Guilt Can Be Good For You

By Skip Heitzig

Have you noticed that people will do almost anything to avoid the feeling of guilt? Just think of the many “guilt-free” foods available at your local supermarket. Webster’s Dictionary defines guilt as having committed a breach of conduct, something violating law and involving a penalty. To modern society guilt is passé, puritanical, inhibiting, and downright cruel. But the Bible teaches that guilt can be good for you. Let’s look at how King David’s guilt did him a world of good.

In Psalm 51 David was in the depths of despair. You know the story; David committed adultery with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. Then he made matters worse by sending Uriah to the front line of battle where he was sure to be slain. The prophet Nathan confronted David with his actions and David finally admitted to God: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4). Yes, David sinned against Uriah by taking his wife and sending him to his death. He also sinned against Bathsheba by luring her into an adulterous relationship. But at the bottom of the blackness of sin is rebellion against God Himself.

In Psalm 32, David explained the blessings he had experienced when he confessed his sin: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit” (Psalm 32:1-2). Here David used three words to describe what God is willing to do when we confess our sin:

1) Forgiven means to lift up, like lifting a burden, or to take away. In other words, God carries it away. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

2) Covered means to conceal or hide from sight. This means that our sins are invisible! How is this possible? The book of Revelation tells us that Jesus “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). Our sins are covered with Christ’s precious blood.

3) Not impute is a bookkeeping term meaning that God does not place sin into our account. In other words, God cancels the debt of our sin. Paul put it this way: “What joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord” (Romans 4:8 NLT).

Despite society’s willingness to overlook wrongdoing, are you still feeling guilty? God wants to use that for your good. Regardless of the sin you’ve committed, God wants to forgive you. When you ask Him for forgiveness, you’ll experience the joy and freedom that comes from His plan for guilt-free living through faith in Jesus Christ.

Copyright © 2014 by Connection Communications. All rights reserved.

Have A Blessed Monday,

Richard

Not Finished With You

                                                                                           Author Unknown To Me

There are believers who see themselves as incomplete because they are conscious of their lack and imperfections. They say, “There are so many things imperfect about me! How can I be complete if there are so many things I am lacking in?” They see their weaknesses, condemn themselves and feel inferior to others. The good news is that God does not see the way man sees. Man sees the flesh. God sees the spirit. He sees us already complete in Christ. In spite of our imperfections, He sees us as new creations, partakers of His divine nature and more than conquerors over our faults. And He wants us to see ourselves the way He sees us. What we think we need or are lacking in, whether it is Godly character traits or physical health, we already have in Christ.  Now God in all his wisdom says, I'm not finished with you yet.

 

I wish my testimony was one of unwavering faith and steadiness. I wish that you could go and talk to anyone I went to school with and they would tell you about my commitment to Jesus and His Word, but they’ve seen me fall to sin and act prideful. In fact, I’d wager that many of us are this way. We wish that we could have another chance at past situations or seasons. But here's God’s answer to our self-disappointment: “I’m not done with you yet.”  Paul’s words, I’m not finished, He’s still making me! I’m still being molded and shaped and conformed to Jesus’ likeness (Romans 8:29). And so are we. God’s not done with us, we’re still being drawn and invited into relationship with Him. Jesus served us first, and from that place  of being served by Him, we can serve him and His Church. What God did for me was turn my focus from myself and toward Jesus. This may seem simple, but it is a monumental gift of change and transformation.

 

When our hearts are focused on Jesus we see his servanthood and selflessness, we see His love for the Church, we see the image to which we’re being conformed. This changes us because we join Jesus in His mission and work on the earth. This is the context in which this molding, shaping and transforming takes place. No matter where we’ve fallen or cracked, our Maker has a grand design and intention for us that is not yet complete. Rest in hope and turn your focus upward and outward. Let our Heavenly Father change our narrow scope from simply today, to that of eternity.

 

Have A Blessed Sunday,

Richard

Know Whose You Are

Your Thought for Today
"We have been forgiven by God much more than we have ever been accused by others." - Elmer Lehman 

Know Whose You Are

By Melanie Chitwood

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are." 1 John 3:1 (NAS)

One day at church when a man asked my five-year-old son his name, Zachary responded, "Zachary Patrick Chitwood, son of Scott Joseph Chitwood." I'm not sure what that little five year old was thinking or why he responded that way. I had certainly never heard this answer before, but I sure liked it! Zachary knew who he was. He knew who he belonged to!

