message of salvation to everyone everywhere.2 Jesus said that, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."3 Never has this been more possible than it is today because our generation has the greatest means of worldwide communications the world has ever seen.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for your great CHRISTmas love gift to me and to the world. In appreciation for all you have done for me, I surrender my heart and life afresh to you. Please make me usable and use me in whatever way you will to be a part of your plan to spread the gospel to the world in which I live and in some way to people around the world. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."

Note: If you have never received Jesus as your Savior I encourage you to read God's Invitation at: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w or if you would like to make a recommitment of your life to Jesus Christ, do let us know by filling in and checking the appropriate box at: http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php

1. John 14:2-3 (NIV).
2. Mark 16:15.
3. Matthew 24:14 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

For Those Who Mourn

2007-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."1

A Daily Encounter reader asks: "I have a friend who grieves her husband's death. He was a Pastor. How can I comfort her?"

One of the best things we can do for grieving friends is to be there for them—to give them our presence. That is, to lend them a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on as well as to pray for them. Better still is to weep with those who weep.

This is needed at holiday times, especially so as we come into the Christmas season. Such times can be bitterly lonely for the grieving.

What our grieving friends don't need is someone to give them advice, preach at them, or tell them they shouldn't feel the way they feel. When we lose a loved one, we grieve deeply. The pain can be insufferable. When Jesus' friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. We need to do the same when we lose a loved one—and grieve/weep with our friends when they suffer loss. Rare is the friend who knows how to weep with those who weep.

Realize, too, that grieving is a process that takes time. Broken bones heal in six weeks. Broken hearts don't. They take so much longer to heal, so always be patient and understanding with grieving friends.

However, if a friend's grieving continues, say, for more than a year and it is obvious that they are not recovering, kindly suggest that they might consider joining a grief recovery group and/or seeing a skilled counselor to help them.

For further help, read the article, "Grief and Loss Recovery" at: http://tinyurl.com/7l5xd

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the gift of tears that helps relieve our pain when we lose a loved one. Grant that all my grieving friends will know your presence and blessing in a very special way at this time of loss and pain. And please help me to be a supporting friend and comfort to them. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:4 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Accountability

2007-12-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."1

My friend Graham was only 44 when cancer struck him down. When they discovered the disease, it had gone too far. Not long before he died I asked him, "What does it feel like to be 44 and in your situation?"

He sat in silence for quite a while as he pondered the question. And then he said some things I will never forget. He felt angry in that there was so much more he wanted to do with his life and now it was too late. He felt guilty because he had been too busy too much of the time and hadn't spent enough time with his wife and children and now that opportunity was gone forever. And then, after more thought, he said, "I wonder if I have ever done anything that has been truly worthwhile with my life."

Those words certainly made me think—and I've never forgotten them.

According to God's Word, the Bible, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment [of God]."2 The good news is that if we have lived for and served God faithfully, we will be rewarded accordingly. If not, we will also be rewarded accordingly.

Hopefully for all our readers when we meet God face to face, it will be a very exciting time as we hear him say to each of us, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."3

But if we are NOT true followers of Jesus, we will hear God say something terrible: "Depart from me for I never knew you."4

Fortunately, none of us ever has to hear God say this to us for he has provided a full and free pardon for all of our sins and has the gift of eternal life for all who accept His wonderful and FREE gift of forgiveness and salvation.

If you haven't done so already, be sure to accept God's pardon and His gift of eternal life today. Whatever you do, don't leave Earth without it! To help you do this go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you gave your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for all my sins and provide for me a free pardon and the gift of eternal life. Help me to so live for you that when I meet you face to face, I will hear your wonderful words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 5:10).

2. Hebrews 9:27.

3. Jesus (See Matthew 25:21).

4. Jesus (See Matthew 7:23).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Making Beautiful Music

2007-12-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

"But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."1

"A piece of black ebony wood was being cut and broken by a woodmaker. The wood complained but the woodmaker desisted from bowing to the complaints. He was carving a flute. The woodkmaker seemed to be saying, 'Little piece of wood. You think that I am hurting and abusing you but without these holes and cutting, you would not be able to bring others beautiful music to soothe their souls and calm their hurts and fears for a time.'"

