Sunday, August 31, 2008
Who Am I
Who Am I ?
While praying one day a little girl asked,
"Who are you, Lord?"
He answered, "I Am"
But, Who is I Am?" she said.
And He replied...
"I Am Love, I Am Peace,
I Am Grace, I Am Joy,
I Am the Way, Truth, and the Light
I Am the Comforter,
I Am Strength, I Am Safety
I Am Shelter, I Am Power
I Am the Creator;
I Am the Beginning and the End
I Am the Most High."
The girl with tears in her eyes looked
Toward heaven and said,
Now I understand, but Lord, Who Am I ?"
Then God tenderly wiped the tears
From her eyes and whispered,
"You Are Mine"
Author: Unknown
The Power that Works Within Us
The Power That Works Within Us
Dr. Betty R. Price
Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." You receive this power when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We all have it. If we are Christians and are born again, then we all have this power.
Most Christians don't realize what they have with this power because so many don't know what the Word of God says regarding their rights in Christ. But glory be to God that we are everything that the Word of God says that we are. We just need to learn how to apply His Word to our lives.
Ephesians 1:15-22 says,
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
This is the power that we have-that we may know what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. This is the power that raised Jesus from the dead, according to Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." This Spirit can heal your body, or do whatever you need at any given time. The power is available to you.
However, if we don't know that, then we can't ever use it-we go around powerless and that is the way too many Christian live. They live like they don't have anything, or like they don't amount to much, they live with low self esteem, they don't think about who they are in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:14, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." That is what the church is lacking-the power of the Holy Spirit. After you have been born again and receive salvation through Jesus then you receive the Holy Spirit to help you live the overcoming and victorious life-He is our power source.
Ephesians 3:16 goes on to say, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." The way Christ dwells in your heart through faith is by the Word of God. You have to get the Word of God into your heart, so when the circumstances of life come against you you will react according to the Word and not the flesh.
Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." The more Word you get inside of you the more power you are going to have. That power is faith in the Holy Spirit. You can't learn enough about faith. It is the most important thing that you could ever learn because that is what pleases God.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." So this power will be at work in you if your allow it. You have to allow the power. You have to receive the Holy Spirit, number one by faith. When you receive Christ you automatically have the power Christ, but you still need the Holy Spirit to help you live this overcoming victorious life.
It is an awesome life to live once you really know what you have, what you are and what you can do in Christ. We are not powerless and we are not helpless. God has provided it all in Jesus Christ, but it is up to us to individually get into the Word of God and learn who we are and what we have. This is just not some book that we have lying around and read from time to time. When you read the Bible you are reading life into your life!
This devotional was excerpted from Dr. Betty's teaching, "The Power That Works Within Us." To obtain a complete listing of her products, please call Customer Service at (800) 927-3436 or visit our website: www.faithdome.org.
Dr. Betty R. Price
Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." You receive this power when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We all have it. If we are Christians and are born again, then we all have this power.
Most Christians don't realize what they have with this power because so many don't know what the Word of God says regarding their rights in Christ. But glory be to God that we are everything that the Word of God says that we are. We just need to learn how to apply His Word to our lives.
Ephesians 1:15-22 says,
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
This is the power that we have-that we may know what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. This is the power that raised Jesus from the dead, according to Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." This Spirit can heal your body, or do whatever you need at any given time. The power is available to you.
However, if we don't know that, then we can't ever use it-we go around powerless and that is the way too many Christian live. They live like they don't have anything, or like they don't amount to much, they live with low self esteem, they don't think about who they are in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:14, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." That is what the church is lacking-the power of the Holy Spirit. After you have been born again and receive salvation through Jesus then you receive the Holy Spirit to help you live the overcoming and victorious life-He is our power source.
Ephesians 3:16 goes on to say, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." The way Christ dwells in your heart through faith is by the Word of God. You have to get the Word of God into your heart, so when the circumstances of life come against you you will react according to the Word and not the flesh.
Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." The more Word you get inside of you the more power you are going to have. That power is faith in the Holy Spirit. You can't learn enough about faith. It is the most important thing that you could ever learn because that is what pleases God.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." So this power will be at work in you if your allow it. You have to allow the power. You have to receive the Holy Spirit, number one by faith. When you receive Christ you automatically have the power Christ, but you still need the Holy Spirit to help you live this overcoming victorious life.
It is an awesome life to live once you really know what you have, what you are and what you can do in Christ. We are not powerless and we are not helpless. God has provided it all in Jesus Christ, but it is up to us to individually get into the Word of God and learn who we are and what we have. This is just not some book that we have lying around and read from time to time. When you read the Bible you are reading life into your life!
This devotional was excerpted from Dr. Betty's teaching, "The Power That Works Within Us." To obtain a complete listing of her products, please call Customer Service at (800) 927-3436 or visit our website: www.faithdome.org.
Today's Bible Study TiTus 1-3
Titus 1
- 1
- Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
- 2
- In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
- 3
- But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
- 4
- To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
- 5
- For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
- 6
- If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
- 7
- For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
- 8
- But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
- 9
- Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
- 10
- For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
- 11
- Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
- 12
- One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
- 13
- This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
- 14
- Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
- 15
- Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
- 16
- They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
- 1
- But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
- 2
- That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
- 3
- The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
- 4
- That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
- 5
- To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
- 6
- Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
- 7
- In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
- 8
- Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
- 9
- Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
- 10
- Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
- 11
- For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
- 12
- Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
- 13
- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
- 14
- Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
- 15
- These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 3
- 1
- Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
- 2
- To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
- 3
- For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
- 4
- But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
- 5
- Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
- 6
- Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
- 7
- That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
- 8
- This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
- 9
- But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
- 10
- A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
- 11
- Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
- 12
- When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
- 13
- Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
- 14
- And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
- 15
- All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
It's Not By Sean J
Lord, my spirit is willing,
But my flesh is so weak;
God, every day I cry out to you,
Yet I don’t hear you speak.
I’ve been beaten so many times.
You know what I’ve been through;
I can’t overcome this giant.
Yet it’s the only thing I must do.
I fought this trial too many times.
I used all the strength in me;
Yet I lost in every battle,
And once again I’m not free.
Lord, I’m tempted to just call it quits,
And lay here on the ground;
I will let the giant win again.
I have fought too many rounds.
As I am now at my lowest,
Tears flow down my cheeks;
I cry out to God again,
“Jesus, I am just too weak!”
Suddenly I felt my body
Being lifted up by my Lord;
He helped me back on my feet,
And said, “Lets do this once more.”
I stood up to that giant,
And fought as hard as I could;
He used old tactics to make me give up.
Yet he only thought I would.
I was determined to not back down.
I had been here long enough;
It’s not the number of times I get hit.
It’s the number of times I get up.
By Sean JBut my flesh is so weak;
God, every day I cry out to you,
Yet I don’t hear you speak.
I’ve been beaten so many times.
You know what I’ve been through;
I can’t overcome this giant.
Yet it’s the only thing I must do.
I fought this trial too many times.
I used all the strength in me;
Yet I lost in every battle,
And once again I’m not free.
Lord, I’m tempted to just call it quits,
And lay here on the ground;
I will let the giant win again.
I have fought too many rounds.
As I am now at my lowest,
Tears flow down my cheeks;
I cry out to God again,
“Jesus, I am just too weak!”
Suddenly I felt my body
Being lifted up by my Lord;
He helped me back on my feet,
And said, “Lets do this once more.”
I stood up to that giant,
And fought as hard as I could;
He used old tactics to make me give up.
Yet he only thought I would.
I was determined to not back down.
I had been here long enough;
It’s not the number of times I get hit.
It’s the number of times I get up.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Psalms 61
1 Hear my cry, O God;
attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;
3 for thou hast been a shelter for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever:
I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;
3 for thou hast been a shelter for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever:
I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows:
thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life:
and his years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God for ever:
O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever,
that I may daily perform my vows
thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life:
and his years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God for ever:
O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever,
that I may daily perform my vows
Jesus
Bless His Holy Name!
His loving grace and mercy
Have earned Him world acclaim.
What would I do with Jesus,
If He came walking down my street?
Why, I'd fall down and worship Him,
And kiss His sandaled feet.
I'd ask to see His nail scarred hands.
Then, I'd gently kiss them, too.
And thank Him for His great sacrifice;
His Life's blood, for me and you.
I'd walk so close beside Him,
Help lead the lost into His fold.
I'd help Him spread His Holy Word,
Tell about His streets of gold.
Then, I'd tell everyone I see
Of how He shed His precious blood for me.
Though, I wasn't worthy of His grace,
He loved me so much that He took my place.
