Happy Sunday

Satan's Words Have No Power

 

Man was created as a speaking spirit in the image and in the likeness of God. Man was created to look like God and to act like God. No other creation was created in His image and likeness - only man.

God is a three-part being. The Bible tells us in 1 John 5:7 that "The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, these three are one." Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), and "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). Man is a three-part being. He is spirit, soul, and body (1 Thess. 5:23). So God is a three-part being, man is a three-part being, and man was created in the image and likeness of God.

Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to act like God. While we are not God and will never be God, God did create us in His image and likeness, so obviously, He wants us not only to look like Him, but to act like Him. Simply put, God wants us to love what He loves and to dislike what He dislikes. And we also must remember that God has not changed and does not change.

The Bible tells us in the Old Testament that God the Father does not change and in the New Testament, Hebrews 13:8 tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." So we can say with confidence that the things God liked 5,000 years ago, He liked 2,000 years ago at the time of Jesus and He still likes them today. Likewise, the things God disliked 5,000 years ago, He disliked at the time of Jesus and He still dislikes them today. God is not politically correct, nor does God's plan change with society.

God created man as a speaking spirit so that we would have the authority to speak His Word on the earth and take authority over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19.) The life you are living today was framed by the words that you spoke yesterday. And the life you will be living tomorrow is being framed by the words you speak today. Quite literally, your life and your death are in the power of your tongue. (Prov. 18:21.) 

When someone believes in their heart the truth of God's Word and they speak that truth, it comes to pass because their faith activates the Word. The words of Satan have no power unless you repeat them. If you listen to the lie of the enemy and speak the lie, it activates the opposing spiritual force of fear and enables the enemy to do his work. We could say that repeating his lie is aiding and abetting the enemy because it enables him with power and gives him permission to destroy.

Faith and fear are the two spiritual forces that activate power and release angelic spirits to do their work. When faith is spoken, according to Psalm 103:20, it activates the angels of God to bring His Word to pass. We know that angelic spirits are on the earth for the purpose of ministering to the children of God. But they can only do this as they are instructed by the voice of His Word and Christians are the only ones authorized to speak His Word in faith. We have been given that authority.

As a speaking spirit, you choose to release the Word of God into the earth or you choose to release the words of the enemy into the earth. Either way, it's your choice. And your harvest in life will depend upon your choice. Jesus said in Mark 11:23 that if we believe in our heart that what we say will come to pass, we will have what we say.

Are your words important? Yes, they are vitally important! Not only do they bring death or life (Prov. 18:21), but according to Jesus, we will be justified or condemned by the words we speak, even the words that we consider trivial or pointless because they contain the power of their meaning. (Matt. 12:37.) 

As you live your life, never forget you are a speaking spirit created in the likeness and image of God. You are His voice and you are to let your light shine for Him. The enemy is frantically trying to get you to say what he wants done. He wants you to prophesy his fear into the earth. He knows that without your voice, he has no power. So as you speak, give no place to the devil (Eph. 4:27), but instead let your faith-filled words empower God's grace to work for your good.

This is an excerpt from Dr. Larry Ollison's soon to be released book "The Power of Grace." You can pre-order from The Lighthouse Bookstore at 573-348-9778 

Daily Smile:

Heaven Bound

An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him, "How do you expect to get into Heaven?"

The boy thought it over and said, "Well, I'll just run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For Heaven's sake, Jimmy, come in or stay out!'"

Happy Saturday

Rejoice . . . When? By Jerry Savelle

Verse(s): Philippians 4:4

Today's Confession: I will rejoice in the Lord always! He is making my path straight. Devotional: "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." - Philippians 4:4

When should you rejoice? Always.

"What about this storm I'm going through?" That comes under the category of always.

"Yea, but I'm hurting. I'm miserable. I'm depressed." That still comes under the category of always. He didn't say, "Rejoice because nothing is working." Or, "Rejoice because your body is under attack." Or, "Rejoice because you don't have enough money and your spouse left you." He was saying to rejoice in those circumstances not for them.

You are not thanking God for the trials. God is not the author of trials. You are praising God in the midst of trials and adversity. Praise God anyway. You praise God and rejoice because you know that your God is turning things around. You know that whatever you are facing is only temporary. Your freedom is on the horizon. When you praise God in the middle of the trial what you are doing is confusing the devil and causing him to lose his grip on your life.
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Daily Smile:

The Repeat Offender

A judge scowled down at a repeat offender before him. "Haven't I seen you in here many times already? And didn't I tell you that I never wanted to see you in here again?"

"Yes, Your Honor," the defendant replied. "That's exactly what I told the police officer, but he insisted I come in anyway!"

Happy, Happy Friday

It's All Good 

Read Ahead: Philippians 4:1-4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4, HCSB

Have you ever heard the words to the great old hymn "Count Your Blessings"?

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

There's wisdom for all of us in that old song. Sometimes when we focus on our problems, we lose sight of the good things in our lives. It's as though we're under a gigantic cloud that blocks out the sun. We get irritable and depressed and, worst of all, we lose all perspective. That's when it's time to review all the reasons God has given us for rejoicing.

If you're under the cloud today, try not to grumble and complain. Count your blessings instead. Here's a list to get you started:

* God loves you.

* Jesus died for your sins.

* You'll spend eternity in heaven with Christ.

* You're part of God's family, with brothers and sisters who love you.

* God has promised never to abandon you.

Keep going--thinking of more things--and the cloud will keep lifting.

What are some unique, specific ways God has blessed your life?

Daily Smile:

Sinatra

Many people are unaware that Frank Sinatra was an ecologist. 

Once, he found out that the herds of animals in Africa were being forced off their native lands into game reserves where they were more apt to be eaten by their natural enemies due to the crowded conditions.

These animals would congregate around lakes and other bodies of water, but had nowhere to run if they were attacked by their foes. This resulted in abnormal losses in the herds.

Frank, upon finding out about this, donated a LOT of money to trying to find out where there may be some open land to put the animals so they wouldn't be so crowded. 

Frank's idea was to go to the watering holes and load the animals on large barges and take them to other lands and then set them free.