How would you answer if someone asked you who you are? My first response would be that I am Melanie Chitwood: a wife, a mother, a daughter, a writer, a speaker, a teacher, a friend, and a child of God.

Yes, like Zachary, I know Who I belong to. I know I'm a child of God. When I was sixteen years old at a Young Life camp in North Carolina, I sat on a rock, gazed up at the stars in the night sky, and prayed a prayer that changed my life. 'Lord, I know that You love me and want me to be in a relationship with You. Thank You that You died on a cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You that I am forgiven. I want You to be my Savior and Lord. I want to live for You.' From that day forward, I was a child of God.

The truth is sometimes I forget who I belong to. I forget that God alone gives me my identity. If I dig a little deeper and answer with complete honesty the question of who I am, my answer includes these responses: I am someone who struggles with losing the same ten pounds; sometimes I respond in fear rather than faith; I can be selfish and not want to serve others; I've made mistakes in the past and can carry them around like a ball and chain.

The truth is that sometimes I let my past, my feelings, and others' disapproval of me define me; rather than letting God and His Word define me. However, the closer I grow to the Lord, the more I understand that those other definitions are lies, not the truth. God's enemy, Satan, is a liar who wants to keep me from walking in the truth. The truth of who I am is found in God's Word. I know who I am when I know Whose I am.

Let these statements remind you of who you are and Whose you are:

- Nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8: 35 - 39).
- You are God's work of art, His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
- God does not condemn you (Romans 8: 1,2).
- God loves you so much that the price He paid to have a relationship with you was His own life (1 Corinthians 6: 20).
- Jesus is your Daddy (Romans 8:15).
God's love for you is everlasting and unfailing. He wants you to have a relationship with Him where you grow closer to Him and look more like Him as you abide in His truth. Rest in the truth that His steadfast love never fails.

Prayer:
"Dear Father, I am so thankful that I am Your child and that You love me. I am thankful that Your love never changes and that nothing will take Your love away from me. Open my eyes to any lies I'm believing about myself and my life. Help me to believe only You - not Satan, not my feelings, not what anyone else says. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Application Steps:
Do you recognize any lies you're believing? Ask God to reveal them to you. When you are tempted to believe lies rather than God's truth, practice taking your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). For example, if you begin to think to yourself, "God could never forgive me for this sin," recognize this is a lie. Replace the lie with a truth: Jesus has promised to forgive every sin - past, present, and future (Colossians 1: 13, 14).

Additional Verses:
Colossians 1:13, 14: "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (NAS).
Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (NAS).
2 Corinthians 10:5: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (NAS).  

Happy Saturday and Have a Blessed Weekend,

Richard

Battle in the Night

Lynn Cowell

"By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life." (Psalm 42:8 NIV)

How could this have happened? What could I have done to stop it?

One of my kids had made a decision that sent my emotions into a tailspin and another sleepless night was upon me; my mind wouldn't shut off. During the day I had managed to focus on God's promise to make all things work together for good. But as day faded into night, the struggle to trust became more than I could take.

Many nights as I lie in bed, my mind pulls me into a downward spiral of focusing on my troubles. It's then and there that the battle is most intense. A war wages between my faith and fears.

What if my loved one never knows Jesus?
Will my kids make the right choices with their peers?
What can I do for my friend who struggles with cancer?

Even though my body is still, my thoughts are at war.

Do you struggle in the quiet of the night? Maybe you have thoughts like these ... Nobody else has troubles. Other people are just enjoying their lives. Why is mine so hard? The battles we face are real, and rob us of joy as well as sleep.

This is why I love King David's encouraging words in Psalm 42. During the day he allowed the Lord's love to direct him. Knowing he was loved gave him the strength to make the hard choices that were the best choices. At night he put away all the words and hard thinking and devoted himself to praising God.

I want to do the same. When the lights are turned out, I want to choose a song of praise, arming myself with truth and worship for the only One who can carry and fix my troubles. When my mind tries to take a turn and go around that problem one more time, I want to make the choice to stop and sing (even if only in my head).

