Why Temptation Is Like Ice Cream

"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

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

"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

"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!

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."

"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

"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!!!

"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!!!!

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

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

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

"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!!!!!

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!!!!!