In order to accomplish this, he had to finance his work through a best-selling song about it. 

We've all heard the song before. 

It starts out, "Start spreading the Gnus..." 

The title of the song was, of course, "New Ark, New Ark."

Happy Thursday

Hide and Seek By John P. King

I don’t know about you, but for me, waiting is tough! I hate to wait. Why is waiting so hard? Because waiting implies that we do not have control over our circumstances or the timing of events in our own lives. We like to think that we own our destiny, yet if we are honest we would admit that we can barely see beyond today.

We might have plans and dreams, but really, today are we where we thought we would be five, 10, or 15 years ago? So who is to say where we will be in the future? Only God knows that. In my experience, He usually remains rather silent on the issue of disclosing what is to come. He allows us to walk day by day and sometimes those days seem to drag out. Whether there is something we really want to do, or even when we feel like we have no direction whatsoever, the times and seasons of our lives can become unbearable.

Can become unbearable, if we let them. Psalm 27 is a wonderful Psalm that can help us through those difficult unexplainable times. In this passage David is expressing anger over the adversaries in his life but he also lets the deep cry of his heart come out. It is a cry that is centered on his desire to simply be with God.

"One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)

More than anything, David wanted to be with the Lord. Verses 8 and 9 continue the thought:

"When you said, ‘Seek my face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.’ Do not hide your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!" (Psalm 27:8-9)

The Lord had given David the challenge – "Seek my face." David understood the challenge and knew that sometimes, seeking God’s face is easier said than done. Why? Because as was mentioned earlier, our plans and dreams don’t always turn out as we expected. Sometimes, it appears God plays a game of hide and seek. Finding Him is not as simple as it may seem. It takes work to find God.

David closes the Psalm with a great encouragement.

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 27:13)

There was a firmly rooted conviction in David’s heart – no matter how tough, bizarre, or long the days seemed, he knew he was going to see the goodness of God in his life. Holding fast to this truth allowed him to endure and, quite literally, changed the rules of the game from "hide and seek" to "wait and seek." David goes on to say in Verse 14,

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

If we believe that God has good things for us, we will be willing to wait for them. Courage will give us the strength to wait for God while we seek him. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? Just like in the real game of hide and seek, everyone wants to be found. Those in the best hiding places will eventually reveal themselves if the seeker is patient. If by faith we seek God by waiting for Him, He will inevitably come to us.

Daily Smile:

George and Moses

George W. Bush, in an airport lobby, noticed a man in a long flowing white robe with a long flowing white beard and flowing  white hair. The man had a staff in one hand and some stone tablets under the other arm.

George W. approached the man and inquired, "Aren't you Moses."

The man ignored George W. and stared at the ceiling.

George W. positioned himself more directly in the man's view and asked again, "Aren't you Moses".

The man continued to peruse the ceiling.

George W. tugged at the man's sleeve and asked once again, "Aren't you Moses".

The man finally responded in an irritated voice, "Yes I am".

George W. asked him why he was so uppity and the man replied, "The last time a bush spoke to me I ended up spending forty years in the wilderness".

Happy Wednesday

Self-Denial 

By Dr. James R. Miller (modern English version by The Vine © 2011) http://www.thevinetoday.com/

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 16:24

There are few people who fail more spectacularly than in their efforts at self-denial. Very few seem to have the slightest idea of what it is. One does not eat red meat on Fridays but eats fish instead and thinks he or she has denied himself in a serious way. Another gives up something small for forty days in Lent and feels like he or she has accomplished something great. Others make themselves miserable in various ways: inflicting pain or making useless and uncalled-for sacrifices as if God is pleased when they suffer. These things are not self-denial. There is no merit or virtue in giving up anything, suffering any loss or pain, or making any sacrifice merely for its own sake.

True self-denial is renouncing yourself and the yielding your whole life to the will of Christ. It is submitting yourself to Christ and acknowledging His reign over every aspect of one's life. It is always living not to please ourselves, not to advance our own personal interests, but to please our Lord and do His work. It is denying ourselves of anything that is sinful in His sight. It is joyfully making any sacrifice that our dedication to Him requires. It is giving up of pleasure or comfort for the good of others. The essential thing is that self gives way altogether to Christ as the focus of one's life.
Nothing which is done merely as self-denial is true self-denial. True self-denial, like all other traits of Christ-likeness, is unconscious of itself and is not worried about glory. We deny ourselves when we follow Christ with joy and gladness, through cost and danger and suffering, wherever He leads.

Today... As you go through your day, consciously remind yourself of your submission to Christ in your actions and thoughts. Reflect on a time of true self-denial for the sake of Christ. 

 

Daily Smile:

The Computer Swallowed Grandma

 

The computer swallowed grandma
Yes, honestly its true
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely
The thought just makes me squirm
She must have caught a 'virus'
Or been eaten by a 'worm.'

I've searched through the 'recycle bin'
And files of every kind
I've even used the 'Internet'
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine
The reply from him was negative
Not a thing was found 'online.'

So if inside your 'Inbox'
My Grandma you should see
Please 'Copy,' 'Scan' and 'Paste' her
And send her back to me!

  Author Unknown

Happy Tuesday

THE OLD MAN IS GONE by Andrew Wommack

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do: he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar, and the father of it." JOHN 8:39-47

All of us were born in sin and were therefore "by nature" the children of  the devil. That's the reason we sinned. Our sins don't corrupt our nature, but our corrupt nature makes us sin. That's why we must be "born again" and become new creatures (or a new creation) in Christ.

The scriptures teach that everyone was born with a sin nature or old man.

For the Christian, the old man is dead. We do not have a nature that is driving us to sin. If that it is the case, then why do we seem so bound to sin even after we experience the new birth? The reason is that our old man left behind what Romans 6:6 calls a body. Just as a person's spirit and soul leave behind a physical body at death, so our old man left behind habits and strongholds in our thoughts and emotions. The reason a Christian tends to sin is because of an unrenewed mind, not because of a sin nature.

Our old man ruled our thinking before we were born again. He taught us such things as selfishness, hatred, and fear and he placed within us the desire for sin. The old man is now gone, but these negative parts of his body remain. Until renewed, our minds continue to lead us on the course that our old man charted.

