Happy Thursday

Good Morning Everyone,
     With less than 26 hours left before the layout pages are needed at the printer, I sit before my computer pondering the day ahead... A last minute advertisement picked up yesterday afternoon was suppose to be camera ready, instead, I received five business cards... New advertisers had pooled their money for the upcoming Christmas season in hopes that a larger advertisement would indeed bring them the customers they need... I know little about these owners or their businesses, something I had gotten use to over the years with a consistent clientele of advertisers and with that knowledge a better way to serve them... I can only feel a door opening to the possibility of relationship developing and the addition of not only consistent advertisers but new friends in my life...
     Somewhere between now and 10am, I need to focus on this first task and combine the information from the card and photos I took into an advertisement that will find the approval of five individuals... A challenge I readily accept...
     The aches and pains that have become a part of my life for so many years seem to magnify themselves this morning... Just sitting in my chair, that is so comfortable I can fall asleep in it, has become a challenge as I continually adjust my position trying to find that one sitting position that will give me the brief relief I need... The fence post, as I call it, stuck through my back and out my chest a few days ago continues to waver in different degrees of pain... Some times it is tolerable, other times the pain radiates to a point that I feel as if my left arm will fall off...
     The only consolation I have is that I am not alone in my quest to get finished before that 8AM deadline Friday morning... My LORD is with me...
     My prayer this morning is not for all these aches and pains to stop, but that I can stay focused on what needs to be done, that I will not be distracted by things of this world, that I can avoid the sidetracks and stumbling blocks that will litter my walk today and that I will be able to stay focused on that glimmer of light that radiates from the mountain top as I walk through another valley... I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I assemble the pages... No subtleties in the directions, but a BOLD Direction that will remove all doubts of what needs to be said and done... I pray for a cleansing  of the area in which I work... The removal of any toe hold that satan thinks he still has to be removed, along with the demons he controls... Bind them up and cast them out so that my focus on YOU will not be interrupted... In the Name Of JESUS, the Risen CHRIST I Pray... Amen...

     Stand with me in my prayer as I seek HIS Will and Direction today...
Love ya All,    
Your Brother In JESUS, the Risen Christ,
Bro. Richard
 
Sweet to the Soul 

by Stan Mitchell

"My son, eat honey for it is good, and the drippings
from the honeycomb are sweet to the taste" (Proverbs
24:13, ESV).

The Psalmist declares that "the earth is the Lord's and
the fullness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). God made the
earth. He made sunsets, and friendship and, yes, honey
too. He created all these things with our enjoyment in
mind. It's OK to enjoy the pleasures of God's world, as
long as we do so within the bounds of his laws and his
word.

"Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it,
there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut
off" (Proverbs 24:14).

The words "know also" are a tip off that verse 14
continues the thought of verse 13. The thought moves
from "honey" that is sweet to the taste to the much
deeper satisfaction of attaining "wisdom," whose
satisfaction reaches to the very depths of our being,
and is "sweet to the soul."

So enjoy the physical blessings of life, such as honey;
but don't forget to satisfy the heart with blessings
for the soul too.

This Little Light Of Mine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I'm gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel - NO!
I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Happy Wednesday

Do Not Sleep

 Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"Let us not sleep, as do others." --1 Thessalonians 5:6 

There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Among the rest, let me strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord. Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to themselves, "To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good discourse." Christian enquired, "Brother, where shall we begin?" And Hopeful answered, "Where God began with us." Then Christian sang this song-- 

"When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Yea, let them learn of them, in any wise,
Thus to keep open their drowsy slumb'ring eyes.
Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell."

Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone, are very liable to grow drowsy. Hold Christian company, and you will be kept wakeful by it, and refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven. But as you thus take "sweet counsel" with others in the ways of God, take care that the theme of your converse is the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith be constantly looking unto Him; let your heart be full of Him; let your lips speak of His worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and thou wilt not sleep. Labour to impress thyself with a deep sense of the value of the place to which thou art going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven, thou wilt not sleep on the road. If thou thinkest that hell is behind thee, and the devil pursuing thee, thou wilt not loiter. Would the manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood behind him, and the city of refuge before him? Christian, wilt thou sleep whilst the pearly gates are open--the songs of angels waiting for thee to join them--a crown of gold ready for thy brow? Ah! no; in holy fellowship continue to watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.