© 2004 by Vickie Lambdin
A Broken Vessel
A vessel tarnished, broken, useless,
Was thrown on the trash heap one night.
And was found by the Master Potter,
Searching through the 'rejects of life.'
When He found this dirty old vessel,
He looked at it closely, and saw
It contained an inherent beauty,
In spite of it's obvious flaw.
He carried it back to His workshop,
His trained eye could already see,
An object of beauty and honour,
That it was intended to be.
He repaired and cleaned the old vessel.
Polished to it's natural shine
Became once more a thing of beauty,
Was truly, 'one of a kind.'
My life was that broken old vessel,
Battered, ruined, thrown away.
I lay there, no hope of recovery,
Till the Master found me that day.
He loved me, He cleansed me, redeemed me;
Adopted me as His own.
Gave to my life a brand new meaning,
Brought peace, where once there was none
Was thrown on the trash heap one night.
And was found by the Master Potter,
Searching through the 'rejects of life.'
When He found this dirty old vessel,
He looked at it closely, and saw
It contained an inherent beauty,
In spite of it's obvious flaw.
He carried it back to His workshop,
His trained eye could already see,
An object of beauty and honour,
That it was intended to be.
He repaired and cleaned the old vessel.
Polished to it's natural shine
Became once more a thing of beauty,
Was truly, 'one of a kind.'
My life was that broken old vessel,
Battered, ruined, thrown away.
I lay there, no hope of recovery,
Till the Master found me that day.
He loved me, He cleansed me, redeemed me;
Adopted me as His own.
Gave to my life a brand new meaning,
Brought peace, where once there was none
Today's Bible Study
Other Translations: [ KJV | NIV | NASB | RSV | Darby | YLT ] - Music: [On | Off ]
Wednesday: Psalms 108-110
Thursday: Proverbs 23-24
Friday: Amos 1-4Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Gospels Early History
John 16-18 Sunday: Titus
Monday: Numbers 21-24
Tuesday: II Chronicles 1-5
John 16
1
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5
But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6
But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
16
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
17
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18
They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19
Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
25
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
26
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
27
For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
29
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
31
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 17
1
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many asthou hast given him.
3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10
And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26
And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
John 18
1
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
2
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6
As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9
That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17
Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.
18
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
19
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
21
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
22
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
23
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
27
Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
28
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
29
Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30
They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
31
Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
32
That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
33
Then Pilate entered intothe judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34
Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
38
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
39
But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
40
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Godliness
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
When we surrender to God the cumbersome sack of discontent, we
don't just give up something; we gain something. God replaces it with a
lightweight, tailor-made, sorrow-resistant attaché of gratitude.
What will you gain with contentment?
You may gain your marriage.
You may gain precious hours with your children.
You may gain joy.
From: Everyday Blessings
Copyright (J. Countryman, 2004)
Max Lucado
1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
When we surrender to God the cumbersome sack of discontent, we
don't just give up something; we gain something. God replaces it with a
lightweight, tailor-made, sorrow-resistant attaché of gratitude.
What will you gain with contentment?
You may gain your marriage.
You may gain precious hours with your children.
You may gain joy.
From: Everyday Blessings
Copyright (J. Countryman, 2004)
Max Lucado
Friday, August 29, 2008
Today's Bible Study
Proverbs 23
1
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
2
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
3
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
8
The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
10
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
11
For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
12
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
15
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16
Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
18
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25
Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
26
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
27
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
28
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
29
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35
They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Proverbs 24
1
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2
For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
3
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
4
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
6
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
7
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
8
He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
11
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
12
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
13
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
14
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
15
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
16
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19
Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:
20
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
22
For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
23
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
27
Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
29
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
30
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32
Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
1
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
2
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
3
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
8
The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
10
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
11
For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
12
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
15
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16
Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
18
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25
Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
26
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
27
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
28
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
29
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35
They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Proverbs 24
1
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2
For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
3
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
4
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
6
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
7
Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
8
He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
11
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
12
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
13
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
14
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
15
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
16
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19
Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:
20
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
22
For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
23
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
27
Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
29
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
30
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32
Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Bad Man Walking
Bad Man Walking
Bishop Donald Hilliard
"Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..." Psalm 1:1 (KJV)
Are you the kind of man who knows where and with whom to walk? Do you know when to change your path and choose a different road? The poet Robert Frost gave us these poignant words that still speak "two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
What road are you choosing? Is it the easy road with lots of company and acceptance of anything and any life? Or is it the one less traveled by? Is it the road that takes strength and perseverance? Is it the road where people look, laugh, and leave you as you watch the truth of their demise? Or have you chosen the easily traveled way that leads to death...
The best man chooses the road that through trials and ends in life, blessings, and the security of God's Word and will for his life. The best man is a BMW-bad man walking!
Who do you walk with?
Where is your "road" leading?
Do you require new traveling companions?
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Lift Hearts and Hands
Lifting Heart and Hands
To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the
only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
1 Timothy 1:17 (NCV)
The whole purpose of coming before the King is to praise him, to live in
recognition of his splendor. Praise--lifting up our heart and hands,
exulting with our voices, singing his praises--is the occupation of those
who dwell in the kingdom.
Praise is the highest occupation of any being. What happens when we praise
the Father? We reestablish the proper chain of command; we recognize that
the King is on the throne and that he has saved his people.
From: Walking with the Savior
Copyright (Tyndale House, 1993)
Max Lucado
.
To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the
only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
1 Timothy 1:17 (NCV)
The whole purpose of coming before the King is to praise him, to live in
recognition of his splendor. Praise--lifting up our heart and hands,
exulting with our voices, singing his praises--is the occupation of those
who dwell in the kingdom.
Praise is the highest occupation of any being. What happens when we praise
the Father? We reestablish the proper chain of command; we recognize that
the King is on the throne and that he has saved his people.
From: Walking with the Savior
Copyright (Tyndale House, 1993)
Max Lucado
.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What!!! I was wrong? by Sean J
Well maybe they was right and i was wrong......but because of that argument, i still havent picked up tha phone and said im sorry, even though i come to realize i was the one at fault.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much
In my heart i know i acted ugly at work today, even though i put on a smiley face and everyone thought i was really happy, on the inside i was miserable and i talked about every last one of them in the most ugliest way, to myself of course.
Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
I got with my friend and we talked about such and such till we got our bellies full of all the wrong things we said, then we gossiped about his or her family and his or her friends and even after all that, i thought i would feel better but im just as miserable as all the stuff i said.
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings [RSV: slander; NIV: slander of every kind],
You know what they think they know it all and they arent even going to be nothing to amount to much in they life just look at them i cant stand the ground they walk on.
1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Maybe
Maybe . .
we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the
right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how
to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often
times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new
one which has been opened for us.
Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but
it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it
arrives.
Maybe. . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way.
Maybe . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;
after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of
your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.
Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to
go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance
to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
Maybe. . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a
friend, a child, your girlfriend/boyfriend -- -- so much that you just
want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once
they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and
swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the
best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you
feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other
person, too.
Maybe . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even
if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they
will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to
grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all
those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can
appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
Maybe . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for
wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because
it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who
makes your heart smile.
Maybe . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough
trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough
hope to make you happy.
Maybe . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you
were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling, but when
you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you is
crying.
Maybe . you could send this message to those people who mean something
to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make
you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter
side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to
know that you appreciate them and their friendship.
we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the
right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how
to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often
times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new
one which has been opened for us.
Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but
it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it
arrives.
Maybe. . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way.
Maybe . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;
after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of
your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.
Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to
go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance
to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
Maybe. . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a
friend, a child, your girlfriend/boyfriend -- -- so much that you just
want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once
they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and
swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the
best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you
feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other
person, too.
Maybe . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even
if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they
will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to
grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all
those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can
appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
Maybe . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for
wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because
it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who
makes your heart smile.
Maybe . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough
trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough
hope to make you happy.
Maybe . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you
were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling, but when
you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you is
crying.
Maybe . you could send this message to those people who mean something
to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make
you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter
side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to
know that you appreciate them and their friendship.
Maybe
Maybe . .
we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the
right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how
to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often
times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new
one which has been opened for us.
Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but
it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it
arrives.
Maybe. . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way.
Maybe . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;
after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of
your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.
Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to
go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance
to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
Maybe. . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a
friend, a child, your girlfriend/boyfriend -- -- so much that you just
want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once
they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and
swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the
best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you
feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other
person, too.
Maybe . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even
if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they
will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to
grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all
those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can
appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
Maybe . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for
wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because
it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who
makes your heart smile.
Maybe . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough
trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough
hope to make you happy.
Maybe . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you
were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling, but when
you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you is
crying.
