Faith for the Journey

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Faith for the Journey - Video

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1st Beatitude - Poor but Happy

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2nd Beatitude - Sad but Happy

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3rd Beatitude - Humble But Happy

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4th Beatitude - Hunger and Thirst

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SOFT WITH SHOWERS

"You water its ridges abundantly, you settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, you bless its growth." Psalm 65:9-13 (v.10)

Hard ridges in sun-baked furrows of dry ground are hard on the feet of the sower. God sends Spring rains. April showers softens the soil. The seed is sown and God makes it grow.

Sowers, partners with their Creator, sing in the rain, sink their toes in the mud. Showers of blessing create songs and paint visions of an overflow harvest in the soul.

Poets and artists are inspired by the cycle of sowing and reaping as man and God work together. Faith for the future abounds. Hope bursts in full bloom. The sower becomes a prophet who dreams about the day when showers bring flowers and fruit and seed for tomorrow.

The old hymn, "Showers of Blessing" is a prayer for outpoured grace to saturate us, fill us to overflow. Streams in the desert pour through the hard ridges of our dried-up souls and over the shards of our broken hearts. Let the showers come, even when they blow hard and harsh, some with the sting of death and bitter tears.

SING IN THE RAIN: God waters, softens and blesses, yes, blesses, to make you grow. Showers are not storms sent to destroy, but sudden showers, outbursts of the unexpected, sent to be replaced with deeper intimacy as God comes closer to you.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, water the ridges, the hard ridges, of my soul. Soften me with showers. May seeds of faith planted in earlier times of my life sprout and grow strong for this harsh season. I trust you, Jesus, for you are Lord of the harvest. Control what grows within with softening showers. Amen

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LAUGH WITH GOD

"And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying," This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17

The very thought of Jesus causes the Father to smile. He is pleased by the Son's obedience. Jesus' water baptism pleased Father God. He had planned it all and was eager to get all the joy possible out of it. Since whatever pleased the Father, pleased His Son, it was mutual pleasure. Joyous!

Imagine the Father's happy thoughts as Jesus submits to John the Baptist. The Son yields to extended arms ready to support him as He bends. He let's go, yields. The river gurgles with the joy of the Son.. He is over His head with happiness. The sky opens into a radiant smile to create a brilliant entry for the Spirit. John and Jesus shout, happy young men. Father smiles, creation laughs.

Joyfully react to good things that happen in your life. It pleases Father God. Don't miss the big moment and rob God and yourself of the sheer pleasure and huge thrill of what is going on. It is not inappropriate to laugh with God and His children.

Enjoy God's generosity! Does His grace really amaze you? We disappoint our Father when we pout with fake unworthiness or sulk under self-condemnation while He blesses us! When we fail to share His happiness in all we receive, we cheat ourselves.

There is a pleasure built into every obedience to God's Word and will. Both the believer and his God enjoy it together. They are meant to smile and laugh with joy unspeakable and full of glory! God shares with us a delightful inner enjoyment.

REMEMBER: IT IS HIS PLEASURE TO SHARE THE THRILL WHEN YOU ENJOY HIS WILL. He laughs with you, enjoys your laughter. Whatever delights you, pleases Him. Share the joy!

God the Father rejoices when you are happy. This is true especially when we express our gratitude with genuine joy and pleasure. Be a happy child of God. Feel good about yourself. It blesses your God who is happy to see you happy. Bless the Lord with joy!

PRAYER: Father God, I can ruin the pleasure of it all when I either question whether I deserve to be happy or not, or when I fail to see my blessing as something You have provided. May my joy over things You do for me, cause us to laugh together. Amen

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THE FLOW OF SAVING POWER

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Cor. 1:18

It has been said, "I have been saved, I am being saved, I will be saved." What does that mean? It means once you enter salvation, that is accept Christ as your personal Savior, you are on the way to salvation in salvation!

Salvation is not just a one off personal experience; something that happened on a certain time at a certain location, at a specific time. That is a good starting point, but it is just the beginning. Salvation flows like a river. It is not a frozen lake.

The message of the cross, the call to salvation, demands a definite, personal decision. But once that decision is made, salvation streams as a constant flow of God's power within us. We are saved into eternal life, not into an eternal state. God's infinite plan for each of His children is so vast, it will take all eternity to reveal it. His inexhaustible grace towards us will never run out.

JUST THINK OF IT! Today you are saved, and tomorrow you will know the same saving goodness of God. Grace is at work in you. It saves you from perishing. The outer destructive forces that threaten you are not greater than the power of God that works in you, saving you, keeping you day by day.

PRAYER: I thank you, Lord, that when you saved me, you did not leave me on my own. I know my life flows within the river of eternal life forever. Praise God. Jesus, You live in me and I live in You. Your power dwells within. Amen

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FAMILIAR, YET UNFAMILIAR

"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection...." Philippians 3:10

After His resurrection, Jesus visited His disciples various times in various places. He just showed up!..There He was, His dear familiar self.

Familiar, yet unfamiliar. The Twelve knew how He had died, had been placed in a tomb that was sealed. Yet He had suddenly appeared alive before them; a reality that made Him strangely unfamiliar. Everything was different. The disciples had no prior experience with a resurrected Master. Before the cross, He had been one of them. Now, He was Another, different, yet the same. How should they relate with a Teacher risen from the dead? They fumbled, awkward in their reactions.

Jesus understood. So He appeared in familiar places in familiar ways. He shared bread with them, talked to them, touched them, taught them. He eased them into an expanded knowledge of Himself.

When He finally had to leave them and go to His Father, He offered them a Tutor, someone who knew Him intimately. The Blessed Holy Spirit would take over. He would continue to teach them. They would learn more about Jesus and the power of His resurrection.

Reach Beyond: As 21st century followers of Christ we go beyond the open tomb to discover more about our risen Lord. He lingers to share bread with us, talk to us about an intimate relationship with the dear Holy Spirit, the Father's Gift to all who love His Son.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the cross where Jesus died. Your power raised Him from the dead.That same power quickens and fills my life today. Holy Spirit, teach me. I want to know more about Jesus than I have ever known before. Amen

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A WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."Psalm 23:4

There is a childhood prayer I recall. " Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

Child-like faith expressed in that prayer is often sadly lost in growing up, unless the adult holds on to it. If faith is maintained, the fear of death is replaced by the comfort of the expectation of heaven.

A psychiatrist said, "I have never seen a case of senile psychosis in the aged when they have faith in God and are free from the fear of death."

The fear of death is usually wrapped up in the fear of old age. When such fears are surrendered in the hands of God, faith rises for an exciting adventure in old age and at the time of death.

When we are young we live like we will never die. As we age, we begin to think about where we will spend eternity. Sometimes the death of a loved one will prompt serious thoughts about our own mortality. Inner fears cannot be concealed. They show, even when one pretends they are not there.God sees what is in our hearts. Does fear show through our attempts of bravado?

Ask Jesus: To walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He faced and defeated the power of death and the fear of it. He renamed the valley after Himself, "The Way."

PRAYER: Lord, when the time comes for me to go into eternity, I will not walk alone You have promised to be with me all the way. If fear attacks, You will ward it off by your resurrection power. You are The Way. Thank you Jesus! Amen

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MAKE THE MASTER PROUD OF YOU

"Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." I Peter 2:13-17

The accelerated speed of the secularization of America, the epidemic proportions of the decline of moral standards, the redefinition of the family and public disdain for Christian values hurls us into a frightening free-fall from traditional values.

American Christians, like their fellow-believers around the world, face increased opposition. Their values clash daily with those of the society around them. What should Christians do to balance civil obedience and biblical mandates? They must revere the Scriptures and respect authorities. When the apostles, Peter and John, were ordered not to preach the gospel, they replied: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)

The Message translation of our text instructs us in these words:

"Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government."

In today's world there is an increased hostility towards Christians who openly declare their convictions. We have a very different America than our forefathers hoped for us. We face a challenging future, but not without hope. God holds the future in His hands. Fully depending upon God, we must pray and have courageous faith.

STAND UP: SPEAK UP AND LIFT UP A STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make me a good citizen who brings glory to your Name. Amen

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ENJOY FRESH BREAD

"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." Luke 6:21

My son-in-law, Alan, enjoys baking bread. I enjoy the mouth-watering aroma that fills our house. There's nothing better than a buttered slice of bread from a fresh baked loaf. Forget about the calories and fully yield to the temptation! Enjoy!

There is an enjoyment of another kind. It is the pleasure brought to my spirit when I enjoy God. With delight I savor His presence, whether in the house, in the church or wherever my soul is stirred by his nearness. I hunger for Him. I long to enjoy Him more.

I know He is always present, but there are times I sense a fresh awareness. I stop and breathe it in. My appetite for God is aroused and I look to see where He is. I wonder if God has something fresh for my soul to enjoy?

The Shepherd David found continual enjoyment in worship. It was a love-feast, an overflowing cup. The more of God he tasted, the more he wanted. In the Psalms he extends an invitation to taste and see how good God is. We are urged to abandon our proud inhibitions and give ourselves fully to the enjoyment of God.

Accept his invitation. Breathe in the fragrance of the fresh things our Lord has ready for your enjoyment. Allow your hunger for more of God to lead you to his banqueting table. Discover the delightful things God has prepared for you. See how truly good God is.

David found that enjoying God prepared him for times when invaders attacked him and his flock. He was ready to fight off any thief who tried to take away his satisfaction in God's goodness. His victories ring with songs of deliverance and laughter.

BREATHE IN HIS PRESENCE: He is near and awaits to satisfy your hunger for a fresh taste of His goodness. Feast on the Word. It will turn your tears into laughter. Let your house be filled with the fragrance of the Bread of Life.

PRAYER: Lord, You are the delight of my life. I have tasted and I know You are good. I long for more. Refresh me and sustain me. As I read your Word, I am fed. As I wait in prayer before You, I am filled and blessed. I love you, Lord. Amen

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FOR PEOPLE LIKE US

"For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham." Hebrews 2:16

'It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.' Message Bible

What are we like, you and I? We are not angels. We know that. As members of the human race, we are flesh, soul, able to be spiritual, prone to be unspiritual, likely to struggle with ourselves. We sin, yet we are loved and can receive God's forgiveness.

Often, like ungrateful children who refuse to admit any wrongs, we demand our rights on our own terms. We hurt ourselves. Bruised proud flesh, we break and bleed, cry and blame others, even God. At times we openly confess our need of God. Other times we hide. sullen and silent, too hard of heart to ask for help.

God does not disregard us when we hurt, even when we sulk! His Son felt all our pain, so he understands. It is hard to take in, but He entered into every detail of human life. He experienced it himself, the pain, the tests. He went through it all for people like us.

What are you like? Bitter, broken-hearted, forsaken? When life's tests are too hard and you are crushed by failure, he will heal you and restore your soul.

Feel like you must not trouble God with your problems? You are mistaken. He took the trouble to come into our world, experience every detail of life here. He chose to go by the way of the cross, to the grave and ascend to God's throne. He experienced it all. Now he intercedes for people like us.

Turn to Jesus: Are there things about yourself you wish changed? He can change what you are like. He will make you more like Him in the way you live. You must decide to give Him a chance to help where help is needed.

PRAYER: Savior, you entered into every detail of human life. You passed every test. You won for people like me. Forgive and help me where I fail. I believe you understand. In your name, Jesus. Amen

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THE TIDE IS RISING

"Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Romans 13:11

It rained hard here in Los Angeles yesterday and most of the night. We are told to expect more rain over the next few days. It is cooler than usual. Although we do not have typical Southern California weather at present, we realize our worse conditions are mild compared to the extreme conditions in other places nationwide.

Nature's rising tides are not good news for us who live in Greater Los Angeles. An alert makes us scurry to check if we are in any trouble due to unpreparedness. Often we wait until the last minute before we consider mud slides, flooded drains and a multitude of inevitable disasters. Here on the West Coast we are accustomed to sun-shine; blue skies and safe beaches in the shadow of mountains that rise beyond our valleys. We play on the beach right up to when the storms start and have to hurriedly fill bags with sand to save ourselves, with little chance to think of saving others!

So it is, I am sorry to say, many times with believers who have been warned of coming spiritual 'bad weather'. The rising tides of Islam and evil forces around us threatens the salvation of people we know. The main thing is to be ready for whatever comes.That applies to spiritual conditions as well as natural circumstances. Changes are ahead and we must not be unprepared. The Bible has lots to say about unpreparedness. Jesus' most repeated warning was, "Watch and pray...." He spoke of being ready for the unannounced coming of the Son of Man (Mt. 24:24; 25:13)

BE AWARE: Wake up and stay alert. It is important for you and for each member of your family. Have faith for them and pray earnestly, speaking their names. Remember Noah in Hebrews 11:7

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, wake me up. Shake me free from my apathy and drowsiness. Let me hear the alarm the Holy Spirit sounds to awaken me.The night is long and the darkness deepens. Let me shine with the armor of light. In your Name, Amen.