To experience the resurrection life of Jesus, we have to know that our old man is dead. Then, through the renewing of our minds, we destroy the body that the old man left behind. The end result is that we will not serve sin any longer.

Daily Smile:

This guy needs a job and decides to apply at the zoo. As it happened, their star attraction, a gorilla, had passed away the night before and they had carefully preserved his hide. They tell this guy that they'll pay him well if he would dress up in the gorillas skin and pretend to be the gorilla so people will keep coming to the zoo. Well, the guy has his doubts, but Hey! He needs the money, so he puts on the skin and goes out into the cage. The people all cheer to see him. He plays up to the audience and they just eat it up. This isn't so bad, he thinks, and he starts really putting on a show, jumping around, beating his chest and roaring, swinging around. During one acrobatic attempt, though, he loses his balance and crashes through some safety netting, landing square in the middle of the lion cage! As he lies there stunned, the lion roars. He's terrified and starts screaming, "Help, Help, Help!" 

The lion races over to him, places his paws on his chest and hisses, "Shut up or we'll BOTH lose our jobs!"

Happy Monday

When God Whispers Your Name
by Max Lucado

The sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
—John 10:3

WHEN I SEE a flock of sheep I see exactly that, a flock. A rabble of wool. A herd of hooves. I don't see a sheep. I see sheep. All alike. None different. That's what I see.

But not so with the shepherd. To him every sheep is different. Every face is special. Every face has a story. And every sheep has a name.The one with the sad eyes, that's Droopy. And the fellow with one ear up and the other down, I call him Oscar. And the small one with the black patch on his leg, he's an orphan with no brothers. I call him Joseph.

The shepherd knows his sheep. He calls them by name.

When we see a crowd, we see exactly that, a crowd. Filling a stadium or flooding a mall. When we see a crowd, we see people, not persons, but people. A herd of humans. A flock of faces. That's what we see.

But not so with the Shepherd. To him every face is different. Every face is a story. Every face is a child. Every child has a name. The one with the sad eyes, that's Sally. The old fellow with one eyebrow up and the other down, Harry's his name. And the young one with the limp? He's an orphan with no  brothers.
I call him Joey.

The Shepherd knows his sheep. He knows each one by name. The Shepherd knows you. He knows your name. And he will never forget it. I have written your name on my hand (Isa. 49:16).

Quite a thought, isn't it? Your name on God's hand. Your name on God's lips. Maybe you've seen your name in some special places. On an award or diploma or walnut door. Or maybe you've heard your name from some important people—a coach, a celebrity, a teacher. But to think that your name is on God's hand and on God's lips . . . my, could it be?

Or perhaps you've never seen your name honored. And you can't remember when you heard it spoken with kindness. If so, it may be more difficult for you to believe that God knows your name.

But he does. Written on his hand. Spoken by his mouth. Whispered by his lips. Your name. And not only the name you now have, but the name he has in store for you. A new name he will give you . . .

When God Whispers Your Name is a book of hope. A book whose sole aim is to encourage. I've harvested
thoughts from a landscape of fields. And though their size and flavors are varied, their purpose is singular: to provide you, the reader, with a word of hope. I thought you could use it.

You've been on my mind as I've been writing. I've thought of you often. I  honestly have. Over the years I've gotten to know some of you folks well. I've read your letters, shaken your hands, and watched your eyes. I think I know you.

You're busy. Time passes before your tasks are finished. And if you get a chance to read, it's a slim chance indeed.

You're anxious. Bad news outpaces the good. Problems outnumber solutions. And you are concerned. What future do your children have on this earth? What future do you have?

You're cautious. You don't trust as easily as you once did.

Politicians lied. The system failed. The minister compromised. Your spouse cheated. It's not easy to trust. It's not that you don't want to. It's just that you want to be careful.

There is one other thing. You've made some mistakes. I met one of you at a bookstore in Michigan. A businessman, you seldom came out of your office at all and never to meet an author. But then you did. You were regretting the many hours at work and the few hours at home and wanted to talk.

And the single mom in Chicago. One kid was tugging, the other crying, but juggling them both, you made your point. "I made mistakes," you explained, "but I really want to try again."

And there was that night in Fresno. The musician sang and I spoke and you came. You almost didn't. You almost stayed home. Just that day you'd found the note from your wife. She was leaving you. But you came anyway. Hoping I'd have something for the pain. Hoping I'd have an answer. Where is God at a time like this?

And so as I wrote, I thought about you. All of you. You aren't malicious. You aren't evil. You aren't hardhearted, (hardheaded occasionally, but not hardhearted). You really want to do what is right. But sometimes life turns south. Occasionally we need a reminder.

Not a sermon.

A reminder.

A reminder that God knows your name.

From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Daily Smile:

Through the pitch-black night, the captain sees a light dead ahead on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal: “Change your course 10 degree east.”

The light signals back: “Change yours, 10 degrees west.”

Angry, the captain sends: “I’m a navy captain! Change your course, sir!”

“I’m a seaman, second class,” comes the reply. “Change your course, sir.”

Now the captain is furious. “I’m a battleship! I’m not changing course!”

There is one last reply. “I’m a lighthouse. Your call.”

Happy Sunday - Just one of Seven LORD'S DAYS Every Week

Can I Ever Forgive Myself?

When Peace Like a River
Grief affects people in different ways. Some grow closer to their family members, others push those close to them away because of their perspective of the circumstances.

I found myself at odds with my cousin after the death of her dad. Any contact was ignored or responded with negativity.

"Give it time" was the message of hope I received from my Daddy. Waiting for the Lord is always best anyway. During these two years of rejection, I never once held a grudge for her. At times I would get upset at her attitude, but then I would remind myself that she was grieving in her own way, and I needed to be there when she would come out of these devastating emotions.

But I never could fathom not forgiving her.

After two years, my emails were finally answered. When I visited my home country last year, my cousin and I met again, just like in olden times, as friends who had never parted. I knew my Heavenly Daddy had come through, as He always does.