The King is Coming
(Bill Gaither)
Praise God, He's coming for me

The marketplace is empty, no more traffic in the street
All the builder's tools are silent, no more time to harvest wheat
Busy housewives cease their labor, in the courtroom no debate
Work on earth has been suspended as the King comes through the gate

Happy faces line the hallway, those whose lives have been redeemed
Broken homes He has mended, those from prison He has freed
Little children and the aged hand in hand stand all a-glow
Who were crippled, broken, ruined, clad in garments white as snow

Chorus:
The King is coming, the King is coming
I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I'll see
The King is coming, the King is coming
Praise God, He's coming for me

I can hear the chariot's rumble, I can see the marching throng
And the flurry of God's trumpet spells the end of sin and wrong
Regal rolls are now unfolded, heaven's grandstands all in place
Heaven's choir is now assembled, start to sing "Amazing Grace"

Repeat Chorus (x2)

Praise God, He's coming for me, for me, for me

Happy Tuesday

No Doubt

Charles H. Spurgeon

"Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." --Psalm 35:3 

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts. The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation." 

I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. "Say unto my soul." Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it. "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, "I am thy salvation." Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.

Precious Lord Take My Hand

Words & music by Thomas A. Dorsey

            Precious Lord, take my hand

            Lead me on, let me stand

            I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone

            Through the storm, through the night

            Lead me on to the light

            Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

 

            When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near

            When my life is almost gone

            Hear my cry, hear my call

            Hold my hand lest I fall

            Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

 

            When the darkness appears and the night draws near

            And the day is past and gone

            At the river I stand

            Guide my feet, hold my hand

            Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

 

            Precious Lord, take my hand

            Lead me on, let me stand

            I'm tired, I’m weak, Lord I’m worn

            Through the storm, through the night

            Lead me on to the light

            Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Happy Monday

A Lesson from Pelagius "Are you so foolish? After beginning with The Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3, NIV Paul did not beat around the bush when he addressed the Galatian believers. They were making a grave mistake. Having started off right by believing in the grace of God they were starting to change their course. They were trying to maintain a good standing with God through their own efforts – an impossibility with God, which Paul called foolish! The fact is it’s easy for us to repeat their error. It’s so tempting to rely on our own efforts - even if it’s only a little bit- for being right with God! Paul’s warnings are as relevant for us today as they were for the Christians back then. The problem with allowing any room for our own merits is the truth that ‘A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough’ (Galatians 5:9). When we start to rely just a little bit on our own efforts to stay holy or to be righteous, then this will start to work its way through the whole of our lives. The inevitable result is that we end up increasingly losing sight of God’s grace. Quite recently I realized how easy it is to fall into this trap. I was reading a book which traced the developments of Christian doctrine throughout history. Around the fourth Century a man named Pelagius arose, who opposed Augustine’s teachings on free will and grace. In essence Pelagius laid a strong emphasis on our role as individuals to choose to be saved, whereas Augustine had emphasized God’s grace in choosing us and in giving us the grace to believe in Jesus. Sadly the teachings of Pelagius gained ground in the western Church and allowed more and more room for human merit. Things got so bad one could even ‘purchase’ one’s way into heaven! But finally the Reformers came along and convinced the Church of the all-important grace of God. John Calvin said “The Gospel rules out any thing that man might add.” How true! If we have in any way tried to add to Jesus’ work on the cross, by seeking to be righteous through our own efforts, let’s ask God for our own personal reformation! Let’s ask God to bring us back to the freedom and joy of relying only on His grace. For His grace is sufficient! Prayer: Father, I ask You to forgive me for trying to be righteous in my own strength instead of wholly depending on Jesus. Please help me to be completely dependent on Your grace. I thank You that Your grace is enough for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Today's Writer : Peter Brokaar Grace Alone I was an orphan lost at the fall Running away when I'd hear your call But Father, you worked your will I had no righteousness of my own I had no right to draw near your throne But Father, you loved me still And in love before you laid the world's foundation You predestined to adopt me as your own You have raised me so high u above my station I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone You left your home to seek out the lost You knew the great and terrible cost But Jesus, your face was set I worked my fingers down to the bone Nothing I did could ever atone But Jesus, you paid my debt By your blood I have redemption and salvation Lord, you died that I might reap what you have sown And you rose that I might be a new creation I am born again by grace and grace alone I was in darkness all of my life I never knew the day from the night But Spirit, you made me see I swore I knew the way on my own Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone But Spirit, you moved in me At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone I will run the race by grace and grace alone I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone I will reach the end by grace and grace alone