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A Timely Harvest

"The harvest is past. The summer is ended, and we are not saved....." Jeremiah 8:20

The verse above is a lament of lost opportunity. Someone had good intentions but didn't persevere. These words prod us with their sad pronouncement of failure. It is important to not put things off until later. Something unexpected could happen in our lives to cut off future opportunities given to us by the Lord.

The Holy Spirit endeavors to teach us that prompt obedience to God's will is vital. It is important that we respond quickly because God has a larger plan than we can perceive. That puts a cosmic dimension on day-to day actions and links them to eternity.

When we do not fully learn the lesson, even in old age, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit nudges us persistently. We may be annoyed, yet we do not change. We fuss and condemn ourselves and stay as we are.

Often the things we feel we must do and fail to do are self-imposed. That's part of the difficulty. If someone else demanded it, or there was a deadline or a penalty if not done in time, then we would do it. But who cares? The self-imposed thing is difficult to do because there is no one else demanding it be done, except the Word of the Lord in your heart. But your agreement is important in anything God wants you to do.

AGREE WITH JESUS: You may feel that no one cares. But there is One in heaven who cares. The Maker of heaven and earth cares. So, if we love God, we must care. We must respect His sovereign will. Learn to do God's will at the right season so we do not lose any of the harvest.

PRAYER -Lord Jesus, release me from the habit of procrastination. I seek Your help. Let inspiration flow from a mind yielded to You. I do not want to block the flow of inspiration. I will to do Your will.

Amen

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GIVE PRAISE FOR THE PERSECUTED

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Matthew 5:11,12

The opposition against Christians in America is related to what happens to Christians in other parts of the world. It is Satan's master plan and is aimed primarily against the Lord. Satan who leads, directs and devises persecution against those who love the Name of Jesus, has raged and burned with an intense jealousy against God himself ever since he opposed His sovereignty in Heaven.

Christians suffer for Christ in America, victims of culture-wars, jailed without bail. Each day reveals increased confrontation by those who wish to rid our country of all evidence of Christianity. But Jesus says, 'Rejoice!'

Christians suffer in many parts of the world. Christian families are forced to leave their homes and flee for their lives as ISIS takes control. Their world, as they have known it, will never be the same. But Jesus says, "Be exceedingly glad!"

RID THE WORLD OF CHRISTIANITY! That is the purpose of the pressure groups who cry out against Christians here in America. They labor to get rid of all Christian influence in our country. Their hateful conduct to force surrender to judicial tyranny and to re-define marriage is an evil plan to not only change our American culture, but a plan to change the world.

JESUS WILL REWARD -those who witness to His victory. They are part of a much larger plan than Satan has devised. It will come as a great surprise for those who oppose Christianity to discover that their opposition propels Christians to rise up with bold faith that can change the world.

PRAYER: Jesus, I give praise for all those who suffer persecution. Thank you, Lord for all those who love you more than life, willing to die rather than to disown you as Savior. May the opposition stir all of us to rise up as bold witnesses in these last days. I pray for those who unwittingly are a part of Satan's age-old hatred against You. I pray our enemies will repent, so they can receive eternal life. In Your name, Amen

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LOVE IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." I John 4:10

If love is what makes the world go around, then let it speed up a lot! Especially the special love Jesus gives. Angry groups clash across our world and many bleed. News commentators add opinionated arguments to the conflict. At times their discussions infer religion is the cause of our problems. Sometimes that may be true, but not always. It should never be said what Christians believe breeds hate and conflict in their hearts against others.

That is exactly the opposite of our heavenly Father's intentions when he sent his Son to the cross. Love is what makes Christianity more than a religion.

Christianity cannot be defined simply as a religion. It is personal love relationship of the deepest and highest affections between God and a sinner. It is an amazing divine love affair, initiated by God who first loved us. God's love catches fire and burns deep into a personality, to evict all conflicting loyalties, to purify all remaining affections within the soul. It changes us and it can change the world around us.

The love-relationship is activated when one surrenders to God's Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior. The degree of love we have for God should reveal a similar degree of care and concern for others.

WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US and gave Himself to die in our place upon the cross. He took our sins and bore the judgment for our sin as the Lamb of God. May we share a place in our hearts with those who need God's love. May our love for Jesus grow each day. Allow his love to change us on a daily basis. Let the changes his love makes in us show in our daily relationships and alter our behavior. Let's be willing to take another's burden, rather than another's life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, my heart cannot comprehend it, but I know your love continues to change me. I love you, Lord. I humbly desire to serve you with all my heart and soul. I long to live in a way that will cause others to know your transformational love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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ABLE TO DELIVER!

"Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us."II Co. 1:9-10

The apostle's desperate situation reduced them to a state of helplessness. They had already gone through a lot and knew how to pray, but the seasoned servants of God had to admit they could not cope on their own. There was no previous pattern or formula that applied to their present circumstances.

When Paul surveyed his situation and asked himself what the end would be, he had to sentence himself to death. It was futile to trust in himself. There was no available human aid. It was all over for him. What a difficult admission for the apostle to make!

Would he blame God and give up? Would persecution drive him to discover a new depth of trust in God? Would the probability of death produce faith for possible resurrection life?

Many Christians face today what Paul and his companions faced in the first century. Persecution continues. The beheadings of people loyal to Jesus, who would rather die than deny their love for Him, takes place today. Forced out of their homes and churches, many run for their lives, Christian communities break apart, but they hold fast to their faith. They are the Diaspora of the 21st century.

DESPERATE TIMES DEVELOP UNUSUAL FAITH. Christians face unexpected challenges to their beliefs everyday. Usual methods of resistance don't always work. When we can't work things out as usual, there is a better chance we will allow God to work things out His way. At that crucial point it is possible to discover a new confidence in God, available only when we no longer think we can handle everything on our own. Unusual times can produce unusual faith.

PRAYER: Lord, when I face things that I can't handle, help me to be honest enough to admit it. May I not be too clever, too proud to totally trust you, even if I should die. At the crucial point , keep me faithful. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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THE DAY AFTER THE FOURTH...

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 13:34

Give serious thought to what the 4th of July really means to Americans. Recent decisions in our courts can adversely effect American's religious freedom in the future. Current events, the history we make today, should concern all of us.

I remember how concerned my parents were when the stock market crashed in the 1920's. I was seven years old. My father, still weak and struggling to breathe, poisoned by chlorine gas in the trenches of France during WW1, felt the futility of it all. He had fought to make the world safe for democracy. At that time, it looked like the bastion of democracy would suffer total economic collapse.

My parent's concern was not because they might lose everything when the banks closed, or they had any business with those who jumped out of the windows of the financial towers in New York's Wall Street. Their concern was because they looked at me and wondered what America would be like for me when I grew up.

They didn't have much hope, but I recall later, when we became Christians and attended church, how they found faith to pray for our country. They claimed God's promises as they tithed, even in the hard times of the Great Depression.

All the 4th of Julys after that were milestones of renewed faith. Each year we prayed for God to bless America. And He has.

Sadly, it appears the sanctifying passion called patriotism; a felt debt of gratitude to God, pumps less in the hearts of our citizens today. Our national sense of God-given purpose is diminished. I hope I'm wrong, but it seems patriotism gives way to self-fulfillment, ravenous and self-destructive.

"WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY?" a child may ask someday. A lost sense of God-given destiny and a lost respect for those who framed our constitution could leave us with no answer. Will our children only hear firecrackers bang and burn or just fizzle out? Hopefully, as in my childhood, may they hear parent's prevailing prayers of faith for their country.

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN: "Lord, thank you for Christian foundations. May we instill gratitude in our children for the Founders of our nation who framed The Constitution. Pour into our children a sense of purpose and courage. Help us train them to know right from wrong and to be faithful to You. In Jesus Name, Amen

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DEBT FREE!

"And you being dead in your trespasses.....He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all your trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us,which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14

In Paul's day the 'handwriting of requirements, or the written code that was against the debtor, could mean two things. It could refer to the record of debts or crimes which stood against an offender's name; or it could refer to the IOU's or promissory notes unpaid by the offender.

Under certain circumstances, those requirements could be cancelled or annulled. To indicate this the record was either sponged away, blotted out, or a nail was driven through them to indicate the power to condemn had been cancelled.

The executed criminal who paid for his offenses by death would be buried and all the records of his debts and crimes. Nothing remained to perpetuate the charges against his name. Death cancelled it all.

Paul saw in the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross the accounts and records of every guilty sinner, Jew and Gentile, nailed to the cross. The blood of Jesus shed upon the cross blotted out the whole record of broken Law, so that it could never be brought up against the offender again.

What does that mean to us? When Satan brings counterfeit charges, as forgiven sinners, we can shout with joy,"The account is totally settled! Jesus paid it all."

APPROPRIATE WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU: When you are troubled by Satan's accusations about your past, confess and declare you believe Jesus forgives you and clears you of the guilt of your sins. Believe He took your guilt Himself to the cross.

If the Accuser still condemns you, write on a piece of paper, 'All My Sins'. Fasten it on a doorpost or somewhere visible. Every time you see it remember your Savior was nailed to the cross to cancel your debt. Declare: "Jesus paid it all, hallelujah!"

PRAYER: Thank you Father. Jesus shed His blood to cancel my debt. What a great feeling to be free of the weight of guilt! All I owe is undying gratitude to You. Amen

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GOD'S GRACE

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

My hard-working Irish mother was a woman of fortitude, even before she became a woman of faith. Yet, who am I to say that there was not always a mixture of both in her? I can hear her say, 'It won't do you any good to look back, look ahead."

Mother's never-give-up attitude developed early. Her parents died in the Great Flu Epidemic in 1900, soon after her birth. Shifted from one relative to another to do child labor, she developed a determined will to survive.

Her determination to look ahead was a kind of faith. She trusted there must be a future better than the present and that it held a reward for not giving up. Her forward-looking attitude carried her through to womanhood. It gave her hope for happiness when she met and married John, the man who became my father. When he returned from the trenches of France in WWI, sick and disabled from chlorine gas, a positive disposition carried her through the tough times. She kept us together as a family while she made a living washing and ironing for other families. She took pride that we never had to go on welfare during The Great Depression.

Mother's hope of reward for perseverance was justified when President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave disabled WWI veterans a bonus in the 1930's. Mother saw the check as a chance to get ahead. She and dad agreed to open a restaurant on Summit St., near a large tent and awning factory. It was not long before "Mrs. Murphy's Restaurant, specializing in Southern Fried Chicken and Home Made Pies," became a favorite eating place in Toledo, Ohio.

It was during that time my mother's fortitude shifted from fatalistic self-survival to faith in Jesus Christ. At the foot of the cross she found new life and the reason to look ahead, into eternal life. The Lord became all in all to her. She never looked back, except just a glance to thank God for the new life He gave to her.

GOD'S FREE GRACE: She did not labor for it, He gave it freely to her. The Savior's unconditional, sacrificial love upon the cross gave richer meaning to her name, Grace.

PRAYER: Lord, I'll stick with what I learned and believed through my mother. I receive the full measure of Your gift of grace given to me. For Your sake, Amen

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MY 'ISAAC'

"...The lad and I will go yonder and worship and we will come back to you." Genesis 22:5

April is my birthday month. Since it is on the second day, the celebration continues. I've had greetings, gifts and friends turning up all month long. It is heart-warming to be remembered over and over. I'm grateful to all of you and to God.

April is resurrection month this year. Jesus is alive! We have revisited His cross, His tomb and found Him again in the garden. As Mary heard Him speak her name long ago, I have heard Him speak mine again as we met in the garden of prayer.

This month my calendar is marked each week with a scheduled watercolor class. Through the encouragement of my daughter and my neighbor, Ellen, I have attended classes for two years with a well-known Southwest Impressionist artist, David Dyell.

At the age of 90 I picked up something I laid down over seventy years ago. Prior to my conversion at the age of 16, I dreamed of pursuing a career in art. Through the influence of my art teacher in junior high school, I won a three year scholarship to the Toledo Art Museum in my home town of Toledo, Ohio. My life was going in that direction when I became ill with a life-threatening kidney disease.

That crisis proved to be a turning point for me and my parents. In desperation, we sought help from the Lord and it changed our lives. Soon after my healing, I sensed a call from God to surrender my life to His service. Instead of attending the art course I chose to go to LIFE Bible College in Los Angeles. The rest is the story of my life in the service of the Lord.

When my art teacher, David Dyell, remarked to the class that I was his oldest student, I shared this testimony with them. David summed it up when he said "This is your 'Isaac'!

GOD REMEMBERS what we lay aside when we take up our cross to follow Him. Some things are not worth getting back, but the things He planned when we were born and born again, He is careful to restore. God sees when we love Him more than anything.

PRAYER: Lord, the years have not dimmed my vision of You.. You have my heart forever. May Your glory shine in the hearts of my children and their children eternally. Amen

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DAY BY DAY

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." II Co. 4:16

It is common for any of us to feel like giving up at times. But then, how could we? Even though outwardly it often looks like things are falling apart, yet on the inside God is doing a restorative work. We can draw daily renewal from His inner Presence.

The Apostle Paul learned the secret of lasting endurance in ministry. His ministry was itinerate and he labored under very difficult circumstances. He suffered terrific opposition in a culture hostile to the gospel. Yet, as he traveled he wrote his letters.