It is true that at times I have a hard time forgiving someone who has hurt me deeply, but this doesn't ever seem as hard to me as forgiving myself for things I've done to hurt my loved ones. I have discovered that I am not alone in this. Thousands of people face the same dilemma: They simply cannot forgive themselves.

Why?

Because we feel we need to suffer for our past actions. We feel we need to be held responsible.

But isn't this a question of control? Control of our pasts, and control of our future? Where we deem we deserve to be imprisoned emotionally for the rest of our lives?

But are those emotions warranted?

When Jesus called out the words, "It is finished" (John 19:30 NIV) on the cross, did he have exemptions in mind? Everyone is forgiven except . . . Me?

When by divine inspiration the apostle Paul wrote: "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Col 2:13-15 NIV) did God intend to ignore our tendency to suffer for our mistakes?

When urged to "Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:13 NIV), are we to understand that we are exempted from forgiving ourselves?

Our problem, my friends, when we cannot forgive ourselves, is that we assume we have a higher standard than God Himself!

If Jesus' sacrifice was satisfying enough for God's forgiveness, why do we think we have a right to not forgive ourselves? Ultimately we are rejecting God with such an attitude! This puts our own sins on a pedestal, way above the all-encompassing grace of God!

Isn't this a kind of idolatry?

By continuing to punish ourselves, we are declaring that Christ's suffering was not enough. His offer on the cross was not sufficient, His sacrifice deficient. We are rejecting our Saviour Himself with such an attitude!

When the apostle Paul declared: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1 NIV), it included anyone who wanted to bathe in God's grace, us included! No matter how much we want to suffer for past mistakes, we have been forgiven, and we either accept His forgiveness or we reject Him!

Freedom comes through forgiveness and forgiveness is a choice we have to make. We either accept God's offer, or we continue with our own doomsday scenario, alienating ourselves from the One we consider to be the Lover of our soul (See Gal 5:4)!

After all these years of carrying the burden of unforgiveness for my past actions, I realize that I never had to carry that burden at all! It was my choice to carry it! And in so doing, I was rejecting my Lord and Saviour!

Oh Lord, forgive us for our own self-righteousness in not being willing to forgive ourselves! We realize that this self-imposed imprisonment is for naught, for You paid the price for ALL of our sins, including the ones we want to make ourselves suffer for! We accept Your gift with open arms! We give You our unforgiveness towards ourselves and towards others. Shine in our lives, and help us to enjoy the freedom and peace You have offered to us. Thank You Lord for saving a wreck like me! I accept You fully now. Be my Saviour as well as my Lord. From now on I will follow You wherever You lead me. I love You!

Will you accept Jesus' forgiveness as well? Then show it by forgiving yourself!

Rob Chaffart

Daily Smile:

The Confession Session

The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears several confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.

The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." 

The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?"

The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"

Happy Saturday

BibleFood Devotional Devotions to encourage a closer walk with our Lord Jesus Christ!

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Devotion: "Are You a Burden Bearer"
Scripture Reading: Galations 6:1-5
6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 6:3 - For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, hedeceiveth himself.6:4 - But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicingin himself alone, and not in another. 6:5 - For every man shall bear his own burden.

Gal.6:1 “Fault” in the Greek is the word “Paraptoma” - A false step, a blunder, error, mistake, wrongdoing. This is the word used for slipping into sin, rather than willful sin.
We are then told, “Ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of meekness............” This word “Restore” in Greek is the word “Katartizo,” and is used to indicate putting a dislocated limb into place or to mend.
When a fellow Christian has made a false step, blundered, slipped into sin, what do we do? Kill the wounded Christian! NO!!! We (the Spiritual - meek) are to do is restore that Christian who has been dislocated from the Body of Christ, put that spiritual limb back in place, mend that fellow Christian.
The tense of “restore” is the continuous present, suggesting this may involve a process of mending; thus, we may need a lot patience and love to help this person.
NOTE: We are NOT talking about a habitual sin, willful and unrepented sin (that’s another subject), BUT rather a person who has slipped into sin, made a false step.
Gal.6:2 - “Bear ye one another's burdens (baros), and so fulfill the law of Christ.” v.2 “Burden” in the Greek is the word “Baros” – and denotes a weight or that which makes a demand on one’s resources - It always suggest that which is heavy or burdensome.
Now, go to Gal.6:5 - “For every man shall bear his own burden (phortion).”
We see the word “burden” again, but it is a different Greek word, “Phortion,” which means - Something which is borne without reference to weight (See Matt. 11:30 Jesus said, “...My burden (Phortion) is light.”)
So, in life there are 2 types of burdens - heavy burdens (Baros) and light burdens (Phortion). God tells us to take care of our light burdens (phortion) with His help - verse 5, BUT God wants us (the Body of Christ) to bear the heavy burden (v.2) of a wounded, dislocated Christian. By doing so, we “...fulfill the law of Christ,” (v.2) which I believe is to love (see Gal.5:13, 14 & John 13:34, 35). Please keep in mind that even a light burden can become heavy to a Christian who has fallen and is out of God’s will in an area of their life.
If you know someone who may, so to speak, have taken a “false step,” it may be time for you who are “Spiritual - meek” to take the necessary step to help in the process of restoring this fallen Christian. You’ll do this by walking in love with that person, encouraging that person (taking them under your spiritual wings ), and of course praying for that person.
On the other hand, if you know that you are that fallen Christian, you need to find some “strong/spiritual/meek” Christian(s) to help you out of your fault “paraptoma.” That may be your pastor, Christian friend, accountability group, etc. On a positive note, just by knowing you have blundered and acknowledging it is a step in the right direction, for many times a fallen Christian is blind to/ignorant of his fault, which is when the Body of Christ needs to step in (in love) and let that brother/sister know that they have taken a false step.

May this word today encourage us to answer the call of being a “Burden Bearer,” or to take the necessary steps to be free from a “false step” and get back on track in the will of God.

In His Service, Jim Mazzulla (Founder of BibleFood devotional) Daily Smile:  Boots Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his boots? He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn't want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet." She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. He then announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream,"Why didn't you say so?" like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off. He then said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear them." She didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. She said, "Now, where are your mittens?"  He said, "I stuffed them in the toes of my boots..." Her trial starts next month.