Maybe . you could send this message to those people who mean something
to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make
you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter
side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to
know that you appreciate them and their friendship.
we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the
right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how
to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often
times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new
one which has been opened for us.
Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but
it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it
arrives.
Maybe. . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way.
Maybe . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;
after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of
your past mistakes, failures, and heartaches.
Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to
go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance
to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
Maybe. . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a
friend, a child, your girlfriend/boyfriend -- -- so much that you just
want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once
they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and
swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the
best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you
feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other
person, too.
Maybe . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even
if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they
will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to
grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all
those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can
appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
Maybe . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for
wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because
it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who
makes your heart smile.
Maybe . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough
trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough
hope to make you happy.
Maybe . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you
were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling, but when
you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you is
crying.
Maybe . you could send this message to those people who mean something
to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make
you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter
side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to
know that you appreciate them and their friendship.
What Will You Do
What Will I Do with This Man, Jesus?
Upon the journey of my faith,
Which I walk every day;
I see Jesus in so many,
And in various other ways.
I try to set His example,
To teach and walk in His love.
I try to help all others,
As He sends me blessings from above.
I offer Him a drink,
As I come across those who thirst.
I reach out to help the needy,
Those who are last now
But, someday, will be first.
I share His words with others,
To encourage and lift up.
From His hand, my words have been anointed
And, from His cup, I sup.
We often visit together
As, with me, He forever abides.
I consult Him, daily, with my problems
Until, the raging storms, He subsides.
I seek His wisdom, intently,
As He directs me by His light.
He never leaves me or forsakes me,
And guides me safely through the night.
I share, with Him, my troubles;
Along with those of my fellow man.
He sends me solutions to problems
And, upon His Word, I shall forever stand.
I lean upon His wisdom.
I place my hand in His.
There is no other love as great,
Whenever we know His.
I surrender my life, completely,
As He nourishes and restores my soul.
He's the only One with perfect love,
And He blesses and makes me whole.
© Sandra Lewis Pringle
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Upon the journey of my faith,
Which I walk every day;
I see Jesus in so many,
And in various other ways.
I try to set His example,
To teach and walk in His love.
I try to help all others,
As He sends me blessings from above.
I offer Him a drink,
As I come across those who thirst.
I reach out to help the needy,
Those who are last now
But, someday, will be first.
I share His words with others,
To encourage and lift up.
From His hand, my words have been anointed
And, from His cup, I sup.
We often visit together
As, with me, He forever abides.
I consult Him, daily, with my problems
Until, the raging storms, He subsides.
I seek His wisdom, intently,
As He directs me by His light.
He never leaves me or forsakes me,
And guides me safely through the night.
I share, with Him, my troubles;
Along with those of my fellow man.
He sends me solutions to problems
And, upon His Word, I shall forever stand.
I lean upon His wisdom.
I place my hand in His.
There is no other love as great,
Whenever we know His.
I surrender my life, completely,
As He nourishes and restores my soul.
He's the only One with perfect love,
And He blesses and makes me whole.
© Sandra Lewis Pringle
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Let The Redeemed
Let the Redeemed Say So
You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are
becoming like the One who made you.
Colossians 3:10 (NCV)
I wonder if Jesus doesn't muster up a slight smile as he sees his lost sheep
come straggling into the fold--the beaten, broken, dirty sheep who stands at
the door looking up at the Shepherd asking, "Can I come in? I don't deserve
it, but is there room in your kingdom for one more?" The Shepherd looks down
at the sheep and says, "Come in, this is your home."
Salvation is the process that's done, that's secure, that no one can take
away from you. Sanctification is the lifelong process of being changed from
one degree of glory to the next, growing in Christ, putting away the old,
taking on the new.
The Psalmist David would tell us that those who have been redeemed will say
so! If we're not saying so, perhaps it's because we've forgotten what it is
like to be redeemed. Let the redeemed of the earth say so!
From: Walking with the Savior
Copyright (Tyndale House, 1993)
Max Lucado
You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are
becoming like the One who made you.
Colossians 3:10 (NCV)
I wonder if Jesus doesn't muster up a slight smile as he sees his lost sheep
come straggling into the fold--the beaten, broken, dirty sheep who stands at
the door looking up at the Shepherd asking, "Can I come in? I don't deserve
it, but is there room in your kingdom for one more?" The Shepherd looks down
at the sheep and says, "Come in, this is your home."
Salvation is the process that's done, that's secure, that no one can take
away from you. Sanctification is the lifelong process of being changed from
one degree of glory to the next, growing in Christ, putting away the old,
taking on the new.
The Psalmist David would tell us that those who have been redeemed will say
so! If we're not saying so, perhaps it's because we've forgotten what it is
like to be redeemed. Let the redeemed of the earth say so!
From: Walking with the Savior
Copyright (Tyndale House, 1993)
Max Lucado
Walk By The Spirit
Walk By the Spirit
Brent Barnett
Paul says in Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." We can go two ways when it comes to any decision we daily face. We can obey the Lord, thereby walking by the Spirit, or we can disobey the Lord, thereby walking in a fleshly manner. So when the battle for righteousness rages, how can we choose rightly and walk after the Spirit?
We must understand that we all still have flesh even though we are born again in Christ. The Spirit indwells us and makes it possible for us to please God, but we still have human fallibility, imperfection, and things that need to be conformed to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). We are not finished works just yet, and we all battle temptation daily because Satan knows we are vulnerable to it. It is true that we are no longer "according to the flesh" or "in the flesh" as Romans 8:5, 8 indicates, for if we were, we would have no chance at pleasing God (v. 8). We are now children of God, born of His Spirit, and able by His Spirit to please God and obey. Yet even though we now have the capacity to please God, we still have the fallibility to sin as well because an element of the flesh clings on in our earthly bodies (Romans 8:11).
In order to win this regular battle against our flesh and humanity, we must understand the nature of the fight. There is a sense in which the flesh has been conquered in that those who are in Christ have by faith "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). This means that just as we have been set free from sin, death, and eternal condemnation in hell, we, too, have the ability and authority in and through Christ to be set free from any bondage to the flesh. We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), and therefore it is possible to reckon the flesh as dead since it has been crucified with Christ. It is not that we no longer have flesh or are not vulnerable to even the worst of sins, but it is that we are able to choose by faith to live as if the flesh will have no control or influence over our behavior and decisions (Romans 8:12). Therefore, believing that we can resist sin and the lusts of the flesh is a major step in living in obedience. This is why Paul continues in Galatians 5:25 by saying, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." The Spirit has given us new life in Christ where there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). It is in this freedom that we are to walk by the enabling of the Spirit as we reckon the flesh to be powerless over us. If we think we are helpless victims to the forces and pulls of our flesh, we will be prone to living defeated, helpless, and hopeless lives.
So as we go throughout our day to day lives, let us take Paul's advice in Romans 13:14 so that we can regularly win this battle for obedience: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." We would do well to keep from compromising situations, from letting our minds wander, and from rationalizing sin. The flesh can consume us if we aren't careful, but if we let Christ dictate our thoughts, feelings, and affections, then we can resist the pull of the flesh and walk by the Spirit. It is easier said than done, but the point that we must anchor our faith upon is that it can be done. Our God is faithful, and He provides the way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we are not able, He is able. When we lack faith, He is faithful. When we are weak, He is strong. May God give us grace to trust in Him, that His ways are the best ways for us and that He will be there by His Spirit to enable us to follow His lead.
Brent Barnett
Paul says in Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." We can go two ways when it comes to any decision we daily face. We can obey the Lord, thereby walking by the Spirit, or we can disobey the Lord, thereby walking in a fleshly manner. So when the battle for righteousness rages, how can we choose rightly and walk after the Spirit?
We must understand that we all still have flesh even though we are born again in Christ. The Spirit indwells us and makes it possible for us to please God, but we still have human fallibility, imperfection, and things that need to be conformed to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). We are not finished works just yet, and we all battle temptation daily because Satan knows we are vulnerable to it. It is true that we are no longer "according to the flesh" or "in the flesh" as Romans 8:5, 8 indicates, for if we were, we would have no chance at pleasing God (v. 8). We are now children of God, born of His Spirit, and able by His Spirit to please God and obey. Yet even though we now have the capacity to please God, we still have the fallibility to sin as well because an element of the flesh clings on in our earthly bodies (Romans 8:11).