Happy Sunday

For When You're Lost

Suzie Eller

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:8–10 NIV)

I was awash in a sea of three toddlers. Trying to do anything outside the house was an adventure. But one day I decided to brave a trip to the mall to shop for Christmas gifts. As I stood at the register, I asked my children to hold onto mama's jeans. Their tightly clutched fists let me know that they were close. After completing my purchase, I turned around and realized that two-year-old Ryan was nowhere in sight. The three tiny hands clutching my pant leg turned out to be one child holding on with two hands, and the other holding on with one while their brother made his escape.

I buckled the kids in the monster-sized stroller, threw my package underneath, and blasted through the store calling out my two-year-old's name.

"Have you seen my son? He's two. He has brown hair and he's tall for his age. Has anyone seen him?"

Finally an older woman approached me. "Honey, I saw a little boy with brown hair just a few moments ago carrying a really large box out those doors."

Seconds later, I saw him strolling through the mall with his little two-year-old gait, carrying an extra large shoebox. My son wasn't just lost. He had shoplifted a pair of men's shoes in the process.

I scooped up my little lost shoplifter and held him close.

Something had captured my toddler's attention and he wandered. I knew what might have easily happened to him if I had not found him. My love for him meant I'd push that stroller to the ends of the earth, calling his name, until he was safe in my arms.

In his book Amazing Grace, K. W. Osbeck says, "If the New Testament teaches us anything, it teaches us about God's love in searching for lost men. Becoming a Christian in a very real sense is simply putting ourselves in the way of being found by God—to stop running from His loving pursuit."

Maybe you have escaped God. One adventure took you to the next and suddenly you were lost in a crowd, wondering if you'd gone too far.

You haven't.

Stop. Right where you are. Let Him scoop you up.

And that box of things you're carrying—those emotions, mistakes, choices you wish you'd never made—give it to Him. He'll return them to where they rightfully belong as He leads you back home.

Dear Lord, I willingly climb into Your arms. Please accept this box of gathered mistakes and failures. Today I am joyfully found by You, In Jesus' name, Amen.

When I Cry
Makin' a list of all of the good things You've done for me
Lord, I've never been one to complain
But right now I'm lost and I can't find my way
My world's come apart and it's breakin' my heart
But it helps to know Your heart is breakin' too

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothin' breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry

Alone in the dark, face in my hands, crying out to You
Lord, there's never been a time in my life
There's so much at stake, there's so much to lose
But I trust it to You
You'll bring me through
And it helps me to know that I'm not alone

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothin' breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry

You're the one who calmed the raging sea
You're the one who made the blind to see
You looked through all of heaven and eternity
And through it all you saw me...

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
And when I've lost someone it takes a piece of You, too
When I fall on my face, You fill me with grace
Nothing breaks your heart, or tears you apart
Like when I cry

Happy Saturday

Facing Trials Like a Blacksmith

You perhaps recall the story of the blacksmith who gave his heart to God. Though conscientious in his living, still he was not prospering materially. In fact, it seems that from the time of his conversion more trouble, affliction and loss were sustained than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong.