Pain is the great motivator. It can be and often is God's wake-up call to help us change and grow. So who wants to change and grow when everything is going great? Not me. I only grow when I am uncomfortable with the way things are or the way I am. And that's the way it's meant to be. God wants to make "beautiful music" out of your life and mine. It's up to us to allow him to do so. The process at times can be painful, but the end result can be something beautiful.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, here's my life—please make me into the person you want me to be so my life will be an instrument of peace and harmony in your hands to touch the lives of all I come in contact with. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

A Sad but Needed Warning

2007-12-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."1

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "If you have a parent that died and was an abusive, mean person but you still love them, is there a way to pray for them to have another chance and not go to hell forever?

Sad to say we can only hope that our loved ones made their life right with God before they passed away. I don't want to give anyone false hope as there is nothing in God's Word, the Bible, that says that anyone can make a decision to accept God's forgiveness after they die. As the Bible says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."2 As a poet wisely said:

Only one life - 'Twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ - Will last.

The only thing you and I can do—and the most important thing—is that today we make absolutely sure that we have put our life right with God by asking him for forgiveness for all our sins and accepting Jesus Christ, God's Son, as our personal Savior.

For help to do this read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. Please help me to be sure today that I am forgiven and will spend eternity in heaven with you forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).

2. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Discovering God's Will for Your Life

2007-12-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

"I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart."1

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "How does one know that God is speaking to him or her? I am very confused because I do not know what God wants me to do with my life."

In younger days I used to struggle with the same question; that is, how can I know the will of God for my life? The following comes from what I learned:

First, and most important, is that it is always God's will for us to put God first in our life and live in harmony with what his Word, the Bible, teaches.

Second, ask God to help you discover what your God-given life purpose is, and then do what is necessary to fulfill this purpose. This will be achieved by using your natural gifts and talents to serve God—and we serve him by serving/helping people.

Third, when using your God-given gifts and talents, you will enjoy and find fulfillment in the work you do (either paid or volunteer). Referring to Jesus, David, the Psalmist, wrote: "I take joy in doing your will, my God." When we live in harmony with and do the will of God, we, too, will find joy and fulfillment.

Fourth, unless we have a "specific call" from God for a specific task such as being a missionary (or other ministry), we can do any of a number of things and still be doing God's will. For instance, picture God's will as traveling on a "train" that will take you to heaven when your life on earth is ended. While God is in charge of that train, we have all the freedom to move around in that train involved in many and varied activities and doing the work in which we find fulfillment.

Fifth, realize that God is not co-dependent. He will give wisdom and guidance if we ask him to (See Proverbs 3:5-6) but he doesn't make our decisions for us. So don't wait for a special vision, just put to use the talents you have in serving others through your local church, a para-church organization, or with a volunteer service organization.

Sixth, every morning pray and commit and trust your life and way to God and trust him to lead you in the way that is best for you to go. I have prayed this prayer almost every day since my youth and, as I look back, I can see how God has answered this prayer in so many ways I never would have dreamed possible.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to discover my God-given life purpose, to live in harmony with your will, and to develop and use my God-given gifts and talents in a way that will best serve you and fulfill your purpose for my life—and therein find joy and fulfillment. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 40:8 (NLT).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Getting It Right When Things Go Wrong

2007-12-11T03:44:00.000-08:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."1

You've no doubt heard about the bricklayer who applied for time off work for the following reason: "When I got to the building, I found that the hurricane had knocked off some bricks around the top so I climbed onto the roof and rigged up a beam with a pulley and hoisted a couple of barrels full of bricks to the top of the building.