Paul cared for the needs of many young churches and tended to their growing pains. Although his struggles took their toll on his physical strength, Paul's spiritual vitality gave him the will to go on and to not give up.

He lived life on two levels at the same time. While he talked to those around him, he also talked to God. When he walked with others on his long journeys, he also was aware of God within.

Communion with God taught him to evaluate things in a different way. When faced with problems he handed things over to the Lord on a regular basis. What happened on the outside did not alter his awareness of God's action within him. His spiritual discipline developed a dual perspective that renewed him constantly.

BE RENEWED DAY BY DAY. No matter how you feel, don't let a day go by without awareness of God at work within. Daily inner renewal overcomes weakness and weariness due to outer circumstances and prevents loss of spiritual strength.

PRAYER: Lord, develop in me a dual perspectives. While I walk with others, I walk with you. While I talk with others, I talk with you. When I listen to others, I listen to you. Our partnership renews me day by day. Lord, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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SECOND CHANCES

"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22: 31-34

Ever since the women who discovered the empty tomb ran to tell everyone, "He's alive. He is risen!" the resurrection of Jesus Christ has changed countless lives.Those first witnesses could not suppress the news. They felt obligated, more than obligated, they were eager to go and tell the disciples. Their real joy and genuine excitement delivered a message to dispel doubt and produce faith.

It was hard to believe, but the disciples wanted to believe. It was a message they needed to hear. The room was full of men who had failed. Among them was Peter, full of shame for what he had done. When he thought about it, he wept.

Depressed, he could have become suicidal. Except for one thing; Peter could not forget the words Jesus said. Jesus forewarned he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed that early morning. And it happened. Peter had denied him and the precision timing of the rooster's shrill alarm broke his heart.

But Peter remembered other words Jesus spoke..."....I have prayed for you." He realized he had a second chance because Jesus prayed for him and he received it!

Forgiven, he became stronger and stronger, able to strengthen others.

Remember: Jesus prays for you and for me. Through his intercession he gives us a second chance to enter into the joy of his resurrection.

Prayer: Lord, I have failed. I humbly ask forgiveness. Take me to your cross. I receive the chance you offer me now. I am grateful for your faithful love. Make me stronger to help others who need a second chance. In Your Name,Jesus. Amen

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OUR PLANS FIT GOD'S APPOINTMENTS

"Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus saying to Him, "Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?' And He said, 'Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, "The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at Your house with My disciples." Matthew 26:17-18

The disciples had done it all before, finding a place, selecting a lamb, shopping for herbs and bread, setting the table. For them it was preparation for the Passover. For Jesus it was the Last Supper. In His company, ordinary tasks became part of an unrecognized greater plan of redemption.

We look back to celebrate the past. Our Lord looks forward to celebrate the future. We recall what He has done; He anticipates what He will do. As He is in our past, we are in His future.

Notice the everyday tasks He gave in preparation for the future; go into the city, find a certain man, speak to him! My friend, don't undervalue the ordinary tasks He asks of you today.

BE EXPECTANT: HIS INTENTIONS AND YOUR PLANS CAN COMBINE TO BRING ABOUT HIS PURPOSES.

PRAYER: Lord, make my table Yours, my house, Yours. You alone know the greater meaning of everything I do in obedience to You. I don't want to miss Your appointments as I make my plans. So I pray, speak Lord that I may do Your will. Amen

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SWEETER WITH AGE

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him,for we shall see Him as He is." I John 3:2

I found myself humming an old hymn the other day. It caught me by surprise, for it has been a long time since I heard it. The title is "Sweeter As The Years Go By." (composed by Mrs. C.H.Morris). "Sweeter, richer, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter; sweeter as the years go by!" The three verses of the hymn in my hymnal follow the familiar pattern found in most older hymns. Usually verse one is a personal testimony, verse two: Jesus' example and verse three: future joy in heaven.

The constancy of Jesus in my life is my testimony. I began to sing heartfelt worship in a storefront church in Toledo, Ohio in 1938! It is there Jesus healed my body and saved my soul when I was 16 years old.

Jesus still inspires me. The story of His love and how He died upon the cross as my Redeemer never never ceases to thrill my soul. His faithfulness and forgiveness makes me want to be loyal and to be always willing to forgive others.

I look forward to eternal joy in Heaven. I know someday He will welcome me home. By His grace I will look on His face and praise Him forever. My theme will forever be "Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter; sweeter as the years go by."

ENJOY THE SWEETNESS! Sing an old hymn you love and delight yourself in the Lord. Let your prayer be a song of love to the faithful lover of your soul. My heart still sings at the age of 92. I'll be 93 April 2nd. Life with Jesus is sweeter as the years go by.

PRAYER: Lord I lift my eyes you the one who pours out your love to me each and every day. Thank you your faithfulness to be with me through all my life until you take me into your presence. Amen

PS: Heaven is real! In my book, Heaven Here I Come, there is an account of my Mother's remarkable visit to heaven and her return to life in answer to prayer. I recommend her testimony to you who wonder what it is like to die as a Christian. (Heaven Here I Come can be ordered on this website)

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DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL

"Deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 5:13

Christians in many parts of our world suffer for Jesus' sake. Some die, others are imprisoned, or forced to flee from their homes in terror. After being given the choice to either recant their Christian faith in favor of Islam or leave everything they own, they chose to leave. They tell how their places of worship were destroyed and historic sacred relics shattered. Pastors were beheaded, women were taken as sex slaves and children were crucified in a wave of terror ordered by the Islamic State.

The request for deliverance from the evil goes beyond a plea to be saved from Islamic capture and torture. It is a prayer for deliverance from the evil one who has worked through wicked people every century since the crucifixion of Jesus. Our Lord saw the one behind the evil, Satan, the murderer.

It is good to know this prayer is heard today. From His place at the right hand of Father's throne, our ascended Lord intercedes. Some are delivered to fight more battles on earth, others are delivered to enter heaven to receive the victor's crown.

UNTIL THEN: The power of God will operate in answer to the believer's prayer for deliverance from whoever Satan is using to work evil around you and in your world.

May the Lord give you faith right now to appropriate the victory Christ won on the cross. His resurrection is everlasting proof that you are right to pray this prayer, whether you confront evil in your home or face death for Christ elsewhere.

PRAYER: Jesus, you are my Deliverer. The devil cannot hold me captive to evil. I claim your victory and accept your power to deliver me. Whether you rescue me to win more battles for your glory, or release me to rise above the battle field and claim heaven's reward, I belong to you. Your's be the kingdom and glory forever. Amen

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THE PATIENT HEART

"You also be patient. Establish your hearts. for the coming of the Lord is at hand."James 5:8

A high level of expectation for the Lord Jesus' imminent return existed in the early church.. He had said "I will come again." They expected Him momentarily. Still He had not returned. The delay generated impatience.

The Apostle reminded them how farmers plant the seed and wait. They do their part, but growth and fruitfulness depends upon future rainy seasons. Likewise, believers have no control of the time it would take to see the full results of their labors.

Nothing should ruin the poise and peace in our hearts as we wait for the Lord's return. Yet, we worry about how our children and their children will cope with future challenges. We wonder if and how they will be persecuted? If challenged, will they remain faithful to the Lord? Do they cherish their Christian testimony and values?

Layers of opposition, political, relational, educational, regional and national, pile up more everyday against those who declare Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Open hostility flares quickly at those who dare to apply the truth declared in the Scriptures as a standard for today's culture. Christians are listed as extremists by their critics.

How we react to opposition reveals what is in our hearts. We can be chafed and irritated by the evil around us and plead for the Lord's return, or we can be poised and patient as we stand strong in what we believe until He comes.

Practice Patience: Plant seeds of patience, trust and love in your life. Nuture them. In times of trial the harvest of patience and love will bear fruit.

PRAYER: Give me a patient heart, Lord, not anxious nor fearful. Help me to bring hope to others as I live in daily expectation of Your return. By Your grace, Amen.

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

"Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah" Psalm 68:18

Salvation is bountiful and the One who saves us merits a generous overflow of heart-felt praise. This text is a reminder to give back blessing to God who loads us with daily benefits.

A gratitude attitude can change your day. Just be willing to put your thanks into words. When you feel you cannot face the world, look up and count your blessings. Count them one by one aloud.

Name the people who bless you each day. Daily blessings do not just happen, they are poured out through others. Pronounce blessings upon them. Allow your heart to overflow with love for each one.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! Name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." I recall my mother singing that hymn as she worked long hours to support a sick husband and me, her daughter. She had discovered how to lift the over-load of worry and how to carry an over-flow of joy.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, teach me to switch from negative thoughts to a positive recall of daily blessings in my life. Instead of an overload of worry, I lift up praise to You. I claim all the benefits of my salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.

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A CALL TO UNDYING DEVOTION

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matt. 24:12

For all practical purposes, most people live as atheists; those who believe there is no God to whom they are accountable. Their lifestyle expresses the most contemptible insult towards Christianity; indifference, cold, cruel indifference.

That is the very attitude you and I as believers must not develop. Never become indifferent to Jesus. Recall, if you can, when In a flash of revelation, in a moment of recognition, your heart was pierced with passionate love for Jesus. (to read more click on article title..)

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VIOLENCE GRIEVES GOD

"The Earth was corrupt before God, and the Earth was filled with violence."

"And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the Earth, and He was grieved in His heart." Genesis 6:5-7

A heart broken God! That is what we see in the Genesis account of a violent time.

In a few verses God is moved from pleasure as He surveyed His creation, to deep regret He had ever made Earth. Man's evil in the sight of the Lord, was an impudent insult, an utter disregard of God's feelings.

But this slap in the face of God did not turn Him away from the human race. His eyes caught sight of one single soul who pleased Him, and God's heart gushed with grace towards the man. God knew his name. "But Noah found grace in eyes of the Lord."

Our violent culture grieves God. His eyes sees you, the individual believer, and He knows your name. His grace is available for you when violence breaks your heart. He has a protection plan for you.

What I can do: Your task is to build faith for the salvation of your family as they experience the effects of a violent culture.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your grace. See me, where I am, in this violent world. See those I love and give me compassion for those who suffer violence. Show mercy to those unaware of how much violence grieves You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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GIVE UP YOUR CREEKS

"Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, and why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued at the seashore, and stayed by his inlets."Judges 5: 17

GOD WITH US!

Diverted and distracted, these men could not make up their minds. Gilead played it safe. Dan went sailing. Asher kept his distance on the seacoast, safe and secure in his harbors. When Israel needed honorable leaders who would lead, reprobate leaders immersed the nation into mayhem. Yet, God took what He had to work with and carried out His plans.

He does some of His best work with the most unlikely people. God can and does work with us in whatever moral and spiritual condition He finds us. God found a way to significantly include these leaders. He can certainly use us along with our sometimes impossible friends and relatives.

These events occurred at a time when there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing. But God was there; there was a King.

In the time of moral and political anarchy, the presence of the Sovereign God assured the reality of His Kingdom. God is with us and He rules! He looks for those who submit to His will and choose to accomplish Divine purposes in present times.

PRAYER: Dear God, save me from indecision due to the fear of what can happen when I answer your call. Whatever or whoever seems to block the way, must submit. I ask for your grace and courage as I agree to do your will. I surrender all and stand ready to do whatever you ask. In Jesus' Name. Amen!

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TRUST THE OPEN ARMS OF GOD

"Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You, let them ever shout for joy because You defend them. Let them also who love Your name be joyful in You."Psalm 5:11

Many of us can recall times of giddy joy when we played as children and ran to daddy for cover. We giggled and wiggled into his wide open arms and squirmed closer to hide from our huge self--imagined monsters. We remember how he covered us with protective love as we laughed at ourselves.

What a warm, happy picture of our text; you in Father's arms, in the lap of your Divine Daddy, the King's kid, snuggled safely in the arms of the Enthroned! Together, you can laugh at anything that chased you there.

You are welcome to run into the open arms of Papa God. Run for cover and let Him guard you. Share the delight you create when you run to Him. Laugh with shouts of joy.

RUN to God's open arms. The One you love defends you. You can face the future with joy.

PRAYER: Father God, I will come to You. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I trust you to embrace me with wide open arms. I will laugh and rejoice being close to You. Amen

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"......'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE"

"....The night is about over, dawn is about to break...Be up and awake to what God is doing...God is putting finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed...." Romans 13:12

The night before Jesus was born the world lay in darkness, mostly pagan. Except for a place called Palestine. It too, was full of dark shadows that lurked in historic Hebrew times, seasons and festivals; familiar figures who commemorated seasons and feasts; Sabbath, Atonement, and Jubilee. They were there waiting; prophets, patriarchs and priests.

(To Read More Click On Article Title)

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KEEP GIVING THANKS

" Therefore by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifices of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15

There are times it may seem like it is not the right time or place to give thanks.

The context of this verse is an invitation to Golgotha, the place outside Jerusalem, where Jesus died on a cross for us. It was not a place of thanksgiving, but a place of bitter disgrace and shameful death. It was a dump for shattered hopes, broken hearts and bankrupt lives. There were no more courts to appeal, no further arguments, no second chances. The judgment was made. It was time to face the hard fact that it was over, finished.