 

One day a friend who was not a Christian stopped at the little gorge to talk to him. Sympathizing with him in some of his trials, the friend said "It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass over you just at the time when you have become an earnest Christian. Of course, I don't want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that. But here you are, God's help and guidance, and yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can't help wondering why it is."

 

The blacksmith did not answer immediately, and it was evident that he had thought the same question before. But finally, he said "You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished."

"But sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don't know why it fails in the process, but I know it will never make a good horse's shoe."

 

He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop. "When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything."

He went on, "I know that God has been holding me in the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don't mind, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so, in all these hard things my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don't throw me on the scrap heap."

 

He Touched Me

Shackled by a heavy burden
Beneath a load of guilt and shame
Then the hand of Jesus touched me
And now I am no longer the same

For He touched me, Yes He touched me
And Oh the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole

Oh since I met this blessed Savior
And since he cleansed and made me whole
Oh I never cease, never cease to praise Him
I'll shout it while eternity rolls

Oh He touched me, Yes He touched me
And oh the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole

 

 

 

Happy Friday

20 Keys To A Happy Life

by Author Unknown

1)  Compliment 3 people everyday!
2)  Watch a sunrise
3)  Be the first to say "hello"
4)  Treat everyone as you want to be treated
5)  Live beneath your means
6)  Forget the Joneses
7)  Never give up on anybody  -  miracles happen!
8)  Remember someone's name
9)  Be kinder than you have to be
10) Wish not for things, but for wisdom and courage
11) Be tough-minded, but tender hearted
12) Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated
13) Keep your promises
14) Leave everything better than you found it
15) Show cheerfulness even when you don't feel it
16) Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do
17) Remember that overnight success usually takes 15 years
18) When you arrive at your job in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone's day
19) Don't rain on other people's parades
20) Don't waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them!

Because He Lives
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
     Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
     Because He lives, all fear is gone;
     Because I know He holds the future,
     And life is worth the living,
     Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus
     Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
     Because He lives, all fear is gone;
     Because I know He holds the future,
     And life is worth the living,
     Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Chorus
     Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
     Because He lives, all fear is gone;
     Because I know He holds the future,
     And life is worth the living,
     Just because He lives!

Happy Thursday

Stuff Christians Should Stop Doing

By Jarrid Wilson

1. Telling people “I’ll pray for you” without actually praying for them.

- Guilty as charged. I can’t think of anybody who hasn’t done this at one time or another. And while most of us don’t actually mean to forget, it’s probably best that we just set aside time on the spot to pray for people. Are we really so busy that we can’t stop and pray for someone’s needs? We need to make sure we are fulfilling our duties as Christians and actually follow through with them. One prayer could be the tipping point to someone coming to know the love of God. Don’t miss the opportunity to speak life into someone because you don’t think you have time. 

2. Attending Church on Sunday but ignoring God’s voice the rest of the week. 

- Ouch! This one stings a little. Many of us get in the habit of making God just another addition to our weekly check-list, but the reality is that our entire lives should revolve around him. God deserves #1 priority in each of our lives, and to treat him any differently would go against the foundations of the Christian faith. Evaluate the way you are spending your time, money, and energy. If you want to see a change in your life then you need to begin giving God the place of honor he deserves. Stop treating God like the last kid picked in dodgeball.

3. Praying for God’s provision when we have yet to use what he has already provided.

- Way too many of us tend to treat God like a personal genie. Prayer was given to us as an open line of communication between us and God, but the harsh reality is that way too many of try to use it like a drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant. You don’t get to pick and choose the way God provides, but you do get the opportunity to trust his plan and have faith in his promises. I can’t begin to explain how many times I’ve ignored God’s provision because it wasn’t wrapped the way I intended it to be. Every time we purposely ignoring God’s provision, we are indirectly telling him, “I don’t trust your plan.” 