In order to win this regular battle against our flesh and humanity, we must understand the nature of the fight. There is a sense in which the flesh has been conquered in that those who are in Christ have by faith "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). This means that just as we have been set free from sin, death, and eternal condemnation in hell, we, too, have the ability and authority in and through Christ to be set free from any bondage to the flesh. We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), and therefore it is possible to reckon the flesh as dead since it has been crucified with Christ. It is not that we no longer have flesh or are not vulnerable to even the worst of sins, but it is that we are able to choose by faith to live as if the flesh will have no control or influence over our behavior and decisions (Romans 8:12). Therefore, believing that we can resist sin and the lusts of the flesh is a major step in living in obedience. This is why Paul continues in Galatians 5:25 by saying, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." The Spirit has given us new life in Christ where there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). It is in this freedom that we are to walk by the enabling of the Spirit as we reckon the flesh to be powerless over us. If we think we are helpless victims to the forces and pulls of our flesh, we will be prone to living defeated, helpless, and hopeless lives.
So as we go throughout our day to day lives, let us take Paul's advice in Romans 13:14 so that we can regularly win this battle for obedience: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." We would do well to keep from compromising situations, from letting our minds wander, and from rationalizing sin. The flesh can consume us if we aren't careful, but if we let Christ dictate our thoughts, feelings, and affections, then we can resist the pull of the flesh and walk by the Spirit. It is easier said than done, but the point that we must anchor our faith upon is that it can be done. Our God is faithful, and He provides the way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we are not able, He is able. When we lack faith, He is faithful. When we are weak, He is strong. May God give us grace to trust in Him, that His ways are the best ways for us and that He will be there by His Spirit to enable us to follow His lead.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Examine Yourself
Examine your ways!
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Let us examine our ways." Lamentations 3:40 NIV
A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the manager if he'd a pay phone. The manager nodded, "Sure, over there." The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and waited for an answer. Finally someone came on the line. "Uh, sir," he said in a deep voice, "could you use an honest, hard-working young man?" The station manager couldn't help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the guy said, "Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same." A broad smile stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started back to his car, obviously elated. "Hey, just a minute," the station manager said, "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he already had someone and didn't need you?" The guy smiled. "Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man. I was just checking up on myself!"
If you're serious about walking with God, examine yourself regularly. Are you praying, reading God's Word and renewing your mind daily? How about your attitudes? Are they slipping? Your attitudes send a signal before you've said a word. They're like traffic lights. Sometimes they flash red, which means 'stop, don't get in my way, I'm too busy to love, help, or care.' Sometimes they flash yellow, which means 'I'm touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.' Sometimes they flash green, which means, 'Let's go, I'm with you, you can count on me.' The Bible says, "Let us examine our ways...and...return to the Lord."
What needs to be examined regularly? "Our ways!"
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Let us examine our ways." Lamentations 3:40 NIV
A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the manager if he'd a pay phone. The manager nodded, "Sure, over there." The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and waited for an answer. Finally someone came on the line. "Uh, sir," he said in a deep voice, "could you use an honest, hard-working young man?" The station manager couldn't help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the guy said, "Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same." A broad smile stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started back to his car, obviously elated. "Hey, just a minute," the station manager said, "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he already had someone and didn't need you?" The guy smiled. "Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man. I was just checking up on myself!"
If you're serious about walking with God, examine yourself regularly. Are you praying, reading God's Word and renewing your mind daily? How about your attitudes? Are they slipping? Your attitudes send a signal before you've said a word. They're like traffic lights. Sometimes they flash red, which means 'stop, don't get in my way, I'm too busy to love, help, or care.' Sometimes they flash yellow, which means 'I'm touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.' Sometimes they flash green, which means, 'Let's go, I'm with you, you can count on me.' The Bible says, "Let us examine our ways...and...return to the Lord."
What needs to be examined regularly? "Our ways!"
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Walking In God's Love
Tuesday, August 26, 2008• Print Article
• Leave a Comment
Daily Walking in God's Love
Bishop Keith Butler
Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (KJV)
God wants daily fellowship with you. Here are some things that will help you walk in the love of God daily in your relationships with others.
1. Give attention to the Holy Spirit. He is the love of God. Start with the Holy Ghost before you turn on the Today Show.
2. Spend time in prayer in the morning. Even if it is just a few minutes, spend time in prayer before God, before you leave the house in the morning.
3. Meditate the Scriptures before you leave. Begin to think upon it, particularly if you are in a situation when something stormy is happening between you and someone. Turn to the love Scriptures and meditate those. You will find that the power that is inherent in the Word of God will get on you. Instead of walking in the flesh in your relationships, you will find yourself walking in the spirit, walking in love.
Do you know what would happen if God were tired of dealing with us? If God were like us, He would have said, "I've told that boy 10 times not to act like that. Forget him." Thank God, He doesn't do that. His mercies are new every morning. Thank God, His compassion fails not. Thank God that the love of God is always available to us. Thank God that He is not like us. He expects us to be like Him.
If you are dealing with a situation where you are in conflict with somebody, take a moment to lift your hands to the Lord. Say from your heart to the Lord, Father I forgive that person. I roll this care over on You right now. I'm not going to hate them. I'm not going to stay in strife with them. I'll forgive them in my heart right now in the name of Jesus.
By doing that you have put yourself in position where your faith can work, and deliverance can be brought to you in this situation. Now pray for that person right now. Ask God to bless them. Ask God to heal them. Ask God to provide for them. Do it right now in Jesus's name. Now praise God for it.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:44; 1 John 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:7
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Monday, August 25, 2008
Walking In His Perfect Will
Monday, August 25, 2008• Print Article
• Leave a Comment
Walk In His Perfect Will!
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
Do you know what the will of God is for your life, or are you floundering without any sense of direction or purpose? If the latter answer describes you more than the former, then it's time you found out what it is that He wants you to do. Why? Knowing God's plan for you is essential to achieving your maximum potential in life.
There are certain aspects of God's will that apply to everyone. Making Jesus the Lord of your life, receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit and walking in your covenant rights as a Believer are all part of His will for mankind. But you also have a specific course to follow. He uses your gifts, talents and desires as a way to direct you to your divine destiny.
Making the most of every opportunity to develop yourself spiritually also plays a critical role in your ability to discover your purpose. Ephesians 5:15-17 admonishes believers to, "...walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Reading God's Word daily will enable you not only to discover God's will for your life, but also to clearly see His character. Once you align your thoughts and desires with the Word, your path will be illuminated. "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death" (Proverbs 12:28). Getting into the perfect will of God will not only protect you from hurt, harm and danger, it also guarantees favor and success.
It is critical that you not allow strife, unforgiveness or offense to get you out of God's perfect will. As your destiny unfolds, you will have many opportunities to get hurt or offended. However, instead of allowing these situations to hinder you, use them as stepping stones to your next level of spiritual growth and character development.
Your future depends on the decisions you make today, but when you allow your emotions to rule your life, you will always make bad decisions that will take you away from God's plan for you. The enemy wants to move you out of the love of God and into a position of selfishness. When that happens, you'll try to preserve yourself rather than look for opportunities to bless others. Don't allow him to do this. No matter what people may do or say to you, make a commitment to walk in the love of God. In doing so, you defeat the enemy and ensure God's blessing on your life.
It is also important that you submit your desires to God. Many times you may have a good idea about what you want to do with your life, but it may not be God's perfect plan. Make sure that you seek Him first through prayer and adequate time in His Word so that you can receive the wisdom you need to go forward. Whenever God gives you a vision for your life, He will also make provision. Pay attention to the provision and open doors that are available to you. These are signposts as to the direction you should be taking.
By making Jesus Christ the Lord of your life and allowing the Word to be your final authority, you will set your course for a prosperous future. Make a quality decision to get into His perfect will and watch the path to the good life unfold before your eyes!
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A Precious Gift
A Precious Gift
God sent the sweetest cherub.
He put you in my arms.
I looked into your eyes.
You gave away your charms.
You are such a little treasure.
I can only sit and grin.
For, there, in your sweet soul,
I see myself, within.
For months I had been wondering
What genes I would produce;
As you grew inside of me
What, of me, break loose.
Would you get my cheeky humor
Or my funny little toe,
Sweet delight in the many wonders
Or the way I walk, just so?
But, you were just unique,
With a little bit of either gender.
You turned out to be yourself,
As the recipe went in the blender.
I loved you before you came;
Long before, I know for sure.
For, you are of God, a blessing to us,
And that is love's eternal core.
His grace has grown you strong.
You are resplendent in His hue,
Glowing with His eternal love;
His life alive in you.
With beauty, you, now, journey on;
Walking, with joy, in the light of the Son.
I trust, for you, a safe pathway
Because, my treasure, you know to pray.
Soft Whispers for my children from
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
God sent the sweetest cherub.
He put you in my arms.
I looked into your eyes.