Yet, the writer of Hebrews calls us to go outside where Jesus is. Why? Jesus, who went outside the city, had the last word. When he cried upon the cross, "It is finished!" He gave new meaning to the word finished. It was not the end, not all over... but it meant the sacrifice was completed, accomplished. Jesus was God's Lamb.

And the song of thanks began. ( to read more click on article title)

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PRAYER PARTNERS

"...in whom we trust he will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given to many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many." II Corinthians 1:10b-11

The Apostle Paul informed the Christians in Corinth how very much he appreciated their prayers. Paul's right to lead had been questioned by the very ones he had led to the Lord. He thanked those who prayed at that difficult time and expressed his appreciation of the gift sent to him.

Prayer partners, who know how to stand, or kneel, by you when you are under attack, are of high value in the kingdom of God. Never under-estimate the power produced by those who prevail for you not to fail. Prayer delivers God's servants in hard times.

BE THANKFUL: Let those who pray for you know how grateful you are for their help. They need to know you highly value them as partners with you in the Lord's work.

PLEDGE YOURSELF TO MORE EARNEST PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR YOU.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for friends who pray for me. I am grateful for their love and faithfulness. Only eternity will reveal how much their prayers help me to do your will each day. I pray for them to abound in the same measure they have blessed me, and much more. In your name, Jesus. Amen

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UNSHAKEN

"For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken." Acts 2:25

Peter quoted the words from Psalm 16 in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Both David and Peter knew, although separated by centuries of Israel's history, what it was to have their faith shaken. They had to learn, when shocked by life's surprises, to see God at hand all the time.

Jesus' disciples had to learn the same lesson. The unexpected circumstances of Jesus betrayal and death on the cross shook them hard. Scattered and afraid, they failed to see God's purpose in anything. That is why, after his resurrection, Jesus stood among them, face to face, touchable, reachable.

Peter, along with the others, began to realize God had loosened the pangs of death and it was not possible for Jesus to be held by it. Jesus held death in his grasp. He had to rise, being what he was.

Learn to declare you are not shaken.

SEE THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE YOU. You will rise over every circumstance, including death. He holds the future, he has the present, the past rests in his all-knowing.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, what perfect peace and preservation! You are always before me. Nothing can remove my faith in you. I will not be unnerved by evil, nor unsettled by loss. I remain unshaken. Lord, I believe! Amen

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JESUS, THE CHANGELESS

"I am the Lord, I change not, therefore you are not consumed...."Malachi 3:6

The tree outside my office window has changed. It is not first time. Each season brings another change, even though I live in Southern California. Its interesting to notice the different colors and stages of growth as our tree responds to the climate.

People change physically as they grow older. I look at the radiant young bride in our wedding photograph on the bedroom wall and marvel at the change the years have made in my person and at the changes the years have made in my personality.

Change is not always a negative alteration. It can be a creative renewal. Like the trees, change can make us beautifully productive. A positive attitude can make us creative throughout life. Each season colors our personality with various hues to make us glow and grow.

Life causes change like the loss of a loved one, by death or divorce, loss of our identity, by unemployment or bankruptcy, or loss of relationships, by jealousy or envy, or loss of peaceful stability, by moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar.

If we resent the changes we slowly wither, dry up and die bitter and barren.

But if we surrender our lives to the Unchanging Creator and trust His creative power, we may be creative in all seasons. We can allow the creative energy of the Holy Spirit make us blossom and bear His beautiful fruit. This type of creative change can continue right up to the end of life on earth.

Surrender: Your fear or resentment of change to the Lord's and allow the Holy Spirit to bring renewal again and again all your life long.

PRAYER: O God, I thank you that I am in You, the Changeless. I rejoice as I watch the passing changes of life and thank you I shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen

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HOW YOU LIVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

"The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." Genesis 6:11

"And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the Earth, and He was grieved in His heart." Genesis 6:6

Soon after the fall of man, the earth was so full of violence God was sorry He ever made the human race. He sent His Spirit to strive with them, but He was ignored. Mankind became even more violent and corrupt. God was grieved and said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever....I will destroy man from the face of the Earth."

Fortunately, a life, radiant with rare purity, sparkled in the darkness of the violent and wicked The Lord saw Noah, righteous, obedient and faithful in an unbelieving world. Noah's right living moved God to save the human race, rather than destroy it. Noah's warning to his neighbors was the sole voice of mercy before judgment.

YOU MAY BE THE SOLE VOICE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHERE YOU LIVE AND WORK.

LIVE AWARE: That God sees our violent and evil ways, but has a heart for our salvation. Live to please God and to obey his will, even when it is difficult. Live to warn others of judgment and offer the way of salvation before it is too late.

PRAYER: Lord, I want to live as one made righteous by your saving grace. May my life shine in the darkness around me. Make me a peace-maker in a violent world. May my family be saved, even as you saved me. For Jesus' sake, Amen

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ONE SAVIOR FOR ALL NATIONS

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."Matthew 28:19

As Christians come under attack by an increasingly anti-Christian culture bent on granting religious rights to everyone but those who follow Jesus Christ, we must be on the front lines of the fight for religious liberty. If you and I, disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, do not speak up to defend our foundational values, who will?

Islamic extremists do not hesitate to declare, "One nation under Allah!" Their goal is global. "One nation under Allah" does not mean only one nation, but all nations, one after the other.

Christian responsibility to take the gospel to all nations will be achieved in proportion to how well we spread and protect the gospel in our own nation and how we live it.

BE COURAGEOUS! Our children and their children's children will live free in "One nation under God" if we stand our ground and declare our convictions in our schools and churches, in the public square, and in the voting booth.

PRAYER: Jesus, the Great Commission is connected to Your promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." In this place in history, help me to make disciples in my family, my neighborhood, my nation, so all nations can be blessed.

In Your name, Amen.

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THE ABUNDANT LIFE

"The thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Jesus spoke these words in response to questions asked by Pharisees, religious leaders who set the standard for Jewish spirituality. Because they remained critical, Jesus said they were deaf and blind, unable to recognize him as their Messiah. When he identified himself as the good shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep, they said he was insane and to listen to him was not worth the bother.

Things have not changed. The devil still comes to steal and to destroy our ability to know and to hear the Lord. Praise God, Jesus still comes and speaks to us. Do we recognize him and hear when he speaks or do we listen to the enemy?

Today Jesus comes to speak faith into your heart. Enjoy life abundantly. Never let the thief destroy your joy when Jesus speaks to you.

ENJOY THE ABUNDANT LIFE! Listen when Jesus speaks. It is well worth the bother.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to perceive and resist the enemy who comes to deceive me. I treasure every moment I share with you. Thank you for abundant life. Amen

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A Remedy for Weariness of Life

"And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he grew faint, Then he wished death for himself and said, "It is better for me to die than to live!" Jonah 4:8

Jonah had some problems, mostly of his own making, but none of them called for a drastic death wish. It wasn't the problem, but the solution that troubled Jonah. God asked him to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jonah didn't like those people in Nineveh. He ran away and he would rather die than go back.

If every new day seems more difficult to face than the one before, it might be you are carrying a burden of disobedience to God's will. Ask Him why you are so 'down'.

PRAYING RESTS THE WEARY. When the heart is sad and dreary, don't forget to pray.

PRAYER: Father, I know that when I am in your will my heart is light. When my heart is heavy, show me your will and give me the grace to obey. I want to do your will, even when it is hard to do. In Jesus' Name, Amen

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The Call from the Father's Heart

'"Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." Jeremiah 3:22

This was a call from the heart of God the Father to His children, Israel. He saw their tears of regret and heard their lament. He wanted them close, but they had wandered and lost contact. As they wandered, they slipped, lost ground and backslid.

To backslide is not a single act, it is a process. The absence of God in our thoughts, our plans, our lives, causes a vertigo of the soul. We become disoriented, lose our sense of direction and go the wrong way. We backslide and we are heart sick.

Listen: There is God's love call. "Come back, I can heal you."

PRAY: Father God, indeed I come back to you. Fill my mind with thoughts of You and keep me close to You. The power of your love when you shed your blood on the cross heals my memories and my backslidings. Keep me on track. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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FAITH OVERCOMES FEAR

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."Psalm 56:3

We can feel smothered with daily newscasts of world events until we can hardly breathe. Multiple conflicts of our hypertensive culture press down on us and we sigh with a sense of futility. At times a strange dread sweeps over us and we are afraid.

If we do not know what to do with our fear, if we keep it inside of us, internal anxiety will cause external symptoms. Our bodies register emotional turmoil. inner tension and stress. Eventually physical diseases like heart trouble, high blood pressure, and associated problems signal the body is sick with fear.

The Psalmist learned what to do with fear. He turned to trust the Lord. It was not fight or flight that relieved him of his fear; it was faith.

TRUST IN THE LORD: And don't despair. No matter what your troubles are, Jesus will see you through.

PRAYER: Lord, I cannot control or solve any world problems or whatever makes me anxious. I care, but you care more. I turn to You. I relinquish my fears to make room for faith. I know you love all who need you in this unjust world. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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THE WAYS OF GOD

"Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out." Romans 11:33

The Bible warns the last days will be perilous times that will challenge our faith.Christians will react differently to God's ways. Some may cave in with doubt and fear. At the same time others will cultivate stronger faith.

The most seasoned saint is often tempted to question the ways of God. In perilous times it is hard to understand why the innocent suffer and the righteous are persecuted. Believers can be tempted to think God does not notice the evil plans of the wicked.

Those who love God must remain humble before Him and maintain faith in His wisdom and knowledge. Admit God's deep, deep wisdom is way over your head. You will never figure it out nor explain God or His ways. Give up trying to tell God what to do. Accept that everything comes from Him, and happens through HIm and will end up in Him.

GOD'S WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS. Isn't that the way God should be? Sovereign!

PRAYER: All glory and praise to You, Lord. How wise and knowing you are. Your judgments are unsearchable and Your ways past finding out. I believe You when I cannot understand what You are doing and I humbly trust You. Amen to Your will!

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PREPARED TO PERSEVERE

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come."II Timothy 3:1

Notice these attention getting words written by the apostle Paul to pastor Timothy in the early formation of the Christian church. His reference to 'the last days' informed the young pastor to be aware of the times in which he ministered.

As long as the Church remains in this world, those who love God will experience perilous times. The term 'last days' extends from the birth of the church at Pentecost (Acts 2) to the end of the church age when Jesus comes again. Challenges will continue as persecution and violence increases against the Church.

Even now in our own perilous times be prepared to persevere. Remember the courage and devotion of saints in earlier times who would not recant their faith. God gave them grace and He will help you.

BE AWARE. When you experience opposition because of your faith. do not be intimidated, be resolute. You have been warned that these last days would be difficult and could be dangerous.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, your Word alerts me to expect dangerous opposition when I dare to stand up for you. Help me to not be ashamed nor taken by surprise when persecuted. Give me strength to be faithful, not fearful. You faced opposition with humility and courage. May the Holy Spirit give me courage. In Jesus' name. Amen

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TO TELL THE TRUTH

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Independence Day is a celebration of liberty found in truth. Our forefathers declared, ".....we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...." Today, United States of America enjoys freedom because fifty-six honest men who signed The Declaration of Independence had the courage to tell the truth.

Our national daily conversation is full of opinions and perspectives. In all the talk, we listen, starved for truth. The constant repetition of half-truths, untruths and no truth dulls our ability to recognize truth when we hear it. We can become cynical critics, educated to not expect or accept truth. We learn to question the accuracy of what we hear. It becomes awkward to claim anything to be the truth.

Not so with Jesus. He identified Himself as The Truth, honest through and through. Truth poured out of Him, in word and in deed. What He said was what He was and who He is and will be forever.

The ring of truth in the words we speak is not heard unless our thoughts and desires harmonize with what we say. Tell the truth and enjoy the liberty of being honest.

LET'S BE HONEST: with ourselves, with others, and with God. Tell the truth, not an opinion or a perspective. As Jesus said, "The truth shall set you free."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I want to be a true witness. Let my talk and walk be consistent and honest. I know it is the way for others to know you are The Way and The Truth. Amen

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VICTM OR VICTOR

"Yet for your sake we are killed all day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Ps.44:22

In this verse the Psalmist describes how God's people felt about themselves, after they chose to worship store-bought gods, made by their hands. In the time of calamity, materialistic idolatry could not save them. They fell victim to their own foolishness.

When God's people forgot to pray, they made fools of themselves. David learned he could not hide things from God. Their memory of former favors from God caused them to complain about their present evils rather than to confess their foolishness.

When we feel like lambs assigned for sacrifice each day, we need to ask ourselves if our difficulties are for the sake of God's will, or for the sake of our own self-will. Once we get them sorted out, we'll have a healthier attitude and will see a victorious end.

HONEST CONFESSION; before God is the proper attitude about our difficulties. Often it is only in times of persecution and dishonor redemption is remembered. There is redemption through the cross for all those who transgress.