4. Trying to be so relevant that we actually hurt the message of Jesus. 

- There is nothing wrong with trying to be relevant, but we need to understand that there is a BOLD line between being trendy, and then completely disfiguring the message of Jesus. We can’t expect to bring any change to the world when we don’t look any different from it. I’m a firm believer that Jesus came to reclaim culture and not abolish it, but this doesn’t mean we need to water down His message so that it’s easier to swallow. 

5. Telling people that “God will never give you anything you can’t handle.” 

- Why should we stop saying this? Because it’s a lie… We’ve completely twisted 1 Corinthians 10:13, as this verse is pointing towards temptation, and even then it states God will be there if things get too tough. The reality is that God just might give us things we can’t handle so that we will gaze towards him for the extra help. Mind blowing right? Realize that not everything is going to go the way you plan, think, or hope. Sometimes stuff is going to hit the fan, and in order for you to get through it you are going to NEED to rely on God’s comfort, peace, and understanding. We weren’t meant to do life alone. 
Jarrid Wilson is a husband, pastor, and author whose motivation is to help others find their identity in Christ. Find out more on his blog. http://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/jarrid-wilson/

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Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms; 
 what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
 Leaning, leaning, 
 safe and secure from all alarms; 
 leaning, leaning, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms; 
 O how bright the path grows from day to day, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms.
 (Refrain)

3. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms?  
 I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, 
 leaning on the everlasting arms.
 (Refrain)

Happy Wednesday

Keeping Clean

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God`s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
1 Peter 2:9, NIV

While cleaning our car the other day I thought that a lot of work and effort would be saved if the car always remained in the garage! Although an odd thought, nevertheless it’s true. The car wouldn’t get dirty, and neither would it run up expensive repair and maintenance costs. But for a car to be used for what it is made for, that is the transportation of people, shopping, pets and countless other things from one place to another, it has be out in the real world. That means it is inevitably going to get wet, dirty, scratched, bumped, and dented.

At the time we accepted Jesus as Saviour we weren’t instantly transported to heaven, but we were left in this world for a purpose. The verse above reminds us of what that purpose is. We have been called from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light ‘to declare the praises of him who called us’. We can only really achieve that purpose by being in this world, relating and communicating with others, and demonstrating something of the love and the heart of Father God.

Being in the world inevitably means we’re going to become tainted by the world and affected by its attitudes and systems. Consequently we suffer, spiritually, and sometimes physically, and our spirits receive dirt, scratches, bumps and dents. It happens because of in the spiritual climate we’re in. It’s all part of the price of fulfilling our destiny in the real world.

The good news is:
1) Jesus knows all about the difficulties and challenges we have to face. He said ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).
2) He has made provision for our cleansing and healing. When we feel dirty, scarred and marred by the world we need to look at the cross, and remember again all that Jesus went through for us and what He achieved there for us.

‘How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!’ (Hebrews 9:14).

‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we may die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed’ (1 Peter 2:24).

‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John1:9).

I like to clean my car as regularly as possible. I believe we also need regular times of spiritual cleansing, as we appropriate what Jesus has done for us at Calvary. Yes it was a once and for all sacrifice, but its blessings are still available on a daily basis! After all none of us would be content with just one personal shower or bath in a lifetime would we?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for all You did for me on the cross. Help me to appropriate all the blessings You made available there so I might be better equipped to serve You in this world. Amen.

Today's Writer : Malcolm Wood

Are You Washed In The Blood?
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Refrain      Are you washed in the blood,
    In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
   Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain      Are you washed in the blood,
    In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
   Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
 
When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain      Are you washed in the blood,
    In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
   Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
 
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
Refrain      Are you washed in the blood,
    In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
   Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Happy Tuesday

Thought for Today
 Most friction in life is caused by the tone of the voice.


HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR PASTOR TODAY?  
By Matt Donnelly [Edited]

"It was he who gave some to be ... pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11, NIV

Pastoring a congregation is a gift that takes a rare combination of administrative, spiritual, and leadership skills.