"Then I went to the bottom, and holding onto the line, I began releasing it. Unfortunately, the barrel of bricks was much heavier than I was and before I knew what was happening, the barrel started coming down, jerking me up. I decided to hang on since I was too far off the ground by then to jump. About halfway up I met the barrel of bricks coming down fast. I received a hard blow on my shoulder. I then continued to the top, banging my head against the beam and getting my fingers pinched and jammed in the pulley.

"When the barrel hit the ground hard, it burst its bottom allowing the bricks to spill out. I was now heavier than the barrel, so I started down again at high speed. Halfway down I met the barrel coming up–fast–and received severe injuries to my chin. When I hit the ground, I landed on the pile of spilled bricks, getting several painful cuts and bruises.

"At this point I must have lost my presence of mind because I let go of my grip on the line. The barrel came down fast, giving me another blow on my head, putting me in the hospital. I respectfully request sick leave."

Everybody has times when things go wrong. But when troubles come, it's not so much what happens to us, but how we react to it that counts the most. Troubles destroy some people. Others become stronger. The difference lies in our attitude, being realistic about and accepting what has happened, and what we do about resolving our situation.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, when things go wrong in my life, please help me to 'hear' what you might be saying to me and to see what I need to do in order to turn my situation into a blessing so that I will become more mature and complete. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. James 1:2-4 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Open Door

2007-12-11T03:38:00.000-08:00

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me."1

Alton Gansky, in his book, 40 Days, talks about Harry Houdini who "made a name for himself by escaping from every imaginable confinement—from straightjackets to multiple pairs of handcuffs clamped to his arms. He boasted that no jail cell could hold him. Time and again, he would be locked in a cell only to reappear minutes later."

It worked almost every time. "He accepted another invitation to demonstrate his skill. He entered the cell, wearing his street clothes, and the jail cell door shut. Once alone, he pulled a thin but strong piece of metal from his belt and began working the lock. But something was wrong. No matter how hard Houdini worked, he couldn't unlock the lock. For two hours he applied skill and experience to the lock but failed time and time again. Two hours later he gave up in frustration."2

The problem? The door wasn't locked. All he needed to do was push on it and it would have opened for him.

Now isn't that just like so many people who believe they have to earn their way into heaven through their own efforts or some man-made religion when all they need to do is believe in what God's Word, the Bible, teaches; that is, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for all their sins, and in all sincerity confess their sinfulness to God, ask for his forgiveness, and accept his free gift of eternal life—and repent of their sinful ways and ask God for his help to live in harmony with his will.

For help to accept God's invitation to accept his gift of forgiveness and eternal life go to: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that there is absolutely nothing for me to do to enter your Heaven except to admit that I am a sinner and believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty for all my sins, and to ask for and accept your forgiveness and gift of eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV).
2. Source: Preaching Now, Vol. 6, No. 20,
http://www.preaching.com/newsletter/

Credit: Daily Encounter

Pegs on Which to Hang Anger

2007-12-11T03:35:00.000-08:00

"Behold, You [God] desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."1

As a general rule, loved people love people and hurt people hurt people. And angry people, besides angering other people, are constantly looking for pegs on which to hanger their anger.
I was watching a TV interview recently and the person being interviewed was obviously a very angry person with a not-too-hidden agenda. This person avoided every question the interviewer asked and continued to spew out his bitter negative comments.

This type of person, who has a negative axe to grind, sees only what he wants to see and hears only what he wants to hear. And he will twist what he hears to make it match his distorted perception of reality. Reality is not on their agenda.

It's the same with people who have a critical attitude. They're angry too and are constantly looking for pegs on which to hang their anger. They will read into situations exactly what they want to see and hear as a way to avoid facing their own reality. They live in denial—an ultimately dangerous and self-destructive way to live.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the sin of denial and help me to be courageously honest with myself and with you and see in myself any unresolved anger, a critical attitude, and/or any other personal problem I may have. And lead me to find the help I need to resolve and overcome my problems. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 51:6 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Consequences of Sin

2007-12-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

"I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you [God]. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you."1

I have read how, "Two fellows were driving a delivery truck down a road when they came to a tunnel. The sign above said: 'Warning: Maximum Height 10 feet zero inches,' so they got out and measured their truck. Unfortunately, the truck was just over 12 feet high. "They didn't know what to do, when finally one of them looked in both directions and said, 'I don't see any police, let's go for it!'"