PRAYER: I confess many of my present problems are due to my own transgressions. I wandered into my own way and I now pay for it. Lord, I will not allow this to kill my faith or sever my relationship with you. I will trust you more. For your Name's sake. Amen

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PENTECOST HAS COME!

"And when the Day of Pentecost had fully come....." Acts 2:1

Fifty days after the crucifixion of His Son, on a Jewish holy day called Pentecost, the Spirit came noisy, awesome, and not at all as the first century Christians expected. But expectation prevailed over ignorance and was rewarded.

Those original 'Pentecostals' were not totally ignorant. They knew Jesus had assigned them to take the gospel to the world.. They knew it would be utterly impossible for them to accomplish anything without divine help. They knew they must not rush directly into any plan Jesus had commanded. "Go," He said, but first, wait in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Lu .24:49)

We can not expect to experience the historic Day of Pentecost again, but we can expect to receive the power from on high again. The power is personified in the Holy Spirit. He has come. The Spirit's power is our reward if we will wait upon God.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST HAS FULLY COME. The question is, do we fully realize how much we need the power from on high? The answer to our need is found in waiting.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, endue me with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I have nothing to offer without Your powerful Presence in my life. Before I go anywhere, or attempt to do anything in Your name, I will wait until I am filled afresh. Glory to God! Amen

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THE HOLY SPIRIT IS COMING!

"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you, but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."Luke 24:49

The Christian church will soon commemorate Pentecost Sunday. Christians will remember the day recorded in the second chapter of Acts. Believers had prayed for ten days in an upper room somewhere in Jerusalem. Why had they gathered there?

Jesus had sent them there to tarry until they were endued with power from heaven.

Earlier, He had told them to go into all the world and make disciples. His followers were in shock. While they were still grieving his crucifixion, they had been thrown into greater confusion by his miraculous resurrection. Now they faced the challenge of world evangelization! How could they hope to do it? They sat there and waited.

Wait on the Lord in a focused way until the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Jesus calls us to tarry for fullness. We need power to reach a lost world without Christ. The Holy Spirit longs to come upon you with a fresh unction that empowers you for service. Receive the power. Don't rush out to do it on your own.

STOP! Sit down and wait on God. Take time to tarry. Jesus wants you to hear the Wind and feel the Fire! Pray until the power comes.

PRAYER: Jesus, I need the Holy Spirit's power. It could be the reason I feel drained and empty is because I am trying to do God's work without God's power. Holy Spirit, I confess I can't do it on my own. I need you, dear Holy Spirit, to refresh, refill. restore me. I will tarry until you come afresh to empower me. For Jesus' sake. Amen

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HONOR AND REMEMBER

"And I looked and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for you brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." Nehemiah 4:14

Nehemiah, a government worker for a foreign king, became a building contractor assigned to restore the walls of Jerusalem. Volunteers rallied to his challenge,but gave up when threatened by Jewish officials who mocked them. Nehemiah's response was the formula for victory over fear of persecution.

"Honor God. Focus upon the Master Builder, who employs you. Remember, your fight is for the survival of your families.."

They honored God and positioned themselves to fight for their families. They became builders and soldiers, a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. When persecuted, they went back to the wall and went to work. Taking turns, half of the men worked while the other half stood guard, unified in faith and purpose. ( to read more click on articel title)

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THE HEART OF THE DIVINE LOVER

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

The Message Bible translates this verse with urgency: "Don't grieve God. Don't break His heart. The Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don't take such a gift for granted."

God, The Holy Spirit is the Son's Gift, sent by the Father. He is a Person who feels deep, personal emotions. He is the spiritual atmosphere in which you live, like the air you breathe. He is intimate and indispensable. He comes into continual contact with your inner man. He supplies your soul with the life and the spirit that were in Christ.

The heart of the Holy Spirit longs to represent Jesus in this world through you. Allow Him to transform you into a His temple and to advance all holy living through His indwelling and dominion. He is the Spirit of holiness who sanctifies.

YIELD TO HIM: with whole - hearted, intimate trust. Don't be casual, but earnest in your passion. Don't sadden the Holy Spirit. Your indifference would grieve His heart.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Your Spirit draws from me true spiritual worship, a surrender to an intimate relationship. I long to know the heart of the Holy Spirit. May my heart be one with His as I represent You in this world to the glory of the Father. Amen.

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KEPT BY THE SHEPHERD OF YOUR SOUL

"For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." I Peter 2:25

Yes, God's people, like sheep, can go astray. We wander, preoccupied and go our own way, far from the Shepherd. Straying happens, slow and sure, unnoticed until the weariness sets in and we get sick, hurt or wounded. Confused, we wonder how we got into such a state.

If you are like a lost sheep with no idea who you are and where you are going, Jesus knows your name and claims you as His own. If you are sick and weary, He who seeks you bears scars. He suffered to save you. His wounds become your healing.

Jesus is your Overseer, He goes after you and gathers you..and manages you. In His goodness, He places you in a flock, with under-shepherds, or pastors, to feed and lead you. Stay with the flock. Fellowship heals us.

RETURN TO YOUR SHEPHERD - "whom Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree... by whose stripes you were healed" v.24

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I want to stay close to you. When I stray, I feel lost and weak. Teach me how to walk in fellowship with the flock where you have placed me. Help me to recognize your voice through those you appoint to restore my soul. Thank you, Lord. Amen!

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JESUS IS ALIVE! JESUS IS LORD!

"...He ascended --- what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things." Ephesians 4:9-10

It was over. They buried him; a lifeless body entombed, waiting for resurrection. They thought It was the sad conclusion of the amazing life of Jesus, the most extraordinary person to ever walk on earth. But, they were wrong. The angel announced the next morning, "He is not here! He is risen!"

In the interval between his death and resurrection, Jesus himself descended into Hades. On earth his friends wept and Roman guards vainly sealed the tomb and watched his grave, but Jesus went into the lower regions of darkness, delivered captives, snatched the keys of that dreaded abode from death and the devil. He arose The Supreme Victor over death, hell and the grave...(to read more click on article title)

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REGRET OR REPENTANCE?

"Godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death." II Cor. 7:10

During a television news hour a reporter asks,"Are those tears real?" He is watching the confession of Oscar Pistorius. The 27 year old star athlete, who was the first amputee to run in the Olympics, relived "the moment that everything changed", recounting for the first time the night that he shot dead his girlfriend. His wild howls broke the silence of the emotionally controlled courtroom. The wrenching end of the 18th day of the trial left everyone stunned. Were his tears real heart-felt grief, or was it all a staged to influence the court? Only God knew if he shed tears of regret or tears of repentance...(to read more click on article title)

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THE DESTROYER

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Evil rises to invade nations when the lust for power takes control. Recent events in our world should cause concern.

There are those of us who remember when proud dictators plunged millions of people into years of world war. We remember how tanks rolled over borders of European countries with no resistance; troops moved in and took control of governments. It all happened so quickly and quietly, like a thief. Few were disturbed.

Even the church chose to be silent and to pretend nothing was wrong. They held their breath and hoped if they were quiet the thief would go away.

Today modern tanks and more troops are doing the same thing. Again, few seem alarmed, or say, 'This is not right..not legal..not moral.' The silence is ominous, the apathy scary.

Neutrality is not an option when freedom is at stake. I am not a rabble rouser, but I would like to be a watchman on the wall who refuses to ignore the early signs of an approaching destroyer on the horizon.

"WATCH AND PRAY" our Savior said. The thief is on the move to steal, kill and destroy.

PRAYER: Lord, those around me must be warned of the thief who comes to destroy and how You come to save. Don't let me be silent in prayer or testimony. In Jesus name, Amen

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THE DESTROYER

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Evil rises to invade nations when the lust for power takes control. Recent events in our world should cause concern.

Even the church chose to be silent and to pretend nothing was wrong. They held their breath and hoped if they were quiet the thief would go away.

Today modern tanks and more troops are doing the same thing. Again, few seem alarmed, or say, 'This is not right..not legal..not moral.' The silence is ominous, the apathy scary.

"WATCH AND PRAY" our Savior said. The thief is on the move to steal, kill and destroy.

PRAYER: Lord, those around me must be warned of the thief who comes to destroy and how You come to save. Don't let me be silent in prayer or testimony. In Jesus name, Amen

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SPIRIT OF SPRING

"You send forth Your Spirit , they are created; and You renew the face of the earth." Psalm 104:30

The Holy Spirit comes to us with new life. He is the Spirit of Life. He creates new life in us. He brings to us a remarkably beautiful and bountiful new season. Jesus, the Life-Giver, renews us. We can blossom as a winter garden come to life in the Spring.

There is renewal of beings and things, thanks to the faithfulness of God, who by HIs repeated gifts causes all His creatures to live. This is true in particular of any man or woman who will trust in Him.

So, don't complain and say God has forgotten. He is The Gardener in all seasons. He doesn't come and go and forget. He tends us even in the unfruitful season. Your Creator sees and knows more about you, inside and out, than you can see or imagine.

PATIENTLY WAIT: Let God do His work to make you blossom and bear more fruit. You are part of His renewal program to make your whole environment spring into life.

PRAYER: Lord, Send Your Spirit, so I may spring into a new season. Make a fresh start in me. Shape me for a new beginning. Get me out of this deadness. Open me up to reveal something beautiful for Your glory, Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.

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WHERE ARE YOU?

"But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9

When I was a child, my mother set limits on where I went to play and how long I stayed. Occasionally, an odd thing would happen. When I was out of limits, beyond my boundaries, I would hear my mother's voice call me,"Jean, Jean! It is time you came home!"

I'd run home as fast as I could, to avoid the consequences. More than once, as I rushed in breathless, my mother would be surprised to see me. I'd ask, "Didn't you call me?" She would smile and say, "No, but it was time I did."

When we feel troubled about what we are doing or sense we are in the wrong place, it is probably God disturbing us with his probing question: "Where are you."

It is not that he doesn't know where you are, but do you know?..(to read more click on article title)

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CISTERNS OR SIEVES?

"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters. and hewn themselves cisterns -- broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:13

God defines two evils, a compound sin, his people committed. One was their break-away from him, abandonment of the source of life, their desertion of a life-source, the fountain of fresh flowing water. The second was their effort to solve the problem on their own, their hard labor of finding water on their own, and how inferior their solution was after all their hard work. Their do-it-yourself- water storage was useless. Their self-dug cisterns leaked, would hold no water. Their cisterns were sieves.

The desertion of a successful provision to develop an unsuccessful project; to discard something that works, to create something that doesn't work, seems stupid. It is stupid, it is the insanity of sin. No wonder God complains. Sin, is really foolish and heart-breaking. Desertion of God causes hard times. We forsake God, reject what he provides, do it our way, the hard way, and find it never works. (to read more click on article title)

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GOD IS LOVE

"He who does not love does not know God. for God is love." 1 John 4:8

This is true, God is love. Since it is true, then it is impossible to understand the true nature of love without first understanding the nature of God himself.

Until we know God, through his Son, we have not seen love. Every act, in life and in death, Jesus demonstrated the true being of God. God is love.

Through his Son, his love poured out to every kind of person; the successful, the ruined, the good, the bad, the well, the sick. All who sought God were given love.

Our knowledge of the true meaning of love depends upon our knowledge of God in Jesus Christ. We do not discover God from our experience of love, we discover love from our experience of God...(to read more click on article title)

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STAY IN LOVE

“And we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.” I John 4:16

When the Holy Spirit introduced me to God's Son, I embraced him as my Savior, heart and soul. Jesus is the Lover of my soul. I love him because he first loved me. His grace enables me to live steadily and deeply in an intimate relationship. His love gives me life, His life within.

I want others to know and believe the love God has for them. God sent his Son not only to me, but as Savior of all mankind. If the people I know are going see God is love, their hope is that they will see Him in me....(to read more click on article title)

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HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE

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

Our Father in heaven has given every believer throne rights with his Son. He sees the cross and the blood Jesus shed for us. He knows Jesus overcame death and rose the Victor. Jesus fought the battle on earth so we could share his victory in heaven.

Believers are those who direct their faith heavenward. They take their place with Jesus, the Victor, and enter into his seat of power. At his throne they share with Christ a high level of intercession from a heavenly perspective.

Words on a church bulletin board caught the attention of those passing by: “Some people are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good!”...(to read more click on article title) ..

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THE PRICE OF A SECRET

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper; but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 29:13

King Solomon, known for his wisdom, was inspired to write as a father to his son. ''If you're up-front and take responsibility for wrong things you do, you will find success.'

God the Father wants you, his child, to achieve success with a clear conscience. If you want that to happen, you must be open and honest with God. Those with secret sins are likely to live in fear of being found out.

When you feel something from your past must remain concealed in order to gain approval, remember God honors honesty. He rewards those who take responsibility for their wrongs. He is merciful...(to read more click on article title)

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RUN WELL

“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ”Galatians 5:7

Around the first of the year, many of us resolve to pick up our pace in the race of life. We set new goals for ourselves. We get in a positive attitude and position ourselves to run well.