You gave away your charms.
You are such a little treasure.
I can only sit and grin.
For, there, in your sweet soul,
I see myself, within.
For months I had been wondering
What genes I would produce;
As you grew inside of me
What, of me, break loose.
Would you get my cheeky humor
Or my funny little toe,
Sweet delight in the many wonders
Or the way I walk, just so?
But, you were just unique,
With a little bit of either gender.
You turned out to be yourself,
As the recipe went in the blender.
I loved you before you came;
Long before, I know for sure.
For, you are of God, a blessing to us,
And that is love's eternal core.
His grace has grown you strong.
You are resplendent in His hue,
Glowing with His eternal love;
His life alive in you.
With beauty, you, now, journey on;
Walking, with joy, in the light of the Son.
I trust, for you, a safe pathway
Because, my treasure, you know to pray.
Soft Whispers for my children from
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Walking In The Spirit
Walking in the Spirit
Dr. Betty R. Price
"...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" Galatians 5:16
The Body of Christ is in constant warfare with a tricky enemy who refuses to give up. It is a spiritual battle that gets hotter as time goes on. The spirit world exists right along with our natural world, and when we are moving for God, we become target practice for the devil. It doesn't mean that we are necessarily doing anything wrong when things come against us; it is just the way Satan plays his game. If you are doing something you have no business doing and you know it, you need to stop whatever it is, because you are only opening yourself up to satanic attacks.God has given us great and precious promises, and it is up to us to believe these promises. He cannot believe them for us. There are multitudes of scripture that tell us God is with us when we are going through trying times. We just need to meditate on and confess these promises when situations come against us. For instance, the 23rd Psalm should be a part of every Christian's confession. These verses are not just there for us to read, but to apply to our daily life, because they take into consideration our every need. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil....It is up to you not to fear evil. You have to do it. Your will is involved. It doesn't matter what you feel like; you have to be determined that you will not fear. I took all these verses to heart. Everything that came my way and everything that Satan tried to throw against me, I would use the Word against it.I hear people say, "Well, you can do something wrong and not even know it." God has that covered: Psalm 103:1-4:1 Blessed the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His Holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And forget not all His benefits;3 Who forgives all your iniquities,Who heals all your diseases [That includes cancer or anything else that attacks you.]4 Who redeems your life from destruction,Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies. [If I am believing God, I can't believe what the devil is trying to put on me.] Jeremiah 17:7-8 tell us:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord;
And whose hope is the Lord.8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,And he will not fear when heat comes. [Heat represents darkness and wickedness. We are going to have the heat, but we don't have to have the fear. Why? Because God is with us and He is our protection.]But its leaf will be green,And will not be anxious in the year of drought ["Not be anxious" means not to be worried or overly concerned, even though "drought" will come.]Nor cease from yielding fruit. [No matter what the devil throws at us, he can't stop us. Now this does not mean that we are going to be free of problems just because we are Christians. We are in the world, and Satan is the prince of this world. But if we are walking in the Word, we will be better protected, because God honors His Word.]
I get comfort from the Word, so I don't look at what is happening around me. And it should be the same with you. In any kind of circumstance you might find yourself, God will take you right through it and give you the strength to overcome whatever it is you may be going through.In Isaiah 41:10, it says,
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. God really is concerned about us, and He wants the best for us. He does not want us constantly going through problems and frustrations. If this is where you are, do what Psalm 37:4 says:Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Dr. Betty R. Price
"...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" Galatians 5:16
The Body of Christ is in constant warfare with a tricky enemy who refuses to give up. It is a spiritual battle that gets hotter as time goes on. The spirit world exists right along with our natural world, and when we are moving for God, we become target practice for the devil. It doesn't mean that we are necessarily doing anything wrong when things come against us; it is just the way Satan plays his game. If you are doing something you have no business doing and you know it, you need to stop whatever it is, because you are only opening yourself up to satanic attacks.God has given us great and precious promises, and it is up to us to believe these promises. He cannot believe them for us. There are multitudes of scripture that tell us God is with us when we are going through trying times. We just need to meditate on and confess these promises when situations come against us. For instance, the 23rd Psalm should be a part of every Christian's confession. These verses are not just there for us to read, but to apply to our daily life, because they take into consideration our every need. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil....It is up to you not to fear evil. You have to do it. Your will is involved. It doesn't matter what you feel like; you have to be determined that you will not fear. I took all these verses to heart. Everything that came my way and everything that Satan tried to throw against me, I would use the Word against it.I hear people say, "Well, you can do something wrong and not even know it." God has that covered: Psalm 103:1-4:1 Blessed the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His Holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And forget not all His benefits;3 Who forgives all your iniquities,Who heals all your diseases [That includes cancer or anything else that attacks you.]4 Who redeems your life from destruction,Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies. [If I am believing God, I can't believe what the devil is trying to put on me.] Jeremiah 17:7-8 tell us:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord;
And whose hope is the Lord.8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,And he will not fear when heat comes. [Heat represents darkness and wickedness. We are going to have the heat, but we don't have to have the fear. Why? Because God is with us and He is our protection.]But its leaf will be green,And will not be anxious in the year of drought ["Not be anxious" means not to be worried or overly concerned, even though "drought" will come.]Nor cease from yielding fruit. [No matter what the devil throws at us, he can't stop us. Now this does not mean that we are going to be free of problems just because we are Christians. We are in the world, and Satan is the prince of this world. But if we are walking in the Word, we will be better protected, because God honors His Word.]
I get comfort from the Word, so I don't look at what is happening around me. And it should be the same with you. In any kind of circumstance you might find yourself, God will take you right through it and give you the strength to overcome whatever it is you may be going through.In Isaiah 41:10, it says,
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. God really is concerned about us, and He wants the best for us. He does not want us constantly going through problems and frustrations. If this is where you are, do what Psalm 37:4 says:Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It's Already Done
Daily Golden Footprints
I Have Already Done it!
2Sa 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue
The Spirit of the Lord is speaking to you today
How long, my child will you sit there and wait for me? I am waiting for you to act. Did I not tell you that you have already been given power over the enemy if you are my child? Did I not tell you that what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what you loose on earth will be loosed. You must use your authority and deal with it. I told you to decree a thing and it shall be established. I have instructed you to speak to things and they must obey you. Is it not in my Word? Do you not already know that I have already given it unto you? I have already freed you from the enemy. Stand up and fight with the authority that I have given to you. Use my Word and my promises to forbid the enemy from stealing from you what I have already given to you. If you had a big TV and DVR, which a thief broke in and was trying to steal, would you not stand up to him and fight? You would call the police or resist him by yourself or with a
weapon if need be. You might even call someone to help. But you would not stand there helplessly and let him take whatever he desires. Why have you not stood up and used your authority? I have already given you so much. It already belongs to you. Dont let the devil steal any more from you. That has always been his method of operation. He tries to makes you think that you cannot stop him. If you believe him that you are powerless against him and let him have it, he gets to keep it.
I never intended you to be in any kind of trouble. I sent my son to supply all of your needs. I send my son for your healing. I sent my son for your salvation and the salvation of your family. I hate divorce. It is never my perfect will. Stand on my Word in my name. I hate the works of the flesh. Read my promises. I have already done it. Therefore, it is already done. You just have to stand up and fight the devil with my name and my word. He is trying to take it from you. Dont let him.
You still have to fight the battle, but then I am loosed to win it for you. Will you please stand up today and put your foot down. You are not the sons of Sceva. You are in me and empowered by me. Obey my Words and see me manifest many things for you, my child. Do not keep waiting on me! I am waiting on you. Act on the Word already spoken to you. Use your authority. You have already won this battle, just act in faith. It is already yours. Dont let the devil steal it. Thus Saith the Lord
References
(Luke 10:19) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
(Job 22:28) Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
(Mar 11:23-24) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
(Gal 5:1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(Mark 16:17-18) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Isaiah 1:19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
(1 John 5:14-15) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
In Him,
Prophetess Frances Lloyd
Daily Golden Footprints
footprints@dailygoldenfootprints.com
www.dailygoldenfootprints.com
Prayer requests are welcome. We attempt to answer each request personally and give a Rhema Word of Encouragement as we receive it from the Lord.
You have permission and are encouraged to copy, repost or forward Daily Golden Footprints in its entirety to your friends who might enjoy this Word.
We need contributors to pledge monthly to help with the continued overhead of this ministry. To Send Offerings or Purchase Books, to help meet the expenses of this prophetic ministry, please Use PayPal or write Frances Lloyd, Daily Golden Footprints, 211 Northgate, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.