The result was obvious.

I guess far too many of us knew very well we shouldn't do a certain thing or commit a certain sin, but we did it anyhow because we thought no one was watching. We may not have seen the immediate effects but we always reap what we sow—even if it is eventually. Furthermore, acting wrong too often because no one is watching can easily become a habit.

As George Dana Boardman wisely said, "Sow an act ... reap a habit; Sow a habit ... reap a character; Sow a character ... reap a destiny."

The reality is that we can never hide from God. He sees all. He knows all. And he judges all unless we confess our sins and receive his forgiveness. As God's Word also says, "Be sure your sin will find you out."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me always to be honest with myself and with you and always do good and refrain from doing bad, not because anyone is watching or not watching, but because I believe in doing right and living in harmony with your will. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 139:11-12 (NLT).
2. Numbers 32:23

Credit: Daily Encounter

Pastor's Confession

2007-12-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Morning guys, its a good day isn't it? Yeah I know that all of us have issues to deal with BUT just remember there is always someone out there who has it worst than you.

OK so my friend Dana sent me this joke. Although I've heard it on numerous occasions it always brings a smile to my face and I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy and God Bless.

Three pastors took a day off and decided to go fishing after a busy
Sunday.

They agreed its so difficult preaching to people all the time and no one
preaches to them. Sitting by the river with little response from the
hooks one pastor thought of sharing his heart with others. He said "Guys its
rare to get such an opportunity to be among ourselves like this. It would be
good if we look into our lives and help each other with our
weaknesses". They all agreed to this.

This pastor said "Gentlemen I need help! The people in my church give a
lot of money every week. I started taking little by little but now I take a
big chunk. I can't stop stealing from the church please pray for me. The day
they will find out I will be fired!"

Another pastor said "Brothers your sins are better than mine! I have
slept with every woman in the church including married women. As I preach my
eyes hover over the congregation looking for the next prey. If this is
discovered people will not fire me, they will kill me!"

The last pastor's feet were shaking as they were talking. They thought
he had a big story to tell. He stood up and said "My brothers, my problem
is gossip! I can't sit anymore. I have to share this! I will be back!"

Ten Guidelines From God Effective Immediately

2007-12-04T05:07:00.000-08:00

Morning all, my friend Theresca sent this to me, enjoy and be blessed!!!!!

Please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience,but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING: Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST: Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME: Once you've given your burdens to Me,quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials.Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster?For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE: Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back,you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME: I want you to forget a lot of things.Forget what was making you crazy.Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH: I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.Although I have a much bigger task than you,it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE: You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT: I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences.You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades,travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND: Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF: As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me.Don't ever forget......

Are You Jesus?

2007-11-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."1

I read how, "A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.

"All but one.... He paused, took a deep breath, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

"He told his buddies to go on without him, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal

where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

"He was glad he did.

"The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, and helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
"The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

"When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

"As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister....' He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'
"He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?'"2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I am available, please use me to be 'as Jesus' in some way today to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV).2. Author unknown.

Give Me a Thankful Heart

2007-11-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! / For His mercy endures forever. / Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! / For His mercy endures forever. / Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! / For His mercy endures forever."1

In The Chicago Daily News Harold Ruoff wrote, "I read about a postal worker who opened and read the mail which came to the Dead Letter Office in Washington addressed to Santa Claus. In the three months before Christmas, there were thousands of letters asking for something. In the months after Christmas, there was only one card addressed to Santa Claus thanking him. How quick we are to ask and receive. How slow we are to speak the magic word—thanks!"