Trust me when I say rare. During my first year at seminary, I had all but convinced myself that I wanted to be a pastor. I even went so far as to interview for an assistant pastor position (at the ripe old age of 22!), and I very nearly got the job. I continue to thank God that he saw fit to endow that congregation with the wisdom to turn me down. I wasn't then, and am not now, fit to lead God's people as a pastor.

It seems to me that pastors tend to be an underappreciated lot. If we laypeople tend to think of our pastor at all, it's usually only during Sunday mornings when the sermon goes too long -- and those thoughts aren't any I'd care to repeat! But, I'd like to suggest that we take the time to see our pastors as true servants of God who are called to lead us as we live out our Christian lives.

Pastors will tell you that leading God's people hasn't changed much since biblical times -- it has its highs and lows, its thrilling moments and its excruciating pain. But through it all, God is there, walking beside the pastor as he or she brings a Sunday message from God to his people, helps heal a hurting marriage, and hits a stand-up double during a church softball game. It truly is an awesome task to be the public face of God to so many inside and outside the church.

So, the next time you see your pastor, say thanks for making a difference in your life. Sure, they'll probably think you're a little crazy, but then again, they might also choke back the tears and say, "You're welcome."

Happy Monday

You Cannot Earn, OR LEARN it!!

You can learn about Jesus

and even try and change yourself into

"being a Christian" but,

You can never make yourself into a child of God

Unless you come to the foot of His Cross and

accept His payment for you to be born-again,

PERSONALLY!

(Jesus said) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

......behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, (The Father said) “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Whom God put forward [ before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. 

 Matthew 7:21; Matthew 17:5b; Romans 3:25a

(Please include this portion when sharing this Mini-Devo!)

><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>  ><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>   ><))):>

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,

as the Holy Spirit transforms me too

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

In case you missed Sunday's Post... This is it... I had it set to post at 9:48PM Sunday... Did not find the mistake until 3:158PM... Sorry 'bout that...
Richard
 
TEARS

Ever wonder if God understands what is happening in your life? Does He hear your cries? Does He see your tears? Does He care? No matter what we are going through today, God understands, and He understands our tears.  When we've cried for a while, wipe the tears away and say, “Although what I’m going through right now is very painful, I know I still serve a God who makes no mistakes!”  And believe it! 

I love the Psalms because they give us beautiful pictures of what our intimate relationship with God is like.  Psalm 56:8 (NLT) gives us one of those snapshots of God’s tenderness with us when we are experiencing incredible sorrow in our life. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book”.  He not only keeps track of all our sorrows, hurts and heartaches, He has recorded them in His book. Every tear we’ve cried He has stored in our bottle, the one He keeps just for us. What a beautiful gentle picture this is of our God,  a Father who tenderly collects our tears and holds them close to His heart....... 

We are given this promise when Christ returns to dwell with us in the new heaven and new earth…“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have been passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)  We see "tears" being shed so often that we forget just how precious they are. 'Tears' have meaning; "tears" speak volumes. 'Tears' that flow from the face of a person may be overlooked by others, but they are not shunned or overlooked by Heaven. They are bottled up; they are recorded … You could say; "Tears are a language God understands.  “I wonder how many tear bottles in heaven bear your initials.  

You’ll never have many until you let go and let a little tenderness run loose.”

Happy Sunday

(((Big Smile))) Seems I did not set the time for this Devotional to post this morning... Just found out the time was 9:48PM... Getting forgetful in my senior years...
Richard

TEARS

Ever wonder if God understands what is happening in your life? Does He hear your cries? Does He see your tears? Does He care? No matter what we are going through today, God understands, and He understands our tears.  When we've cried for a while, wipe the tears away and say, “Although what I’m going through right now is very painful, I know I still serve a God who makes no mistakes!”  And believe it! 