I gave this a try the other night while stewing over my worries. It reminded me of a sign my mom has in her home: "Give me all your troubles before you go to bed. I'm going to be up anyway."—God

Pick a song you can sing at night when trouble comes knocking and worry wants to run rampant in your heart and mind. Make your prayer a song to God and choose a song of praise to sing to Him all day long—from sunrise to late in the evening. Watch your heart go from fear to faith as you trust in the Lord.

Dear Lord, I feel stronger in the day than in the night. Bring to mind a song of praise I can sing that will lift my thoughts and strengthen my faith in you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Happy Friday,

Richard

Turn the Light On

Ann Spangler

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)

If you are a news junkie like me, you're aware of all the bad news in the world. Or maybe hard things have come your way. Either way, most of us can resonate with how the prophet Isaiah colors the earth in Isaiah 60:1-3.

Rather than using stunning blues and greens to describe our world, Isaiah speaks of Earth's spiritual atmosphere in other terms. He says, "See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples . . ." (vs. 2a)

Not long ago, I received a touching email. "The death of children overseas and the senseless murder of people at their place of work, have been pockmarking and spray painting over what I knew to be true of God." The young woman who wrote me went on to explain that these things and more had been "defacing the image of Christ I have in my heart."

I was struck by the imagery she used. It made me wonder what had been marring my own view of God. In the midst of difficulties both near and far, how can I hold onto an image of God that highlights His power and goodness? So many questions come in the midst of darkness. "Why doesn't God do something?" "Why is there so much evil in the world?" And more personally, "Why doesn't God help me?"

Isaiah didn't offer answers to these questions. Instead, he listened for God's voice and then spoke the word God gave him. He painted a picture of an earth covered in thick darkness, yet he also spoke of a light so strong it would pierce the darkness. "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." (vs. 1).

He spoke not so much of a happy present, but of a blessed future. Though he didn't know Jesus' name, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus approximately 700 years before His birth. Jesus is our answer when we wonder where God is. He's the light that dispels the darkness and shows us God's great love.

Like Isaiah and the people he spoke to, we sometimes feel mired in gloom. There is so much darkness in the world. Fortunately, we are not left alone to stumble in the darkness. We have been given Jesus, the light by which we filter life's hardships.

Today, let's take a few moments to move our focus from the world's problems to God. As we do, let's ask Jesus, to give us a deeper vision of who He is, praying that His character will shine like a light through us. Let's also ask for His help in seeing tragedies and bad news through His eyes, trusting that He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

As you pray, remember that darkness is nothing but the absence of light. It's a negative—a nothing. As soon as you flip the switch, the darkness vanishes. Today, ask God to turn the light on in you, so that others will see His power and come to know His goodness.

Lord, I need a deeper vision of who You are. As I seek You, please draw me close and fill me with Your presence. Then turn the light on in me. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Happy Thursday,

Richard

Hope for When You Feel Hard Pressed

Sharon Glasgow

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)

We watched as our only working vehicle was hoisted onto the back of a tow truck. How would we manage without it?

In an attempt to be wise with our money, we had chosen the cheapest place around to fix the car. But week after week passed and the car wasn't finished.

Finally the repair shop called. Hope and relief faded instantly when the mechanic said, "No, your car isn't ready." He told me we needed to come and pay more because there was a leak. I was perplexed, as there hadn't been a leak prior to us taking it there.

As we pulled into the parking lot, I was shocked to see the car! The leak was the least of the new problems. Three of the four windows were gone or broken! Our car had been vandalized, and the shop didn't have insurance to cover it. How? What? Why? No!

Our trouble doubled when we learned our insurance deductible was higher than the cost of the new windows. Needing a working vehicle desperately, we ordered and paid for the windows out of pocket. Obviously, with the delays and windows, that repair shop was no longer cheap!

To top it off, the guys from the glass shop called. They'd never had this happen, but each window they ordered for us arrived broken!

These costly frustrations and time delays aggravated me to say the least. Everything in me felt like falling apart. Instead, I pressed pause before that could happen and tried to find perspective.

The only way I know to find any perspective when facing hardships is to view them in light of God's Word. When trials come, and they will, it helps me to confront them with truth from Scripture. Without this perspective, it's hard to triumph over feelings of despair, anger and worry.

God's Word reminds us that nothing surprises God, and nothing can overcome Him. A good place to turn for truth is our key verse today, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9:

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

The "treasure in jars of clay" referred to is the Word of God stored within us. The truth we find and believe in the pages of our Bibles gives us the perspective, hope and encouragement we need when we feel pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down.