Perhaps You subscribed to the Daily Golden Footprints, or someone subscribed for you. You can (1)change your email address, (2)Subscribe or (3)Unsubscribe yourself from our subscriber list simply by writing via return Email and put your new address, or SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)
8.1.
Sharing Scripture
Posted by: "Jan Fleming" jan51072002@yahoo.com jan51072002
Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:21 pm (PDT)
Blessings from God's Holy Word~
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance.
Acts 2:28 (KJV)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Psalm 122:6 (KJV)
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
Love and Prayers,
Jan
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
I Have Already Done it!
2Sa 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue
The Spirit of the Lord is speaking to you today
How long, my child will you sit there and wait for me? I am waiting for you to act. Did I not tell you that you have already been given power over the enemy if you are my child? Did I not tell you that what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what you loose on earth will be loosed. You must use your authority and deal with it. I told you to decree a thing and it shall be established. I have instructed you to speak to things and they must obey you. Is it not in my Word? Do you not already know that I have already given it unto you? I have already freed you from the enemy. Stand up and fight with the authority that I have given to you. Use my Word and my promises to forbid the enemy from stealing from you what I have already given to you. If you had a big TV and DVR, which a thief broke in and was trying to steal, would you not stand up to him and fight? You would call the police or resist him by yourself or with a
weapon if need be. You might even call someone to help. But you would not stand there helplessly and let him take whatever he desires. Why have you not stood up and used your authority? I have already given you so much. It already belongs to you. Dont let the devil steal any more from you. That has always been his method of operation. He tries to makes you think that you cannot stop him. If you believe him that you are powerless against him and let him have it, he gets to keep it.
I never intended you to be in any kind of trouble. I sent my son to supply all of your needs. I send my son for your healing. I sent my son for your salvation and the salvation of your family. I hate divorce. It is never my perfect will. Stand on my Word in my name. I hate the works of the flesh. Read my promises. I have already done it. Therefore, it is already done. You just have to stand up and fight the devil with my name and my word. He is trying to take it from you. Dont let him.
You still have to fight the battle, but then I am loosed to win it for you. Will you please stand up today and put your foot down. You are not the sons of Sceva. You are in me and empowered by me. Obey my Words and see me manifest many things for you, my child. Do not keep waiting on me! I am waiting on you. Act on the Word already spoken to you. Use your authority. You have already won this battle, just act in faith. It is already yours. Dont let the devil steal it. Thus Saith the Lord
References
(Luke 10:19) Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
(Job 22:28) Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
(Mar 11:23-24) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
(Gal 5:1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(Mark 16:17-18) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(Isaiah 1:19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
(1 John 5:14-15) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
In Him,
Prophetess Frances Lloyd
Daily Golden Footprints
footprints@dailygoldenfootprints.com
www.dailygoldenfootprints.com
Prayer requests are welcome. We attempt to answer each request personally and give a Rhema Word of Encouragement as we receive it from the Lord.
You have permission and are encouraged to copy, repost or forward Daily Golden Footprints in its entirety to your friends who might enjoy this Word.
We need contributors to pledge monthly to help with the continued overhead of this ministry. To Send Offerings or Purchase Books, to help meet the expenses of this prophetic ministry, please Use PayPal or write Frances Lloyd, Daily Golden Footprints, 211 Northgate, Waxahachie, Tx 75165.
Perhaps You subscribed to the Daily Golden Footprints, or someone subscribed for you. You can (1)change your email address, (2)Subscribe or (3)Unsubscribe yourself from our subscriber list simply by writing via return Email and put your new address, or SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)
8.1.
Sharing Scripture
Posted by: "Jan Fleming" jan51072002@yahoo.com jan51072002
Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:21 pm (PDT)
Blessings from God's Holy Word~
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thy countenance.
Acts 2:28 (KJV)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Psalm 122:6 (KJV)
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
Love and Prayers,
Jan
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
If I Give You My Son
If I Give You My Son
If I give you My son,
Will you treat Him well?
Will you honor His Name
And heed what He'll tell?
Will you remember to thank,
For the wonders He'll do?
Will you love Him, if I
Give My Son to you?
If I give you My Son,
Will you see that He's warm?
Will you shelter Him here
And keep Him from harm?
When He's weary and worn,
From the deeds that He's done,
Will you pillow His head -
At the setting of sun?
If I give you My Son,
Will you walk hand in hand?
Will you live your life
The way He'll understand?
Oh, will you be a friend
That is trustworthy - true?
Will you love Him, If I
Give My Son to you?
If I give you My Son,
Will you lift Him up high?
Will you bring Him no shame,
Never cause Him to cry?
Will you live on in peace,
Praising Him as if one?
Will you love Him, if I
Give you My only Son?
Will you love Him, if I
Give you My only Son?
Copyright Joan Clifton Costner
A More Excellent Way
A More Excellent Way
Gena Matthews
"But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all - love]."
1Corinthians 12:31 AMP
I am amazed when I think about all the attributes of love the Apostle Paul describes in 1Cor.13. This being the case, why is the spiritual gift of love the least sought after? Could it be that we do no appraise love as the greatest gift? Or maybe we do not have the understanding that when all else has faded away, love will still remain. In 1Cor 13:8 it says, "Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [ it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]."
We must remember that "God is love" (1John 4:8b) and we must stay rooted in the main thing. When we are rooted in love, all the spiritual gifts will be freely demonstrated to bless the body of Christ in the way they were intended. Not to cause discord or division, but to help us walk together in love.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Gena Matthews
"But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all - love]."
1Corinthians 12:31 AMP
I am amazed when I think about all the attributes of love the Apostle Paul describes in 1Cor.13. This being the case, why is the spiritual gift of love the least sought after? Could it be that we do no appraise love as the greatest gift? Or maybe we do not have the understanding that when all else has faded away, love will still remain. In 1Cor 13:8 it says, "Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [ it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]."
We must remember that "God is love" (1John 4:8b) and we must stay rooted in the main thing. When we are rooted in love, all the spiritual gifts will be freely demonstrated to bless the body of Christ in the way they were intended. Not to cause discord or division, but to help us walk together in love.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Friday, August 22, 2008
But I Say Unto You
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those
>who curse you, do good to
>those who hate you, and pray for those who
>spitefully use you and persecute
>you.
>Matthew 5:44
>
>It is not an easy thing to forgive those who have
>hurt us much less love
>them. Sometimes it seems like an impossible task.
>Our thirst for revenge
>fuels our anger and will lead us down a lonely and
>bitter road that is
>easier to get to than to return from. God loves
>all of His creation. God's
>love isn't something we earn it just is. He loved
>us before we loved Him,
>before we knew Him. He loved us at our worst. His
>love and mercy have been
>extended toward us and we have received it freely.
>Just as freely we must
>let go of our anger and allow the Holy Spirit to
>tend to His business of
>dealing with their hearts and we must continue to
>love. God will heal and
>restore our hearts and lives. Love never fails.
>
>Prayer
>
>Lord forgive us for holding on to anger and
>allowing it to make our hearts
>bitter. We choose to let go of the anger and
>resentment and place it in your
>hands. Let us do good to all regardless of
>circumstance not looking for
>anything in return. Take us beyond our natural
>tendencies for revenge and
>fill our hearts with your unconditional perfect
>love. Holy Spirit minister
>to their hearts. Amen.
>who curse you, do good to
>those who hate you, and pray for those who
>spitefully use you and persecute
>you.
>Matthew 5:44
>
>It is not an easy thing to forgive those who have
>hurt us much less love
>them. Sometimes it seems like an impossible task.
>Our thirst for revenge
>fuels our anger and will lead us down a lonely and
>bitter road that is
>easier to get to than to return from. God loves
>all of His creation. God's
>love isn't something we earn it just is. He loved
>us before we loved Him,
>before we knew Him. He loved us at our worst. His
>love and mercy have been
>extended toward us and we have received it freely.
>Just as freely we must
>let go of our anger and allow the Holy Spirit to
>tend to His business of
>dealing with their hearts and we must continue to
>love. God will heal and
>restore our hearts and lives. Love never fails.
>
>Prayer
>
>Lord forgive us for holding on to anger and
>allowing it to make our hearts
>bitter. We choose to let go of the anger and
>resentment and place it in your
>hands. Let us do good to all regardless of
>circumstance not looking for
>anything in return. Take us beyond our natural
>tendencies for revenge and
>fill our hearts with your unconditional perfect
>love. Holy Spirit minister
>to their hearts. Amen.
Truly Amazing Grace
Amazing, Truly Amazing Grace!