I love the Psalms because they give us beautiful pictures of what our intimate relationship with God is like.  Psalm 56:8 (NLT) gives us one of those snapshots of God’s tenderness with us when we are experiencing incredible sorrow in our life. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book”.  He not only keeps track of all our sorrows, hurts and heartaches, He has recorded them in His book. Every tear we’ve cried He has stored in our bottle, the one He keeps just for us. What a beautiful gentle picture this is of our God,  a Father who tenderly collects our tears and holds them close to His heart....... 

We are given this promise when Christ returns to dwell with us in the new heaven and new earth…“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have been passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)  We see "tears" being shed so often that we forget just how precious they are. 'Tears' have meaning; "tears" speak volumes. 'Tears' that flow from the face of a person may be overlooked by others, but they are not shunned or overlooked by Heaven. They are bottled up; they are recorded … You could say; "Tears are a language God understands.  “I wonder how many tear bottles in heaven bear your initials.  

You’ll never have many until you let go and let a little tenderness run loose.”

Happy Saturday

LOVE

Loving our neighbor includes loving our enemies as we love ourselves. Why? Because this is the way the Father loves them. But aren’t they wicked? What if they are ungrateful? Perhaps they are both, but the Father “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” And so must we be. Jesus says His Father is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. And aren’t we glad of that for our own sakes? We should genuinely love our enemies because loving them is being like our Father. There is no room for hate and viciousness. There is no room for revenge and retaliation. There is no room for desiring the misfortune of others. 

 

It was common to say about ‘sinners’ or ‘evil’ people “Love them with the love of Jesus!” which often meant to not really love them at all. You could despise them; you could hate them; you could wish on them great pain and misfortune, but you could still love them with the love of Jesus. This is not real love but a pretence. It is an attempt to check off the Love Your Neighbor box on your list of rules and get credit for it.  God does not love us because we are particularly lovable; He does not love us only if we keep His commandments; He does not love us because we are just like Him. Our Father in Heaven loves us in spite of our weaknesses, our sins, and our failures to be kind to one another. In spite of who we are or what we have done, I believe He loves those among us who are viewed as unlovable. God loves us, groans with us, and promises to use every trial for our highest, greatest good. The bible commands the people of God to “love thy neighbor” and most people find this easy when your neighbor is lovable. The bible goes a step further: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” This is significantly more difficult to achieve. It’s said that it’s nearly impossible to harbor animosity toward someone for whom you are praying. 

Happy Friday

Thought for Today

"...The church is the biggest tombstone of all - a monument among the dead. When Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin, His purpose was not only to provide a way for us to enter heaven but also to make us more like Himself, that we might minister to others in His name. He instructed us to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit those who are sick and in prison. Christ wants us to be instruments through whom the needs of the people can be met. We can never have the kind of life He wants us to have until we learn to love others in His name...How can we say we love Jesus if we do not care about the suffering people whom Jesus loves? We have excess wealth, yet refuse to share it with those who are starving. Being Christlike is caring about the hungry, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned." - Ex-convict Harold Morris in his book "Twice Pardoned"

Selfless Sacrifice
(Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX)

What would you say is a good definition for the word "friend"? What is the greatest thing a friend has ever done for you?

John 15:12-17 (NIV) says:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

In Ernest Gordon's book, Miracle on the River Kwai, the author tells of Scottish soldiers in World War II who had been captured by the Japanese and forced to work on a jungle railroad. The Scotchmen, tired and hopeless, had degenerated to barbarous behavior, treating each other viciously. Then one afternoon a shovel was missing. The Japanese officer in charge of the work gang became enraged and threatened to kill the whole group if the man who lost the shovel did not confess. Finally one man, knowing it meant his death, stepped forward. The officer put away his gun, picked up a shovel and beat the life out of the man. At the next tool check it was discovered that no shovel was missing. In fact, there was one shovel left over - there had been a miscount at the first check point. The man who died had confessed to losing a shovel that he, in fact, had not lost, sacrificing his life to keep the others safe. That man's sacrificial love changed the survivors. They began once again to treat each other like brothers.

Selfless sacrifice changes lives. How could you affect your friends around you if you lived out a life of selfless sacrifice? Think about a selfless act you can do today and then do it.