I definitely could have felt pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down with all that happened. Not having a vehicle to get my family around was hard. Health issues and mounting medical bills compounded the situation. But using God's Word as my perspective reminded me that God is my provider (Matthew 6:26), and I shouldn't worry (Philippians 4:6-7). Trusting in His truths gave me freedom from despair.

We eventually got our car back — working and with all the windows — along with a pretty big bill. But we didn't have the stress and frustration, thanks to trusting in God and His Word.

Life will always have seasons where we are hard pressed on every side. Yet in the crushing moments, God's all-surpassing power will prevail. What a comfort to know that truth in the middle of trying times. In the midst of despair, let's combat trials with Scripture. When we do, we are triumphant!

Lord, open my eyes that I may see the wondrous things in Your Word while I'm in the middle of my trials. Help me to see Your glory and power. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Refrain

     Savior, Savior,
     Hear my humble cry;
     While on others Thou art calling,
     Do not pass me by.

Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief,
Kneeling there in deep contrition;
Help my unbelief.

Refrain

     Savior, Savior,
     Hear my humble cry;
     While on others Thou art calling,
     Do not pass me by.

Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

Refrain

     Savior, Savior,
     Hear my humble cry;
     While on others Thou art calling,
     Do not pass me by.

Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

Refrain

     Savior, Savior,
     Hear my humble cry;
     While on others Thou art calling,
     Do not pass me by.

Why Shopping Will Never Satisfy

Leah DiPascal

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

We only had ten days to get everything packed and ready for the movers. Shipping boxes, wrapping paper and rolls of tape were everywhere. Every room called for attention, and I didn't know which direction to go first.

With a squeezing economy and company cutbacks, our family made the hard decision to sell our home and do some major downsizing. Deep inside I knew it was the right choice, but the process was hard. Although I tried to put on a happy face, my heart was aching.

Dragging myself from room to room, the amount of accumulated stuff overwhelmed me. Clothes, furniture, linens, accessories and enough kitchen appliances to open a diner filled every room.

As I viewed all the things left to pack, I thought about my past shopping sprees where I'd picked up so many of the items. The early-bird door busters and all those neon yellow clearance stickers lured me in. The endless rows of shiny metal racks, boasting 50-percent-off treasures sealed the deal.

I had prided myself thinking of all the money I saved buying everything on sale. Who was I kidding?

The truth was our checking account balance was shrinking, yet I kept wanting new things and buying more. All the while, insisting these were purchases we "needed."

But now, all of these bargains had to be boxed up, moved and put into storage. My "treasures" had become burdens. As I looked around at all the clutter, I wondered if it was my heart, not my home, needing to be de-cluttered.

It was time to make some major adjustments in my thought life and begin living out today's verse in Hebrews 13:5, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

God spoke to me that day with gentle conviction that it was time to stop making excuses for buying so much and be content with less.

Kneeling in my storage room, I prayed and asked God to forgive me. I told Him I wanted to change but I needed His help. The process wasn't easy, but it was necessary.

Ten days later when the movers arrived, everything was boxed and ready to go. Instead of heading to a storage facility, we delivered many of those boxes to a local children's home in desperate need of household items and clothing.

It felt freeing to give away more and keep less. To experience the Giver instead holding onto the material gifts. To trust the Provider and stop worrying about having enough. To simply be content.

Maybe you struggle sometimes with contentment too. Do you ever find yourself buying something you really don't need? I know, it was probably on sale.

Perhaps God is asking you to keep less and give away more. To be content with what He's given you and not feel like you have to buy more to be more.

Friend, don't fall for the lies I did. Trust that God will provide what you need when you need it. If you have extra items, consider giving them away to someone in need and experience the freedom of being content with less.

Dear Lord, You know me better than I know myself. Help me to be content with what You've given me. Take away my cravings for always wanting more. Teach me to desire You above all else. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We'll Work Until JESUS Comes

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?

Refrain

     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     And we’ll be gathered home.

To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
Till He conduct me home.

Refrain

     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     And we’ll be gathered home.

I sought at once my Savior’s side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I’ll brave death’s chilling tide
And reach my heav’nly home.

Refrain

     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     We’ll work till Jesus comes,
     And we’ll be gathered home.