I'm not suggesting that we give thanks to Santa Claus, but one of my constant prayers is that God will give me a thankful heart for every blessing that he has so freely given to me—and for the innumerable blessing he gives to us that I am not even aware of.

This one thing I know, when I think of my background, if it weren't for the grace of God, I don't know where I would be today. I know I wouldn't be where I am with the wonderful privilege of being able to share the Christian message and gospel with so many people around the world via email and the Internet.

Furthermore, even though I came from a very dysfunctional family background, there is one thing that I will be eternally grateful for, and that is that my parents took me to church and Sunday school where I heard the gospel message and there found Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

Wherever you and I are, let us make it a day of thanksgiving in our hearts especially for God's great love gift to the world—the gift of his Son, Jesus, who gave his life on the cross so that you and I could have our sins forgiven and receive a full and free pardon and the gift of eternal life in Heaven to be with God forever.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your everlasting love—that you love me no matter what I have ever done or have failed to do—and that your mercy endures forever. In appreciation for your dying for me help me always to live for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."

1. Psalm 136:1-3 (NKJV).
P.S. Be sure to say thank you to God and to someone every day!P.P.S. Wishing all Americans a very Happy Thanksgiving Day

Appreciating Life

2007-11-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all of you, I know that last week I wrote promising certain things and I did not deliver and for this I humbly apologise. I have been so busy this past week and its not letting up anytime soon. So for now please be Ministered by the message below until we meet again.

"Prepare to meet your God."1

"The popular actress Mary Tyler Moore is admired not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the way she has coped with a series of personal tragedies. Her sister died in 1978. A year later she lost her only son, Richard, at age twenty-four. Then her brother succumbed to kidney cancer. This was followed by the death of her mother.

"As if these traumatic experiences were not enough to defeat anyone, Mary Tyler Moore has battled diabetes since she was in her twenties. This courageous survivor says, 'The pain is just as intense as it is for someone who gives up and gives in.'

"Her suffering has made her more sensitive and responsive; more grateful for life. 'I appreciate,' she continues, 'much more now. I don't take tomorrow for granted, because it simply may not be there.'"2

Gutsy lady. Wise woman. It is well known that most people who develop a depth of character and inner strength have gone through oftentimes intense suffering, but I can't help but wonder how few don't (especially in the Western world) take life for granted.

The reality is that none of us has any guarantee of tomorrow. Earlier this month on the I-5 freeway close to our home the traffic was slowed to a standstill. All the vehicles ahead had stopped when a semi-trailer slammed into the car in front of it instantly killing all four young children who were in the car! A similar thing happened to me a couple of years ago although nowhere near as drastic. I, along with several other cars, had stopped at a red light when suddenly we were ploughed into from behind by a heavy pickup truck causing a five-car pile up. I thanked God that I wasn't killed or seriously hurt. My vehicle was a mess.

Life is fragile. It is not only important that we don't take life for granted, but also that we prepare today for tomorrow's life after life. Eternity is forever. Whatever you do make absolute sure you have your "passport for heaven" without which you will not be able to gain entry into God's heaven any more than you could gain entry into Australia, England, Germany, the U.S.A or numerous other countries without a valid passport. To obtain your passport to Heaven go to: "Passport for Heaven" at: http://tinyurl.com/dm472.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to realize that this life is fragile and that there are no guarantees for tomorrow and that I need to be prepared for life after life. Please help me to obtain my 'Passport' for entry into your heaven. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Amos 4:12 (NIV).
2. G. Curtis Jones and Paul H. Hones, 500 Illustrations Stories from Life for Preaching and Teaching, Abingdon Press. Cited in Encounter magazine (ACTS Int. Australia, April-May, 2007.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Be Glad and Rejoice

2007-11-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

A special and blessed good day to you all of my beautiful brothers and sisters. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it.

I am going to do things different this week. Instead of the usual narrative I am going to submit the Bible Verses for the day from the Daily Encounter and give you guys the words of one song every day that I trust will minister to your hearts.

I hope that it will truly be a blessing to all of you. I love you and God Bless.