All of us who resolve to run well must be warned; many forces unite to wear us out with delays. Discouragement can drain the strength of the most determined. Beware of distractions. Let us not allow ourselves to drag our feet, change our course or to give up. Those tempted to slow down or to drop out, don't give up, but persevere...(to read more click on article title)

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MERCY BEFORE JUDGMENT

“Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” The name of the town was called Zoar.” Genesis 19:22

This is a urgent command spoken by an angel, who was part of an angel team sent by God. They were to warn Lot to hurry and get out of town so they could finish off their mission to overthrow and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Judgment had to wait while mercy was bestowed.

Why?...(to read more click on article title)

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A CONVENIENT TIME TO CALL

Now as he (Apostle Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix (Roman Governor of Judea) was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." Acts 24:25

Procrastination is a thief! It robs us of priceless opportunities. Delayed decisions mean delayed action. We can lose the valuable benefits prompt obedience yields. The Bible has dramatic examples of how costly it is to be distracted and to procrastinate.

Why did Lot put off saving himself and his family, even when warned by angels of coming judgment? It was inconvenient because of worldly entanglements. He was all tied up with living and doing business in the twin-cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. His greed cost him and his family terrible losses. Gen.19:16

On two occasions In the New Testament we hear earnest volunteers plead to postpone discipleship with Jesus. Why? They procrastinated because family cares took priority. Mt.8:21, Lu.9:61 Personal inconvenience and fear are the most common causes of procrastination....(to read more click on article title)

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THE END …?

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.....” Acts 2: 17

It is the end of the year, not the end of your life. It is necessary to note the end this year, so we can focus on the start of the new year. Holidays help us visualize special days by marked dates on our calendars.

The Scriptures show on God's calendar 'the last days' are not a few days, but are part of an age of grace;...(to read more click on article title)

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DEEP THOUGHTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

“Mary kept all these things in her heart and pondered upon them.” LUKE 2: 15-20

She gathered up the disparate events of the last months and pondered them in her heart. Shepherds rejoiced, angels sang, the townsfolk gossiped and Joseph worried. What did Mary do? Mary sat deep in thought, and tried to make sense of it all.

It would require more than memories of the manger before Mary would begin to understand the full meaning of Christ's birth. Later, she would find it much harder to understand his death at the cross. Nothing would make sense at all until she would see the empty tomb.

What about the hard to understand things in your life and mine?..(to read more click on articel title)

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CONTINOUS CAROLS

“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2: 13,14

Why do we hear Christmas carols over and over all through the season? It seems compulsive, as though we must hear them and sing them, even though we may not believe all they declare.

When we hear the carols over and over, we discover our desire to seek the Lord increases. After the angels sang, the shepherds near Bethlehem were motivated to go and see what the Lord had made known to them...(to read more click on article title)

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THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

“So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem...” Luke 2:1-5

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is quiet...” All is not quiet and all is not calm in our violent world. We long for quietness and fail to find it. We struggle to be calm and we try to avoid the confusion of the week before Christmas.

The original week before Christmas was the week before Christ's birth. A pregnant Mary and worried Joseph had been forced into an untimely journey. They were not calm nor were they among serene people, quietly at peace. Everyone was loud in protest against the injustice of a government who forced them into inconvenient circumstances...(to read more click on article title)

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GOD IS THOUGHTFUL

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

The prophet spoke to a nation doomed to spend years in Babylonian captivity due to their disobedience and idolatry. Yet, it was mercy mingled with judgement. Even as they were being chastised, they were on God’s mind. (to read more click on article title)

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Col. 3:17; 4:2

When I heard the full story of Jesus' life and death, it was impossible for me to be indifferent. The Holy Spirit made me realize Jesus should become central in my life.

Whatever I did, whatever I said, was intended to be done in His Name.

The more details I turned over to the Lord, for His will to be done, the more I thanked Him. He was not bored nor impatient with my details! ....(to read more click on article title)

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THANK YOU LETTER

”You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.” II Cor.1:11

Paul sent a thank you letter to the church in Corinth. He and his apostolic team had suffered severe hardship in Asia Minor. His gratitude is clearly expressed for a rescue operation at a time when they thought it was all over for them. Paul thanks them . “You and your prayers played such a crucial part.”..(to read more click on article title)

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PROUD TO GIVE GOD THANKS

Psalm 35:18 “I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.” Psalm 35:18

Giving thanks in public places, like prayer before a meal, no matter how brief, can cause a number of reactions among others nearby. Some recognize it as something they used to do, and may feel they ought to do it more often. Others, unused to such practices, may ridicule it to cover their surprise anyone would pray in public.

The Psalmist makes a declaration of unabashed pleasure in giving God thanks anywhere, anytime, before anybody....(to read more click on article title)

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JOIN THE THANKSGIVING CHOIR

“So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me.” Nehemiah 12:40

Nehemiah restored Jerusalem as a city holy to God by encouraging everyone to join the choir or the orchestra. He knew joyful worship would heal the afflicted. Israel had been dispersed, despised, distressed and depressed. Nehemiah's restoration work on the wall of Jerusalem had united them as a people blessed by God. But they had worked hard and were weak and weary.

They needed renewal...(to read more click on article title)

“So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me.” Nehemiah 12:40

They needed renewal.

“So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me.” Nehemiah 12:40

They needed renewal.

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GUARD THE DAY WITH GRATITUDE

“....to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening.” I Chronicles 23:30

David learned in combat the power of prayer to deliver a nation. As a warrior and a worshiper, he assigned the Levite priests to praise and thank God every morning and evening. They were on regular duty to stand before God and worship.

It is not only a duty, but a privilege to praise God each morning and evening....(to read more click on article title)

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RETURN AND RELEARN

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” I Ch.16:34

King David was full of joy. The Ark of the Covenant, radiant with God's presence, was in place within theTabernacle at last. It was a celebration, it was the day David inaugurated regular worship of praise to God. He gave a royal assignment to the priests who led worship; “Give thanks to God – he is good, for His mercy endures forever.

God's love never failed, but Israel failed. When the nation lost the Ark of His Presence to the enemy, they lost their sense of gratitude to the Lord. The return of the Ark to Israel meant God's people must relearn the art of worship....(to read more click on article title)

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KEEP IT HOLY

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

Everyday conversation in USA is constantly punctuated with “Oh my God!” The words reveal abject ignorance of the Ten Commandments, particularly the third one.

To break the third commandment is the use of the name of God that denies the true character of God. The Bible contains an awesome revelation of His character through His names and reveals the kind of God we worship. Who He is- is what He is...(to read more click of article title)

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THE FIRST OF TEN COMMANDMENTS

“You shall have no other god's before Me. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,......“ Exodus 20:3 -6

“A new Ten Commandments is needed....” That's what Lech Walesa said this week.

Lech Walesa, who won the Nobel prize 30 years ago for his leadership of Poland's Solidarity trade union and the group's peaceful end to communism in 1989, said a new Ten Commandments is needed to bring together the world under one basic set of principles. The Polish leader was opening speaker of a three-day summit of Nobel Peace Prize winners in Warsaw this week.

He did not offer exact examples of what those core principles would be....(to read more click on article title)

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SECRET TO SPIRITUALITY

“A hearing ear and the seeing eye: the Lord made them both.”Prov.20:12

A readiness to be taught is vital to the spirituality of any follower of Christ. Spiritual insight and discernment are gifts given by the Master to those who are teachable.

Jesus was quick to answer questions his disciples asked when he taught, when he ministered to the sick and when they wanted to learn to pray. He explained to them prophecies about his death and resurrection. He knew their eagerness to learn was important to their spirituality...(to read more click on article)

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HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:7-8

Our text calls believers to remember leaders who gave them God's word. It is a reminder to take note of how such people practiced what they preached. Their life style was centered upon pleasing the unchanging Christ.

Those who live to please themselves crave to do what makes them happy. It is easy to assume a sense of entitlement; to say, “I deserve this.” It doesn't take long to forget or to lose respect for those who enabled us to be who we are today. (To read more click on article title)

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EMBRACE GREATNESS

“ And He sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Jesus and His disciples had returned home to Capernaum . They had been with Jesus during some pretty heavy ministry. As they settled in, He asked what they had discussed on the road. The Twelve were embarrassed, for they had argued with one another over who among them was the greatest.

Jesus sat down and the disciples joined Him. “So, you want first place?” He asked, looking around at them, ”Then take the last place. Be servant of all.” ( to read more click on article title)

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SENTRIES AND LOVERS

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave and strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” I Corinthians 16:13-14

Christians face agitating issues in today's world. We must choose not to be silent about things that matter to us. It is our privilege to engage in contemporary issues with biblical truth. We dare not be weak and wobbly cowards, as many around us are.

It is amazing how much help we can get from the Scriptures on current issues. There are guidelines and clear commands which, if recognized and put into action, will maintain a light and salt effect in our homes, workplaces and even our churches! But our engagement must be enacted with love, not harsh regimentation.

Lots of hot debates were going on in the early church....(to read more click on article title)

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STAND UP FOR JESUS!

“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20

Where is the Lord asking you to go and stand today? - The angel of the Lord told the apostles to go right back where they had been arrested a few hours earlier. He freed them from jail, but not from witnessing.

It is one thing to talk about Jesus when everyone is on your side. It's another thing to be bold among others who are not as open to what you say about Jesus. But the Lord wants your testimony to be heard where the environment is the most hostile.

The early followers of Christ were arrested, beaten and imprisoned. But that did not stop them. (to read more click on article title)

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WAIT WITHOUT GIVING UP

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36

All of us who pray for loved ones to receive the blessings God has for them, become impatient at times. Let all who are tempted to give up, hear these words of our text. Ever notice when you are discouraged how you begin to doubt whether you are in the will of God?

The wisest advice I ever had along the line was given to me by a senior employee of a bank where I worked when I was a student in Bible College...(to read more click on article title)

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BE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FAMILY'S SPIRITUAL NEEDS

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3,4

A Christian's main interest should be to love God and to know Him now in such a way as to reach heaven at the end of life. Also, a believer should be interested not only in his own salvation, but care that those he loves be saved. A believer's personal salvation can be the means of the family's salvation.

Intercession can change how our family lives in this world now and where they live in eternity. Every family has squabbles. Past conflicts separate people; family members lose interest in each other. The best answer to such problems is intercessory prayer. It's an effective way to keep in touch with our family's spiritual needs. (to read more click on article title)

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JESUS IS IN TOUCH WITH OUR REALITY

“Seeing that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14,15

Do you know you have a Savior who prays for you? Jesus, your great High Priest, has entered the throne room of heaven and He has left the door open for you to pray with Him. He will give you His perspective from the throne.

We often feel our own sinfulness as we pray for our loved ones. We feel guilty, responsible for our family's troubles because of our past deeds. Fear not. Jesus makes intercession for all of us. His wounds speak for us. Forgiven, we pray on!

(To read more click on article title)

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ON THE CALVARY ROAD

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”Matthew 7:13-14

Our Meditations are titled “Faith For The Journey” and are sectioned into devotionals for the daily moments as we journey toward eternity.

The idea of life being like a road and our spiritual journey as a walk of faith is clearly described by Jesus Himself. He is “The Way” - the only way. No short cuts. In the Gospels He taught about two roads, one leads to life and one leads to destruction.

One of the first illustrated sermons I heard Aimee Semple McPherson preach in Angelus Temple was on the text above. In a scene on stage behind her pulpit stretched two roads signposted: The Road To Heaven – The Road to Hell. Heaven's upward road was full of beautiful light and Hell's downward road shaded with deep darkness. At the junction stood the cross....(to read more click on article title)

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HELP IN HARD TIMES

“...we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us....does deliver us ...will still deliver us.” II CORINTHIANS 1:8-10

The Apostle Paul shares the time when he and those who served God with Him went through some hard times. In fact, he wondered if they would make it through! But God had mercy! He came alongside to bring them through when the pressure was on.

Often God's servants break down under burdens beyond their strength... (To read more click on article title)

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WORTHY IS THE LAMB

“And they sang a new song, 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open the seals because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have them to be a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10

Many times it seems good goes unrewarded and evil goes on forever popularized. Who will vindicate the faithful believers who pray and wait in hope of God's justice?

Jesus will! The prayers of saints through all the ages will release the judicial power of the Lamb of God. They will break the long silence in heaven which follows the angel's question:”Who is worthy to break the seals and to open the scroll?” (to read more click on article title)

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BE ON HIGH ALERT!

“Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33

In the summer of 2011 the Lord gave me a prophetic word to speak to the church. Now, two years later, much of it comes back to me again. I believe it is a timely alert.

“The Holy Spirit speaks now to us, the Church, to prepare for persecution .It will purify our hearts from the love of the world. Persecution will force us into a greater love for Jesus and for those who perish around us. A spiritual awakening comes as a persecuted church is purified and demonstrates the power of God's love. ( to read more ctick on article title)

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PRAY FOR OUR NATION

“Be of good courage and let us be strong for our people and for our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” II Samuel 10:12

Christian patriots encourage bravery, patriotism and trust in God. Cooperation + Patriotism + Faith = Victory. This is a good formula for successful resistance when evil attacks our nation, our neighborhood, our family. Ask others to help you resist the enemy. Be loyal to your country. Be devoted to God.