TGIF - Thank Goodness It's Friday

Happy Friday...

Lower back is still a little sore, but feeling better and moving a little faster...I am focused on making up for lost time... Sorry about missing Thursday's Devotional... I have a good one today and most will agree that I had a good reason to Grumble, but found that even in pain there was much to be grateful about... 

I knew the pain would finally work through, it had so many times before... The heavy afternoon rain did little to dampen my spirit and walking through the puddles made me feel young again... 

Richard

Grumbling or Grateful?

BIBLE MEDITATION: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
One day a preacher was riding on a train. He saw a well-dressed man and magnificently dressed woman with expensive jewelry. The woman was complaining about everything – the train ride, the weather, the news, the food, the service.

The preacher decided to engage this couple in a conversation. He asked the man what kind of business he was in and the man told him. Then he asked, “And what does your wife do?”

The man replied, “Oh, she’s in the manufacturing business. She manufactures her own unhappiness.”

You know, there are a lot of people like that today. They manufacture their own misery because they fail to be grateful. Only Christ can turn our lives around and stir up a grateful heart within us.

ACTION POINT:
Go through the alphabet and thank the Lord for something beginning with each letter and choose to be grateful.

Daily Smile:

Two peanuts where walking down the road and one was a salted!

My Whistling Hymn Of The Moment:

Glorious is Thy name, O Lord
1.
Blessed Savior, we adore Thee
We Thy love and grace proclaim:
Thou art mighty, thou art holy,
Glorious is Thy matchless name!

Chorus:
Glorious,
   (Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
   (Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!
Glorious,
   (Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious,
   (Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!)
Glorious is Thy name, O Lord!

2.
Great Redeemer, Lord and Master,
Light of all eternal days;
Let the saints of ev'ry nation
Sing Thy just and endless praise!

3. From the throne of heaven's glory
To the cross of sin and shame.
Thou didst come to die a ransom
Guilty sinners to reclaim!

Happy Tuesday & Wednesday

Good Morning Readers,

     Thought I had sent this one Tuesday Morning... So Sorry...

     I have been having considerable pain in my lower back this week... I have a Doctor's appointment Friday week... Aug., 17th is also the deadline for the September paper... Praying I can make my deadline...

Happy Wednesday,

Richard

Coming Back by Luann Prater "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'" Luke15:18-19 (ESV) Kay was a prodigal. She had been stunningly beautiful, but now her beauty was hollow and worn. Downcast with shoulders slumped, she walked through the doors of her childhood church. Heads turned and steely whispers followed her as she made her way to the front of the church during an invitation. She fell to her knees at the altar. A group gathered around her and prayed for what seemed like an eternity. She slowly rose to her feet and was asked, "Did you pray through?" to which the weary wanderer replied, "I think so." I don't remember ever seeing Kay back in church again. In my small town church the phrase "pray through" was synonymous with striving, straining, and working to find grace and deliverance. When I became a prodigal myself and wanted desperately to find answers and deliverance, I remembered the forlorn look of Kay and decided to keep wandering. It just seemed easier than trying to "pray through" somehow. Have you been wandering through life looking for answers? Do you long to return to the Father after being far away but hesitate, wondering how you will make it back to Him and what it will cost you? When coming "back home" we often have the same mentality as the prodigal son in our key verses, Luke 15:18-19: "'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'" Feeling worn down and unworthy, we come to our Heavenly Father thinking we have to work like hired servants to earn our place. After many years, I discovered that forgiveness and salvation aren't chores for us to labor over. They are tremendous free gifts from an amazing God! How incredibly liberating to know that Jesus offers these to any and all who believe on His name. Jesus says, "Come to me." Period. It really isn't any more complicated than that. He loves you. He has been waiting for you and He welcomes you with open arms. We don't have to work for forgiveness or "pray through" like those well-meaning people in my childhood church felt the need to do. God's heart for us is the same as the prodigal son's father in Luke 15:20. "So he [the prodigal son] got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (NIV). When you come to Jesus, or when you allow Him to walk through the doors of your heart, no pleading or striving is necessary, only faith that His salvation and grace are your gifts. No need to "pray through." He is watching, willing and waiting to receive you. Dear Lord, thank You for giving us the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Today I come to You and believe that You are my Savior. I ask You to come into my heart and forgive me. Help me to live in the freedom that You promised to give. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Daily Smile:

NOW, Where'd That Ball Go?
"How was your golf game, dear?" asked Jack's wife Tracy.

"Well, I was hitting pretty well, but my eyesight's gotten so bad, I couldn't see where the ball went."

"You're seventy-five years old, Jack!" admonished his wife. "Why don't you take my brother Scott along?"

"But he's eighty-five and doesn't even play golf anymore," protested Jack.

"Yes, but he's got perfect eyesight and can watch your ball for you," Tracy pointed out.

The next day Jack teed off with Scott looking on. Jack swung and the ball disappeared down the middle of the fairway. "Did you see where it went?" asked Jack.

"Yup," Scott answered.

"Well, where is it?" yelled Jack, peering off into the distance.

"I forgot."

Happy Monday

My Weakness

When General Lee came up the road toward Gettysburg, there was a German lady named Hannah, who tried to protect her town. She grabbed a broom and stood in the middle of the road to block the Southern Army. With smiles the Confederates gently moved her to the side.

Years later, Hannah explained, "I didn't think I could do anything, but I wanted them to know what side I was on."

Last month, up around Anchorage, Alaska, an 85-year-old lady, Dorothea Murphy showed the world whose side she was on.

Taking his golden retrievers with him, her husband, a retired bush pilot, had gone out for a walk. He hadn't gone far before the dogs alerted, and he spotted a moose. At the same time the moose spotted him.

The husband, George, dove into a snow bank for protection. It didn't help much. The moose started to stomp him.

That's when 97-pound, 5-foot-tall Dorothea went into action. She grabbed a grain shovel and started to hit the moose. She hit the moose in the body and in the head, and the moose beat a retreat.