The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Matthew 13:41-43 NIV

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:13,14 KJV

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4 NASB

Thanks be unto God for his indescribable gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

The Prayer of Jabez : 1 Chronicles 4:9-10:

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!".

(Musical )

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!!!!

The Song:

Oh that you will bless me indeed
And enlarge my territory
That your Hand will be with me
And you will keep my heart from evil
AMEN!!!!

Oh that you will bless me indeed
And enlarge my territory
That your Hand will be with me
And you will keep my heart from evil
AMEN!!!!

Bless me Lord
Bless me Lord
So that I might be a blessing to the world

Oh that you will bless me indeed
And enlarge my territory
That your Hand will be with me
And you will keep my heart from evil
AMEN!!!!

Bless me Lord
Bless me Lord
So that I might be a blessing to the world
AMEN!!!!

(Musical )

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!!!!

This prayer is simple but once its prayed with the right heart condition, is very effective.

Freedom from Guilt and Shame

2007-11-16T04:44:00.000-08:00

"For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."1

Shame is similar to false guilt in that it is caused largely by someone who "shamed us" especially when we were young. That is, whenever we did something wrong, we got the message (verbal or non-verbal), "Shame on you." "You are a bad person." "You are a disappointment to me!" "I am so ashamed of you," etc., etc.

Such criticisms are psychologically damaging. As the old saying goes, "Give a dog a name and he will live up to it." People will too—especially if a person was constantly ridiculed, put down and shamed as a child.

True guilt says you have DONE badly but shame says you ARE bad. If a person comes to believe that he or she is a bad person, s/he will act badly. In real life we don't always act consistently with what we profess, but we always act consistently with what we believe. So if we believe we are a bad person, that's the way we will act.

When disciplining our children and confronting another person who has acted "badly," we need to "condemn" the deed NOT the person! Example: "I love you but what you have done [name it] makes me feel angry and/or very disappointed."

We need God's help so we will learn to treat others the way God treats us. While he hates our sin because it destroys those whom he loves (us), he loves the sinner and doesn't condemn or shame us. Shame and false guilt never come from God. They are man-induced.

Fortunately with God, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."2 When we confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness, and ask God's Son, Jesus Christ, to come into our heart and life as personal Lord and Savior, God forgives us fully and loves us totally. Again, false guilt and shame never come from God.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love me no matter what I have ever done or failed to do. Please forgive all my sins and, Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and life to be my personal Lord and Savior. Please help me to forgive myself and overcome all false guilt and shame and help me never to shame others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: If you prayed and asked God for forgiveness and asked Jesus to come into your heart and life, please let us know by going to: http://tinyurl.com/pgntm. If you need further help, click on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. Jesus (John 3:17, NIV).
2. The Apostle Paul (Romans 8:1).

Credit: Dait Encounter

100th Post!!!!

2007-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

It surely is a very beautiful day. I have been wondering over the past couple of days what to write to you guys since reaching this milestone. As some of you may know, I started this Blog on December 31st 2006 and over the past 11mths or so life has truly been challenging.
I can not lie, I have been through so many trials and testings this past year I wondered to myslef - "What am I to learn from all of this?"

I have seen God personally take his own hands and delivered me from traps and absolute damnation. For this Lord I am forever endbeted to you. For my life, which you saved in August 2006 to my family and face which you saved in 2007.

Today I encourage all of you guys, dont give up. God is not like man. When he looks at us he does not see our faults but our needs. When he looks at us he sees what we can be in him and not who we currently are.

He truly is an awesome, loving and forgiving God. I am therefore truly humbled by his love for me INSPITE of my iniquities. I am truly humbled and blessed to be a child of the great King of Kings for he who is forgiven much, LOVES MUCH!!!!

To all of you who contributed to making this Blog a success in your own way, I thank you. To my friend Steups, thanks for all the love and support you have extended to me over the past year. To my other friends - Dana, Gabby, Quanda, Groovy and all others thank you and I love each and everyone of you.