True patriots are loyal. A loyal patriot is committed to a belief, a cause or a person they would be willing to die for. They do not turn back, but remain loyal. It is much like Christian discipleship. Believers should be good at loyalty and demonstrate it.

A patriot is loyal to one's country, even when in disagreement with current policies. Often Christians are punished for being loyal to what they believe. (To read more click on article title)

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SAVE THE WORLD

"The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,the world and those who dwell therein."Psalm 24:1

If you ever feel anxious about the end of the world and what will happen to our planet, don't worry. It's under control. It's all in God's hands. God created it. He set the ocean's boundaries and laid out the whole plan for everything. It's all His. God started it all and retains the Creator/Owner's rights until His purposes are fulfilled. He has a plan.

You are part of the plan. God's children are privileged to be caretakers of an unparalleled earth. Whether we vandalize it or utilize it, determines the kind of environment we live in. (to read more click on article title)

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THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW

"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ." Ephesians 4:17-20

This Scripture seems a bit stern and heavy, but it is a signpost to direct those who want a closer walk with the Lord. To proceed, you must leave the old path to follow the new way. When you do, you'll discover things are different now.

Once you lived aimlessly, with no purpose. Now you have a sense of direction, a purpose. Once you lived reckless, now you live responsibly, with care and prayer...(to read more click on article title)

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YOU WILL SEE - YOU WILL LIVE

"A little while longer and the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also." John 14:19

Most of us have felt it. The deep hurt in the heart when someone we love leaves us. It is especially sad when their departure seems to be final with no expectation of their return. For whatever reason they left, it seems the pain does not go away.When Jesus told them He was leaving, the heart of every disciple felt that pain. They felt God forsaken.

When a believer feels God forsaken, their faith is tempted to doubt what they have believed is real or true...(to read more click on article title)

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REMEMBER, IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." II Corinthians 4: 5,6

Your life filled with light when you saw God in the face of Christ. People might miss the brightness, but you know within you is Christ's light. He is the excellent power that keeps you shining, no matter how hard darkness presses against you...(to read more click on article title)

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HOW DOES GOD SEE IT?

"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" Acts 4:19-20

Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned to shut them up. "Do not teach in the Name of Jesus." "Do not pray in public." "Don't preach the Scriptures!" Sounds familiar? Today many Christians are threatened by authorities who hate the name of Jesus. They still loathe people who pray. They scorn the Bible.

The apostles had no difficulty as to how to respond to threats...(to read more click on article title)

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TELL OTHERS THE SECRET

"To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I THESSALONIANS 5:8

You, as a believer in Christ, are part of a great plan of salvation. It is all due to the generosity and riches of Christ. God created this plan behind the scenes all through history. Now, at this time, it is brought out in the open and you are the beneficiary.

It is no wonder that the powers and principalities in the heavenly places are totally astonished at what He has made known to the church. Angels longed to know God's secret. Now it is accessible to all believers....(to read more click on article title)

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TEAR DOWN BARRIERS

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." II CORINTHIANS 10:4-5

All who endeavor to live a godly life in this world must realize we are in an anti-christ environment. We are surrounded with a massive corrupt organization of evil opposition. This world system does not know God, nor does it readily recognizes godliness. Those around us do not live by the rules we live by, nor fight evil as we do.

The world, the flesh and the devil are combined negative forces to destroy Christian's faith. They do all they can to distract, prevent spiritual maturity and ruin our testimony.

Do not despair. God gives believers powerful weapons....(to read more click on article title)

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PUSH DOWN AND TRAMPLE

"Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us." PSALM 44:5

The Old Testament history of Israel's struggles are excellent lessons for anybody who faces opposition as a child of God. They teach us to not trust in one's own strength, but in the Lord.

God's plan is to wipe out the enemy. In the end, all evil will be forever defeated. Christians are in a constant conflict against their enemies, visible and invisible, until that final judgment .

So, today, with God's help, push down, press against. Stand your ground....(to read more click on article title)

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BE WHO YOU REALLY ARE

"Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God. Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." I JOHN 3:1

Just look at this marvelous love the Father extends to us. He calls us His children. That is who you really are. You are a child of God.

It seems to be an old condition; the difficulty to see how the love of God has given us the right to be called the children of God.

John, the Apostle, urged believers in the Early Church to appreciate who they were. He points out how God, in His lavish love, delighted to call them His children...(to read more click on article title)

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GODLINESS IS THE GOOD LIFE

"His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises...."II PETER 1:3,4

Within every blessing from God is a promise of a better quality of life.

The blessing of salvation holds the promise of eternal life.

The blessing of the indwelling Spirit holds the promise of a Spirit-filled life.

The blessing of divine healing holds the promise of wholeness of life.

His name, His blood, His Word all contain promises of a victorious life.

Every spiritual blessing from God contains the divine nature.

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THE DIFFERENCE THAT DAZZLES

"Do all things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.."Philippians 2:14,15

A Christ-like attitude dazzles. It is the inner radiance of a child of God. It shines in a dark world of selfish ambition, where everyone demands their rights.

The idea is this; we are to be different....(to read more click on article title)

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USE YOUR RIGHT TO BECOME

"But as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." JOHN 1:12

Alan, my son-in-law, once attended a service in an English village chapel. The Anglican minister said, "I would rather we considered ourselves as 'In Christ' than that we simply said we are Christians." His point made an impact. The ministers words moved the thinking from what has become a label with various meanings to a positive, clear declaration. It re-defines whose we are and where we are: "In Christ."

It is our right to say we are 'In Christ." (to read more click on article title)

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KNOW WHO YOU ARE

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts , crying out,"Abba, Father. Therefore, you are no longer a slave, but a Son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." GALATIONS 4:6,7

Christian young people are often challenged : "Who do you think you are?" I recall when my daughter, La Donna, was taunted by a Christian friend who did not agree with her. La Donna was told she was 'super-spiritual'. She was told she thought herself 'too good." She was challenged to 'let go, be human.' ...(to read more click on article title)

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LIVE WITH THE TRUTH

"And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free......Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin.And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." JOHN 8:32,34-36

To know the Truth is to know Jesus intimately. Jesus, who is the Truth, will teach you how you to live free. As His child, learn to make choices and decisions that are true to the Truth you know.

Many of your slave days, before you knew Jesus, were full of lies. Often you were deceived, in bondage to pride, or fear, envy and jealousy. You had a false a image of yourself and were self-deceived.

Now, as His freed child, you can live a new way; in the Truth.....(to read moreclick on article title)

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APPRECIATE YOUR FREEDOM

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."ROMANS 8:15

On Memorial Day we remembered and gave thanks for the many veterans who have fought for our freedom. The American Civil War was one of the most tragic to American families. Yet, when it was all over many liberated slaves returned to their former owners and begged to be slaves again. Why? .....(to read more click on article title)

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CARRY THE PEACE OF JESUS

"These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." JOHN 16:33

Jesus' disciples were sincere and had every intention to stand by Him, no matter what happened. Yet, in the dark of the night, they all would abandon Him.

Jesus knew that, but He gave them an incredible promise. Their trust in Him would give them His peace. Not in themselves, but in Him they would have peace and be unshakable and assured.

They saw Him die and met him after His resurrection. From the Day of Pentecost, Jesus' disciples went into the world to spread Christianity.They faced every kind of opposition the world could inflict, but had a deep peace the world could not give nor take away...(to read more click on article title)

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BORN IN A PRAYER MEETING

Pentecost Sunday

"When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound of a rushing mighty wind... Then there appeared ... fire.. upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:1-4

The rest of Acts is the record of how they continued to speak. They did not speak to men with power, until they spoke to God in prayer.

The church was born in a prayer meeting...(to read more click on article title)

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FOLLOW GOD'S DIRECTIONS

"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia." Acts 16:6

Submission to God's will requires obedience to the Holy Spirit. He trains us to recognize His voice and we learn to go where He directs .

How about you? Do you submit to the Holy Spirit and let Him choose the doors He wants to open for you? When the Holy Spirit blocks the route to where you want to go, how do you react?(To read more click on article title

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KNOCK, KNOCK. WHOSE THERE?

" While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, threemen are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:19-20

When a scripture verse or a dream continues to speaks like a message from God, take time to think about it. If you try to figure out what it means, but yet are puzzled by it, don't worry. The Lord has your attention. Wait upon the Lord. After you listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, you'll not hesitate to open the door to whoever God sends.(To read more click on article title)

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RECOVERY FROM BATTLE FATIGUE

"He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might, he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and grow weary….but those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength……" Isaiah 40:27-31

Do you, after a long fight against evil, suddenly feel discouraged and defeated? You stood for the right and won, yet it left you drained. Do you know what that is? It's battle-fatigue.

You are not alone! God's bravest soldiers often slump, body, soul and spirit, after they win a long battle. Beware! The devil counter-attacks to rob you of the joy of victory.

Recovery from battle fatigue takes more than self-determination. (to read more click on article title)

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The Path to Contentment

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content...For the love of money is a root of all kinds of eviL... But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,love, patience, gentleness."I TIMOTHY 6:6-11

Teachers who taught for money had invaded the church in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul feared they would fall into a trap of greed. Lust for money would bring nothing but self-deception and discontent. It is not money itself, but the love of money is the root of all evil. To love money more than anything else is to break the first commandment. Wealth comes with it's own set of temptations. Often rich people regret the things their love of money made them do and made them become. Why does anyone want to be rich?... (to read more click on article title)

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GOD'S FITNESS PLAN

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Feel sometimes like you're falling apart? God is near to put you together, spirit, soul and body. He'll keep you in shape today and everyday. He is completely dependable. You are in His hands. ( to read more click on article title )

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BE A LOYAL SOLDIER OF CHRIST

II Timothy 2:3, 4 "You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."

Timothy, became a servant of Christ through his devotion to the Apostle Paul. He traveled with him. Along the way, Paul appointed the young disciple as pastor of a newly formed church. The young man soon found it was far different to pastor a flock on one's own, than to travel with the beloved mentor. No longer the itinerate associate of the Apostle, he is to see himself a soldier who must stay on duty alone in one place.

Endurance. That is what it would take for the youthful pastor to succeed. Paul saw the local church as a spiritual battle field; the pastor as a soldier of Christ; the ministry, warfare.

In one way or another we all lead some one, at work, at church, at school, friends or family...(to read more click on article title)

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FIGHT THE BATTLE WELL

I Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that you may wage the good warfare; having faith and a sound conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck."

What has the Lord said to you through parents, pastors, prayer partners, people who have cared about you and prayed for you? The Holy Spirit will bring those words back to your remembrance. They were given to help you do the work God has for you.

Shared experiences through the ministry of the Holy Spirit build strong spiritual relationships. Prophecy, or words spoken by those gifted by the Holy Spirit, endure. They stay in the heart of those who receive them. Timothy must have recalled the words he heard from anointed lips. Promises for a fruitful ministry were all coming together now to encourage the young pastor. To fight a good warfare he must focus upon God's Word, the Scriptures, not upon prophetic words spoken by others.

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SHUT UP THE DEVIL

"And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit,"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." and he (the spirit) came out that very hour." Acts 16:16-18

Are you fed up with a continual evil annoyance? Did you ever think it could be due to an evil spirit and it requires a straight forward command in Jesus' name to stop it?

Some situations demand spiritual discernment and spiritual authority. Instead of anger directed against a person or wild exasperation with certain conditions, a righteous indignation might be needed to speak to the true source of the problem. (to read more click on article title)

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BOW DOWN BEFORE HIM

Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore, God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Our text is the future inevitable universal event. All created beings in heaven, every kind of angel, and on earth all mankind, even those long dead and buried, will bow in worship before Jesus Christ,the Lord.

How did such supremacy come about? How did Jesus end up there, highly exalted, enthroned above all other powers?..(to read more click on article title)

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LISTEN, LOOK, TOUCH

"Then Peter said,"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk"

"And through faith in his name, has made this man strong. whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Acts 3:6,16

It was one of those days perfectly timed for a miracle. It happened not long after the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, at the Gate Beautiful, near the Temple in Jerusalem.Two men carried a helpless, heavy, awkward burden. The man had never walked, crippled from the time he was born. The grunts of the men and the groans of the cripple caused the crowd around the gate to open a way for him to be dropped off. He would sit there all day to reach and beg for a handout.

One day two healthy, hearty men walked up to the gate. John and Peter, disciples of the risen Lord, were hurrying on their way to pray.

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SPIRITUALLY TERRORIZED, BUT NOT TERRIFIED

II Corinthians 4:8-10; 16-17 "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed... Therefore we do not lose heart....For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

The Apostle Paul seemed born for trouble. He was a trouble maker when he persecuted the Church. After he was "born again", trouble for the gospel's sake was part of his amazing success. He was pursued, persecuted, perplexed with problems, hounded by Gentiles and Jews. None of this demoralized Paul nor destroyed his faith. (to read more click on article title)

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CHOOSE TO BE CHOSEN

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you"

A divine love force interrupts and interferes again and again with our self- chosen ways. It annoys and persists, like sunshine in our eyes. God speaks with love-words we can't silence. He disturbs our inner selves with whispers of constant conviction. Love pulls, pleads and persuades until we realize we are not unloved, unwanted, but chosen. Our Savior chose to love us and draw us toward God's eternal purposes... (to read more click on article title)

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ANGELS CAN BECOME TERRORISTS

I Peter 5:8 "Be sober be vigilant, for your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."