Understand, hitting a moose with a shovel is not a recommended practice in Alaska -- or anywhere else. Even so, Dorothea felt she had to show whose side she was on.

It was sort of like Moses at Pharaoh's court, King David standing before the giant Goliath or the apostles taking their first steps to bring the story of the Savior's salvation to the Roman world.

Each of these had to show whose side they were on.

I guess anyone who has really seen the commitment and compassion, the surrender and the sacrifice of the Savior cannot remain unmoved. That's why when the chips are down and a challenge presents itself, the Holy Spirit empowers us to action -- to do what is necessary so we might show whose side we are on.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have told us to take a stand for the Saviors who gave His life, so we might be forgiven and saved. There are times when taking that stand can be mighty intimidating. At such moments, replace our fear with a desire to show the world whose side we are on. This I pray in my Savior's Name. Amen.

Pastor Ken Klaus
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Daily Smile:

An engineer dies and reports to the pearly gates. St. Peter checks his dossier and says, "Ah, you're an engineer — you're in the wrong place." So the engineer reports to the gates of hell and is let in. Pretty soon, the engineer gets dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell, and starts designing and building improvements. After a while, they've got air conditioning, flush toilets and escalators, and the engineer is becoming a pretty popular guy. One day God calls Satan up on the telephone and asks with a sneer, "So, how's it going down there in hell?" 

Satan replies, "Hey, things are going great. We've got air conditioning, flush toilets and escalators, and there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."

God replies, "What??? You've got an engineer? That's a mistake — he should never have gotten down there; send him up here." 

Satan says, "No way! I like having an engineer on the staff, and I'm keeping him." 

God says, "Send him back up here or I'll sue." 

Satan laughs uproariously and answers, "Yeah right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?"

Happy Sunday

TWO GREAT SNARES By JOHN McKAY, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42-43
John Knox had every reason to fear men (or the women who were the Romanist Queens of Scotland). Indeed he was arrested for treason. The great Scottish reformer preached the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith in the merit of Christ's blood shed at Calvary. He denounced the mass, as idolatry. Did he fear the human powers that had killed previous reformers? He may have had some hidden fears of men, but he did not let that stop him from the work that needed to be done. As one has written of him and the reformation in Scotland, "It was the victory of the people under the leadership of a brave and true man, against the combined forces of a queen, a court, and a powerful nobility."

Surely it was not for the praise of men that he suffered slavery, exile, torment, threats, arrest, and stress. We prefer to believe that John Knox suffered for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are convinced that he did not fall into the snares mentioned in our texts.

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." We should know God so well that we will not fear men. Sometimes being afraid of what men think, or will say, will deter us from saying or doing what we ought to say or do.

" ... among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him (the Lord Jesus), lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Don't let the fear of men or the love of their praise keep you from the will of God! 

Daily Smile:

Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!" 

"But why, Mom? I don't want to go." 

"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go." 

"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!" 

"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready." 

"Give me two reasons why I should go to school." 

"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the Principal!"

Happy Saturday

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER TODAY by C. R. Stam

Grace and faith are the characteristic features of the present dispensation. Not only is salvation now declared to be by grace, through faith, but the Spirit also operates in the believer by grace, through faith. He does not take possession of us and cause us to do what is right, but dwells within each believer (I Cor. 6:19) to provide needed guidance and the strength to withstand temptation, and we may avail ourselves of this provision by faith.

The Spirit, Who first imparted life to us will also impart strength to withstand temptation and overcome sin. In our inability to even pray as we ought, "the Spirit... helpeth our infirmities" and "maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:26). In our weakness we are "strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16) and God even stoops to "quicken [our] mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us" (Rom. 8:11).

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" (Ver. 12).

The implication from the above passage is that though sorely tempted we are debtors to the Spirit who dwells within and provides overcoming power.

The question, in times of temptation, is generally whether we truly desire to overcome, for we may overcome in any given case by grace, through faith. In the present dispensation it is not true that it is not possible for the believer to sin, but it is blessedly true that in any situation it is possible for him not to sin, for the Spirit is always there to help. 

Daily Smile:

A police officer sees a man driving around with a pickup truck full of penguins. He pulls the guy over and says, "You can't drive around with penguins in this town! Take them to the zoo immediately."

The guy says okay, and drives away. The next day, the officer sees the guy still driving around with the truck full of penguins -- and they're all wearing sunglasses. He pulls the guy over and demands, "I thought I told you to take these penguins to the zoo yesterday?"

The guy replies, "I did. Today I'm taking them to the beach!" 

Happy Friday

Today's Discussion - Salvation

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – Acts 4:12

In the last two days we have looked at the seriousness of sin and at the urgent need for repentance. Unrepentant sin leads to an everlasting lake of fire.

But where is salvation found? It is not found even in our repentance or good works, because we could never be good enough to please a perfect God. It is not found in sincerity alone, because many religions and philosophies are sincere and yet diametrically opposed to each other. Where can salvation be found?

It is found only in the perfect person and work of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. By His perfect life, selfless and substitutionary death, and powerful resurrection Jesus proved Himself to be what He claimed to be during His life — the one, true God. Salvation is found in Him alone because He alone is able and willing to save us from our sins.

Have you felt the weight of your sins? Have you been convinced of your inability to find any lasting joy, satisfaction, or forgiveness on your own? Then rush into the arms of the One in Whom salvation is found. There is no other name under heaven, whereby we must be saved, than Jesus Christ. But that name is sufficient to wipe away every sin and to save us completely from our guilt and shame.

Daily Smile:

 Seems an elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years.

He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased you can hear again."

To which the gentleman said, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will five times!"

Happy Thursday

Today's Discussion - Repentance

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent – Revelation 3:19

Are you right now living in rebellion against God? Do you have sin in your life, that you know is displeasing to God, and yet you still have not confessed or turned from it? So often we put off the vital act of repentance by justifying or excusing our sin to ourselves.

Why? Why do we postpone repentance? Maybe it is because of the embarrassment and shame of coming before God and acknowledging our particular sin…perhaps for the second, or tenth, or hundredth time. Another possibility is that, because of the guilt we feel, we have begun to dread prayer and even begun to think of God as mean or tyrannical. Closely related to this is also the excuse that this particular sin does not seem to be all that dangerous, or wrong, or harmful.