To all the readers of this Blog, I truly wish that at least one of my posts has been a source of inspiration to you in one way or the other since this is the purpose of this Blog.

I am looking forward to continue to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into your lives and hearts.

Hold Tight

2007-11-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are called."1

I checked the following story on snopes.com but it wasn't listed, so I can't confirm it either way. At any rate it makes an excellent parable. According to the story: "On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine, to Boston in 1987, the pilot heard an unusual noise near the rear of the plane. Henry Dempsey turned the controls over to the co-pilot and went back to check it out. As he reached the tail section, the plane hit an air pocket, and Dempsey was tossed against the rear door. He quickly discovered the source of the mysterious noise. The rear door had been improperly latched prior to take-off, and it flew open. Dempsey was instantly sucked out of the tiny jet.

"The co-pilot saw the red light that indicated an open door. He radioed the nearest airport requesting permission for an emergency landing. He reported that the pilot had fallen out of the plane and wanted a helicopter to search the area. After the plane landed, the ground crew found Dempsey holding on to the outdoor ladder of the aircraft. Somehow he had caught the ladder and held on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4,000 feet, and then, when landing, he kept his head from hitting the runway, which was only 12 inches away. "

In today's pressured world it is very easy to be "sucked into" all sorts of temptations—which, if we give in to them, could easily destroy us. So we need to hold on tenaciously to eternal values and the eternal life that God has given to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the strength and courage to hold on to you, to my faith, and to eternal values no matter what trials and temptations may come my way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 6:12).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Yes there are Angels!!!!

2007-10-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

Morning guys, its truly wonderful to speak to you today. I got this email from my friend Theresca about a woman in Indiana and I would love to share it with you. I hope that this story will be a blessing. I Love You All!!! God Bless.

In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket. Their father was gone. The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two.

Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared.Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds. He did manage to leave $15 a week to buy groceries. Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings, but no food either.

If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that time, I certainly knew nothing about it. I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my best homemade dress, loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove off to find a job.

The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our small town. No luck.

The kids stayed crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I tried to convince who ever would listen that I was willing to learn or do anything. I had to have a job. Still no luck.

The last place we went to, just a few miles out of town, was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in that had been converted to a truck stop. It was called the Big Wheel. An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the window from time to time at all those kids.

She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven in the morning.

She paid 65 cents an hour, and I could start that night.

I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat for people. I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night. She could arrive with her pajamas on and the kids would already be asleep. This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal.

That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers, we all thanked God for finding Mommy a job. And so I started at the Big Wheel. When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent her home with one dollar of my tip money-- fully half of what I averaged every night.

As the weeks went by, heating bills added a strain to my meager wage. The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and began to leak. I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again every morning before I could go home.

One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and found four tires in the back seat. New tires! There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires. Had angels taken up residence in Indiana ? I wondered. I made a deal with the local service station. In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his office. I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did for him to do the tires.

I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't enough. Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for the kids. I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some old toys. Then I hid them in the basement so there would be something for Santa to deliver on Christmas morning. Clothes were a worry too.

I was sewing patches on top of patches on the boys pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair.On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big Wheel. There were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper named Joe. A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and were dropping nickels in the pinball machine. The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up.

When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas morning, to my amazement, my old battered Chevy was filled full to the top with boxes of all shapes and sizes. I quickly opened the driver's side door, crawled inside and kneeled in the front facing the back seat. Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box. Inside was whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10! I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the jeans. Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes.

There was candy and nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking, and canned vegetables and potatoes. There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour. There was whole bag of laundry supplies and cleaning items. And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll.

As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on the most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude. And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that precious morning. Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December. And they all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop.... THE POWER OF PRAYER.

I believe that God only gives three answers to prayer: "Yes!". "Not yet." "I have something better in mind."God still sits on the throne, the devil is a liar. You maybe going through a tough time right now but God is getting ready to bless you

in a way that you cannot imagine.