Two young men walked through the crowded streets of Boston on Patriot's Day. They were brothers who carried bomb laden backpacks. They looked like nice guys, like anyone's son or brother. No one noticed when they placed their bombs on the street. Those who cheered, as the final runners of the marathon crossed the finish line, had no idea of impending attack.

Reporting on the tragedy, the news media were puzzled how two such 'nice young men' could become terrorists. The nice young men were not losers, disadvantaged or marginalized. They were winners.....(to read more click on article title)

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BE LED BY THE ONE WHO BLED

"And on his robe and on his thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." REVELATION 19:16

How can we make sense of the suffering and upheaval in the world? Look ahead. Here comes Jesus; heaven's warrior on a white horse. He's the Victor. He rushes out of an open heaven to lead angelic armies against the beast and false prophet. His enemies are doomed for defeat and punishment. He is the final Word, the ultimate Ruler. (to read more click on article title)

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BE WHO GOD WANTS YOU TO BE

"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ISAIAH 9:6

Usually this text evokes memories of choirs and Handel's Messiah. Originally they were wishful longings of Israelites; dreams of freedom; a cry for restoration of David's kingdom.

In their time of deep pain, suffering, and loss Israel needed someone to call Wonderful, they needed wonders; someone to call Counselor, they needed an advocate to plead their cause; someone to call Mighty God, they needed divine protection; someone to call Everlasting Father, for they needed a dependable provider as head of the nation. They needed someone to call Prince of Peace. They were afraid of war. To sum it up, they needed God.

So do we.... (to read more click on article title)

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JESUS IS WORTH IT!

A young British student, listened intently to my message during a week-end Christian retreat at Cambridge University. He didn't waste a minute to approach me afterwards to ask, "If I decide to follow Christ, will he ask me to give up everything. I'm about to receive an inheritance that will make me wealthy. What will it cost me to follow Jesus?" (to read more click on article title)
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GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON YOU!

Still feel sometimes that you are not good enough, faithful enough, strong enough, holy enough to approach heaven's throne? Before you beat yourself with self-condemnation, drop the whip in your hand. Go, empty-handed, just as you are, to where Jesus sits enthroned. The nail pierced hand of King Jesus extends towards you. His scepter of heavenly authority gives you grace, undeserved favor. (to read more click on article title)

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HAVING A HIGH PRIEST, LET US DRAW NEAR

There are two kinds of Christians, nominal and committed. Many nominal Christians come to church on Easter and that's it, until Christmas. They "date" Jesus; meeting Him only on those special holidays on the calendar. In between those dates, He is forgotten. But there are committed Christians whose interest in Jesus is more than casual. Everyday with Jesus is better than the day before. (To read more click on article title)

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THEY WERE ALL FILLED AND BEGAN TO SPEAK....

All who waited in prayer on the Day of Pentecost were filled and all began to speak. They spoke as never before. Startled by the sudden sound of a strong wind in the prayer room and fiery flames above their heads, they remained focused, united in one place for one reason, to receive the Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. They opened up to the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Each man and woman yielded to the unexpected prompting of the Holy Spirit. and spoke languages they did not know.

People who heard them said they spoke languages they understood, their own mother tongues! For those who spoke and those who heard them speak, Pentecost was a miracle.

Friends, this miracle is for you to claim. (to read more click on title)

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YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER

It took the sorrow of the cross and the shock of the resurrection for them to be in the place where they would sense their desperate need to listen and to remember it all. Would they remember all He taught them? How could they teach what they barely understood? Jesus and the message He gave them was so extraordinary and they were so ordinary. The disciples had run away before his death. Yet, it seemed their failure did not change His plans for them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. How could that ever happen? (to read more click on article title)

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A WORLD WITHOUT EASTER

My husband and I, with our two children, were on a missionary voyage to Australia. From the first day of the ten day cruise, we noticed the captain was a heavy drinker. That evening, as he talked, it was obvious he was drunk. However, we were intrigued during the dinner conversation to hear the ship would cross The International Date Line that night, the invisible 180 degree line of longitude in the middle the Pacific,. We would go to sleep Saturday night and wake up on Monday morning. We would lose Sunday.

"Sunday?" I said, "It's Easter! We will lose Easter Sunday!"

At that point, the captain clumsily pushed back his chair and struggled to stand up. Unsteady on his feet and with a wild wave of his wine glass, he raised his voice, "I will drink to that!" We gasped as he slurred out, "A toast to a world without Easter! It would be a better world with no religion...No Easter! Join me, lift your glass!" (To read more click on article title)

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THE FATHER'S GOOD GIFT

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

LUKE 11:13

The scene Jesus paints here with his words is familiar to every parent or child . A boy asks his father for bread. Or a son asks for a fish. They lift their plates, their eyes are full of trust, they wait full of anticipation. Then, Jesus inserts the unexpected into the scene. Instead of bread, the father offers a stone! Instead of a fish, he tricks the child with a serpent! Quickly Jesus adds,...(to read more click on article title)

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GOD'S POWER DOES IT

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that you faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." I CORINTHIANS 2:4-5

It's a waste of breath to try and persuade anyone to believe in God by eloquent words or persuasive arguments alone. Do you know what more is needed?

I was invited to a dinner party in Paris. The hosts, a couple of Russian nobility, had fled to France during a political crisis. Their Parisian chateau was a favorite place for others like themselves to gather with poets, artists, writers and actors. (to read more click on article title)

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HIS SPIRIT WORKS DEEPLY WITHIN

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being." EPHESIANS 3:16

Built up tension is an early signal of your need to ask the Holy Spirit's help. Outside pressures, like worry over finances, conflict with others, cause severe stress. When unfair competition and persecution bear down on you, pause and rest in the Lord. (to read more click on article title)

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BECOME UNLIMITED

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ACTS 1:8

Jesus spoke these words to men he chose to take his message to the world. He knew they had limitations, lots of them. They were limited in education, with no formal theological studies. They were limited in their world-view, with a biased Jewish mentality. They had no idea what he was able to do through them by the Holy Spirit. (to read more click on article title)

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YOUR BEST TEACHER

"For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what should say." LUKE 12:12

My husband was a gifted teacher. Graduates of the schools where he taught have often said to me, "He was the best teacher I ever had."

Think of the best teacher you ever had. They were the ones who made complicated things simple for you to understand. Often the best teacher is the one who made you feel you could do it, gave you confidence, that pat on the back that made you try harder.

You may wish that the teacher you liked best could have become a personal friend; someone who would stick with you. (to read more click on article title)

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GO! ....BUT BEFORE YOU GO......

"I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." LUKE 24:49

Jesus' disciples did not know how close they were to an explosion of God's power. It would thrust them with amazing speed into places they had never seen and towards people they would not have chosen to be with. Not only that, but they would be different, vastly different. They would be bold, fearless, passionate and change their world. ...But they had too....(to read more click on title)

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Fellowship of the Forgiven

To live in the Light of God connects you with others who walk with God. Experience a shared life with one another. Together, you and I, we are the forgiven. (click title to read more)

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Get Rid of the Guilt

I recall my daughter, La Donna, reacting to stories about vampires, and horror films. She wondered why priests and others would brandish the cross to drive away the evil forces. (click title to read more)

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Paid For and Cared For!

Each person, like a sheep in a flock, is valuable to the Great Shepherd. He thought each one worth dying for. You were bought by his blood shed on the cross.

Since you are so precious to the Great Shepherd, he has assigned under-shepherds to care for you...(click title to read more)

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THE BRILLIANT BEAUTY OF THE VICTOR

REVELATION 1:16

"In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth, came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."

The Lord's word cuts both ways. When Jesus spoke to the churches his words struck sinners and searched saints. The two-edged truth issued forth from a face brighter than the sun. It was a wonderful and terrible glory. There he stood. In his one hand he held the churches, like stars, and in his other hand the keys of death and of Hades.

Today as you read and hear the word of God, look in the face of Jesus. See his glory, full of grace and truth. Touch the wonder of his grace and feel the power of his truth . Let your heart hear and receive his word. He holds everything in his hands.

Your Response: The truth may hurt you, but his grace will heal you. Allow the Sword of the Spirit to pierce the things God wants to change in your life.

Prayer: Jesus, let me hear your word and see your face. Operate where I need healing. Make me brilliant with your beauty. Amen.

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The Word that Heals

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you."
"When the Counsellor comes whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." John 15:3,26

When God spoke at the beginning of Creation, order appeared out of chaos. The Psalmist declared God sent his Word and healed the Israelites. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ , the Word made flesh, healed the sick and forgave sin.

God speaks to every generation. Today, He speaks into your mind to bring order out of chaos and heal. The Holy Spirit changes your outlook as you read the Word of God.
He reveals Jesus to you as you need Him. He speaks words of faith and enables you to speak words of faith to others.

Receive the word . "I forgive you by my blood. I heal you by my wounds. I empower you by my Spirit."

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I receive your Word that heals me and gives me peace. Help me today to speak words of faith to inspire others to receive your touch. Amen.....•

Jesus Gives You His Word

"For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me." John 17:8
When challenged by the prince of darkness, Jesus relied on the written Word of God.
He made full use of it. It was an effective weapon in his hands. Why? He was a man of prayer, well acquainted with the Scriptures, fully submitted to God and filled with the Spirit.

His teaching of the written Word and the spoken, revealed will of the Father was his gift to his disciples. If they were to make as good a use of the Word as Jesus did, they would also need to be men of prayer, well acquainted with the scriptures, fully submitted to God and filled with the Spirit.

Remember: Jesus has given you the Word to use as an effective weapon against all evil. Use it today!

Prayer: Father, give me scriptural words today that will be effective against the enemy. In Jesus Name. Amen.•

SHARPENED AND SHADOWED

"He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver." Isaiah 49:2
A sharp tongue cuts. There is a difference between speech sharpened by the Lord and speech sharpened by ourselves The mouth the Lord makes effective for good, is the one that speaks the word of God. It is controlled by the Holy Sprit and disciplined by prayer. When the tongue speaks words controlled by the flesh in a mouth undisciplined by prayer, those words do little good.
You are covered! God keeps you hidden in his shadow until the chosen moment comes for his word to be thrust with accuracy to deliver from Satan's lies.
A word for now: Let God shape your speech to pierce through hard unbelief by the spoken word. He can make your words go straight as an arrow to the heart.

Prayer: Lord sharpen my speech to penetrate at the right time to do good for others. I ask for the word of wisdom and of knowledge. Let me discern the time to speak and to deliver. Amen.

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HIS WORD ON YOUR MIND

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:17

God's Word is a helmet of healing and protection for troubled minds. Take his Word and wear it as a divine covering over your head, a shield over your mind. To learn God's Word provides the mind with a manual for a victorious life. When God's Word is on your mind, it will also be on your lips.

As a sword, the Word of God, is wielded as a mighty weapon by a disciplined arm. A daily discipline of prayer and regular Bible study builds faith. It releases the Holy Spirit to work in your present circumstances.

Action for victory: Discover a Bible verse that applies to a difficult situation in your life. Take hold of it and claim the victory. Read it aloud several times. Declare God's power.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me today to find that special verse. I want to see your power released through it. Lord, increase my faith. Amen.

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DEPEND UPON GOD'S WORD

"Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'."

"Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him." Matthew 4:4,11

Jesus, as a man, was tempted at every level. At the point of physical desire he was tempted to use power given for ministry for his own self-gratification. His mental powers were challenged as he was pushed towards self-destruction to prove his power was God-given! At the spiritual level he was urged to gain world dominion by submission to Satan, rather than by his submission to Father God.

He overcame by the Word in his mouth. Satan's perversion of scripture was met by "It is written.." His was not self-assertion, but a dependance upon the Word of God.

Afterwards, angels came and ministered to Jesus; an evidence he had been tempted to seek for help.

Remember: All of heaven is on your side today. When you deny your self, declare truth and depend upon it, you win! Resist with the Word. Wait for heaven's help.

Prayer: Jesus, your Son won against temptations like I face today. Help me to resist as he did with your Word. Holy Spirit, help me. Amen

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HIS WORD CUTS THROUGH EVERYTHING

"The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double=edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow and discerns the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

At a difficult time in her teens,an onslaught of unduly harsh criticism caused her to spiral downward into confusion and self-doubt. Before that time she thought she knew the truth about herself, but then her confidence was shattered.

Alone in her room, she reached for her Bible. She began to read the words aloud.The truth cut through the dark despair and severed every lie, one by one. In time, deception was shattered. Her mind was clear and calm. The Word had penetrated her depression and did its work.

Comment: No one is strong enough, or wise enough to win against false accusations of Satan or man. The Word of God has power to sever lies from truth. Read the Word. Speak the Word. See how it penetrates the darkest of thoughts and emotions.

Prayer: Lord I submit my troubled thoughts to you. Show me the truth in the Word. Help me confess it with my lips until I see the victory. In Jesus Name. Amen•