 

Trust and Obey

And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, "Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the king's hand." Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, "Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Please, let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement." And Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak." - 1 Kings 22: 12-14 

One day, the king of Israel said to the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight at Ramoth Gilead" (verse 4). Jehoshaphat agreed to go and fight with him to get this land back. However, Jehoshaphat suggested that they hear from the Lord first and get His Word on what they should do. The king of Israel summoned his prophets and they all (about 400) proclaimed victory for the nation and king of Israel. Jehoshaphat was not so convinced and inquired of another prophet, Micaiah, who was known for speaking the truth. The king of Israel did not want to hear the truth; he wanted to hear that his plan would work.  In the end, despite the king's efforts to the contrary, the king of Israel died in the battle. His heart was too hardened to hear and obey the words of God, even when those words would have saved his life.

How often do we ask for the truth but really do not want to hear it? How often are we told the truth yet refuse to act on it? These issues usually only matter when the truth is bad news. Good news is great to hear and much easier to respond to. Selective truth is not our option, especially in our walk with the Lord. The Lord is always ready and willing to lead and guide us. But are we willing to do what He tells us to do? When His answers do not match what we expect, we must make the decision right then to obey His Word. Otherwise, we allow the enemy time to deceive our thoughts. Pride, selfishness and a hard heart destroy our obedience to God. The bottom line: we ask, God answers, we obey. None of this, "but God" stuff will work.

If our hearts are truly set on following the Lord, then our relationship with Him will be one of surrender, faith and obedience. God is so good to listen to us and to grant us answers to our prayers; however, God is still God. Be reverent in how you seek His will for your life and be honest with Him about your struggles in how to obey. Do not try to manipulate His answers or escape His requests for obedience. Be willing to surrender your pride, be honest about your fears and seek the Lord's help in the next step of whatever He is telling you to do. 

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.

Trust and Obey

1. When we walk with the Lord 
 in the light of his word, 
 what a glory he sheds on our way! 
 While we do his good will, 
 he abides with us still, 
 and with all who will trust and obey. 
Refrain:
 Trust and obey, for there's no other way 
 to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 

2. Not a burden we bear, 
 not a sorrow we share, 
 but our toil he doth richly repay; 
 not a grief or a loss, 
 not a frown or a cross, 
 but is blest if we trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

3. But we never can prove 
 the delights of his love 
 until all on the altar we lay; 
 for the favor he shows, 
 for the joy he bestows, 
 are for them who will trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

4. Then in fellowship sweet 
 we will sit at his feet, 
 or we'll walk by his side in the way; 
 what he says we will do, 
 where he sends we will go; 
 never fear, only trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

Love Alone

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. —Psalms 32:1-2

When David, the second king of Israel, committed adultery with Bathsheba and then plotted the death of Bathsheba's husband, God loved him too much to let him live with his sin. Here is how David described God's conviction:"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me" (Psalms 32:3-4). God knew that only when David confessed his sin could he live out his calling.

When we follow God's example, love alone prompts us to confront someone who has done wrong, receive his apology, and grant pardon. We forgive because we want our offender to be free. We celebrate with him when he confesses, because we know God celebrates with us when we confess.

That's why the first step in becoming a loving person is to acknowledge our own sinful behavior. That helps us avoid turning an opportunity to forgive into a moment of superiority. We cannot give what we have not received. When we have experienced the love that leads God to pardon our sins, we are able to extend that love to others.

Prayer:
Father, sometimes I forget that you convict me of sin because you love me. Thank you for wanting me to be more like you.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the beloved best-selling author of The Five Love Languages and Love as a Way of Life.

No One Is Smarter Than Mom
My son came home from school one day, with a silly grin on his face, he thought he was smarter than me, his Mom, and could put me in my place.

HE SAID:
Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright, It's about the laws of the land today, 
its called THE CHILDREN'S BILL OF RIGHTS.

IT SAID:
I don't have to clean my room, I don't have to cut my hair. Nobody can tell me what to eat, My freedom of speech is guaranteed.
Its my choice of what I read, or watch on TV.

I have freedom of religion, and regardless of what you say, I don't have to ask your God for help ---
I DON'T HAVE TO PRAY.

I can wear an earring in my ear, And, if I want, can pierce my nose. It's my choice if I so desire, to tattoo satan's numbers across my toes.