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"By Grace you have been saved" Ephesians 2:5 NAS
Have you any idea of the mess you were in, or moving toward, when God reached down and saved you? Perhaps an illustration may help you get the picture. If you took your children to a petting zoo and a little lamb came running towards you, you probably wouldn't be afraid at all because lambs are harmless. You might even reach out your hand and let the lamb lick it.
But let's say you're at the zoo and the alarm goes out that a lion has escaped from its cage. If you're standing there and that lion comes running towards you, you'll be terrified and start to run because you know what lions can do. But just suppose that the runaway lion corners you in one part of the zoo and comes up to you - but instead of attacking you it gently licks your hand the way the lamb did. If that happened whose gentleness would you appreciate more, the lamb's or the lion's? You'd appreciate the lion's gentleness more because you know that he could just as easily have destroyed you without violating his nature as a lion.
Well, grace is God's kindness and gentleness to us when He could have backed us into a corner as guilty sinners and destroyed us without violating His holy character. But God wanted to make us His children, so instead of expressing His wrath against us, He poured it out upon His own sinless Son on the cross. Jesus took our punishment so God could embrace us. Hence, we have a brand-new relationship with God through grace. Isn't that amazing!
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
The Potter Master
THE MASTER POTTER
The clay looked worn and useless
As it set all alone, unkept.
The Potter saw potential in the clay
And He chose it for Himself.
He picked up the clay with no beauty
And, with hands so loving and kind,
He made a vessel of beauty
That only the Master Potter could design.
The clay was remade
Into a masterpiece.
It is now claimed by He
Who molded it with love.
His Spirit even placed
A seal upon the vessel.
The Lord wrote His name on it
To place in the Book of Life, above.
Now the vessel brings honor
To the Master. The Potter's wheel
has brought new life, once again.
With the touch of the Lord's loving hand,
He made a vessel of honor and
Will do the same for all who look to Him.
Jo Ann Kelly © 2004
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
The clay looked worn and useless
As it set all alone, unkept.
The Potter saw potential in the clay
And He chose it for Himself.
He picked up the clay with no beauty
And, with hands so loving and kind,
He made a vessel of beauty
That only the Master Potter could design.
The clay was remade
Into a masterpiece.
It is now claimed by He
Who molded it with love.
His Spirit even placed
A seal upon the vessel.
The Lord wrote His name on it
To place in the Book of Life, above.
Now the vessel brings honor
To the Master. The Potter's wheel
has brought new life, once again.
With the touch of the Lord's loving hand,
He made a vessel of honor and
Will do the same for all who look to Him.
Jo Ann Kelly © 2004
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Please Be Patient
Please Be Patient
Alan Riley
Do you know what an oxymoron is? If you're like me, the first time I ever heard this word, I was sure an oxymoron was a stupid ox! Actually, an oxymoron is a contradiction or a paradox, usually expressed in two words that although said together seem to mean the opposite. Like "act naturally," "found missing" or "fresh frozen." My favorite oxymoron is JUMBO SHRIMP.
I have a good friend who is a Navy veteran. He says his favorite oxymoron is "Military Intelligence." Another buddy of mine who is a computer genius says his favorite is "Advanced BASC." I read an article the other day that referred to this person as a "devout atheist." Now there's an oxymoron if ever I heard one!
You get the idea. An oxymoron is a phrase made up of two words that should never go together. With that in mind, let me suggest to you a phrase that according to the Bible is a spiritual oxymoron: Impatient Christian. Sadly it is a phrase that all too often describes you and me.
Patience is the Fruit of the Spirit that millions of believers struggle with on a daily basis, especially in the fast-paced culture most of us live in today. Did you hear about the believer who went to the Lord in prayer and said, "Lord, I want patience in my life and I want it right now!!"? Sometimes I feel like that person, and it bothers me. I guess you could say I get impatient with my being impatient!
There are several good reasons why these attributes we are looking at this week are called the "Fruit" of the Spirit. One reason is that just like an apple is the natural product of a healthy apple tree, so, too Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control are the natural products of a healthy Christian. To the extent all of these attributes are manifesting themselves in my daily life, my spiritual life is healthy and on target.
But unlike the apple tree that only produces a single fruit, the fruit of the Spirit is ALL of those attributes taken as a whole. The Fruit of the Spirit is not a Piccadilly Cafeteria assortment where we get to choose which of these attributes we want to show forth in our lives and ignore the others. Trust me, if we could opt out of one, I would leave off patience. It's the one I struggle with the most.
Have you ever noticed the attribute that you struggle with most is the one the Lord will give you the most opportunities to exhibit? It's true. If you pray for the Lord to give you patience, be prepared for Him to bring into your life a lot of opportunities (not to mention people) to be patient with!
There is a second reason God uses the analogy of Fruit for these vital spiritual attributes: In the natural realm the production of fruit is not instantaneous. It doesn't matter how much you pamper a brand new apple tree, you're not going to get bushels of apples right away. You have to give that tree time to grow and mature and it will produce wonderful, beautiful and abundant fruit in due season. It's the same thing with the Fruit of the Spirit. As you and I grow and mature in the things of God, our "fruit production" goes up.
Maybe that is why so many of us have trouble with manifesting patience in our lives. We are so impatient to become perfect people! We live in an instant society. We're conditioned to get it now. Television would make us think every problem can be solved in 60 minutes or less. We eat "fast" food. And when we come to Christ we expect instant perfection.
When I was very young in my walk with the Lord, a friend gave me a button that had this written on it: PBP-GINF-WMY. It stood for "Please Be Patient; God Is Not Finished With Me Yet." You know what? I've walked with the Lord for a lot of years now and I still need that button! It's like that wonderful little children's song that says:
"He's still working on me
To make me what I ought to be
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be!
'Cause He's still working on me..."
Thank you, Lord for being so patient with me. Help me to be equally patient with the people that you bring into my life!
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
The Love of God
The Love of God
I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved.
Romans 9:25 (MSG)
Our love depends on the receiver of the love. Let a thousand people pass
before us, and we will not feel the same about each. Our love will be
regulated by their appearance, by their personalities. Even when we find a
few people we like, our feelings will fluctuate. How they treat us will
affect how we love them. The receiver regulates our love.
Not so with the love of God. We have no thermostatic impact on his love for
us. The love of God is born from within him, not from what he finds in us.
His love is uncaused and spontaneous….
Does he love us because of our goodness? Because of our kindness? Because
of our great faith? No, he loves us because of his goodness, kindness, and
great faith.
From: A Love Worth Giving
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2002)
Max Lucado
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Today's Bible Study
The Books of Poetry
Proverbs 22 Friday: Joel
Saturday: John 13-15
Sunday: II Timothy 3-4
1
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
11
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
12
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
13
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
14
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
17
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19
That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
22
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
23
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
26
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
27
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
28
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
From Inside Out
From the Inside Out
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you
forever--the Spirit of truth.
John 14:16-17 (NCV)
Do-it-yourself Christianity is not much encouragement to the done-in and
worn-out.
Self-sanctification holds little hope for the addict. . . .
At some point we need more than good advice; we need help. Somewhere on this
journey home we realize that a fifty-fifty proposition is too little. We
need more. . . .
We need help. Help from the inside out. . . . Not near us. Not above us. Not
around us. But in us. In the part of us we don't even know. In the heart no
one else has seen. In the hidden recesses of our being dwells, not an angel,
not a philosophy, not a genie, but God.
From: When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1994)
Max Lucado
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you
forever--the Spirit of truth.
John 14:16-17 (NCV)
Do-it-yourself Christianity is not much encouragement to the done-in and
worn-out.
Self-sanctification holds little hope for the addict. . . .
At some point we need more than good advice; we need help. Somewhere on this
journey home we realize that a fifty-fifty proposition is too little. We
need more. . . .
We need help. Help from the inside out. . . . Not near us. Not above us. Not
around us. But in us. In the part of us we don't even know. In the heart no
one else has seen. In the hidden recesses of our being dwells, not an angel,
not a philosophy, not a genie, but God.
From: When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1994)
Max Lucado
Stay Focused
and
Blessed.........................
Jan
The Greatest Of Them All
Greatest of Them All
Rev. James C. Matthews
One of the greatest and most underestimated provisions God has made available to us to make our lives fruitful and fulfilling is His love! Nothing we achieve or possess is worth anything unless we possess the love of God. The apostle Paul testified, "If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3). Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-39), the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13), and the greatest of any spiritual fruit we can possess (Gal. 5:22). The perfect love of God casts out fear (1John 4:8) and covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love is both a "gift" and a "fruit" given by the Spirit of God to empower us to live life to its fullest!