But God tears away all of these excuses when He tells us that His commandments—and even His rebukes and chastening—are for our good, because He loves us. For this reason, we shouldn't feel reluctant to admit our sin to Him — He already knows about it and it is He who is drawing us away from it. Also, we can know with certainty that the restraints that His commandments put on us are for our good, to keep us from the real harm and deep sorrow of sin.

It is out of love that God corrects us with His word, the Bible; it is out of love that He warns us against every sin; and it is because of love that He is willing even to chasten us, if that is what it will take to yank us out of our sin. Our trials, our conscience, the admonition of our godly friends — God uses these things to wean us, to confront us, to awaken us regarding our sins. Such enduring love on His part should inspire zealous repentance on our part. "Be zealous therefore, and repent."

Daily Smile: 

 When Albert Einstein was making the rounds of the speaker's circuit, he usually found himself eagerly longing to get back to his laboratory work. One night as they were driving to yet another rubber-chicken dinner, Einstein mentioned to his chauffeur (a man who somewhat resembled Einstein in looks & manner) that he was tired of speechmaking.

"I have an idea, boss," his chauffeur said. "I've heard you give this speech so many times. I'll bet I could give it for you." Einstein laughed loudly and said, "Why not? Let's do it!" When they arrive at the dinner, Einstein donned the chauffeur's cap and jacket and sat in the back of the room. The chauffeur gave a beautiful rendition of Einstein's speech and even answered a few questions expertly.

Then a supremely pompous professor asked an extremely esoteric question about anti-matter formation, digressing here and there to let everyone in the audience know that he was nobody's fool. Without missing a beat, the chauffeur fixed the professor with a steely stare and said, "Sir, the answer to that question is so simple that I will let my chauffeur, who is sitting in the back, answer it for me."

Happy Wednesday

Today's Discussion - Sin and Its Effects

The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death – Revelation 21:8

In our day, we have so minimized sin that we have become almost numb to its pervasive influence in our lives and in our society. Not believing Jesus Christ, worshiping material things, sexual sin, witchcraft, lying and deception…even murder — these have become so commonplace in our society that we run great risk of thinking that God is just as ambivalent toward our wickedness as we are.

But here, in this end-of-the-world revelation, we are reminded that "hell-fire and brimstone" sermons, while not always preached the right way or for the right reasons, certainly have clear foundation in Scripture. No matter how callused we become to personal sin, no matter how well we may be able to justify it to ourselves or others, no matter how much society may condone or excuse it —God assures us that the end of persistent, unrepentant sin is an everlasting lake of fire.

Our God, we are reminded, is not only love. He is truth (John 4:24), He is light (1 John 1:5), and He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). If we desire to have fellowship with Him, then, we cannot walk in our own way; we must walk in His light (1 John 1:6).

The wonderful news of the gospel is that the Way that we need, the Truth that we need, the Light that we need is all found in the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Do not rest in your sins, but do not trust in your good works, either. Salvation is only found in Jesus.

Daily Smile:

 Quick Wit: 
A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.
"But officer." the man began, "I can explain,". 

"Just be quiet," snapped the officer. "I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back..." 

"But officer, I just wanted to say...." 

"And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!" 

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, "Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter's wedding. He'll be in a good mood when he gets back." 

"Don't count on it," answered the fellow in the cell. "I'm the groom."

Happy Tuesday

Thought for Today

"Twenty years ago, the question: 'Does television shape our culture or merely reflect it?' held considerable interest for many scholars and social critics. The questions have largely disappeared as television has gradually become our culture." - Patrick Michele


T-R-A-V-E-L
(Author Unknown)

Inmate Mitchell King had a visitor -- his wife. King was serving a six-year jail term in Auckland, New Zealand for armed robbery. But his wife didn't want to be away from him for that long. So they held hands. And they stuck. She'd rubbed her palms with Super Glue. Their new-found closeness was short-lived. And their separation painful. Her technique is not one I'd recommend for a closer relationship.

But if you want more closeness; if you desire relationships that are deeper and broader, more meaningful and longer-lasting, then remember the word "travel."

T is for TRUST 
Trust is the glue that holds people together (not Super Glue). A relationship will go nowhere without it.

R is for RESPECT 
"Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead; do not write them on their tombstones, speak them rather now instead," writes Anna Cummins. It's about respecting others and letting them know that you value them.

A is for AFFECTION
Love - genuine love and care is a key.

V is for VULNERABILITY 
Though we may feel afraid to let another too close, no relationship will go anywhere without risking vulnerability. Entrepreneur Jim Rohn says, "The walls we build around us to keep out the sadness also keep out the joy." And the love.

E is for EMOTIONAL INTIMACY 
Learn to be open. Learn to communicate freely. What kinds of relationships you make are largely determined by how openly you have learned to communicate.

L is for LAUGHTER 
Victor Borge got it right when he said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." It's also the most enjoyable.

For relationships that can really go somewhere, just remember the word "travel." Make sure the relationship is one that God wants for you. Then enjoy the trip!

Daily Smile:

Too helpful

Working for a Judge in a common pleas court, I saw many criminal defendants. One man facing drug charges proved unusually helpful.
To determine the exact quantity of the illegal substance allegedly sold, the judge asked the prosecutor how many grams there are in an ounce.

As both attorneys checked their notes, the defendant, who had not yet entered his plea, proudly announced, "There are 28.3 grams in an ounce, your honor." 

His attorney advised him to plead guilty.

Happy Monday

Thought for Today

"The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart that will not have lust and greed and hate in it. We need a heart filled with love and peace and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world. He died on the cross to make peace between us and God and to change us from within by His Spirit. He can change you, if you will turn to Him in repentance and faith." - Billy Graham


For You and For Me by Roy Irwin

You may find this hard to believe, but just about everyone has a scar somewhere on their body. And with every scar there is a story to go with it.