AND if you try to spank me, I will charge you with the crime, and I can back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind.

HE SAID:
Don't ever touch me, this body is only for my use, not for your hugs and kisses and stuff, that's just another form of child abuse.

HE CONTINUED WITH: Don't fill my head with morals, like your mama did to you, That's what's called mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, you can't do a thing to me, I can call Children's Services, better known as C. S. D.

MY TURN!!!!

My very first impression was, to toss this boy out the door, But here was a chance to teach him a lesson, for once and ever more.

I took my time and mulled it over, I couldn't let this go. This kid of mine didn't realize, that he was messing with a pro!

AND AWAY WE GO.............
The next day we went shopping, and in spite of every plea, I didn't buy him 501s or shoes designed by Nike.

I had called and talked to C. S. D., they said they didn't care, if I bought him K-Mart shoes, or a pair of Nike Airs.

AND THEN: I canceled his appointment to test his driving skills, I'd probably be dead by now, if only looks could kill!

I SAID: There's no time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch, I think you should follow C. S. D.'s advice, And make yourself a sack lunch.

So, what if you are too hungry, to wait 'til dinner time? Well, we're having liver and onions, Cause it's a favorite dish of mine.

He ASKED:
Can we stop to get a movie, so I can watch it on the VCR? Absolutely not! I sold the TV in your room and bought new tires for my car.

I also rented out your room, you really don't need a bed. C.S.D. says all that's required of me is to put a roof over your head.

I only have to buy your clothes, and the food that you must eat, The money you used to get for an allowance, will buy me something neat.

No more eating after we shop, no more joking along the way, I too have a BILL OF RIGHTS, that goes into effect today!

What's the matter, are you crying? Are you down on your knees? Why are you asking God for help?......... WHY NOT CALL THE C.S.D.?

(Author Unknown)

The moral of the poem is that no one is smarter than mom. 

Enjoy A Blessed Sunday & Happy Mother's Day,
Richard

More Than Fair-Weather Christianity

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“If we believe not, yet He abides faithful: He cannot deny Himself.”  2 Timothy 2:13

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Are you a fair-weather Christian? There are some who, if their children get sick, will stop tithing. If they get a bad report from the doctor, they stop praising. If somebody hurts their feelings, they stop going to church.

You can tell the commitment level of a Christian by their “fair weather” gauge. The test is, when everything goes wrong or doesn’t add up, what will you do?

I’ll give you some hints. Keep giving. Keep praying. Keep praising. Keep witnessing. Keep worshiping. Don’t fail to be faithful.

ACTION POINT:
Think of three things you can do today to bring the light of God’s Son to someone who may be struggling with his or her faith. Then go do it!

Happy Saturday,
Richard

So Many Questions...

Are we seasoned with salt?  Does our vine have leaves of grace? Do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we don’t practice? 

HMMMM……. Thinking we have all the answers, placing ourselves in a position of leadership over others because we believe what we are “called” to do, preaching/teaching while behind a facade that gives other people a false idea of our true feelings or situation,  “do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we practice”?  It sounds nearly the same but it’s not. There is a difference.   In all reality the question should be: How can we preach what we don’t practice?

Is our witness for Christ a counterargument for our own actions?  Are we practicing what we preach or claiming to live our lives according to the Word of God without the heart and deeds that follow?  Or, does what we preach show duplicity in our life because it is not what we practice? (saying one thing and doing another is hypocrisy).  Can we afford to be a hypocrite?  It is almost impossible to get others to do what we aren’t willing to do.  Truly, this is not a leader.  Preaching what we practice speaks volumes before we even say a word.  Who we are, what we do speaks volumes about our character.  If we claim to have Christ as Lord of our life, if we claim to follow Jesus, if we claim we are a “Christian” we should be asking ourselves what our life preaches.  Is it consistent with the Word of God?  Is it consistent period, or do we have one face for one person and another face for another.  Preaching what we practice is really a testimony to celebrate what God does through our life.  Preaching what we practice is preaching/ teaching with experience behind it.  Preaching what we practice pushes us forward to experience more of God, in order that there is more to preach/teach.

Question for all of us:  Do we resemble the cup washed on the outside but not the inside? Beautiful on the outside but full of hypocrisy on the inside?  Character matters.  Compassion matters.  Do we practice what we preach or do we preach what we practice?