I've discovered through years of ministering to people that many of them truly do not believe that God cares about their day-to-day well-being. They believe that getting saved and being spared the horrors of hell is all God has planned for them in this life. They mistakenly assume that "abundant life" is synonymous with the "after life." This misconception causes many people to conclude that they must wait until they die to experience abundant life. They perceive life as something to be endured instead of something to be enjoyed. This is wrong! Jesus said that He came that we might have and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10, Amp.). He came not only to save our souls but also to offer us a more abundant way of living that is full and overflowing. In 3John 1:2, God expressed His will for our earthly lives when He stated through the pen of the apostle John, "I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." God desires that we prosper and be fruitful in all respects. Can you receive this revelation? Well, it is the truth! Armed with this revelation we should raise our expectations of life and pursue one that is full and overflowing. God wants us to do more than merely exist and endure life. He wants us to enjoy, prosper, and live fruitful lives.
Understanding the preeminence of God's love and its impact on every area of our lives is essential to our living an abundant and fruitful life that glorifies God (John 15:8). When we possess and live according to God's love, we possess and live in God's best. We possess everything we need to succeed and prosper. Jesus proclaimed that, "Iam the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9). Jesus reveals that the effective agent that flows from Him to us and empowers us to live an abundant and fruitful life is the love of God. Everything flows from and depends upon the love of God!
The abundant life is more than an abundance of possession but engenders the concept of wholeness. Living the abundant life involves our being divinely directed, empowered,and supplied to fulfill God's purpose for us in life. We must first possess abundance internally before it will manifest externally in our lives.
Abundance is the fruit of God's "agape" love. Agape is the limitless, selfless, and overflowing love of God that transcends our sins, situations, and stations in life. It makes our lives full, complete, and worth living. In making our transition from our situation to our destination, we must be cognizant of the source of every blessing and success we experience along the way. Without God's love in us, and our willingness to share this love with others, it all means nothing. Always remember that, "your situation, is not your destination- only preparation!
Rev. James C. Matthews
One of the greatest and most underestimated provisions God has made available to us to make our lives fruitful and fulfilling is His love! Nothing we achieve or possess is worth anything unless we possess the love of God. The apostle Paul testified, "If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3). Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-39), the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13), and the greatest of any spiritual fruit we can possess (Gal. 5:22). The perfect love of God casts out fear (1John 4:8) and covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love is both a "gift" and a "fruit" given by the Spirit of God to empower us to live life to its fullest!
I've discovered through years of ministering to people that many of them truly do not believe that God cares about their day-to-day well-being. They believe that getting saved and being spared the horrors of hell is all God has planned for them in this life. They mistakenly assume that "abundant life" is synonymous with the "after life." This misconception causes many people to conclude that they must wait until they die to experience abundant life. They perceive life as something to be endured instead of something to be enjoyed. This is wrong! Jesus said that He came that we might have and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10, Amp.). He came not only to save our souls but also to offer us a more abundant way of living that is full and overflowing. In 3John 1:2, God expressed His will for our earthly lives when He stated through the pen of the apostle John, "I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." God desires that we prosper and be fruitful in all respects. Can you receive this revelation? Well, it is the truth! Armed with this revelation we should raise our expectations of life and pursue one that is full and overflowing. God wants us to do more than merely exist and endure life. He wants us to enjoy, prosper, and live fruitful lives.
Understanding the preeminence of God's love and its impact on every area of our lives is essential to our living an abundant and fruitful life that glorifies God (John 15:8). When we possess and live according to God's love, we possess and live in God's best. We possess everything we need to succeed and prosper. Jesus proclaimed that, "Iam the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9). Jesus reveals that the effective agent that flows from Him to us and empowers us to live an abundant and fruitful life is the love of God. Everything flows from and depends upon the love of God!
The abundant life is more than an abundance of possession but engenders the concept of wholeness. Living the abundant life involves our being divinely directed, empowered,and supplied to fulfill God's purpose for us in life. We must first possess abundance internally before it will manifest externally in our lives.
Abundance is the fruit of God's "agape" love. Agape is the limitless, selfless, and overflowing love of God that transcends our sins, situations, and stations in life. It makes our lives full, complete, and worth living. In making our transition from our situation to our destination, we must be cognizant of the source of every blessing and success we experience along the way. Without God's love in us, and our willingness to share this love with others, it all means nothing. Always remember that, "your situation, is not your destination- only preparation!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Go With Your Heart
Go with Your Heart
After Mary saw Jesus, she went and told his followers, who were very sad and
were crying.
Mark 16:10 (NCV)
Tears represent the heart, the spirit, and the soul of a person. To put a
lock and key on your emotions is to bury part of your Christlikeness!
Especially when you come to Calvary.
You can’t go to the cross with just your head and not your heart. It doesn’t
work that way. Calvary is not a mental trip. It’s not an intellectual
exercise. It’s not a divine calculation or a cold theological principle.
It’s a heart-splitting hour of emotion.
Don’t walk away from it dry-eyed and unstirred. Don’t just straighten your
tie and clear your throat. Don’t allow yourself to descend Calvary cool and
collected. Please…pause. Look again.
Those are nails in those hands. That’s God on that cross. It’s us who put
him there.
From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003)
Max Lucado
After Mary saw Jesus, she went and told his followers, who were very sad and
were crying.
Mark 16:10 (NCV)
Tears represent the heart, the spirit, and the soul of a person. To put a
lock and key on your emotions is to bury part of your Christlikeness!
Especially when you come to Calvary.
You can’t go to the cross with just your head and not your heart. It doesn’t
work that way. Calvary is not a mental trip. It’s not an intellectual
exercise. It’s not a divine calculation or a cold theological principle.
It’s a heart-splitting hour of emotion.
Don’t walk away from it dry-eyed and unstirred. Don’t just straighten your
tie and clear your throat. Don’t allow yourself to descend Calvary cool and
collected. Please…pause. Look again.
Those are nails in those hands. That’s God on that cross. It’s us who put
him there.
From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003)
Max Lucado
Today's Bible Study
1 Chronicles 20
- 1
- And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.
- 2
- And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city.
- 3
- And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
- 4
- And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
- 5
- And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.
- 6
- And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot and he also was the son of the giant.
- 7
- But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.
- 8
- These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
1 Chronicles 21
- 1
- And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
- 2
- And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
- 3
- And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
- 4
- Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
- 5
- And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundredthreescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
- 6
- But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.
- 7
- And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.
- 8
- And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
- 9
- And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,
- 10
- Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
- 11
- So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee
- 12
- Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
- 13
- And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.
- 14
- So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.
- 15
- And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
- 16
- And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
- 17
- And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
- 18
- Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
- 19
- And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.
- 20
- And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
- 21
- And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.
- 22
- Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.
- 23
- And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
- 24
- And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
- 25
- So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.
- 26
- And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.
- 27
- And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
- 28
- At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
- 29
- For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
- 30
- But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 22
- 1
- Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
- 2
- And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
- 3
- And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
- 4
- Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
- 5
- And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
- 6
- Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
- 7
- And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:
- 8
- But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
- 9
- Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
- 10
- He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
- 11
- Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
- 12
- Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.
- 13
- Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
- 14
- Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
- 15
- Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
- 16
- Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.
- 17
- David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
- 18
- Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.
- 19
- Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 23
- 1
- So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
- 2
- And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
- 3
- Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
- 4
- Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:
- 5
- Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
- 6
- And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
- 7
- Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.
- 8
- The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
- 9
- The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.
- 10
- And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
- 11
- And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.
- 12
- The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
- 13
- The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.
- 14
- Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.
- 15
- The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.
- 16
- Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief.
- 17
- And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
- 18
- Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.
- 19
- Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
- 20
- Of the sons of Uzziel; Micah the first and Jesiah the second.
- 21
- Thesons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.
- 22
- And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.
- 23
- The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
- 24
- These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
- 25
- For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:
- 26
- And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.
- 27
- For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
- 28
- Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;
- 29
- Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size;
- 30
- And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even:
- 31
- And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:
- 32
- And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 24
- 1
- Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
- 2
- But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.
- 3
- And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.
- 4
- And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.
- 5
- Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
- 6
- And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.
- 7
- Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
- 8
- The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,
- 9
- The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,
- 10
- The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,
- 11
- The ninth to Jeshuah, the tenth to Shecaniah,
- 12
- The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
- 13
- The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,
- 14
- The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
- 15
- The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,
- 16
- The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,
- 17
- The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,
- 18
- The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
- 19
- These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.
- 20
- And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.
- 21
- Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah.
- 22
- Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath.
- 23
- And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.
- 24
- Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.
- 25
- The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.
- 26
- The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.
- 27
- The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.
- 28
- Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons.
- 29
- Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.
- 30
- The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.
- 31
- These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