I learned this lesson at a gathering where most of the people did not know one another very well and appeared to have little in common. As you might expect, there was a lot of small talk as each person more or less kept to themselves. Then the hostess introduced an 'Ice Breaker' - a question meant to jump-start the conversation by getting everyone to participate. Each person was asked to share their personal "scar story" - a story about how they got a scar.

As we went around the room everyone shared their particular story; some were funny, some very serious. But with each story we learned more about the person. It became obvious that everyone had more in common than was first thought and the walls that had once separated us began to disappear, bringing us closer together as a group.

As I was remembering that meeting I was reminded of my own scars. I have three: one on my foot caused when running barefoot in a field as a child; one on my forehead from a college prank - it becomes more noticeable each year as my hair becomes less noticeable; and one on my hand, caused in a moment of anger just a few years ago...

For every scar there is also the memory of the pain that went with it.

I was trying to imagine what it would be like if Jesus shared about His scars. About how He was mocked and beaten. About how He suffered the cruelest form of death by being nailed to a cross. About how He lived a sinless life yet would bear your sins and mine. About how He knew since the beginning of time those events would take place, yet He came, willingly, to take our place - paying a debt He didn't owe because we owed a debt we couldn't pay - removing the sin that separates us from God.

One day we will see Jesus face to face. We will see His scars and know the truth from Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV)

For you and for me.

"Dear Lord Jesus, thank you loving us so much that you were willing to die for us so that we could live with you for all eternity. Help us to see the world through the scars in your hands. Help us to live each day for you. Amen."

Daily Smile:

The Atheist and the Shark

There is this atheist swimming in the ocean. All of the sudden he sees this shark in the water, so he starts swimming towards his boat.
As he looks back he sees the shark turn and head towards him. His boat is a ways off and he starts swimming like crazy. He's scared to death, and as he turns to see the jaws of the great white beast open revealing its teeth in a horrific splendor, the atheist screams, "Oh God! Save me!"

In an instant time is frozen and a bright light shines down from above. The man is motionless in the water when he hears the voice of God say, "You are an atheist. Why do you call upon me when you do not believe in me?"

Aghast with confusion and knowing he can't lie the man replies, "Well, that's true I don't believe in you, but how about the shark? Can you make the shark believe in you?"

The Lord replies, "As you wish," and the light retracted back into the heavens and the man could feel the water begin to move once again.

As the atheist looks back he can see the jaws of the shark start to close down on him, when all of sudden the shark stops and pulls back.

Shocked, the man looks at the shark as the huge beast closes its eyes and bows its head and says, "Thank you Lord for this food for which I am about to receive..."

Happy Sunday

Order

"Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven." Job 25:2, NIV

God is a God of order. He established order in heaven. He establishes order for worship. God values order. He brings blessing where there is order.

We’ve recently been working in our offices to bring order to areas that have been neglected, due to our busy schedules. It’s amazing how much we hold onto just because it’s easier than throwing it away. But as we clear the office of things we no longer need, the environment is cleaner and more peaceful and easier to work in.

It’s this way in our lives, as well. Sometimes we choose to not deal with issues in our lives because it’s easier to ignore them. But what we don't realize is that these things are cluttering up our lives just as much as the pieces of paper clutter up our offices, when we don't deal with them on a daily basis. God wants us to bring order into our lives so we can live the full lives He’s planned for us, unencumbered by the hurts and sins of our past.

The good news is that today we can start the clean-up process. It takes time, but God is faithful to help us sort through all the things that are cluttering up our lives. Won't you take time to talk to Him today and ask Him to reveal to you the things that He wants you to get out of your life?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for allowing the busyness of life to keep me from the time I need with You and allowing my life to become cluttered. Would You please show me the areas that You want me to address in my life. Would You please help me to bring Your order into my life, that I may live the life that You want me to live? Thank You for Your grace to do this. Amen.

Today's Writer : Tanya Person

Daily Smile:

A wealthy lawyer

One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate. "Why are you eating grass?", he asked one man.

"We don't have any money for food.", the poor man replied.

"Oh, come along with me then."

"But sir, I have a wife with two children!"

"Bring them along! And you, come with us too!", he said to the other man.

"But sir, I have a wife with six children!" the second man answered.

"Bring them as well!"

They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limo.

Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."

The lawyer replied, "No problem, the grass at my home is about two feet tall."

NOTICE:

     The August '12 edition of The StarLight News is ready to read on line... Go To http://the-starlight-news.blogspot.com/
Happy Reading,
Richard

Happy Saturday

Failure Is Not Final

Devotional taken from messages by Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION: “O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful.” Psalm 31:23

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth were two of the greatest baseball players of all time. Ty Cobb was known for his record number of stolen bases, and Babe Ruth was known for his record number of home runs. What you may not know is that Ty Cobb was also thrown out more than any other man in baseball trying to steal bases. And Babe Ruth struck out more than any other man in baseball! These fellows didn’t let their failures stop them, and neither should you!

Fix your goal.
Face your faults.
Forget your failures.
Failure in the Christian life is not final.

ACTION POINT:
Maybe you or someone you know is feeling discouraged today. Remind them or yourself of the promise in Philippians 4:13.

Saturday Extra:

The whole POINT of our lives is

to POINT  everything and everyone to God;

To pray for and encourage with conviction & faith.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Philippians 1:6

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These Mini-Devos are composed and made by me, SissyMarlene.
Quotes are a collection of unknown authors.
I am however the major contributor of them, tee hee

Also, I have a Library of other Christian writings I have done.

Please check them out here:

http://anewcreationinchrist.yuku.com/forums/99/SissyMarlene-sWritings

Daily Smile:

Ol' Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the hospital, near death. The family called their preacher to stand with them.

As the preacher stood next to the bed, Ol' Fred's condition appeared to deteriorate and he motioned frantically for something to write on.

The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and Ol' Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note, then suddenly died.

The preacher thought it best not to look at the note at that time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket.

At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he realized that he was wearing the same jacket that he was wearing when Ol' Fred died. He said, "You know, Ol' Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven't looked at it, but knowing Fred, I'm sure there's a word of inspiration there for us all."

He opened the note, and read, "Please step to your left -- you're standing on my oxygen tube!"

http://the-starlight-news.blogspot.com