County Zoning Law Could Ban Home Bible Study Says Virginia Man

Carrie Dedrick | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com 

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Fairfax County, Virginia has proposed a new zoning law that one man believes will outlaw the Bible studies held in his home. Matthew Clark argues that the new law violates the First Amendment right of freedom to assemble. 

The zoning law states that regular gatherings 50 people or more cannot meet more than three times in 40 days. 

“These gatherings can create parking, noise and other concerns for the neighborhood,” reads the Fairfax County website. It goes on to explain that occasional parties and gatherings will continue to be permitted, but regular meetings “detract from the residential nature of a neighborhood.”

According to Christian News Network, six Fairfax County residents have filed complaints about large gatherings, but Clark believes those issues could be addressed without issuing a new zoning law. 

“If they park illegally tow the cars. If they cause a noise violation, issue them a warning or citation. If they litter, ticket them. If they trespass or damage property, arrest them. But don’t violate my precious First Amendment rights to prevent something I’m not doing and can easily be remedied in any of the above ways,” Clark wrote. 

County supervisor Pat Herrity also addressed concerns over the proposed law.

“This is yet another instance where we appear to be punishing the many for the actions of the few. I believe the county is risking a lawsuit and/or a Constitution challenge by interfering with peoples’ right to assemble,” she said. 

The county will be holding a public forum to address concerns of residents Wednesday evening.

Be Blessed,

Richard

The Moment

Lysa TerKeurst

"And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:1 NIV)

Each morning, I have a routine with my husband. It's simple. Nothing profound. Nothing for which we'd ever stop and snap a picture.

It's just a moment.

He asks me to help him pick a tie. He then goes away to fuss with this fixture of his professional job. Soon, he returns with a flipped up collar and a pressed down, knotted tie. He needs gentle hands to fold the collar over. Actually, he doesn't need. He wants gentle hands to fold the collar over.

And I do.

It's just a moment.

But it's a moment when we follow the "excellent way" of love. In the intersection of this moment, we're once again saying to each other: I love you; I love you too.

Now, please don't get an overly idyllic picture in your head of our marriage. Heavens, no. We have plenty of those "growth opportunity" moments too.

But this moment with the tie, it's like a spot of glue ever tightening the bond between us day by day. It's so simple, and yet something I would miss with the deepest ache imaginable if today were the last of the moments.

If today.

Tears slip as I think about this. Dear God, help me think about this. Let me snap a hundred of these moments with the lens of my heart to be stored and appreciated and thought of as the great treasure they are.

Let my mind park there.

Let my heart relish there.

Let my mouth dare to whisper what a joy this is. I love you. I love us. I love this moment each day.

Our relationship isn't perfect; no relationship is perfect. We're two very strong-willed people with vastly different approaches to life. And, oh, how easy it would be to list all the differences. He likes the towel hanging in the same spot. I am more creative. But I stop the list there.

I stop because great love isn't two people finding the perfect match in one another. Great love is two people making the choice to be a match. A decision. To fold his collar and snap the heart lens and find myself grateful to the point of tears. Tears of relishing today are so much better than tears of what was missed.

It's just a moment.

Or is it?

Dear Lord, help me to appreciate each moment given to me. I want to park my mind on the daily moments I too often take for granted. Thank You for this joy, so simple but so sweet. In Jesus' name, Amen

Supreme Court Votes in Favor of Prayer at Public Meetings

A 5-4 Supreme Court vote on Monday (May 5) decided that prayer would be allowed at public meetings.

The decision follows a debate regarding a small town in New York that opens its meetings with prayer reports the Christian Examiner. Greece, New York had been accused of “affiliating the town with Christianity,” upsetting a Jew and an Atheist in the town. But in the case of Town of Greece v. Susan Galloway and Linda Stevens, the high court determined that prayer did not violate the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. 

“The inclusion of a brief, ceremonial prayer as part of a larger exercise in civic recognition suggests that its purpose and effect are to acknowledge religious leaders and the institutions they represent, rather than to exclude or coerce nonbelievers,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote. 

Supporters of religious expression were pleased with the results. 

“This is a victory for all of those who believe in the freedom of speech, including religious speech, as a prized part of our God-given religious liberty,” Russell D. Moore, Ethics and & Religious Liberty Commission president wrote. 

Thursday's Blessing,

Richard