Be God for Me

2007-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

”Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”1

In my counselor training and counseling days I participated in quite a few therapy groups of varying kinds. Some I found very helpful and others I could have done without. However on one occasion I was involved in a secular psychodrama (role-play) group with 25-30 participants.

We were sitting in a circle and a 30-something lady (whom I will call Janine) asked me if I would role play God for her. This was a secular group so why she picked on me I will never know (we hadn’t even met each other). I believe it had to be a God-thing. At any rate she placed a chair in the center of the circle and asked me to sit on it. I was rather nervous to put it mildly. I had never heard of anyone ever role-playing God. So I kept praying under my breath, “God help … God help.”

Janine got down on her knees in front of me and openly confessed that she had been a prostitute and asked for forgiveness. Immediately the words of Jesus came to my mind and I spoke them to Janine, “Your sins are forgiven.”

That was a courageous thing for Janine to do. It was the beginning of her healing. Unfortunately I never kept in contact with her but I hope and pray that she has, since then, genuinely sought to follow after God.

The point is whenever we sin, we are always left with guilt. Even if we repress it from conscious memory, it’s still there and it is a very unhealthy way to live, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The only cure is confession … to at least one trusting soul as well as to God. As God’s Word says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”2

Dear reader, if you have any unconfessed sin in your life, I urge you to see an understanding pastor, priest, trusted friend and/or Christian Counselor. Like David the Psalmist, who committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed, when he confessed his sin, found God’s forgiveness and great release. You and I can do the same.*

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for loving me no matter what I have ever done and always forgiving me when I, with genuine sorrow, confess my sins. Help me always to find a trusting person to whom I can confess my sins and weaknesses—as well as confessing them to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

*For help be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian—without having to be religious at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

1. King David in Psalm 32:5 (NLT).
2. James 5:16 ( NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Learning to Pray the Right Prayer

2007-10-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

"You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask [pray], you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives."1

Some time ago I took a psychological test that, among other things, measured how much I was in touch with my major emotions of love, wonder, guilt and fear. On a scale of 0 to 100 any score below 30 was considered repressed.

On fear I scored 5!

This concerned me because I knew that repressed fear could cause me to act out blindly by setting myself up to fail at work or in relationships. I didn't want to do that so I prayed earnestly that God would deliver me from my buried fear. However, I realized I was praying the wrong prayer. I was focusing on praying for deliverance from the symptom rather than from the cause, so I changed my prayer to:

"Dear God, my real prayer is that I don't want to face that fear. I'm too afraid. That's why I buried it. Please give me the courage to face and deal with the real cause/s of my fear/s."

The point I'm making is that we need to learn to be honest in our praying. For example, if I can't stand my neighbor and, wanting to impress God, piously ask him to bless my neighbor while in my heart I despise my neighbor, which prayer does God hear? He hears what my heart is saying. Only as I admit this can God help me to love my neighbor and bless him through me.

By the way, it took me two years to resolve the fear mentioned above. It was caused by the death of a sister that I loved dearly when I was a small child. My fear was that if I loved someone I might lose them. In time I discovered that I had a few more hidden fears to deal with as well. Since facing and resolving these fears, my close relationships have improved dramatically.

How can you tell if you have any buried fears? Look at any symptoms in your life. Do you have a pattern of failure at work or in relationships? Any phobias? Any floating anxieties that you have no idea where they are coming from? Any physical ills such as ulcers or any addictions that you may be using to avoid facing something you have buried?

And how do we overcome such fears? I don't know any easy solution but for me it began with a genuine desire to overcome them. Next, I needed to accept full responsibility for resolving my fears and stop blaming anyone else for them. Above all, I needed to ask God to help me to be honest with myself, to give me the courage to face my fears, and to lead me to the help I needed to overcome them.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the insight and courage to see and deal with any repressed or hidden fears in my life, and lead me to the help I need to overcome the causes of these. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. James 4:2-3 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter